Are you a sun worshipper who’s drawn to the seductive beats of Caribbean calypso and reggae, a cultural crusader who’ll be in heaven exploring the historical sites of the Mediterranean or an adventurous foodie who’s keen to sample the spicy cuisines of the Far East?
We’re here to help you know where to drop anchor:
Sun, sand, dive, repeat: Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Western Caribbean Cruise is all about R&R, all the way. It departs from Fort Lauderdale, a laid-back holiday destination with Venice-like canals that connect Florida’s Everglades with the Atlantic.
Next stop is Nassau, the Bahamas island loved for its pristine beaches and charming colonial architecture. Nassau was once feared for its unsavoury characters – the infamous pirate Blackbeard called this island home until he was ousted by the British in 1720. His intriguing history provides a little added depth for those who don’t want to spend their entire holiday on the beach. And of course there’s the chance to sample Blackbeard’s favourite beverage: rum.
The Western Caribbean cruise onboard the Allure of the Seas also features two stops in Mexico: one at Cozumel and the other, at Puerto Costa Maya. The Mayan ruins at the San Gervasio Archaeological Zone in Cozumel are worth a visit, as are spectacular dives at Chankanaab National Park. At Puerto Costa Maya, explore offshore coral reefs, jungle Maya ruins or the quaint fishing village of Mahahual.
Want to feel like you’re one of the world’s ultra rich and famous? Royal Caribbean’s East Caribbean itineraries are all about luxury. Fort Lauderdale and Nassau double on some of the Eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries, but the rest are all strictly east!
When it comes to Labadee, Haiti, this pit stop is all about exclusivity. Here, you’ll have your own slice of paradise – it’s home to Royal Caribbean’s own private beach resort (which is kid-friendly, by the way). Relax and recharge or take advantage of an array of water sports and activities, including the world’s longest over-water zip line, an epic 91-metre water slide, or parasail over the peninsula.
Meanwhile, “the Saints” – St. Thomas, St. Kitts and St. Maarten – offer some of the best duty-free shopping, scenic volcano crater or rainforest hikes and sailboat races.
Or if your heart is torn between experiencing local culture and having a day at the beach, San Juan, Puerto Rico will ease the guilt. This is where Old World elegance and the modern Caribbean meet, with plenty of festivals thrown in for good measure. Old San Juan is magical: cobblestone streets and colourful homes, scenic waterfronts, centuries-old forts, charming plazas and mouth-watering restaurants.
New San Juan, on the other hand, is modern and lively, with luxurious beachfront hotels and casinos, and a happening nightlife.
Ready to climb aboard? Royal Caribbean has two sailings, in May and August.
Most people come back from holiday carrying an extra kilo or so – the food is that good. Royal Caribbean’s Far East cruises are no exception. You’ll find an onboard smorgasbord of
Southeast Asian dishes with a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Thai and Western influences. Everywhere you turn, there are markets, makeshift street food stalls, and multi-course fine-dining restaurants. It’s culinary heaven for every budget.
The Far East cruises sail round-trip from Singapore, a clean and green urban core with soaring skylines. While some might consider the city “sterile” when compared with other more chaotic Southeast Asian metropolises, Singapore holds its own captivating treasures: decadent temples, grand colonial buildings and a lively arts scene.
Known as “The Pearl of the Orient”, the small Malaysian island of Penang was Britain’s first toehold on the Malay Peninsula. Now, its capital Georgetown is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a stop on the Royal Caribbean’s Far East itinerary. Its food stalls are renowned among travellers to this region and locals alike.
Done with eating for now? Recharge on the Malaysian island of Langkawi. Its white-sand beaches are easily the best along the entire west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, with attractions like mangrove cruising, snorkelling at the Pulau Payar Marine Park or the cable car to the top of Gunung Mat Cincang.
Last, stop off at one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations – Phuket. This mountainous island is home to rainforest and some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, along with several high-end seaside resorts, spas and restaurants. The capital, Phuket City, has bustling markets and rustic shops, while Patong, the main resort town, is a hub for nightclubs, bars and discos.
Hungry yet? Cruise the Far East with Royal Caribbean in June or December.
Do you have sophisticated tastes? The Western Mediterranean cruises are oozing with class: fine art, good wine, pungent cheeses and romantic architecture. We’ll cue the accordion and violins.
Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise sets sail from Barcelona. Here, fanciful art and architecture aren’t relegated to indoor galleries – the otherworldly works of Antoni Gaudí dot the landscape at Park Güell, Casa Milà and the iconic Sagrada Família church, which has been under construction since 1880. Stroll Las Ramblas, head to the beach, or taste tapas.
From there, stop at another Spanish hotspot: Palma De Mallorca. This island resort city was settled by the Romans, Byzantines and Moors before the Spanish – each of these influences is reflected in the architecture and historical sites. Yet the city is also overloaded with galleries, restaurants, craft studios and bars – they’ll entice you to return.
Journey on to Marseilles, the oldest city in France. Settled by Greek traders, its old town and port are picturesque, with a cliff road high above the sea. The views are a thing of legends – after all, it was these landscapes and the nearby Chateau d’If that inspired the book, The Count of Monte Cristo.
From France, travel on to Italy’s beloved artistic centres: Florence and Rome (with a stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, for good measure). The ship docks at La Spezia, a former fishing village that offers easy access to Tuscany and the rugged coast and terraced villages known as Cinque Terre.
Then tour Naples, the birthplace of pizza (need we say more?). This southern city is the jumping off point for the volcanic ruins of ancient Pompeii, the idyllic resort isle of Capri and the jewel-like towns that dot the Amalfi Coast.
Does this sound like an itinerary that floats your boat? Book now and you’ll be among the first to step foot onto Royal Caribbean’s new ship, the Symphony of the Seas.
Does summer Greek island hopping sound appealing? Imagine the wind in your hair, today’s fresh catch on your plate, and whitewashed windmills and blue-domed churches in your camera viewfinder?
These itineraries set off from Venice or Rome (Civitavecchia) – two world-class travel destinations with enough sites to keep you busy for at least a few days before or after the cruise. Take a romantic gondola ride or envision yourself a modern-day gladiator at the Colosseum; appreciate the works of the Renaissance masters at the Sistine Chapel and eat gelato to your heart’s content.
Royal Caribbean’s Eastern Mediterranean cruises take you to the best of the Greek Isles, and then some: Corfu, Mykonos, Kefalonia and Santorini. They also stop at Piraeus – for onward travel to big-city Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities. Visit the Acropolis, perched high above the city, with its majestic Parthenon temple. The capital is also home to some of the best nightlife in Europe.
Katakolon is a small port and beach town in western Greece, one of the most authentically Greek stops on most cruising itineraries. This is the gateway to Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of our modern Olympic Games (the first games were held in 776 BC).
And finally, an Adriatic gem that not too many know about: Montenegro’s fortified town at Kotor. Less than a two hours’ drive from the Croatian tourist favourite, Dubrovnik, this destination is characterised by its maze of streets and squares, and the medieval old town. Need to be convinced to visit? Try a Google image search.
Royal Caribbean has three Eastern Mediterranean sailings this August, on the Jewel of the Seas and the Rhapsody of the Seas.
And finally, when you’ve decided whether you’re a Med, Caribbean or Far East person, the good folk at Cruises International have some tips on what to pack for your cruise.
Contact your nearest Sure Travel agency today to enquire / book any one of these or Cruises International’s other amazing cruise deals, or call 0861 47 48 49.
