A couple of weeks ago I shared part one of my current travel bucket list. I say current because as things get crossed off, I will be adding more. There’s a lot of world out there so without further ado, let’s get to the second half of the list which consists of cruise itineraries and a bonus!
South America Cruise
This one has been on my bucket list for a long time but I’m waiting for retirement so we can do it right. In addition to the two weeks needed to go around the bottom of South America, I want to spend time in the embarkation and debarkation port cities.
I’d even consider the 80 or so day itinerary from Holland America that is a round-trip from Florida.
Europe River Cruise
Before my trip to China, this would have just said River cruise. After the wonderful Yangtze River experience, I can be more specific! The first one (I’m thinking after one I won’t want to stop) will be the Rhine so I can enjoy the wonderful castles along the way.
Baltic Cruise
Now that I’ve visited top European destinations, I’m ready to extend my sights to Northern Europe. A Baltic cruise will be a great way to get a taste of several countries in one trip and determine which ones, if any, I’d want to revisit.
Most of these itineraries embark in Copenhagen or Amsterdam depending on the cruise line. Either city would be enjoyable for a multi-day pre-cruise visit.
Transatlantic Cruise
I didn’t think I’d have time for a Transatlantic cruise until post-retirement. When deciding what to do for my birthday with a zero trip, this jumped to the top of the list. I was prepared to sail solo (my husband will not be up for another transatlantic flight so soon) but one of my sisters is joining me.
The sailing we booked is 16 days but has eight port days which is quite unusual and will definitely break up the trip. We get to see those stops that aren’t routinely included in European cruises like Cadiz and the Canary Islands.
World Cruise
Over the past few years I’ve read many blogs of world cruisers on a variety of cruise lines (Cunard, Princess, Regent and Holland America) dreaming of someday becoming one of them.
My husband loves the idea of embarking in the US and not having to fly back from another continent while visiting so many interesting posts. It will undoubtedly be the most expensive trip we ever take which makes it a one-time event for us most likely.
These cruises release the itineraries about 20-24 months in advance so we’ll know long before the trip when we’re going but it will be a number of years before this happens.
Bonus Destination
I read about Dry Tortugas National Park a few years ago and was surprised to find such a beautiful US park that is so little-known. Part of the reason is that it’s 70 miles from the nearest US land in open water. But that’s also why it’s so unspoiled.
There are no hotels so it’s camping, boating or a day trip. I’ll probably do a day trip but this is a to do on my travel bucket list.
Besides making a list, you need to take steps to start making them happen. I’ve already booked one of the top 10 and will keep working on the list as long in years to come. What are the top 10 travel experiences on your list?
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