GEOGRAPHY
is important when one wants to engage in itinerary planning.
However, geography is a complex study we would rather not-dare discuss here. The
topic on the geography of cruising will only be limited to the description and
whereabouts of various cruise destinations on earth, thus, this chapter will focus on
the identification of the different cruise regions and ports of call giving emphasis on
the tourism appeal of these various destinations.
Cruise clients are coming from these regions in the world: Asia, Australia-New
Zealand-Pacific (Australasia), Europe, Middle East/Africa,North America, and South
America.
To serve the ever-growing cruise market, there are hundreds of amazing destinations
worldwide that are being explored by thousands of different kinds of ocean-going
vessels, from mega cruise ships to river boats and yachts. North America provides a
focus for several embarkation points for US customers to join cruises and overseas
customers to join as fly-cruise passengers. North America is the largest cruise market.
To narrow down, some of the most popular cruise destinations of international cruise
lines are
l Alaska, Asia,
l Bahamas,Bermuda,
l Caribbean, Hawaii,
l Mediterranean, Northern Europe,
l Panama Canal (crossing)
5.1 Alaska
Cruises are a great way to experience Alaska with its rugged coastal mountains,
rainforests, fjords, glaciers, diverse wildlife, and interesting villages. There are two
typical options for Alaska cruise, the Inside Passage, which is a round trip cruise
from the port of Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, BC Canada with popular stops in
the Alaskan ports of Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, or Victoria, British
Columbia. The second option is the One-way cruise between Anchorage via the port
towns of Whittier or Seaward, and Seattle or Vancouver. This is also known as the
Cross Gulf of Alaska. Aside from the Inside Passage itineraries, the one-way. cruise
also usually includes stops in Valdez, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord or another
town in the gulf. Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Map The most popular and most
visited cruise destinations in Alaska are:
a. Anchorage - is Alaska's biggest city that is beautifully surrounded by wilderness. It
is the hub for cruises, flights, and land tours and excursions. Some of the activities
that cruisers can do in Anchorage are flight seeing or hélicopter tours, grizzly bear
viewing, glaciers viewing, mountain biking and hiking, etc.
b. Denali-Denali National Park is Alaska's most popular land attraction being the
home of Mt. McKinley, North America's highest peak. It is also known to be the
home of Alaska's big five: bears, wolves, caribou, dall sheep and moose.Cruisers can
engage in adventure activities such as flight seeing, all terrain vehicle (ATV) tours,
rafting, hiking, and biking.
c. Fairbanks-is known for its gold ruish heritage. Fairbanks is the gateway to Alaska's
Interior and Arctic regions. Some of the most interesting features that tourists and
cruisers can experience in Fairbanks are the midnight sun in summer, northern lights
during winter, an all-natural light show, learn about the local Eskimo culture on an
Arctic tour, gold mine tour, and paddlewheėl riverboats.
d. Glacier Bay National Park - is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a
25-million acre (10M++ hectare) World Heritage Site - one of the world's largest
international protected areas. It showcases rugged mountains, rainforest, glaciers,
wild coastlines, and fjords. It has more than 50 named glaciers. Most tourists
experience Glacier Bay National Park by small cruise ships, and tour boats.
e. Haines - is a small quaint town with just about 2,500 population. Haines is Alaska
at its most authentic. Haines has more bald eagles than anywhere else in the world.
Haines showcases- Alaskan history, nature, and native culture and irresistible beauty.
Some of the activities that cruisers do when visiting Haines are sea kayaking, rafting
with the sights of bald eagles, bears, and amazing scenery, wildlife tours,
photography, glacier adventures,etc.
f. Juneau - The state's capital is remote city surrounded by mountains and waters. It
can only be reached through boats and airplanes. Things of interest in this attractive
city are Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts which are just a few meters away from the
shops that can be experienced by foot or through a tramway, Juneau Icefield, a
massive accumulation of ice, Mendenhall Glacier, which is one of Alaska's most
accessible glaciers, Gold history tours, the Alaska State Museum, and Eaglecrest Ski
Area during winter.
g.Ketchikan -The beauty of Ketchikan lies on its native culture which is authentically
and colorfully displayed in an amazing collection of totem poles, and its many
different attractions and activities. The place has abundant supply of salmon, making
it acclaimed as “the salmon capital of the world". Ketchikan is also known as “the
eagle capital of America.
h. Seward and Kenai Fjords -Seward lies between the Kenai Mountains and the
waters of Kenai Fjords National Park and with Mt. Marathon serving as its backdrop,
this port city is one of Alaska's most scenic communities. The two annual major
events that draw visitors and tourists to Seward are the race to the summit of Mt.
Marathon, America's second oldest footrace on July 4, and the August Silver Salmon
derby, the oldest and largest salmon derby in Alaska. At Kenai Fjords National Park
is where mountains, ice, and ocean meet.
i. Skagway- This small town measuring only four blocks wide and twenty three
blocks long, is a historic relic of the Gold Rush era having preserved fifteen of the
19th century buildings as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Alaska's most popular shore excursion in Skagway is the White Pass and Yukon
Route Railway known as “The Scenic Railway of the World" and “The Railway Built
of Gold”. Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this railroad is an
International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Now a popular tourist attraction,
the narrow gauge railroad climbs 3000 feet in 20 miles and features steep grades,
cliff-hanging turns, steep grades, tunnels, bridges, and trestles. Some of the very
popular and exciting adventures that cruisers do in Skagway are dog sledding, Denver
glacier trail, helicopter tour, snowmobile adventure, etc.
J. Sitka - is a coastal community and was the capital of Russian America. Popular
attractions in Sitka include St. Michael's Cathedral, the symbol of the town which
was the first Russian church built in America, Sitka National Historic Park, and the
Sheldon Jackson Museum which houses one of the best native Alaskan collections
and which also hosts films and displays.
5.2 Bahamas
Bahamas is composed of more than 700 islands. Cruise shipstypically call on the Port
of Nassau which is the capital of Bahamas and is one of the most popular destinations
for Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. Technically, Bahamas (Islands of the Bahamas)
are in the North Atlantic Ocean, north of the Greater Antilles and southeast of
Florida, and not in the Caribbean. It is, however, often included in Caribbean cruises
thus, mistaken as being in the Caribbean.
Nassau is home to the world-famous Atlantis resort. Some of the major attractions for
cruisers and tourists in Nassau are the beaches, the Lost Blue Hole,Rawson Square,
the Queen's Staircase, the Water Tower, and Gregory Arch and the Caves, and
museums like the Pirates of Nassau Museum.Cruisers can engage in various activities
while in Nassau or the other Bahamas islands like swimming, jet-skiing, diving,
parasailing, hiking, beach horse-back riding etc.
Many cruise ships also call in the Bahamas at their very own private islands. In
particular,Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line), Coco Cay (RCCL), Great Stirrup Cay
(NCL), Half Moon Cay (Carnival and Holland America) and Princess Cays
(Princess). These private islands are for the exclusive use of these cruise lines' guests
offering nice white sand beaches for sunbathing and swimming and other beach
activities. The ships usually set up free buffets or barbecues and bars that sell beers,
cocktails, and juices by the beach.
5.3 Bermuda
Like the Bahamas, Bermuda is in the Atlantic Ocean and not in the Caribbean. Cruise
ships call in three ports namely, Royal Naval Dockyard with two piers-Kings Wharf
and Heritage Wharf, St. George's Port;and Hamilton City Port.
Some of the most popular things to do while on a cruise in Bermuda are: golf,
whether for practice, a real game, or watch a tournament; relax at the famous
Horseshoe Bay Beach; shop and visit the Royal Naval Dockyard; cultural visits and
sightseeing around the city; enjoy Bermuda Aquarium, and Botanical gardens; and
see Bermuda's Crystal and Fantasy Caves.
5.4 Caribbean
The Caribbean cruise region consists of more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs,and cays
around the Caribbean Sea and surrounding coasts bordering the North Atlantic
Ocean. Caribbean cruise destination is divided into Western Caribbean, Eastern
Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean.
1. Western Caribbean - Typically, Western Caribbean Cruises depart from homeports
in the US southern coast like Florida ports. The popular calls include Cayman
Islands, Jamaica, Mexico's Caribbean coast: Costa Maya; Cozumel, Central America:
Belize and Honduras, and southern Florida's Key West.
a.Cayman Islands - It comprises the islands Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little
Cayman. Cruise ships typically call at Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands.
The popular attractions in Cayman Islands are Stingray City, swimming with
dolphins, and crystal caves.
b. Jamaica-Jamaica has three major cruise destinations: Montego Bay,Ocho Rios, and
Port Antonio. It offers diverse experiences, engaging activities, impressive
landscapes and a warm, welcoming people. Some of the natural attractions in Jamaica
are the Dunns River Falls, tropical rain forests, natural cove, magnificent beaches,
caves, etc. Exciting tours may also include the Appleton Estate Tour (Rum Tour),
Black River Safari Tour, Bob Marley Mausoleum Tour, Chukka Original Canopy
Tour, Dolphin Cove Tour,and a lot more.
C. Costa Maya-It is the first)Western Caribbean port designed exclusively for the
cruise ship industry. It can accommodate megaships in its dock. It features ancient
and colonial heritage amidst modern comfort. Few of the most sought after
excursions here are the(Mayan Ruins (Chacchoben, Kohunlich,Dzibanche),
(Xcabal)the largest Mayan archaeological site, and diving at the Chinchorro Reef
Underwater National Park.
d. Cozumel -It is a very popular cruise destination because of tropical weather,
fishing, snorkeling, and Mayan Ruins at Tulum, but scuba diving and seeing the
breathtaking scenery underwater are the main attraction in Cozumel.
Belize -Cruise ships anchor outside of Belize's harbor and passengers shall be taken
ashore by tenders. Some of the interesting attractions and activities in Belize are
sailing, scuba diving, swimming and snorkeling in the offshore reefs which are some
of the most beautiful in the world. Cruisers can also visit Mayan ruins and or join eco
tours, cave tubing, birding adventure, and other adventure tours.
f. Honduras-Cruise ships dock at the port of Roatan where passengers can experience
plenty of shopping. The main attractions here however,are the white sand,beautiful
beacheș. Tourists also enjoy diving and other water activities, canopy tours, and
island tour. Also, adjacent to the cruise center is the famous white sand Mahogany
Beach which can interestingly be reached through the “magic flying beach chair", a
unique chair lift system that takes cruise ship guests right from the welcome center to
the beautiful beach. Cost for riding applies.
Magic Flying Beach Chair
g. Key West-Cruisers in Key West can explore the town's historic homes, stroll
around town, relax by the beach, sail and snorkel in the coral reefs and try other water
adventures. Key West is also considered and named one of the most haunted cities
in(USA) so cruisers can go ahead and experience a ghost tour along with other
interesting sightseeing tours like a visit to Ripley's Believe It or Not! Key West
Odditorium, with its wide collection of extremely odd stuff.
2. Eastern Caribbean-Eastern Caribbean boasts of its astonishing natural beauty and
old-world charm. Cruisers are fascinated by the islands' diverse culture, a mixture of
European, Latin American, and African influences. Cruise ships usually visit Eastern
Caribbean islands such as Antigua and Barbuda, St. Maarten/Martin, Guadeloupe,
Dominica, Martinique, Dominica, St.Lucia,US Virgin Islands, and British Virgin
Islands.
a. Antigua and Barbuda - Most ships dock in Heritage Quay in St. John's where
attractions are walking distance away. Aside from the hundreds of beautiful beaches
of Antigua, cruisers can also engage in a unique eco-tour through the Antigua
Rainforest Canopy Tour and complete the island's tour by a visit to the Nelson's
Dockyard, one of the premier and most important tourist attractions in Antigua.
b. St.Maarten/Martin-It is a dual-governed island, by the Dutch and French where
cruisers can taste the two amazing and distinct cultures. The north side of the island,
Saint Martin is governed by the French,the home of the island's fanciest and tastiešt
restaurants and cafes, and party beaches. The southern side is Sint Maarten, a
territory of Netherlands Antilles,the home of lively casinos, bars, clubs, and plenty of
shopping. Very few of the unique things to do and see in this island are join culinary
tours, relax at the Maho Beach and watch massive jefsland and take off right above
the head, go shopping at the front street of jewelry (with precious stones like
diamonds, emeralds, gold, and platinum), Tesigner items (Cartier, Gucci,
Versace,Chopard,Chanel,Ferragamo, etc), cigars, liquors, perfumes and a lot more.
C. Guadeloupe-Guadeloupe is a French territory. Cruise ships dock at Pointe a Pitre
cruise port which is a few minute walk to the downtown.Cruisers can admire the
Place dela Victoire, a big square surrounded by colonial style buildings, visit
museums and churches St. Pierre and St. Paul, visit the the Memorial ACTe, a
cultural center dedicated to the Memory and History of Slavery Trade, a part of
UNESCO's Slave Route Project. Cruisers can also check out Guadeloupe's markets,
and streets.
D.Dominica - Dominica is known as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean". It boasts
of hot and cold springs, streams, waterfalls, rainforest, volcanic peaks with lava
craters which include a Boiling Lake, the second largest, thermally active lake in the
world. It is especially fascinating for hikers and divers. Cruise ships dock at Roseau
Cruise Ship Berth.
E.Martinique - It is a SCUBA diving destination. Cruisers can choose from a number
of dive spots and best diving instructors in Martinique and can enjoy exceptionally
well-preserved and protected flora and fauna, corals, dolphins, and other sea
creatures. There are a lot of things that canbe done in Fort-de-France the capital, but
given the limited port time, cruisers can just choose among the beauitiful beaches, the
rainforests, or the mountains. It is also very safe to roam around by the cruise
terminal in Fort-de-France that features a variety of vendors. It is also just fifteen
minutes walk away from the downtown area.
F.St.Lucia-Most.cruise ships dock at the Port of Castries. A shore excursion makes it
possible to explore this small island within a day. Popular destinations here include
Soufrière, which boasts of several attractions that include a “drive-in volcano”, the
Diamond Batanical Gardens with waterfall, mineralbaths, and beaches; ligeon Island;
Rodney Bay; visit to a banana þlantation; a mud bath at the Sulphur Springs; and a
photo stop at the twin volcanic spires of the Pitons.
G.US Virgin Islands - St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas. St. Croix is the largest of the
US Virgin Islands. It offers magnificent beaches, world-class recreational activities,
fine dining, casino, and golf. Places of interest are the Whim Plantation, Buck Island,
and Cane Bay. St. John is the smallest of the three islands. Sixty percent (60%) of its
land area is national park but cruisers can also visit the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins,
explore the lively atmosphere of Cruz Bay, and enjoy great shopping and dining at
Mongoose junction. St. Thomas,on the other hand, is the most cosmopolitan among
the USVI. The island has a lot to offer to tourists: shopping, sightseeing, 'sailing,
snorkeling, diving, and dining. Visitors can try the Skyride, climb the famous
Charlotte Amalie, or visit the 1680-built Fort Christian,the second oldest synagogue
in the Western Hemisphere.
H. British Virgin Islands - The most popular among sixty islands are Tortola and
Virgin Gorda. Right next to the cruise pier area in Tortola are souvenir offerings from
the Crafts Alive Market. Virgin Gorda is famous for the rock formations known as
the Baths, and the laidback beach, Jost Van Dyke. Some of the interesting things
cruisers can do in Tortola are dolphin encounter; experience the BVI's highest peak,
Mount Sage; go caving; snorkeling; diving in Alice in Wonderland, a rainbow
colored coral wall; swimming; and visiting museums.
3. Southern Caribbean - Southern Caribbean islands are culturally diverse.This region
also offers many natural wonders, including a volcano, mountains, rain forests,
beaches, waterfalls and rivers. The most common calls in this region are Aruba,
Bonaire, and Curacao (ABC Islands), Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent and the
Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
a. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao (ABC Islands) - The islands are perfect destinations
especially for divers. All offers fantastic opportunities for underwater excitement.
However, each island has different diving range atmosphere, and history. Aruba is
“One Happy Island" where cruisers can enjoy the beautiful beaches and explore the
natural wonders such as caves, natural bridges, rock formations, natural pool
(Conchi), California Dunes, Hooiberg (the cone-shaped mountain), and more.
Bonaire offers cruisers some eco adventures, plenty of sightseeing, variety of
beaches, countless dining options, and extensive shopping. Few of the best things
cruisers can do in Curacao are: visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site in
downtown Willemstad, explore the Hato caves, relax on the beautiful
beaches,traverse one of its National Parks, and see the Curacao Sea Aquarium.
b. Barbados - Barbados offers spectacular attractions and endless activities for
tourists.The Cruise Terminal itself boasts over 20 large duty-free shops thåt a range
of items, including jewelry and watcnes, fine crumna anu ci yslal, electronic goods
and perfumes at typically 30% to 50% less price than in Europe and North America.
Barbados is famous for coral sand beaches and of the Seven Wonders of Barbados
where Harrison's Cave is on top of the list. Cruisers can also explore the island
through the Atlantis Submarines or SCUBA diving, and or enjoy golf, hiking, cricket,
and windsurfing.
c. Grenada - Grenada is known as “The Spice Island." Grenada options include
tubing the rapids of Balthazar River, a trip to the waterfall cascades of Annandale
Falls, snorkeling at Grenada's Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, or a trip to
Grenada Chocolate Company.
d. St. Vincent and the Grenadines - There are several cruise ports in St. Vincent and
the Grenadines: Bequia, Canouan, Kingstown, Mayreau, and Union Island. Near the
cruise terminal of(Kingstown its capital are the old Fort Charlotte, the Botanical
Gardens, and Villa Beach. St. Vincent shore excursions are all about the spectacular
eco-tourism opportunities, diving, snorkeling, boating, and hiking to the 4000-foot
active volcano, Mt. Soufriere. A.02 아
e. Trinidad and Tobago - Cruise ships dock in Port of Spain Cruise Port located right
next to the downtown, which has an urban feel, with skyscrapers, a financial center,
arcade malls and debilitating rush-hour traffic. Disembarking passengers are greeted
by locals playing steel drums, and dancing in the tune of calypso music-(Afro-
Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago) wearing dazzling costumes.
Port of Spain's prime attraction is the Queen's Park Savannah, once a sugar
plantation, and now a public green space surrounded by 20th century mansions, a
botanical garden, and a zoo. Trinidad is a birder's haven,and offers hiking, and
cultural attractions. Tobago, which is out of reach for short port calls, features
attractive beaches and water sports.
5.5 Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is one of the world's most popular cruising destinations. Panama
Canal links the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean (and technically the world) saving a
vèry long and difficultjourney around the tip of South America. Imagine, before the
construction of the Panama Canal, a ship heading from California to New York
would have to travel 14,000 miles, circumnavigating the entire continent of South
America. Once the Panama Canal was completed, the same voyage only takes 6,000
miles. The Panama Canal connects 160 countries and 1,700 ports around the world.
The Panama Canal is the “Most Scenic Shortcut in the World”. It is also called by the
American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the seven wonders of the modern
world.
The canal could be described as a water elevator such that when ships enter the locks,
they are raised in eighty-five (85) feet above sea level,then
