Where to head on a cruise? There’s a vast realm of possibilities. Where to go for advice and planning for your voyage, and for the latest information on cruise lines, ship options, and ports of call? In the greater Twin Cities area, cruise-minded folks have long relied on travel agents Helen and Mark Rigby, founders and managers of the local Cruise Planners franchise.
“The cruise industry continues to grow,” says Mark. “The post-pandemic resurgence of interest in cruising hasn’t let up.” One dynamic that drives that interest is the surge in popularity of new routes, and new destinations.
“Cruises that include Croatia are popular now,” Mark reports. “In many ways, it’s very similar to Italy. It’s generally less expensive than Italy, and its ports of call for cruise ships are actually taking some business from Italian ports.” Cruising the Croatian side of the Adriatic Sea involves a passage along the country’s rugged coast, and its over 1,200 gorgeous islands.
“The major ports in Croatia are Split and Dubrovnik, especially the latter,” says Mark. Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is famous as the site of Roman Emperor Diocletian’s retirement palace, much of which survives intact. Dubrovnik, with its old quarter sequestered within remarkably well-preserved medieval walls, has achieved a modern cachet as the location where many Game of Thrones scenes were filmed.
Among other European destinations, Mark adds, are the ageless Greek islands. And many of the cruises that visit the islands now continue eastward, to sail along the scenic Turkish coast.
Other perennially popular European ports include Venice – where large cruise ships are now required to dock at the mainland port of Marghera – and Barcelona, the departure point for many Mediterranean cruises. Up in the British Isles, some cruises take in golf courses along the coast of Scotland, birthplace of the sport. “Many of those courses,” he advises, have “relatively low” greens fees compared with American golf venues.
Over in our Western Hemisphere, the ports of Miami on the east coast, and Long Beach on the west, continue to handle large portions of American cruise traffic. For Miami-based cruises, the Caribbean remains a major draw. Typically, Caribbean itineraries are geared towards days spent in port, and overnight travel. “But,” Mark points out, “these cruises often build in one or two daytimes spent at sea.”
Cruise lines heading out of Long Beach serve popular Mexican ports such as Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. For a longer Pacific excursion, says Mark, consider a voyage to Hawaii – “this will give you a couple of days out at sea.” Norwegian offers Hawaiian inter-island cruises, as well as voyages from Hawaii to Vancouver, and to South Pacific ports.
“Alaska cruises are always popular,” Mark informs, “with routes along the Inside Passage, and outside.” Points of departure for Alaska voyages are Seattle and Vancouver.
Heading southward, Celebrity caters to a cruise clientele interested in the natural diversity of the Galápagos Islands, where the main hub is Baltra Island in the center of the chain. The ultimate far southern destination, of course, is Antarctica. No Antarctic cruises sail directly from the United States – departure points, says Mark, are in Chile and Argentina, reached by air.
The oceans of the world are only part of the cruising story. Rivers, according to Mark, are just as popular: “Europe is the big destination, with the Rhine and the Danube getting the most interest. Along the Rhône, stopovers include Avignon and Lyon. And cruising on a French river often combines with a before or after stay in Paris.” Farther afield, Mark points to cruises on the Nile, based in Cairo and taking in ancient sites along Egypt’s legendary lifeline.
While interest in American river cruising doesn’t match the vogue for navigating Europe’s waterways, Mark reminds domestic cruisers that there’s plenty to see along the Mississippi and Ohio. A trip from St. Paul to New Orleans, for example, can include “stops at Mark Twain’s Hannibal, Missouri; St. Louis and the Gateway Arch; Memphis and Graceland; and Civil War battlefields.”
Many of Mark’s clients are cruise veterans, but he still counts many first-timers among travelers seeking his help in choosing cruise styles, durations, and destinations. What’s his advice? “Choose cabins amidships – they tend to feel more stable than those farther fore and aft. And start with shorter trips – not more than seven days.”
Before long, you'll be looking forward to a month-long voyage.RigbyTravel.com
Celebrity caters to a cruise clientele interested in the natural diversity of the Galápagos Islands. The ultimate far southern destination, of course, is Antarctica.
Cruise-minded folks have long relied on travel agents Helen and Mark Rigby, founders and managers of the local Cruise Planners franchise.