Typical Middle East itineraries take you all the way from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, and often include parts of North Africa as well. Dubai is a popular starting-point, and while the glamorous Emirati city might not be to everyone’s taste, the opportunities for desert safaris and bartering in the old Gold Souk certainly merit a trip on-shore.

Around the Middle Eastern peninsula, Red Sea cruises often flaunt Aqaba in Jordan as the main attraction and rightly so: visitors can disembark here for the magical sandstone city of Petra or snorkel amongst a blaze of colourful corals and tropical fish. Egypt’s ancient sites can be reached via the famous Suez Canal, or some ships stop at Safaga for Luxor, where you can happily tick the Valley of the Kings off your bucket list.

One of the most common African cruise destinations is Cape Town, with its access to animal reserves, glittering coastline and the iconic summit of Table Mountain. Routes from Mediterranean Europe to the tip of South Africa often halt along the West Coast, at places such as Dakar in Senegal. The port’s distinctly French flavour makes this a very fashionable stop.

East coast highlights include the Kenyan port of Mombassa, beyond which the plains of the Maasai Mara offer once-in-a-lifetime excursions to see anything from black rhinos to giraffes. For something really different, find a cruise that heads out to Mauritius; seaside capital Port Louis has its own brand of colonial charm, while providing a gateway to those heavenly island beaches.

Many cruise lines offer multi-destination trips that combine parts of both continents and stretch on for 20 or 30 days. Some companies put together no-fly options direct from Europe, for those who want to take their time and enjoy the journey. Middle East and Africa cruises bring new meaning to the phrase ‘voyage of discovery’, so if one thing’s for sure, they won’t remain undervalued for long.

Lifecruiser Love Cruising
 

5. Trip to the Beach
–You knew this one was coming, but the beaches in Rocky Point are without match. Check out all the amazing beaches throughout the region, while trying out some fun beach activities such as horseback riding, banana rides, boogie boarding, and the tried and true classic, sun bathing under the amazing Rocky Point sun. Trust us; you will enjoy it!

4. Sunset Cruise
–Cruises here are a major tourist attraction and are the best way to relax and unwind from your daily duties. Hang out on the deck while sunbathing, or take some time to play shuffleboard with the other cruise patrons. Whatever you decide to do, even if you decide to do it on a sailboat, cruises in Rocky Point are fun and relaxing. This is definitely a “cannot miss”.

3. Fishing Trips
–The fishing in Puerto Penasco is above and beyond what almost any other coast based city can offer, and is among the main reasons some even decide to come. No matter what your age or skill level, there are tons of opportunities for you to fish to your heart’s content, all while catching some exotic fish. This is definitely a major highlight here in Rocky Point.

2. City Tour
–If you are looking for an awesome way to learn more about the city and discover some other fantastic activities, the City Tour is certainly a great way to do so. Grab your binoculars and your camera, and hit the town with your professional tour guide—it’s fun, educational, and, most importantly, a major part of Rocky Point’s culture.

1. Scuba Diving
–Scuba diving is our number one activity on this list and for good reason too. For years, people have enjoyed seeing the incredible ocean life on organized scuba trips, and it still isn’t any less fun. The majestic view of the thousands of sea creatures which call these waters home is something you will never forget, and is sure to put that extremely tasty cherry on top of your already amazing Rocky Point Vacation.

If you want any more ideas, feel free to contact us at any time on our website www.puerto-penasco.com we will help you plan the vacation of your life! Good luck!

(Guest post)
 

Photo by Pete/comedy_nose, Flickr.com

The waning days of one’s working career are filled with special events and kind farewells. If you’ve been on the receiving end of retirement recognition, you know how special it is to receive something that commemorates the dedication you’ve shown to your employer and the work you’ve done there.

Of course, what makes it even more special is when that memento came from a group of your co-workers and you know that everyone chipped in on the gift.

If you’re on the giving end of that retirement gift, there are a number of things to keep in mind to make it meaningful.

Share the Love…

Getting together with other co-workers allows you to buy a nicer, larger item rather than a number of small items. Depending on your budget, this could run anywhere from a cruise to a beautiful item for the home. What’s most important is to make sure that loyal ol’ John or devoted Susan gets something enjoyable and thoughtful.

…Carefully

Just avoid the pitfalls common to group giving. Make sure you contact everyone who might be interested, make plans to receive payment up front, and be diplomatic in choosing the item. You might do better to go with a tasteful co-worker or two to select the item, then return to the rest of the group for approval and money. Too many cooks spoil the broth!

Go Personal

It doesn’t have to be a solid gold plaque illustrating the key times in the retiree’s career, but when you can find an item that is associated with the type of work you do or the places the job has taken the honoree, it becomes far more meaningful and is more likely to achieve what you want, which is to give the retiree some special memories of the people with whom he or she worked.

Watch the Calendar

We’re on a schedule here. Bob’s last day is coming, and don’t count on him dropping back in for a tardy gift. Coordinate with those who may be putting together a retirement party and make sure that whatever you have chosen as your gift will be available and complete by that date.

You will also want to make time allowances for the vendor to deal with errors, damage, or shipping problems. All the good reasons for a late gift won’t fill the empty space on the gift table, so be smart.

This falls back to the gift-giving committee and requires them to get on the job ahead of time. It also illustrates the need to have that committee, because it is nearly impossible for fifteen people to settle on a gift in a timely fashion.

It’s a lot of fun to provide a retiree with a gift that truly touches them. A little advance work and smart planning will make it happen.

Lifecruiser Love Giving Gifts
 

Several Stops in Desirable Locations

Image via Flickr by quinet

Living on a cruise ship for a few days is only part of the fun. Many luxury cruise ships make stops in several unique ports throughout the journey, giving you a day or two to explore a tropical island, an exotic city, or a new country. A luxury Mediterranean Cruise, for instance, makes stops in places such as Greece, Spain and France. With a luxury cruise, you get the comfort and pampering while traveling from one amazing destination to the next. Be sure to ask the concierge for a top list of places and activities during each stop so that you may get the most out of your short visit. Also, make sure to note exactly what time you must report back to the ship. You don’t want to end up stuck in a foreign land with no way to get home.

Accommodations in Good Repair

Image via Flickr by Loimere

When you’re setting off on a luxury cruise, you should expect comfortable and well-kept accommodations. Carpets and railings should be clean and in good repair. Staterooms and other rooms should be large enough that you have adequate space to store your belongings. You don’t want to feel like you’re sleeping in a closet.

Delectable Eats and Flexible Meal Times

Image via Flickr by L. Richard Martin, Jr.

While dining on board, expect to see elegant dining rooms, delectable cuisine, and high quality service. Cruises have been long known for strict dining times, which created such troubles as long wait times, cold food and unwelcome dining companions. But those days are no more, as cruise lines have embraced the benefits of flexible dining schedules. In some cases, passengers can opt to simply walk in during the restaurant’s open hours.

You’ll also find healthier dining options aboard today’s cruise ships.

Comfortable Rooming Quarters

Image via Flickr by jimg944

If you’re going to spend the next five to ten days aboard a cruise ship, you’ll want comfortable living quarters. You should expect clean, well-kept, and spacious rooming quarters and full bath and restroom facilities. Beds should be reasonably comfortable to avoid unpleasant complications, such as a sore back, that would prevent you from fully enjoying the experience. Also, unlike traditional cruises, luxury stays provide each cabin with at least one personal crewmember to meet and exceed wants and needs.

Recreational Opportunities

Image via Flickr by The Sean & Lauren Spectacular

Passengers on a luxury cruise ship should never be bored. Opportunities for fun and recreation include fitness facilities with group classes, luxurious spa treatments, spacious swimming and jacuzzi pools, programming for children, evening entertainment, such as live music and shows, casinos and of course, fine dining. Some cruise ships even offer amenities such as on-board rock climbing.

Before you book your cruise, find out what entertainment will be available during your trip and what opportunities there will be for recreation.

Ample Time for Exploration

Image via Flickr by prayitno

When you’re stopping off in ports, a cruise should offer ample time to explore each place. If you have just a few hours at a port, you’ll end up leaving feeling unfulfilled. It’s not every day that you get to explore several different countries in just a few days, so check the cruise schedule to be sure you’ll have the time you need.

A cruise is a fun, exciting adventure. If your luxury cruise has the above-mentioned features, services and amenities, you can focus your effort on creating a memorable experience instead of fretting about your environment.

Author Bio: Charli is a freelance lifestyle, technology, health, and travel writer exploring all things that are beautiful. Whether it’s about family life, what’s new and cool in technology, or tips, tricks, and ideas for travel. Charli is exploring it all. When she is not out exploring and blogging, she loves to go kayaking and going to the movies.
 

Cruising is huge these days. There are about 300 cruise liners operating worldwide, serving about 20 million passengers per year and creating an annual turnover of 30 billion dollars. The ships are growing in size, most recent models carrying a capacity of up to 5400 passengers and 900 crew. They are equipped lusciously, with restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theatres, casinos and – of course – shopping malls. On those vessels, you can “do” long-established destinations like the Mediterranean or Caribbean, but by now also pretty much all of the Seven Seas, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Quite amazing.

But there is another way of cruising, fully deserving of the name but perhaps slightly sidelined by the behemoth of the global cruising industry. It is an alternative and a complement to the cruise liners and comes with various names. Where I work it’s called the Blue Cruise (or Blue Voyage).

The Blue Cruise has become a classic in the Eastern Mediterranean in recent decades. The term derives from Turkey, where it developed in the mid-20th century and describes cruises along the western and southern coasts, usually on the traditional and locally built wooden motor yacht known as a gulet, ranging from 20 to 35 metres in length. The term is now also applied beyond Turkey, in Greece, Italy and Croatia. The Blue Cruise is an opportunity to intimately and intensively explore and enjoy the shores and islands of a specific region as part of a small group, ideally with dedicated guides.

A Blue Cruise presents a more intense but also more relaxed alternative to the conventional cruise liner voyage and its superficial sense of exclusivity. Ever-larger ships frequent the same routes again and again. Instead of adventure and truly personal and local experience, the traveller is subjected to the commercialised mass-treatment of enormous groups; the intensive cultural and personal adventure that travelling can and should entail is substituted with the superficial “ticking off” of the well-known “highlights”.

Traditional elegance: a typical gulet

The Blue Cruise is different. The gulet, derived from boats used in local maritime traffic, is still hand-crafted, mostly of wood, and offers an enticing mixture of traditional elegance and modern comforts. Each of its cosy and beautiful cabins is unique, and none of them look or feel like the standardised modern hotel rooms, land- or sea-borne, that make us forget where we actually are. Its distractions are the lapping of the waves, or the creaking of the wood, not the hum of omnipresent machinery.

A gulet usually carries only ten to twenty passengers. It is able to motor or sail, depending on itinerary and wind conditions. It cannot cover the same distances the cruise liners do, but instead offers a more profound exploration of a specific region. A gulet cruise is by no means slow, but has its own pace, mixing leisure and movement, while maintaining a cultural and geographic connexion between its landfalls.

The gulet cruise has access to remote coves, islets or beaches that are inaccessible even to smallish cruise liners. It does not offer a way to “do” regions, but it allows travellers to really experience them, to see and feel and hear and smell and sometimes taste them, to engage with an area, to feel you actually are there.

There are many ways to run a Blue Cruise. It can concentrate on swimming opportunities, on diving, on sailing, on coastal scenery or on opportunities for walking or hiking, or even on gastronomy. Or on culture.

Cruising through history:
two gulets below the ancient castle of Kale/Simena (Turkey)

For us at Peter Sommer Travels, the greatest thing a Blue Cruise can do is to mix the pleasure of cruising, swimming, sunbathing and so on with the profound experience of the respective region’s culture, history and archaeology, going back three or four millennia (or more). The shores and isles of Turkey, Greece and Italy are jam-packed with historical sites, each with its own fascinating story and each part of a larger narrative of our shared human heritage.

Of course, such a voyage will include a number of the well-known highlights, but it also gives access to rarely visited and hard-to-find places you will not see on any cruise liner itinerary. It is not about jumping from Venice to Athens to Rhodes to Istanbul, but about experiencing a region in all its beauty, all its interest, all its context.

A guided gulet cruise will take you to sites steeped in an atmosphere of mystery and beauty. To get the best out of such a voyage, you need to prepare, or make sure to have the best possible guides. The ideal gulet cruise should be accompanied by an archaeologist or historian who knows the area’s background in great detail, and also by a local guide. That’s exactly what we at Peter Sommer Travels) strive to offer.

Somewhere out there, unforgettable moments, places of intense serenity, are awaiting you. You might find yourself admiring the vibrant colours of an extraordinarily well-preserved 1500-year old mosaic overlooking a stupendous coastal vista on the rarely visited Greek island of Kalymnos. Maybe you’ll enjoy scrambling up the rocky peninsula of Loryma in Southern Turkey to explore one of the best-preserved ancient fortifications along the whole Mediterranean, reachable only by boat. Or perhaps you’ll visit the famous Amalfi Coast of Italy and a varied selection of its innumerable historical sites (and its cuisine!) by sea, indulging in a leisurely and stimulating experience incomparable to the hectic coach tours along its shores. These are just three examples of what a guided gulet cruise can have to offer…

Gulet cruise meal aboard

But no, on a traditional wooden boat, there is no mall. There is a fine on-board bar and if you yearn for shopping, you can do it ashore, be it at one of the busy tourist centres or in an authentic local village. We’ll be happy to help.

Author Bio: Raised in Germany, educated in Ireland and resident in Greece, Heinrich Hall is an archaeological Tour Expert at Peter Sommer Travels, a UK-based operator specialised in cultural tours and gulet cruises in Turkey, Greece and Italy. He is co-editor of the most recent Blue Guide to the Greece: The Aegean Islands. Heinrich is a connoisseur not just of the ancient sites, but also of the landscapes, the modern culture(s) and the gastronomy of the region.

Some other special ship related posts at Lifecruiser:

The Worlds Oldest Gun Ship: A Medieval Cog Ship
Large wooden ships in Visby
The Sea Stallion Viking Ship
 

The number one advantage of cruising for families with young kids in particular is that they only need to pack and unpack the one time – when they board and at the end of the cruise. Getting to see loads of different places and not having to worry at all about the bags, supplies and arrangements has its obvious advantages, with an attentive, professional crew always there to help things along. Arrive at a different destination on a daily basis, travelling while you’re asleep, and enjoy new experiences fresh and alert rather than sleepy and frustrated.

On the cruise ship itself, there’ll be no shortage of things to do for all members of the family. From fun quizzes, deck games and pool to fitness centres, boutiques, libraries, bowling alleys and even jogging tracks, these vast vessels are floating cities packed with entertainments and activities. Many ocean cruise liners have multiple cinema complexes showing the very latest releases, video gaming halls for the kids and teens, and sumptuous restaurants serving up food created by world-class chefs. With play areas with dedicated minders for toddlers, and discos and similar venues for the restless teens seeking noise and excitement, not to mention safe freedom from parental control, cruise ships offer the lot and then some.

Cruise destinations used to be fairly limited, but the oceans have opened up. Now you can choose from lots of different types of cruises and varied itineraries, these types of hassle-free holidays are becoming increasingly popular. Whether you want to explore destinations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Far East, Australasia, South America or even the Arctic Circle, there’ll be a cruise calling out to you like a siren and you’ll be hard pressed to resist. Forget about drawing up complex, expensive and fussy travel arrangements because all you need to do is get to the departure point, unpack and simply take it easy, allowing the crew to do all the legwork whilst you just sit back and literally let the world go by.

Dealing with airport transfers, checking flight times, worrying about cancellations, collecting luggage and sorting out language problems are things that simply don’t exist when you go for the cruise option. Also consider that it’s much easier to keep to a budget on a cruise as opposed to on a traditional holiday, because on an all-inclusive cruise you’ve paid for it all up front and there are no rapidly mounting extras to factor in.

Take a break with a difference this year and give yourself a well-deserved treat that makes great sense whichever way you look at it.

Author bio: David Elliott is a freelance writer who loves to travel, especially in Europe and Turkey. He’s spent most of his adult life in a state of restless excitement but recently decided to settle in North London. He gets away whenever he can to immerse himself in foreign cultures and lap up the history of great cities.

Some other cruise related posts at Lifecruiser:

The Worlds Oldest Gun Ship: A Medieval Cog Ship
The Best Things to do on a Cruise in Hawaii
The coolest cruise is a Caribbean cruise
The top five Red Sea cruise destinations
Broaden your horizons when there are cruise deals to be had
Fabulous Cruise Alternatives
Cruising is the Perfect Gift
Top 5 Pacific Cruises For Your Next Getaway!
Mediterranean Dream Cruises
Top 5 Cruises for family’s on a budget
Luxury Dream Cruises
Bargain Cruise Ships Tips
 

Many people are also surprised to find out that the Red Sea is home to several beautiful beaches, as well as activities like scuba diving and swimming. You might want to check out special offers to visit the Red Sea on cruise deals at virginholidayscruises.co.uk.

Here are five top destinations to visit on a Red Sea Cruise…

Sharm el Sheikh, Naama Bay. Photo by Svetlana Grechkina

1. Sharm el Sheikh

One of the most popular destinations for a cruise in the Red Sea, although there is no main tourist attraction, but the beach itself attracts thousands every year.

While swimming, tanning, relaxing or exploring the beach are all great ways to pass the time, snorkelling and scuba diving make Sharm el Sheikh Egypt’s most popular beach resort.

2. Port Sokhna

Few people have heard of Port Sokhna, but it is where most cruise passengers disembark to explore capital city Cairo, which is only a few miles away.

In Cairo itself, there are countless attractions to explore like the Museum of Cairo and the Coptic Museum, but the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza are the most impressive of all.

3. Luxor

Located on the banks of the Nile, Luxor was once the capital of ancient Egypt. Today, it is a top destination for travellers wanting an insight into its long history.

Passengers will usually disembark at Port Safaga and travel 45 minutes to Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings.

Here, visitors can see the Tomb of Tutankhamen, the Tomb of Ramesses VI and countless other ancient historic landmarks.

4. Petra, Jordan

Parts of the Red Sea border the scenic country of Jordan, and there is nowhere more remarkable to visit than Petra.

Petra is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasts several different structures carved from the famous pink-tinted rocks.

5. Hurghada

Although Hurghada may not be as big or popular as Sharm el Sheikh, it’s every bit as beautiful.

This coastal destination in Egypt is a stopping point for some of the cheapest cruises in the Red Sea. It offers great opportunities for scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling and horseback riding on the beach.

Going on a cruise on the Red Sea, you can visit historic landmarks, relaxing beaches and more.

Lifecruiser Love Cruise Holidays

Some other cruise related posts at Lifecruiser:

Broaden your horizons when there are cruise deals to be had
Fabulous Cruise Alternatives
Cruising is the Perfect Gift
Top 5 Pacific Cruises For Your Next Getaway!
Mediterranean Dream Cruises
Top 5 Cruises for family’s on a budget
Luxury Dream Cruises
The Worlds Oldest Gun Ship: A Medieval Cog Ship
Bargain Cruise Ships Tips
 

Red Sea cruise deals from the likes of Thomson this year are recommended as a budget-conscious but interesting way to beat the winter blues. To those in the know, these holidays are tough to beat for the money – just check out any online message board or travel review site.

For those who haven’t previously ventured outside their comfort zone, flying to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt in order to get on a cruise ship might seem a bit too far off the beaten path. But it’s not only safe, it’s luxurious. In fact, it might be a holiday that you find yourself returning to time and time again, as so many others have done.

But what is there to see? First of all, Sharm El Sheikh is a world-renowned diving spot, with huge areas of coral reef now well-protected by the government. It also has sandy beaches and promenades lined with palm trees. If you like history, note that it’s located at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, at the edge of one of the most ancient regions in the world, not far from Mount Sinai and the ancient Saint Catherine’s Monastery.

Most Red Sea cruises will also stop in Aqaba, Jordan’s ancient (and only) coastal city – an area that has been inhabited since 4000 BC and has seen the ancient Greeks and Romans come and go. It has incredible architectural and cultural remnants from those eras. The city is also famous throughout the region for its breaches, warm water and diverse marine life.

Most cruises also stop in Port Sokhna, a gateway to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza. Day trips are typically offered, including return transport and tours of such cultural touchstones as the Cairo Museum, the Pyramids of Giza, the Mohammad Ali Mosque and other gems from this fascinating and ancient civilization, and the focus of so much reportage these past few years. For some, chaotic Cairo is the highlight of the Red Sea excursion, and a must-see stop for those interested in ancient and modern history.

Check now for cruise deals on Red Sea excursions and book something a little different this winter.

Lifecruiser Love Cruise Deals
 

It is an Experience

Americans dream up the most interesting ways to spend vacation days as shown by the assortment of packages offered by travel specialists. These advisers tend to specialize in certain packages, but the very best ones can provide the right venue regardless of the type of vacation desired.

To get the most out of limited vacation days, plan with an eye to new adventures and unexplored opportunities. Trying to stick to an overly rigid schedule can turn your dream vacation into boot camp. Set some goals, rather than tasks. Leave plenty of time between activities and feel free to step away from your daily routine assuming you have no medical restrictions.

Types of Vacations

Disney Vacations are family-oriented affairs. This type of vacation is best enjoyed as a multi-generational experience so that grandchildren can interact with grandparents in a fun setting. This is beneficial for everyone because having an extra pair of eyes and hands can be helpful in navigating big crowds. The Disney vacation becomes less stressful and more memorable when shared with family members.

When vacation days are limited, it makes sense to spend the time vacationing close to home. This will cut down on expenses and vacation stress as well. Pack a bag and your best vacation togs and drive to a full-service hotel. Enjoy all the amenities and try to forget that you can see your backyard from the rooftop pool. Mingle with the other guests, make friends and act like a tourist. To maximize the experience, turn your phone off and limit the number of people who know where you are. You are not on vacation if you continue to think of work.

Many travel advisors have themed vacation packages so that all you need to do is sign up for the adventure that you seek. A spa vacation will include the full array of personal pampering that you may need to recharge from a high-stress lifestyle. Bluegreen Resorts vacations have several spa options in different locations. A western adventure on a working ranch is for those who seek to experience the cowboy lifestyle if only for a few days. A golf holiday or a gambling weekend can be had if this is your idea of a dream vacation.

A cruise vacation is also a popular option for families, but there are exploration-based cruises that are guaranteed to whet your appetite for adventure. Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, the Amazon and many exotic destinations are within the realm of possibility if you find the right vacation package.

The Vacation Mindset

It seems a little odd that people on vacation have to be reminded to relax and actually let their mind and their spirit go on vacation. However, some people find it difficult to disconnect from work and their established routine. Old habits die hard, but giving in to the vacation mindset once in a while will reboot mind and body approaching burnout, recharge the spirit and create beautiful memories to go back to until your next vacation days roll around.

Lifecruiser Love Vacation
 

There are many different ways to see the Hawaiian Islands. Some travelers prefer to stay at a luxury villa in Maui or a hotel, while others prefer to join an island-hopping cruise. For the best of both worlds, smart travelers sometimes split their vacation time equally with a one-week cruise followed by a relaxing beachfront stay.

Wherever your cruise takes you, it’s a good idea to get up early and have a plan of what you would like to see on your day out. Here are a few of my personal favorites Hawaii daytrips.

Top Hawaii Daytrips

Go on a Hike

If you’ve made one too many trips to the cruise buffet, here’s your chance to burn a few calories! The Ioa Valley trail in Maui for example, is a beautiful hike that will provide some breathtaking views of Maui’s tropical hillsides, and is only a 15 minute drive from the popular Maui port of Kahului. This hiking trail peaks at roughly 1,200 feet and shouldn’t take more than 2 – 3 hours to fully enjoy. Some hikers will even jump into the river at the base of the hiking trail to cool off. A decently challenging hiking trail.

Take a Road Trip

Rent a convertible and take The Road to Hana, one of Hawaii’s most famous road trips. Don’t be fooled by its distance, even though your map says its only about 50 miles from Kahului to Hana, the windy road will feel much longer and will take several hours when you factor in all the stops for taking photos. Along the way you’ll experience Maui’s coastline, see natural waterfalls, take countless bridges and have a chance to buy produce from local fruit stands. Get your camera ready and budget a full day – this is one road trip you’ll never forget!

Visit the Historical Sites

Chances are your cruise ship will make its way to Honolulu at some point and this is where you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of America’s most famous landmarks, Pearl Harbor. Here you’ll find the USS Arizona and Battleship Missouri Memorials and learn about the attack that took place through an impressive 20-minute documentary video. This is Hawaii’s most popular site drawing over 1.5 million travelers annually.

There are many worthwhile sites and attractions to visit while taking a cruise in Hawaii, too many to cover in this blog post. Make the most of each stop by avoiding the usual souvenir shops and try something active, local and adventurous. You can catch up on sleep when you return to the ship so get out there and really see what the Hawaiian Islands can offer you!

About Susanne Richards: Suzanne regularly writes about Maui villa rentals and her latest travel adventures for Luxury Retreats. An active traveler, Suzanne loves to surf, hike and explore new beaches in Hawaii and the Caribbean.