By Tina Trumbach
tina@caymannetnews.com
Living in Cayman, when we think of taking a cruise, we tend to recall images of snarled traffic and tourists dashing across the street. As we look at the seemingly endless stream of sun burnt passengers heading back to their various ships, the idea of a cruise looks anything but appealing.
But despite any misgivings we might have as residents of a cruise ship port, cruising can be a great way to enjoy a wide range of locales in one vacation. Not to mention at a much better price than trying to fit them all in by air or even by train where possible. And minus the frustration of driving on a new side of the road, or trying to read road signs in an unfamiliar language.
In addition to the ubiquitous Caribbean cruise, there are a wide range of cruise options available that show off more far-flung parts of the globe to us New World natives.
• Alaskan Cruises
Let’s start with an option that seems as far away from a Caribbean cruise as possible. Cruising Alaska gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with all kinds of wildlife. You can discover Native American culture, outdoor activities, and surprisingly balmy summer temperatures on Alaska cruises.
The truly fantastic views include soaring peaks, glaciers, and the unspoiled wilderness of Alaska.
The best time to go is from May through August, which is generally considered the cruise season and which offers mild weather for the winter-phobes that make their home in the tropics.
There is a wide range of activities to choose from on an Alaskan cruise. You can see bears and bald eagles from the Mount Roberts Tramway, outside of Skagway or sample an Alaskan Brewing Company ale at the Timberline Bar & Grill on Juneau’s Mount Roberts.
An absolute Alaska ‘Don’t Miss’ is the Mendenhall Glacier for spectacular hikes on the gigantic earth-carving ice ridge.
If you’re the adventurous type, indulge in once-in-a-lifetime optional excursions on Alaska cruise tours, like helicopter flight-seeing and whitewater river rafting.
Don’t forget to pack layers. Alaska afternoons warm up, but nights can be bracingly cold.
• European Cruises
There’s no better way to quickly jaunt from country to country in the Old World than on a European cruise. You’ll explore the world’s greatest cities, admire famous works of art, and have a great time often at great savings.
There are many areas of Europe to explore on a cruise, including the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe, and Western Europe.
In general, you can expect to experience Roman aqueducts, Victorian-era homes, superb locally-grown food, strong coffee, world-class museums, and culture galore.
A Europe cruise tour lets you step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in history.
The best time to go is up to you. Choose the summer for the warmest temperatures, fall and spring for smaller crowds, and winter for the lowest prices.
The range of sights and activities is amazing. See fairytale-worthy castles in France and England, sip Turkish coffee in Istanbul, take an evening canal cruise in Copenhagen, or see where Western culture all began in ancient Rome.
The food and wine are sure to be exceptional. Fresh baked breads and pastries are available at local bakeries. And be sure not to miss out on table wine at Europe’s eateries. This inexpensive option is often a bottle you would pay dearly for on this side of the world.
To avoid looking like a tourist, skip the sneakers and T-shirts while sightseeing. You’re sure to love the museums, not to mention the incredible shopping.
Europe cruise tours offer plenty of free time so that you can create your own itinerary.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. Many European cities are best explored on foot.
• Panama Canal Cruises
Closer to home, there is the option of a Panama Canal cruise, which allow you to explore Caribbean and South American ports while also taking in the wonder of the famous canal which links the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean.
Traversing the locks of the Panama Canal takes about nine hours. On this cruise itinerary, the man-made wonder of the canal is followed by the natural beauty of Caribbean beaches and the ancient wonders of the Inca world.
The Panama Canal is a year-round cruise destination, so you can pick your best time to go.
This trip allows you to see the tallest waterfall in the world in Venezuela, and to sunbathe on a Caribbean beach then take a dip in the Pacific Ocean the next day. Without the Panama Canal, it would take weeks to reach the Pacific Ocean from the Caribbean Sea.
The idyllic San Blas Islands of Panama offer a tranquil getaway location on this cruise.
Be sure not to miss the Gatun Locks, halfway through the Panama Canal, where the ship will be raised as much as 85 feet.
Source: Travelocity.com | 
