16 best locations visited by ocean cruises in 2016
2015 was a huge year for cruising and 2016 looks as though it’s going to be more of the same with a range of luxury liners set to visit exotic locations all around the world. To whet your appetite we’ve put together a list containing 16 of the best locations set to be visited by ocean cruises this year.
1. Iceland
Iceland has seen a huge increase in the number of vessels docking at this port of call in recent years, and when you consider the breathtaking, dramatic beauty of this icy country it’s no wonder! A visit to Iceland will see you experience hot springs, glaciers and incredible black-sand beaches.
2. United Arab Emirates
With plans underway for a new cruising terminal to open in 2016, the United Arab Emirates is opening up as a cruising destination with ships like the Costa Serena, MSC Orchestra and the Celebrity Constellation planning to UAE’s Zayed Port as a “home base” in the coming years.
3. Cuba
As relations between the US and Cuba start to open up, so too does the latter as a viable cruise destination. Among the brands that are offering cruises to Cuba in 2016 will be Carnival Corporation based on the opportunity to provide enriching cultural experiences that also benefit the locals.
4. Alaska (USA)
For fans of alpine scenery, Alaska will remain a firm favourite and probably continue to do so for many years to come. Cruises with land and water elements allow you to stay in wilderness lodges, view magnificent countryside and observe awe-inspiring glaciers and fascinating wildlife.
5. Italy
Italy has been a staple among cruise itineraries for many years, and even though there’s a degree of uncertainty about the future of cruising in Venice, this Mediterranean masterpiece will be a big destination in 2016 from the beauty of Tuscany to the rich culture of the “Eternal City”.
6.Norway
Several brand new vessel cruised to Norway in 2015 including the Viking Star, P&O’s Britannia, and Windstar’s Star Legend. Extensive cruises observing Norway’s beautiful fjords and picturesque landscape provide fantastic opportunity for visitors to discover this Scandinavian treasure.
7. Portugal
A country of rich flavours, beautiful scenery, ocean-side influences and refined culture, it’s easy to see why many cruises will be taking the opportunity to stop off at this Iberian paradise in 2016.
8. Northwest Passage
Once a source of bragging rights in the cruising industry, the famed Northwest Passage over the Canadian Arctic is increasingly opening up with The Crystal Serenity offering a 32-day pilgrimage in 2016 that starts in New York. Adventure Canada will also offer two cruises through the passage.
9. New Zealand
For idyllic scenery New Zealand will remain a firm favourite for those who enjoy cruises. From Milford Sound to bubbling mud at Rotorua there’s quite a lot of exciting things to experience.
10. Papua New Guinea
What better way to experience the colourful culture of our northern neighbour than via an idyllic ocean cruise. A range of reasonably priced cruises from cruise lines like P&O Cruises will be headed to Papua New Guinea in the New Year giving you an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful place.
11. Southeast Asia
Asia is one area of the world that has seen significant growth in recent years in terms of cruising and 2016 will be no different, particularly with countries like Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.
12. Turkey
East meets West in a visit to Turkey’s capital Istanbul which has become an essential stop point for European cruises, including the itinerary for Viking Cruises luxurious Nordic Explorer.
13. Spain
A port of call for many European cruises, Spain will remain a popular destination for cruisers in 2016 from the fascinating chaos that is cosmopolitan Barcelona to the elegant, regal beauty of Madrid.
14. Canada
Cruise itineraries are increasingly recognising the immense, vibrant potential of Canada as a port of call from multicultural Toronto to Montreal. Experience swaths of incomparable wilderness.
15. Scotland
Scotland is increasingly become a port of call for cruises with the rugged beauty of the remote Shetland Islands a key feature of Viking Cruises’ In the Wake of the Vikings itinerary.
16. Caribbean
And of course, there will be a lot of cruises visiting the Caribbean in 2016. Viking Cruises’ Eastern Seaboard to the West Indies cruises takes you through some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Related links:
5 great cruises in colder climates
12 most luxurious cruising suites in the world
9 of the longest luxury cruise routes