Of your six, I have done four on a cruise ship. Skagway I've been to many times including by rail when the line ran from Whitehorse all the way down and aboard a cruise ship out of Vancouver. Iceland... many times while in the military and 2 weeks on land driving from place to place. That leaves... French Polynesia...
This is one of the quickest 9-minute videos that I have ever watched. I had to watch this wonderful and informative video twice and will watch it again with family to persuade them to schedule one of these highlighted cruises in the not-so-far future.
Agree. Sent it to family and friends. On my bucket list are Antarctica, Alaska and Iceland. have done Pacific islands but not French Polynesia. NZ and Vanuatu are fabulous as destinations in their own right, haven't done via cruIses as I like the inland content of NZ and the Pacific Ocean can be very rough.
You are absolutely right about the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Both are fabulous vacation spots with wonderful cruise vacations available. But the six cruises that you regard as the greatest are so because each is an adventure, not just a vacation.
We did a 28 day cruise from Hawaii to Sydney and it stopped in Polynesia for five days. New Caledonia was incredible. AMAZING "river cruise", rafting through the Grand Canyon. Words cannot describe it. Not for everyone but for the adventurous it should be on their bucket list.
@@torTxoFognaTuluZ Absolutely agree with you that the 28 day cruise wasn't adventurous. For us it was just a way to see some interesting spots. For me rafting through the Grand Canyon is exciting
Right there with you on Tahiti. I went 10 years ago and while I’ve been on many cruises since, including Alaska, that week in Tahiti still remains my favorite. Fiji out of Australia was great too.
Thank you for the inspiration, so badly needed when we are missing cruising, you bring it alive to us again. One more great cruise I recommend, going down the Amazon, seeing the trees densely packed and so close to the ship, and the strangely chocolate coloured river water.
To me the best and only cruise, has been on the Disney Magic to Canada. Never been cruising prior to that cruise but to me will be hard to have the same experience. It was also the first time Disney Magic went to Quebec City and other ports so Disney got the red carpet treatment with fireworks, the town coming out for the cruise etc.
I'm desperately hoping my Antarctic cruise on Hurtigruten actually sails at the end of this year! I would add an expedition cruise to the far north to your list. Seeing polar bears and narwhals in the flesh was a real treat.
Went on a South Seas cruise on Oceania from Papeete to Sydney, stopping at two islands in Fiji, Bora Bora, Vanuatu, American Samoa, New Caledonia and Brisbane, AU before arriving at Sydney. Absolutely amazing, and restful because had a sea day in between most of the islands. Plan to stay in Tahiti for a night or two before the cruise-otherwise you won’t have time to see it before the ship leaves. Business Class well worth it from LA to Papeete and Sydney to LA. Stayed at the Holiday Inn at the Rocks in Sydney for three days when I got there, and met people the cruise who were doing the same, so we did a lot together. That was 12/2019-got home just before the pandemic hit!
We went to Antarctica in December 2019, right before everything went to hell. We went on an expedition ship and did the camping option. Definitely one of the best experiences of our lives. It's like going to another planet. We've also done 4 Alaskan cruises and a full transit Panama Canal cruise. I'm not a big fan of sea days, probably why we haven't done a traditional Atlantic Crossing. I'm probably wrong but the reason we never did a French Polynesia cruise is because it's so far and the Caribbean seems similar and is easily accessible from U.S. ports. Maybe we'll reconsider it.
Best cruise that my wife and I had the privilege of being on was a 14 day eastern Mediterranean with Celebrity Cruises. Started and ended near Rome so that was great. We visited Naples & Pompeii, Malta, Ephesus Turkey, Santorini Greece, Athens (Piraeus) Greece, and two stops in Israel with overnight near Jerusalem. Definitely a must do cruise!!! The 7 day cruise in Hawaii with NCL was great also... although the ship needs to be replaced with a newer vessel!
Another fifteen days cruise that is worth doing is Buenos Aires - Santiago de Chile or viceversa. You start in a great capital such as Buenos Aires, where you may stay some days prior to the sailing. Then Montevideo, a totally different capital of Uruguay. Then Puerto Madryn in Argentina, Port Stanley (Puerto Argentino for Argentina) in the Falklands/Malvinas. Then they usually arrive near Cape Horn, without disembarking. The next port is Usuahia, the souternmost city in the world, with many activities to choose (wildlife, trekking, a National Park, some museums. The you have the sightseeing of the Beagle channel with glaciers to arrive to Punta Arenas, the southernmost continental city of Southamerica. The last days are the fjords of Chile, with some little ports with mainly natural excursions to national parks. Finally you arrive to Valparaiso or San Antonio, the ports near Santiago de Chile.
We so want to do a Holy land cruise on year. Maybe soon. But hubby is not to keen on the idea as he thinks that the tour bus are a big target if you know what I mean. But it would be one way for me to visit the Holy Land and see the pyramids.
My all time favorite cruise so far was South America from Valparaiso to Buenos Aires over the Christmas and New Years holiday. The landscapes and glaciers are amazing. Lots of unique wildlife and cultural diversity from both the indigenous people and a variety of European settlers who immigrated en masse over past 200 years.
We did a 12 day cruise with Celebrity in September 2019 from Rome to Athens with a 3 day Israeli stopover to Jerusalem and Haifa. That was the most magnificent awe inspiring experience we ever had. A must trip for everyone spiritual and secular alike.
We did a 15 day transatlantic sailing from Southampton to NYC and we had 3 stops in Iceland, it was amazing. Americans had their jaws dropping when we saw the Presidents’s house, with no guards or fences or security. It is so safe there. We saw amazing waterfalls and Geyzers and loved the capital Reykjavik.
I have done the transatlantic on QM2 10 times now and every one is as good as the last and a much better way than flying. Love it. Also done the Panama Canal and that was amazing
Never even been on a cruise before, but planning, hoping, and keeping fingers crossed to make a transatlantic crossing on the QM2 next year. Never like to think in terms of a "bucket list," but that's something I want experience while health & time allows. Thank you Susan for encouraging words.
@@chriswilliams6568 you don’t have to dress up if you don’t want to. My husband is the same so we just eat in the self service and go to the bars that are informal. You can still go into the theatre too if you are not dressed up
Having visited Iceland by land and rented car, I'm not sure a cruise would be an advantage since the sites mentioned were all shore excursions. Ferries to Heimaey and Grimsey Islands are accessible by car. Antarctica is definitely #1.
We are doing the Galapagos Islands and Machu Pichu in June 2022 with Celebrity Xpdition and definitely plan on Antarctica in the next three years. French Polynesia will be after that. We have been to Iceland, but, as a stopover and definitely plan to do the cruise in the next few years. We have done Alaska three times and added the Princess lodges and railway on one of these. Just an amazing experience and we also did the White Pass Railway and I bought the hat. The helicopter ride on to the glacier was absolutely thrilling, very glad we did it although I was a bit concerned about the helicopter because of a previous experience. For some reason, the Panama Canal never really appealed to me, but, I have heard you and others say that it is a must do so I will have to put it on my list. We will also be doing the QM2 transatlantic and will be happy to dress up a bit for a change. You are not wrong about the Caribbean and the Med, they are wonderful vacations, but, don't really measure up to once in a lifetime type cruises.
@@tipsfortravellers Not booked yet, it's on my list in the next few years. My wife only has 20 days of vacation annually so we can usually only fit in one 2 week cruise a year.
transatlantic queen mary 2 is hands down the best experience that I’d ever had on a ship ! It’s really something that sticks with you to the rest of your life
We agree. We only need to do Iceland next year to complete your list. Most remarkable for us was the FP cruise with all the snorkling we did - sharks, rays and jillions of tropical fish. To complete the world bucket list for us is Japan and South Africa and we are done.
My dream cruise is to be on the Queen Mary and cross the Atlantic. I'd love to experience the glamour of the golden years of cruising - a feeling of stepping back in time when everyone dressed for dinner instead of "business casual".
not that expensive. have seen fates for an inside cabin as low as CAD$899. But of course then you need air back and a few days in the UK or NYC. If you do it westbound you get about 5 extra hours cruising, as you gain an hour each of about 5 nights.
My favorite cruise was Australia to New Zealand, with most of the ports in NZ. That would be on the top of my list. I must say, however, your first three do intrigue me. Thanks and I enjoy your videos very much.
Was the crossing of Tasman Sea rough? NZ is a beautiful country and I'm surprised he didn't mention it - geysers and bubbling mud in Rotorua and fiords on West coast Milford Sound are probably comparable to Norway. Would love to get thoughts
@@michelehemmings531Did a NZ to Australia cruise in Feb. 2019 & it was awesome especially going into Fiordland National Park from the sea (Dusky-Doubtful-Milford Sounds). Yes, the Tasman Sea did get rough; one evening the crew banned passengers from going onto the outside decks.
Hi Gary, Thanks for your great videos. I have been on 3 of the 6 itineraries you covered. French Polynesia was by far the best. We were on the Paul Gauguin in 2013 on a 7 night sailing from Papeete. Beautiful lagoons, snorkeling, gorgeous islands on a luxury ship, and fabulous food and service to boot.. Only an 8 hour flight for us here in Southern California. Pricey, but well worth it! Also did a 10 night sail through the Panama Canal from San Juan to Acapulco in 1997 on RCI's Legend of the Seas. And two cruises to Alaska in 1995 and 2013. Agree that all these fall into your 6 best destinations. But French Polynesia was by far the best. We were booked twice on a 10 night Pacific Princess last year, but both got cancelled due to Covid outbreaks in Tahiti.
Great video, Gary. I wholeheartedly agree about Antarctica- and we haven’t even been there yet 😆 Have not been to French Polynesia but it does look amazing. We were in Iceland in in 2019- Absolutely beautiful. We’ve been to Alaska several times and it is also quite beautiful.
Im so happy you chose Iceland as one of your most favorite cruises. Just a small tip for those reading the comments: Right now Iceland is the only country in Europe that is green (covid), we have vaccinated over 50 percent with first dose at least, people vaccinated has to take a pcr test at the airport when coming to Iceland and quarantine while waiting for results (less than 24 hours). There is a volcanic eruption that started in March and its so beautiful to go there and watch (its near Reykjavik and Keflavik airport). Greetings from Iceland :)
Just booked qm2, so excited, esp now I’ve seen it on your top 10! Loved Alaska, part of our honeymoon celebrations, and hope we get to do a few more soon. Thanks for your info.
My wife and I have taken 40+ cruises and we've been on four of your best. Still the jury is out for Antarctica. We haven't been on a Northern Europe Cruise, want to see Berlin and the Hermitage. Travel time and the hassle lately with air travel is a big deterrent. We are going on a fourteen night Southern Caribbean with Oceania next January, our first with a premium line. Our go to ships are Celebrity. Will let you know how it goes. Great video as always, keep up the good work.
Have done five out of your six spectacular cruises but my favourite was with Regent (Navigator) from Miami to Manaus and back. Maybe it was also the atmosphere on board but the stops - including Devil's Island was memorable.
The Mediterranean is great since you can see so many areas in a short amount of time. I like to think of them as a good way to sample different cities in the Mediterranean so you can have a better idea of where you may want to go back to later.
Great video as usual. I did notice that several of the cruises you mentioned are cool or cold weather cruises which I am not a big fan of although after hearing your review it is a bit tempting.
I thought we might see a Norwegian Fjords cruise on this list - I'm a bit surprised it's not there! I definitely want to see the fjords someday, but the real dream trip for me is the Northern Lights & Svalbord (sp?). I do love all the cold-weather destination ideas. I think the Panama Canal is the only warm-climate cruise on my wish list at the moment. I live in the desert, so "hot and sunny" is not a vacation, and "hot, sunny, and humid" is not an improvement!
Antarctica was the absolute best cruise for me. Hurtigruten put on a grand showing. Alaska cruise and land tour was my next favorite. And the land tour with Holland America was great, getting to see the inside part of Alaska that the cruises miss.
I have done both the full Panama Canal and partial transit and the full transit is definitely the best. If you plan to do a full transit cruise, consider one that leaves from California. The prevailing wind patterns will give you a more pleasant ride and nicer days by the pool. Going from Florida to California you will be going against the wind much of the time, giving you what could be a trip that is too windy to hang out on the deck and enjoy the outdoor amenities.
Have you ever done a cruise to the Galapagos Islands? I've always been really interested in the Galapagos Islands due to the interesting Wildlife and important scientific research
I’ve been lucky enough to in one way or another visited four of your locations from a cruise ship. They are all spectacular! I expect to do the Panama Canal within the next year (it’s been on my list for years and will hopefully finally get there). I’ve now added French Polynesia to my MUST dos. I think the problem with Europe is that there is so much to see. The Baltic is an amazing experience. And I did get to Cairo & Ephesus from a Mediterranean cruise that included Rome, Athens, Olympia and Santorini (it was supposed to include 2 stops in Israel; but, the political situation at the time did not allow it).
Binge watching your videos. My first ship was Antarctica and I will never forget it! but I like the small ships, only 160 people on my Ponant ship so could do more excursions. I am taking note of the rest of your recommendations. I can't see myself on the big ships but never say never.
I understand that Antarctica could be enjoyable for some, but the price forbids me, plus I am not that great at walking on non-even surfaces. We have done a 28 day Princess cruise to the South Pacific, but I was not that impressed. We are not beach people and it was 35C so I nearly passed out with sunstroke while waiting for our excursion with no shade or seating available, But we loved Iceland and had 3 days there on a transatlantic cruise. I would like to go on the QM2 transatlantic but scared of the formality. She has a double hull, to handle the north atlantic in winter.
I couldn't agree more. I have cruised to 5 of your top 6 destinations. All truly amazing however, you are so right with having Antarctica as #1. A must for any seagoing cruiser.
Very inspiring! I started with the Caribbean and within a few cruises the bug hit me to go grand. My first bucket list cruise was a Transatlantic. I booked it for November 2020 (cancelled), rebooked for April 2021 (cancelled), and am now booked for April 2022. Hopefully third time's a charm. While I wait, the Panama Canal is next on my bucket list cruise itinerary and I hope to do that within the next couple of years.
@@bekind2047 Haha good question! And thanks for asking. The trip was spectacular, especially the ship. It was truly a special and once-in-a-lifetime event. That said, over 200 passengers ended up with COVID and had to quarantine for 10 days. I tested positive on the 14th night and spent 10 days in a Barcelona hotel room. It was bad. But I was lucky, I guess. Some people got it on day 4 and spent 10 days in their cabins. Other than that, though, it was amazing.
Hi Gary another great presentation. I think you are spot on . I would also add the Japan Aug cruise on Princess with stops at the various summer festivals . It was the best itinerary I have seen
Went to Iceland with p&O. They run very similar trips to those you mentioned as I went to virtually all those locations (including the glacier). I loved parts of Iceland (the landscapes and countryside) but found it very expensive. The excursions were actually cheaper through the cruise line for us! Definitely worth doing though via a cruise where most things already paid for. And the whale watching from the cruise ship at akureyri! Brilliant.
Booked on a 32 day Trans Pacific in 22 ... wanted to get back to Australia so sailing through the South Pacific (French Polynesia) will make it perfect. Gonna see my travel buddy from almost 50 years ago 😃.
All of those are on my "to do" list, but I can't afford them all. We were booked for the Panama Canal for our 50th anniversary, but then COVID happened. Now we are just trying to get on a short cruise and when things settle down...Panama Canal, here we come!
That is always the problem! I’m with you on Panama. I just this week booked to go on Oceania through it in February. It’s now probably the cruise I’m most looking forward to...
great video, as always. Here's something I think people would like; a best of river cruising? As a 7 time river cruiser, I would like to see the ones I might be missing. Thanks and hope to see you on a vacation one day.
I didn't realize you've been on SO many cruises, Gary, and I've watched plenty of your videos. Loving all your suggestions here of your top destinations. I am now contemplating an antarctic cruise!
I've watched quite a few of your videos. This is by far my favorite. Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful ideas. I really look forward to crossing some of these off my list someday. And by the way, I agree with your comment about Caribbean cruises being wonderful vacations, but I can absolutely see the difference between the Caribbean and the AMAZING cruises you mentioned in this video. Thanks again.
We’ve done both the Canal and Alaska. I would go again anytime. The Canal was fascinating. I was on deck the passage from end to end and marveled at the construction and service of the Canal. Alaska? What can I say. Incredibly beautiful and some new every time you go. Boy would I like to do the Antarctica. That would be a cruise of a lifetime. Good vlog Gary, from another Gary.
I've yet to convince the husband about Alaska, I think a train and cruise trip would be best. We've done Zuiderdam's partial transit of the Panama Canal, a wonder of engineering, but rain forest is as rain forest does and it threw it down all during the transit! My brother did QM2 transatlantic and loved it. French Polynesia is on my bucket list.
I agree with your list of six trips and have been on two of those so far, the Panama canal and Alaska, but I'm planning to go back to both in the next year and a half. I cruise on NCL and they have recently come up with a lot of very interesting options and I am planning to do and Iceland trip as well as another Transatlantic plus a transpacific from Japan to Seattle through Alaska and a Hawaii to French Polynesia trip as well as going from French Polynesia over to New Zealand by way of Australian. For economic reasons I never looked into doing a land included Antarctica trip but NCL also has a sort of an Antarctica tthip that I am signed up for in the spring of 2023. I would suggest ncl ships as a more affordable option than the luxury ships but right now the NCL prices have gotten pretty high now that they're getting closer to finally being able to sail. NCL has a very easy to work with deposit and return of deposit if you cancel before final payment is due policy So I suggest that people book now and decide later and for myself as soon as I start looking at short excursions I'm sold.
Great video. I somewhat disagree on your assessment of Iceland. I've been twice, but both times on land. It is an amazing place! And I absolutely agree it should be on this list. If possible, I'd recommend a land/sea trip similar to Alaska. The Jokulsarlon iceberg lagoon is something you don't want to miss! I've got a transpacific cruise booked that stops at 3 of the French Polynesian islands this September. Fingers crossed it doesn't get canceled...again.
Did Iceland this past June. Did it on NCL. The price dropped in half after final payment. My travel agent was able to get us future cruise credit. Did two days in Reykjavik before the cruise which let us have two days of touring around Iceland from the capital.
Been to Alaska on HAL and doing Panama Canal next week, also with HAL. But I have to disagree with Iceland. You're right that it's the most Scenic, spectacular place. But a campervan is definitely the best way to explore the country. We did 11 days and it's the best trip we've ever taken.
Every place mentioned is on my bucket list. I would have completed 3 out of 6 of these places had it not been a pandemic ☹️ There's another cruise I would also suggest as a lifetime cruise - South America.
I forgot about the Panama canal! My goodness, maybe there IS a cruise I'm willing to save up for now. Alaska will remain a pipe dream. Would LOVE to see the canal!
My first cruise was December 2019 on the Carnival Breeze just after I retired. Stops at Amber Cove, St. Thomas, San Juan & Grand Turk. I Had a super time. Looking into a Panama Canal cruise in 2022 once covid dies down & CDC allows cruising. Also would like to do an Alaska cruise in a few more years. Great video & you always have good cruising info.
I really think that The Galapagos are a cruise that should be on everyone's bucket list. Completely agree with the rest of the choices. Panama, like you, was a childhood dream come true. Alaska was our first cruise and where we got the bug for cruising. The Arctic we have done was great and we are booked for the antarctic next year (postponed thanks to Covid from 2020). French Polynesia and Iceland are on the bucket list. Galapagos, Arctic, Panama Canal and around Cape Horn are the outstanding cruises out of the twenty-plus we have done.
Your videos are so helpful! My family and I are doing the Holland America Alaskan cruise in August for my sister's birthday. So excited! Do you recommend doing one of the whale watching excursions? I read that Juneau is the best port for that. Thank you!
Alaska is a truly remarkable place. The Inside Passage is worth it and Glacier Bay is a highlight.
Seconding on Alaska, Wish I could have expanded to have more inland adventures.
We did the Yukon package thou.. We sailed with DCL.
Of your six, I have done four on a cruise ship.
Skagway I've been to many times including by rail when the line ran from Whitehorse all the way down and aboard a cruise ship out of Vancouver.
Iceland... many times while in the military and 2 weeks on land driving from place to place.
That leaves... French Polynesia...
This is one of the quickest 9-minute videos that I have ever watched. I had to watch this wonderful and informative video twice and will watch it again with family to persuade them to schedule one of these highlighted cruises in the not-so-far future.
Glad you enjoyed it! Great to hear
Agree. Sent it to family and friends. On my bucket list are Antarctica, Alaska and Iceland. have done Pacific islands but not French Polynesia. NZ and Vanuatu are fabulous as destinations in their own right, haven't done via cruIses as I like the inland content of NZ and the Pacific Ocean can be very rough.
Alaska is amazing. Love the Inside Passage. Love Skagway, and all the glaciers. We're booked for our 3rd cruise there for Sept, 2022.
Agree! Mine kept being cancelled and now due back in June 2022
Absolutely agree on Antarctica - I went 5 times-all slightly different itineraries. S Georgia was beyond belief. And Iceland was also wonderful.
So amazing.. 5x... I need to catch you up !
You are absolutely right about the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Both are fabulous vacation spots with wonderful cruise vacations available. But the six cruises that you regard as the greatest are so because each is an adventure, not just a vacation.
We did a 28 day cruise from Hawaii to Sydney and it stopped in Polynesia for five days. New Caledonia was incredible. AMAZING "river cruise", rafting through the Grand Canyon. Words cannot describe it. Not for everyone but for the adventurous it should be on their bucket list.
@@torTxoFognaTuluZ Absolutely agree with you that the 28 day cruise wasn't adventurous. For us it was just a way to see some interesting spots. For me rafting through the Grand Canyon is exciting
Right there with you on Tahiti. I went 10 years ago and while I’ve been on many cruises since, including Alaska, that week in Tahiti still remains my favorite. Fiji out of Australia was great too.
That last one sounds amazing !!
Thank you for the inspiration, so badly needed when we are missing cruising, you bring it alive to us again. One more great cruise I recommend, going down the Amazon, seeing the trees densely packed and so close to the ship, and the strangely chocolate coloured river water.
great tip!
To me the best and only cruise, has been on the Disney Magic to Canada. Never been cruising prior to that cruise but to me will be hard to have the same experience. It was also the first time Disney Magic went to Quebec City and other ports so Disney got the red carpet treatment with fireworks, the town coming out for the cruise etc.
I'm desperately hoping my Antarctic cruise on Hurtigruten actually sails at the end of this year! I would add an expedition cruise to the far north to your list. Seeing polar bears and narwhals in the flesh was a real treat.
Went on a South Seas cruise on Oceania from Papeete to Sydney, stopping at two islands in Fiji, Bora Bora, Vanuatu, American Samoa, New Caledonia and Brisbane, AU before arriving at Sydney. Absolutely amazing, and restful because had a sea day in between most of the islands. Plan to stay in Tahiti for a night or two before the cruise-otherwise you won’t have time to see it before the ship leaves. Business Class well worth it from LA to Papeete and Sydney to LA. Stayed at the Holiday Inn at the Rocks in Sydney for three days when I got there, and met people the cruise who were doing the same, so we did a lot together. That was 12/2019-got home just before the pandemic hit!
We went to Antarctica in December 2019, right before everything went to hell. We went on an expedition ship and did the camping option. Definitely one of the best experiences of our lives. It's like going to another planet.
We've also done 4 Alaskan cruises and a full transit Panama Canal cruise. I'm not a big fan of sea days, probably why we haven't done a traditional Atlantic Crossing.
I'm probably wrong but the reason we never did a French Polynesia cruise is because it's so far and the Caribbean seems similar and is easily accessible from U.S. ports. Maybe we'll reconsider it.
Come to Turkey/ Antalya/ belek MAXX ROYAL RESORT
Best cruise that my wife and I had the privilege of being on was a 14 day eastern Mediterranean with Celebrity Cruises. Started and ended near Rome so that was great. We visited Naples & Pompeii, Malta, Ephesus Turkey, Santorini Greece, Athens (Piraeus) Greece, and two stops in Israel with overnight near Jerusalem. Definitely a must do cruise!!! The 7 day cruise in Hawaii with NCL was great also... although the ship needs to be replaced with a newer vessel!
Another fifteen days cruise that is worth doing is Buenos Aires - Santiago de Chile or viceversa. You start in a great capital such as Buenos Aires, where you may stay some days prior to the sailing. Then Montevideo, a totally different capital of Uruguay. Then Puerto Madryn in Argentina, Port Stanley (Puerto Argentino for Argentina) in the Falklands/Malvinas. Then they usually arrive near Cape Horn, without disembarking. The next port is Usuahia, the souternmost city in the world, with many activities to choose (wildlife, trekking, a National Park, some museums. The you have the sightseeing of the Beagle channel with glaciers to arrive to Punta Arenas, the southernmost continental city of Southamerica. The last days are the fjords of Chile, with some little ports with mainly natural excursions to national parks. Finally you arrive to Valparaiso or San Antonio, the ports near Santiago de Chile.
I would add on a Holy Land Cruise as that is very special for many people.
We so want to do a Holy land cruise on year. Maybe soon. But hubby is not to keen on the idea as he thinks that the tour bus are a big target if you know what I mean. But it would be one way for me to visit the Holy Land and see the pyramids.
@@gsdmama2 No need to use tour buses. I have booked a private tour of Jerusalem for our 2022 cruise.
Iceland was also amazing. I did both of the tours you listed, and it was so incredible to see the mid-Atlantic ridge at work above water.
Agree! It’s pretty remarkable
My all time favorite cruise so far was South America from Valparaiso to Buenos Aires over the Christmas and New Years holiday. The landscapes and glaciers are amazing. Lots of unique wildlife and cultural diversity from both the indigenous people and a variety of European settlers who immigrated en masse over past 200 years.
Done those plus world cruises, still my favorites were 43 day HAL around Mediterranean and 83 day HAL around the Pacific.
We did a 12 day cruise with Celebrity in September 2019 from Rome to Athens with a 3 day Israeli stopover to Jerusalem and Haifa. That was the most magnificent awe inspiring experience we ever had. A must trip for everyone spiritual and secular alike.
Shifting Iceland higher on my list of places to go… Australia can wait.
We did a 15 day transatlantic sailing from Southampton to NYC and we had 3 stops in Iceland, it was amazing. Americans had their jaws dropping when we saw the Presidents’s house, with no guards or fences or security. It is so safe there. We saw amazing waterfalls and Geyzers and loved the capital Reykjavik.
Favorite place I’ve ever been! Gorgeous, great people
I have done the transatlantic on QM2 10 times now and every one is as good as the last and a much better way than flying. Love it. Also done the Panama Canal and that was amazing
Agree !!!
Never even been on a cruise before, but planning, hoping, and keeping fingers crossed to make a transatlantic crossing on the QM2 next year. Never like to think in terms of a "bucket list," but that's something I want experience while health & time allows. Thank you Susan for encouraging words.
James you will love it. It what I call traditional cruising. Well worth the experience
I would like to do that, but I hate formality.
@@chriswilliams6568 you don’t have to dress up if you don’t want to. My husband is the same so we just eat in the self service and go to the bars that are informal. You can still go into the theatre too if you are not dressed up
Having visited Iceland by land and rented car, I'm not sure a cruise would be an advantage since the sites mentioned were all shore excursions. Ferries to Heimaey and Grimsey Islands are accessible by car. Antarctica is definitely #1.
Galapagos on Celebrity Expedition has been my favorite.
We are doing the Galapagos Islands and Machu Pichu in June 2022 with Celebrity Xpdition and definitely plan on Antarctica in the next three years. French Polynesia will be after that. We have been to Iceland, but, as a stopover and definitely plan to do the cruise in the next few years. We have done Alaska three times and added the Princess lodges and railway on one of these. Just an amazing experience and we also did the White Pass Railway and I bought the hat. The helicopter ride on to the glacier was absolutely thrilling, very glad we did it although I was a bit concerned about the helicopter because of a previous experience. For some reason, the Panama Canal never really appealed to me, but, I have heard you and others say that it is a must do so I will have to put it on my list. We will also be doing the QM2 transatlantic and will be happy to dress up a bit for a change. You are not wrong about the Caribbean and the Med, they are wonderful vacations, but, don't really measure up to once in a lifetime type cruises.
Thanks for watching as always. Much appreciated. Panama is fascinating. When are you doing QM2?
@@tipsfortravellers Not booked yet, it's on my list in the next few years. My wife only has 20 days of vacation annually so we can usually only fit in one 2 week cruise a year.
Lou that would be a fabulous cruise! Good to see your name somewhere other than Emma’s channel.
Antarctica definitely on my bucket list.
Great video Gary! Couldn’t agree more about the 5 best cruises!
transatlantic queen mary 2 is hands down the best experience that I’d ever had on a ship ! It’s really something that sticks with you to the rest of your life
We agree. We only need to do Iceland next year to complete your list. Most remarkable for us was the FP cruise with all the snorkling we did - sharks, rays and jillions of tropical fish.
To complete the world bucket list for us is Japan and South Africa and we are done.
Sounds good !
My dream cruise is to be on the Queen Mary and cross the Atlantic. I'd love to experience the glamour of the golden years of cruising - a feeling of stepping back in time when everyone dressed for dinner instead of "business casual".
I agree. It’s fantastic
not that expensive. have seen fates for an inside cabin as low as CAD$899. But of course then you need air back and a few days in the UK or NYC. If you do it westbound you get about 5 extra hours cruising, as you gain an hour each of about 5 nights.
My favorite cruise was Australia to New Zealand, with most of the ports in NZ. That would be on the top of my list. I must say, however, your first three do intrigue me. Thanks and I enjoy your videos very much.
Was the crossing of Tasman Sea rough? NZ is a beautiful country and I'm surprised he didn't mention it - geysers and bubbling mud in Rotorua and fiords on West coast Milford Sound are probably comparable to Norway. Would love to get thoughts
@@michelehemmings531Did a NZ to Australia cruise in Feb. 2019 & it was awesome especially going into Fiordland National Park from the sea (Dusky-Doubtful-Milford Sounds). Yes, the Tasman Sea did get rough; one evening the crew banned passengers from going onto the outside decks.
Hi Gary,
Thanks for your great videos. I have been on 3 of the 6 itineraries you covered. French Polynesia was by far the best. We were on the Paul Gauguin in 2013 on a 7 night sailing from Papeete. Beautiful lagoons, snorkeling, gorgeous islands on a luxury ship, and fabulous food and service to boot.. Only an 8 hour flight for us here in Southern California. Pricey, but well worth it! Also did a 10 night sail through the Panama Canal from San Juan to Acapulco in 1997 on RCI's Legend of the Seas. And two cruises to Alaska in 1995 and 2013. Agree that all these fall into your 6 best destinations. But French Polynesia was by far the best. We were booked twice on a 10 night Pacific Princess last year, but both got cancelled due to Covid outbreaks in Tahiti.
Gary, you always have the most helpful information. I’ve learned so much from you-thanks! Julie
You make it seem so wonderful. I must start planning now for a great cruise in 2022. Your videos are very informative.
We did Tracy Arm Fjord on our Alaskan cruise and it was stunning. We even saw some of the glacier fall
I love your channel. We have different tastes when it comes to cruises and that’s why I come back and watch your videos. Thank you.
Great video, Gary.
I wholeheartedly agree about Antarctica- and we haven’t even been there yet 😆
Have not been to French Polynesia but it does look amazing.
We were in Iceland in in 2019- Absolutely beautiful.
We’ve been to Alaska several times and it is also quite beautiful.
Thanks for watching as always. You will be there soon hopefully
Yes, I have done all these and,loved the experience, now I want to go again!
me too :-)
Im so happy you chose Iceland as one of your most favorite cruises. Just a small tip for those reading the comments: Right now Iceland is the only country in Europe that is green (covid), we have vaccinated over 50 percent with first dose at least, people vaccinated has to take a pcr test at the airport when coming to Iceland and quarantine while waiting for results (less than 24 hours). There is a volcanic eruption that started in March and its so beautiful to go there and watch (its near Reykjavik and Keflavik airport). Greetings from Iceland :)
Just booked qm2, so excited, esp now I’ve seen it on your top 10! Loved Alaska, part of our honeymoon celebrations, and hope we get to do a few more soon. Thanks for your info.
The waterfall in Iceland IS extraordinary! Huge.
My wife and I have taken 40+ cruises and we've been on four of your best. Still the jury is out for Antarctica. We haven't been on a Northern Europe Cruise, want to see Berlin and the Hermitage. Travel time and the hassle lately with air travel is a big deterrent. We are going on a fourteen night Southern Caribbean with Oceania next January, our first with a premium line. Our go to ships are Celebrity. Will let you know how it goes. Great video as always, keep up the good work.
From experience, I highly recommend Alaska and the Panama Canal.
those are both great
I’m Sailing to Alaska on Sept 5, 2021, Panama Canal is next.
@@katjar4881 So how did it go? Tell us....
2:30 combo cruiser AND cargo ship. Very progressive and efficient.
Have done five out of your six spectacular cruises but my favourite was with Regent (Navigator) from Miami to Manaus and back. Maybe it was
also the atmosphere on board but the stops - including Devil's Island was memorable.
That sounds amazing
The Mediterranean is great since you can see so many areas in a short amount of time. I like to think of them as a good way to sample different cities in the Mediterranean so you can have a better idea of where you may want to go back to later.
Great video as usual. I did notice that several of the cruises you mentioned are cool or cold weather cruises which I am not a big fan of although after hearing your review it is a bit tempting.
The Norwegian Coast, especially if the cruise goes all the way to North Cape. A must-do cruise.
I thought we might see a Norwegian Fjords cruise on this list - I'm a bit surprised it's not there! I definitely want to see the fjords someday, but the real dream trip for me is the Northern Lights & Svalbord (sp?).
I do love all the cold-weather destination ideas. I think the Panama Canal is the only warm-climate cruise on my wish list at the moment. I live in the desert, so "hot and sunny" is not a vacation, and "hot, sunny, and humid" is not an improvement!
Thank you. It was nice to see you smiling in the clips from your journeys.
How do you do a partial transit of the Panama Canal?
Alaska is our best so far, but a Christmas cruise was our best experience so far. Thanks Gary
My husband is looking to book an Antarctica trip for January 2023. Trying to choose the "right" ship is so hard.
We are going next May to Alaska, so looking forward to it, thanks for all your information
I love stormy seas had a very rough passage in `the Mediterranean and one crossing on a ferry to Newfoundland
Antarctica was the absolute best cruise for me. Hurtigruten put on a grand showing. Alaska cruise and land tour was my next favorite. And the land tour with Holland America was great, getting to see the inside part of Alaska that the cruises miss.
definitely
I have to mention a Nile Cruise. It is fabulous. You will see life as it was from the height of Egypt mania. I loved it.
I have done both the full Panama Canal and partial transit and the full transit is definitely the best. If you plan to do a full transit cruise, consider one that leaves from California. The prevailing wind patterns will give you a more pleasant ride and nicer days by the pool. Going from Florida to California you will be going against the wind much of the time, giving you what could be a trip that is too windy to hang out on the deck and enjoy the outdoor amenities.
I love transatlantic cruises.
Have you ever done a cruise to the Galapagos Islands? I've always been really interested in the Galapagos Islands due to the interesting Wildlife and important scientific research
I was on the joy and went through all the locks the whole cruise was awesome
I’ve been lucky enough to in one way or another visited four of your locations from a cruise ship. They are all spectacular!
I expect to do the Panama Canal within the next year (it’s been on my list for years and will hopefully finally get there).
I’ve now added French Polynesia to my MUST dos.
I think the problem with Europe is that there is so much to see. The Baltic is an amazing experience. And I did get to Cairo & Ephesus from a Mediterranean cruise that included Rome, Athens, Olympia and Santorini (it was supposed to include 2 stops in Israel; but, the political situation at the time did not allow it).
Binge watching your videos. My first ship was Antarctica and I will never forget it! but I like the small ships, only 160 people on my Ponant ship so could do more excursions. I am taking note of the rest of your recommendations. I can't see myself on the big ships but never say never.
I understand that Antarctica could be enjoyable for some, but the price forbids me, plus I am not that great at walking on non-even surfaces. We have done a 28 day Princess cruise to the South Pacific, but I was not that impressed. We are not beach people and it was 35C so I nearly passed out with sunstroke while waiting for our excursion with no shade or seating available, But we loved Iceland and had 3 days there on a transatlantic cruise. I would like to go on the QM2 transatlantic but scared of the formality. She has a double hull, to handle the north atlantic in winter.
Thank you so much for this, very informative. 😊
Thanks for watching. Great to hear
I couldn't agree more. I have cruised to 5 of your top 6 destinations. All truly amazing however, you are so right with having Antarctica as #1. A must for any seagoing cruiser.
I visited Antarctica in 2008 and it was an amazing experience. Well worth the time and the money.
100% agree
I totally agree with your selection of cruises. Thank you for the information.
Great list. Now to convince my wife ….
Hope you succeed 😀😀😀
Very inspiring! I started with the Caribbean and within a few cruises the bug hit me to go grand. My first bucket list cruise was a Transatlantic. I booked it for November 2020 (cancelled), rebooked for April 2021 (cancelled), and am now booked for April 2022. Hopefully third time's a charm. While I wait, the Panama Canal is next on my bucket list cruise itinerary and I hope to do that within the next couple of years.
How was your transatlantic cruise?
@@bekind2047 Haha good question! And thanks for asking. The trip was spectacular, especially the ship. It was truly a special and once-in-a-lifetime event. That said, over 200 passengers ended up with COVID and had to quarantine for 10 days. I tested positive on the 14th night and spent 10 days in a Barcelona hotel room. It was bad. But I was lucky, I guess. Some people got it on day 4 and spent 10 days in their cabins. Other than that, though, it was amazing.
Hi Gary another great presentation. I think you are spot on . I would also add the Japan Aug cruise on Princess with stops at the various summer festivals . It was the best itinerary I have seen
Great tip!
Seeing Gaicer bay was awesome....will never forget it.
Went to Iceland with p&O. They run very similar trips to those you mentioned as I went to virtually all those locations (including the glacier). I loved parts of Iceland (the landscapes and countryside) but found it very expensive. The excursions were actually cheaper through the cruise line for us! Definitely worth doing though via a cruise where most things already paid for. And the whale watching from the cruise ship at akureyri! Brilliant.
Good point. Iceland is frighteningly expensive
Your excitement for these cruises is evident
Thanks! I do really love them
Booked on a 32 day Trans Pacific in 22 ... wanted to get back to Australia so sailing through the South Pacific (French Polynesia) will make it perfect. Gonna see my travel buddy from almost 50 years ago 😃.
All of those are on my "to do" list, but I can't afford them all. We were booked for the Panama Canal for our 50th anniversary, but then COVID happened. Now we are just trying to get on a short cruise and when things settle down...Panama Canal, here we come!
That is always the problem! I’m with you on Panama. I just this week booked to go on Oceania through it in February. It’s now probably the cruise I’m most looking forward to...
great video, as always. Here's something I think people would like; a best of river cruising? As a 7 time river cruiser, I would like to see the ones I might be missing. Thanks and hope to see you on a vacation one day.
Thanks. I have one though I need to update as a few years old now!
I didn't realize you've been on SO many cruises, Gary, and I've watched plenty of your videos. Loving all your suggestions here of your top destinations. I am now contemplating an antarctic cruise!
I've watched quite a few of your videos. This is by far my favorite. Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful ideas. I really look forward to crossing some of these off my list someday. And by the way, I agree with your comment about Caribbean cruises being wonderful vacations, but I can absolutely see the difference between the Caribbean and the AMAZING cruises you mentioned in this video. Thanks again.
We’ve done both the Canal and Alaska. I would go again anytime. The Canal was fascinating. I was on deck the passage from end to end and marveled at the construction and service of the Canal. Alaska? What can I say. Incredibly beautiful and some new every time you go. Boy would I like to do the Antarctica. That would be a cruise of a lifetime. Good vlog Gary, from another Gary.
I've yet to convince the husband about Alaska, I think a train and cruise trip would be best. We've done Zuiderdam's partial transit of the Panama Canal, a wonder of engineering, but rain forest is as rain forest does and it threw it down all during the transit! My brother did QM2 transatlantic and loved it. French Polynesia is on my bucket list.
You need to keep pushing him on Alaska. Definitely! Agree on the combination
I agree with your list of six trips and have been on two of those so far, the Panama canal and Alaska, but I'm planning to go back to both in the next year and a half. I cruise on NCL and they have recently come up with a lot of very interesting options and I am planning to do and Iceland trip as well as another Transatlantic plus a transpacific from Japan to Seattle through Alaska and a Hawaii to French Polynesia trip as well as going from French Polynesia over to New Zealand by way of Australian. For economic reasons I never looked into doing a land included Antarctica trip but NCL also has a sort of an Antarctica tthip that I am signed up for in the spring of 2023. I would suggest ncl ships as a more affordable option than the luxury ships but right now the NCL prices have gotten pretty high now that they're getting closer to finally being able to sail. NCL has a very easy to work with deposit and return of deposit if you cancel before final payment is due policy So I suggest that people book now and decide later and for myself as soon as I start looking at short excursions I'm sold.
Great plans you have! Good to hear your thoughts and experiences on Norwegian. I need to line up more on them!
Cruise Hawaii to Tahiti covid cancelled. Iceland from England scheduled. Been to Iceland land vacation 3 times. Great vacations
We are booked for SOUTHHAMPTON to Edinburgh, Norwegian Fjords, then Iceland. May 2022. Can't wait. Hope Covid is gone for good.
Couldn't agree more with the choices
Great video. I somewhat disagree on your assessment of Iceland. I've been twice, but both times on land. It is an amazing place! And I absolutely agree it should be on this list. If possible, I'd recommend a land/sea trip similar to Alaska. The Jokulsarlon iceberg lagoon is something you don't want to miss! I've got a transpacific cruise booked that stops at 3 of the French Polynesian islands this September. Fingers crossed it doesn't get canceled...again.
Did Iceland this past June. Did it on NCL. The price dropped in half after final payment. My travel agent was able to get us future cruise credit. Did two days in Reykjavik before the cruise which let us have two days of touring around Iceland from the capital.
Thanks.
Been to Alaska on HAL and doing Panama Canal next week, also with HAL.
But I have to disagree with Iceland. You're right that it's the most Scenic, spectacular place. But a campervan is definitely the best way to explore the country. We did 11 days and it's the best trip we've ever taken.
You hit on several places I'd like to go! Good fodder for day dreaming!!
Good to hear. Thanks for watching
Every place mentioned is on my bucket list. I would have completed 3 out of 6 of these places had it not been a pandemic ☹️ There's another cruise I would also suggest as a lifetime cruise - South America.
I forgot about the Panama canal! My goodness, maybe there IS a cruise I'm willing to save up for now. Alaska will remain a pipe dream. Would LOVE to see the canal!
Alaska the canal and tras atlantic my first 3 on retirement
Have you done a yacht cruise? interested to hear your take on them
My first cruise was December 2019 on the Carnival Breeze just after I retired. Stops at Amber Cove, St. Thomas, San Juan & Grand Turk. I Had a super time. Looking into a Panama Canal cruise in 2022 once covid dies down & CDC allows cruising. Also would like to do an Alaska cruise in a few more years. Great video & you always have good cruising info.
Thanks for watching. Those two are definitely great ones to line up as so accessible and many options out of the US
I am looking forward to my 65th Birthday while going through the Panama Canal in Jan. 2024.
Antartica is my MAJOR bucket list for me!! Next year we are taking our third Alaskan cruise next year.
I really think that The Galapagos are a cruise that should be on everyone's bucket list. Completely agree with the rest of the choices. Panama, like you, was a childhood dream come true. Alaska was our first cruise and where we got the bug for cruising. The Arctic we have done was great and we are booked for the antarctic next year (postponed thanks to Covid from 2020). French Polynesia and Iceland are on the bucket list. Galapagos, Arctic, Panama Canal and around Cape Horn are the outstanding cruises out of the twenty-plus we have done.
This was a very fun overview! Lots more places to add to my bucket list! 🌍🌎🌏!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Alaska inside passage, check; Panama Canal full cruise, April 2022, then on to the QE2.. love your videos.
Fantastic plans!!!
Your videos are so helpful! My family and I are doing the Holland America Alaskan cruise in August for my sister's birthday. So excited! Do you recommend doing one of the whale watching excursions? I read that Juneau is the best port for that. Thank you!
We did a transatlantic that began with a cruise around all of Iceland with a stop in Greenland. It might be my most spectacular.