Cruise Holidays recently asked its expert travel
agents across North America which are the most under-rated cruise destinations.
The top responses were:
Dubrovnik,
Croatia. Dubrovnik has emerged from
the shadows and damage inflicted by Croatia’s war for independence from the
former Yugoslavia, which ended in 1995. Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,”
is becoming a feature of Eastern Mediterranean cruises. The medieval Old Town
is delightful for strolling and exploring monasteries and churches, shops and
cafes. There are beaches and biking trails nearby; antiquities and wineries
offer more options for inland excursions.
Istanbul,
Turkey. Another emerging Eastern
Mediterranean port, Istanbul, is an endlessly fascinating mix of east and west,
sacred and secular, ancient and modern. The mix of east and west is literal:
half the city is in Europe and half is in Asia, with the mighty Bosporus River running
through the center. There are historic neighborhoods, churches and mosques;
museums and art galleries; and an incredible 4,000-stall Grand Bazaar. On a day
cruise, you can visit the Prince’s Islands just south of Istanbul, where exiled
royalty once occupied the mansions.
Tallinn,
Estonia. On the Gulf of Finland,
Tallinn is an emerging Northern European cruise port. The city – just 50 miles
from Helsinki, but formerly part of the Soviet Union – is an interesting mix of
Scandinavian and Soviet influences. Like Dubrovnik, Tallinn has a medieval Old
Town with historic architecture and cobblestoned streets. Strolling here,
you’ll feel as though you stepped back into the 1400s. You can look at some of
the antique shops, then savor a cup of coffee at a sidewalk care and watch
Tallinn go by.
Other under-rated ports include Stockholm, Sweden, a
charming city of islands and bridges; Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with its
romantic canals; the Hawaiian Islands, where your ship can take you to more
than one of these breathtakingly beautiful islands; and Barcelona, Spain, a
historic city with some of the most unique architecture anywhere.
To plan a cruise that will take in one or more of
these ports, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
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