The Ultimate Cruise Bucket List
After the nightmare that has been the Covid pandemic, we are all ready to get back out there and travel.
I don’t think it’s just me thinking that now, after not being on a holiday in well over a year, instead of booking a regular holiday, why not book something epic? If we have learned anything from this ongoing situation, it’s that we cannot sit and wait for things to happen. No longer will I say “maybe I’ll go there one day” – no, I’m going to just book it!
It seems there are many other travellers with itchy feet who are thinking the same. Instead of booking their regular yearly cruise, they are instead opting for a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list cruise. Something they’ve always wanted to do and no longer wish to put off. Life is short – let’s eat the cake, drink the Champagne, and book that bucket list trip.
So, if you are itching to make up for lost time, take the plunge and take your dream trip in 2022. Discover the top 10 bucket list cruise experiences that made the Panache list…
Cherry Blossom Season, Japan
What springs to mind when you think of travelling to Japan? For me, it’s the beautiful cherry blossoms lining the streets of traditional Japanese towns. Without a doubt the best time to visit Japan is in April, when the cherry blossom is in bloom and everyone flocks to see this beautiful natural wonder. Take in ancient Buddhist temples, relaxing hot springs, the snow-capped Mount Fuji, and the dazzling lights of Tokyo. Dine on delicious sushi, Wagyu beef, and aromatic tea while marveling at the pink hues of the changing season.
Alaska, USA
Beautiful, raw wilderness. Alaska is the place for intrepid adventurers, nature lovers, and travellers who seek tranquility and relaxation. The 49th State is blessed with a rare harmony and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cruise destinations in the world. Trek through Denali National Park, keep an eye out for grizzly bears bigger than bison, set foot on epic glaciers, and marvel at Alaska’s heritage throughout museums in Anchorage and Juneau.
Garden Route, South Africa
Spanning just over 200km, South Africa’s famous Garden Route tops many travelers’ bucket lists and is a popular choice for a land programme added to a South Africa or Cape Town cruise itinerary. From Mossel Bay to Storms River, this gorgeous bucket list route takes you on a tour of the coastline’s best beaches, wildlife reserves, picturesque lakes, and, of course, wineries. No trip to South Africa is complete without tasting their iconic wine or driving through a game reserve; the Garden Route is a wonderful addition to a luxury South African cruise.
Machu Picchu, Peru
An experience that is at the top of everyone’s bucket list is to witness the majesty of Machu Picchu. Discovered just over 100 years ago, the sprawling Inca citadel is one of the most mysterious and spectacular sights in the world; recognised all around the globe as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Why not spend a few extra days in Peru after your South America cruise? Take the train or opt to hike the iconic Inca trail through the Sacred Valley and enjoy soaking up the culture and history of the Lost City.
The Great Wall, China
The Great Wall of China is undoubtedly one of the most incredible man-made structures in the world. Stretching over 13,000 miles, this magnificent fortification was built primarily during the Ming Dynasty to keep out northern Mongols but was added to piece by piece for two thousand years. China has always been a mysterious and intriguing destination, with famously delicious food, fascinating culture, valuable antiquities, and legendary ancient trade routes. Adding a stay in Beijing and visiting the Mutianyu and Jinshanling sections of the Great Wall are well worth the time and money – this unforgettable experience will complete any Far Eastern cruise.
Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
For nearly 4,000 years, the Great Pyramids of Giza have beguiled and inspired people around the world. With studies of the ancient Pharaohs, archaeological investigations, discoveries of golden tombs, and translations of hieroglyphic scripts, the Pyramids are a remarkable phenomenon and seeing these mighty structures tops the bucket lists of many. You simply cannot visit Egypt without witnessing the majesty of the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
There are few places in the world more deserving of being on a bucket list than the Galapagos Islands. This extraordinary archipelago is truly magical and enveloped in legend and intrigue. Follow the path of Charles Darwin as he discovered giant tortoises, blue-footed boobys, and ginormous iguanas. The volcanic islands are well-protected and tourism is limited so as to preserve the natural state of the archipelago and its fragile ecosystem. The Galapagos Islands are a showcase of biodiversity and the beauty of the planet, making them an absolute must-visit for all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Jerusalem, Israel
Perhaps an unexpected addition to the bucket list, the Holy Land of Jerusalem is a destination which we believe any true travel lover should visit during their lifetime. With its enduring spirituality and harmonious atmosphere, Jerusalem is alive with the sound of Church bells, shofar, and Islamic calls to prayer, sending shivers down the spine of travellers passing through. The smells of coffee and incense assault the senses in the souks of the Old City, while the arts begin to dominate the contemporaneity of the New City. Make sure to visit the Dome of the Rock, the City of David, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on your journey to the Holy City.
Antarctica Expedition
What could be more exciting and out-of-this-world than an expedition to Antarctica? The most remote and untouched piece of land on earth, Antarctica is an extraordinary destination that is truly one for the bucket list. Spot penguins waddling around the ice and diving into the water, dodging the predator seals leaping up from the icy depths. Explore the imposing glaciers, ice shelves, and icebergs in the white expanse of the continent. If you’re lucky you’ll get to witness ice calving – the breaking off of a chunk of ice from a glacier or iceberg, accompanied by a booming sound.
Want to experience this? Give the Panache Cruises team a call on 0161 513 8200 and they'd be happy to help!
