The Best Cruise Vacations

If you are planning a cruise vacation you'll find many types of cruises to suit your taste. If sun drenched beaches and umbrella drinks sound like heaven, consider a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. Conversely, if you would rather wrap up warm and see icebergs, glaciers and rugged landscape, consider a cruise to Alaska. If you would like to see unique wildlife, a Galapagos cruise might be a good choice.

Hawaii

Traveling by cruise ship is a popular way to see the Hawaiian Islands. Flying from island to island can cost money (plus the hassle of airports and changing hotels) while a cruise ship can take you to all of the popular destinations on each island. You can even take day excursions further afield. Holland America has cruise ships that circle Hawaii departing from San Diego. The ship stops in Hilo, perfect for visiting Hawaii's active volcano and Lahaina, which has fabulous beaches and is an excellent place to watch for whales. In addition, it passes along Kauai's breathtaking Na Pali coastline, on its way to Nawiliwili, then to Oahu and finally back to the Big Island, to the picturesque Kona side.

Holland America
300 Elliott Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 281-3535
http://www.hollandamerica.com/

Alaska

Alaska is another popular place to cruise to. It's a great way to appreciate some of Alaska's beautiful wildlife, such as breaching humpback whales, bears and moose. You'll be able to see giant icebergs and glaciers. In addition to providing trips to Hawaii, Holland America also offers numerous cruises to Alaska, typically departing from Seattle or from Vancouver, Canada. Typical stops along the way include Glacier Bay National Park, where you can see chunks of ice splitting from glaciers and crashing into the sea, shooting water hundreds of feet into the air and Juneau, where you can go kayaking or whale watching. Or you might stop at Tracy Arm, a 26-mile long fjord, filled with icebergs and waterfalls.

Holland America
300 Elliott Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 281-3535
http://www.hollandamerica.com/

Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago consisting of 13 volcanic islands. The diversity of wildlife on these islands is extraordinary, making them a popular place to visit. Galapagos Expeditions offers a seven-night "active" cruise centered around activities such as hiking to volcanoes, snorkeling looking for sharks and sea turtles, scuba diving and penguin watching while kayaking. Cruises typically begin and end at San Cristobal Island with stops along the way at Santa Cruz, Isabela Island and North Seymore Island amongst others. Included in the price for the active cruise are snorkeling gear and wet suits.

Galapagos Expeditions
7855 N.W. 12th St.
Suite 207
Doral, FL 33126
(800) 247-2925
http://galapagosexpeditions.com

Article Written By Shiromi Nassreen

Shiromi Nassreen has been writing professionally since 2005. She specializes in travel and outdoor topics, and her articles have appeared in various print and online publications, including "DISfunkshion Magazine" and Matador Travel. Nassreen holds a Bachelor of Arts in theatre studies from Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama.

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