The following is a list of ten spectacular cruise destinations with a brief description of each. This should provide you with some tips during the planning of your cruise excursion.

1. Cruises to various Caribbean destinations are popular with many frequent cruisers. The months of January, February, and March are the most traveled months for cruises to the Caribbean. Why shiver in the snow and cold when you could be basking in the sun on the beautiful white sand beaches of the Caribbean Islands. These islands are home to. (St Croix, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Barbados, and Jamaica are just a few choice Caribbean cruise destinations.)

2. Hawaii is a top cruise destination any time of the year as far as many people are concerned because of its lush landscapes, natural resources, and rich island culture, music, food, and people. (There are 137 islands to choose as possible destination points to stop and explore during your Hawaiian cruise adventure.)

3. Adventurous types often enjoy cruises to Antarctica as a top cruise destination. Antarctic cruises typically cost more than other destinations and they come with several limitations in that travel to the Antarctic is restricted certain times of the year. (King George Island, Anvers Island, Elephant Island, Torgersen Island, and Port Lockroy are some of the destinations you can visit while on your Antarctic cruise).

4. Alaskan cruises are also popular with many people. Summer is the preferred time for cruises to Alaska because daylight is longer in summer offering visitors greater recreational and entertainment opportunities. Many Alaskan cruises arrange special outings at various Alaskan ports like hunting and fishing expeditions, wildlife safaris, white water rafting, and other activities.

5. Count cruises to Mexico among top cruise destinations. Temperate year round climate, Latin cuisine, music, and cultural events as well as the relative inexpensiveness of travel to Mexico makes cruises to this region popular with many people.

6. Baltic Sea excursions are also a top summer cruise destination. Winter months are not as popular since conditions in this region can become frigid and difficult. This region provides for breathtaking views and experiences in warmer months. (You may recognize the names of these top Baltic Sea cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, and Copenhagen.)

7. Mediterranean cruises are top cruise destinations among many people because the area is packed with thrilling sights and different things to do and experience. (The Greek and French Riviera Islands, and Costs del Sol are a few of your choices for visiting on a Mediterranean cruise.)

8. Cruises to the Fjords of Norway offer travelers some of the most spectacular views of the wonders of nature. Many call this home to the Northern lights and the midnight sun. (Bergen, Kirkenes, Helyesyit, and Geiranjer, are some of the cities and villages you may visit on cruises to this region.)

9. The tropical climates of islands such as Fiji and Polynesian islands of the South Pacific cruises are also amazing destinations. The only caveat to the extraordinary beauty of this area for some people is the extended travel time between islands. Many people do not consider the long travel between these islands much of an inconvenience.

10. The Galapagos are home to some of the world’s most unique animal species and cruising to destinations here offers abundant opportunities to see animals not seen elsewhere and remote and undisturbed natural landscapes. (Some of the most popular cruises to the Galapagos Islands take place from April through May, although cruises to the Galapagos are available at other times throughout the year.)

If your answer is “yes,” as mine invariably is, have you revisited? Perhaps.

But more than likely, not.

Well, no more. I recently discovered Royal Caribbean’s Cruisetours — billed as an addendum “designed to make a vacation for clients a complete vacation.” Offered in conjunction with cruises in Alaska, South America, Asia, Australia/New Zealand and Europe, it’s a pre- or post- multi-day escorted land segment that will immerse you into the land and its lore.

A Cruisetour is optional and it takes your on-water adventure inland for 3 to 7 additional days through a transportation combo of luxury motorcoaches and/or trains.

It’s simply the best way to minimize the hassles and maximize being there.

I speak from experience. Prior to a Mediterranean sailing from Rome, I opted for the Cruisetour — it commenced in Venice (2 nights), continued to Florence (1 night) and concluded in Rome (2 nights).

Highlights: A professor of art’s lecture on the work of Michelangelo at the base of sculptor’s famous statue of David in Florence’s Accademia Gallery; an insider’s visit to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, again guided by an historian insider (additional perk: we were ushered to the front of the admission line that wrapped around the perimeter of Vatican City) and a private dinner in the cellar of a Tuscan winery after a personal vineyard tour.

The best part: I didn’t deal with luggage (my eternal Achilles travel heel); I made no hotel arrangements (they were pre-made, prepaid, upscale and centrally located); local transportation, transfers, city tours, some meals and tickets to famous sites were handled (as were VIP admissions); tips were included; free time was ample and an escort (and acting concierge when requested) was ever-present.

In reality, most couples don’t get married at sea, or on the
actual cruise ship. In order to do this, you need to find a
cruise line that has a wedding department and someone (often the
captain) to perform a legal ceremony. Not all captains have the
legal right to marry couples, so check this ahead of time if
your heart is set on an ocean bound ceremony.

For most couples, getting married just before you leave the
port or at another port of call along the way is a great
compromise that can be done on any cruise line. There are a few
things you’ll need to put in place ahead of time . . . often the
cruise line will help you out with this. For example, you will
need to decide where you will have the wedding ceremony
performed, since most cruises have more than one stop.

In order to get married in a foreign port of call, you will
need to have the right paperwork. Some states actually allow you
to use their marriage license abroad, so make sure you check
this ahead of time. Otherwise, you will need to find out what
paperwork is required for the port of your choice. This will be
reviewed upon arrival in the port, even if you plan to marry
aboard the ship.

Other options for cruise ship marriages include tying the knot
on the beach or at a local church. This will require additional
arrangements, but if you really want a wedding to remember, it
can really be worth the extra effort. Getting married in a
foreign country may require other specifics like placing a
notice in the local newspaper, before you are allowed to have a
formal ceremony. This can take time, so make sure you are aware
of all regulations and requirements ahead of time and if you
won’t be able to complete them in time, pick another location
for your cruise wedding.

One thing is for sure, you can’t just throw together a last
minute cruise ship wedding. You will need time to plan it,
particularly if you want to invite friends and family, since the
paperwork doesn’t happen overnight. Different countries have
different rules as to who can be married and what is required.
Also, keep in mind that if you are married aboard a cruise ship,
your wedding license may be issued by the ship’s mother country
of origin or registration, which is usually outside the US. You
will want to ensure that this is acceptable in your home
country, otherwise it will be necessary to conduct another
wedding once you return.

Having your wedding on a cruise can be a wonderful experience,
if you have prepared correctly. Enjoy a romantic wedding aboard
the ship or on a beach and then continue with your honeymoon . .
. that part is already taken care of! Just remember that you
need to take time to plan everything out, just like with any
other wedding arrangements. Set it up ahead of time and enjoy!