Five Exotic Cruise Destinations

When it comes time to take a vacation, cruisesthe Forbidden City, and other iconic sights. Cruises
are top at the list for many North Americanto Thailand and Vietnam let you explore bustling
travelers, and it's easy to see why: Cruise linescities such as Hanoi and Bangkok, as well as
are continuously offering new onboard amenitiesunwind on some of the most exotic beach locales
(everything from new restaurants and headlineron the globe.
entertainment acts to new ships), cruise vacations3. South Pacific
have some of the highest customer satisfactionWhen you want to take a cruise that takes you
ratings in recorded history, cruises are highlyto a tropical island paradise where you will feel
affordable and let you sample several destinationsmillions of miles away from the rest of the world,
on a single vacation.you want to take a cruise to the South Pacific. A
Convenience is also a factor. There are roughlyfew thousand miles east of Australia (it feels
30 cruise embarkation points in North America, somuch further) you'll find Fiji, where the days are
you don't have to travel far to begin your cruisefilled with sunshine, the beaches fringed by palm
vacation. Depending where you live, all it takes is atrees and the jungles are a treasure trove of
quick flight to get to your ship, and somenatural wonders. Famous for its black pearls (a
ports-of-departure are even within drivingmust-have souvenir for many) Tahiti's warm
distance. But what about those of us are lookingturquoise waters and exotic beaches make it the
to venture to a faraway place, and want toperfect place to indulge in relaxation. The Cook
cruise while we're there? Here's a look at some ofIslands, the heart of Polynesia, are largely
the more exotic destinations that you can enjoyuntouched by the outside world and welcome
on your next cruise vacation:stops by many cruises.
1. Australia and New Zealand4. South America
Australia and New Zealand have a lot to offer,If there was ever a continent to be explored, it is
with exciting cities, gorgeous beaches,South America. A cruise offers the chance to
eco-adventures and much more. The harbor citytravel along the same routes as some of history's
of Sydney is one of the most-visited travelmost famous explorers, such as Magellan, Drake
destinations in the world, home to a long list ofand Shackelton. Cities like Buenos Aires are
sights including Circular Quay, the historic "TheEuropean in feel, with fine colonial architecture,
Rocks" neighborhood, Harbour Bridge, Hyde Parkgraceful avenues, sidewalk restaurants and
and of course, the white-sailed Sydney Operafashionable shopping. There are also the
House. Sydney is also a gateway to otherremarkable Galapagos Islands, the mysterious
ports-of-call such as Melbourne and Tasmania. NotEaster Island and the glaciers of Patagonia.
to be outdone, New Zealand features picturesque5. Egypt and the Nile
bays and harbors, cosmopolitan cities, plenty ofThe longest river in the world and a source of
outdoor activities, and splendid sights both naturalwater in an arid landscape, the Nile is the lifeline of
and manmade.Egypt. The fertile soil of its banks sustained crops
2. Asiafor the region's first settlements, which evolved
With traditional festivals, ancient historical sites,into the ancient civilizations and the modern cities
delectable local cuisine and opportunities forthat stand alongside it today. A cruise on the Nile
adventure, Asia is high on the list for seriousis also one of the most relaxing and luxurious
globetrotters -- and serious cruisers. Travelingways to experience Egypt. Travel the same
over water allows you to explore the manyroutes that the ships of pharaohs and queens did
traditions and sights that offer unique insight tothousands of years earlier, visiting ancient
the remarkable countries of the East. Cruises onpyramids and temples, while enjoying all the
China's Yangtze River take you the Great Wall,modern luxuries that are a part of cruising.