Travel
| On 2 years ago

Top five international cruises for your 2022 bucket list

By Renate Engelbrecht

The past two years have seen people from across the globe rethink their way of living and one thing that many realised, was that they hadn’t been living life to the full.

Hence, more and more people are now prioritising family and the opportunities to spend quality time together. Is there any better way to spend quality time with family and friends than on a cruise ship?

Egypt Sphinx

With Egypt being a trending travel destination, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises recently debuted images of their newest Super Ship, the S.S. Sphinx, which set sail this year as the only river cruise in Egypt. This floating boutique hotel features the signature touches that Uniworld’s ships are known for.

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The ship operates on the Splendours of Egypt & The Nile itinerary, which is a 12-day adventure-filled sailing to experience Egypt and the Nile’s top sites, starting and ending in Cairo. On this cruise, you get to explore the Temple of Karnak and temples dedicated to Hathor, Horus and other mythological figures.

You can also pay homage to Egypt’s first female ruler at the Temple of Hatshepsut, step into the famous Egyptian Museum and more.

The Royal Suite on Uniworld’s S.S. Sphinx Cruise Ship. Picture: Supplied

Uniworld’s cruises are inclusive of all meals onboard, premium spirits and wine, beautifully appointed river view accommodations, offshore excursions, airport transfers, onboard gratuities and Wi-Fi.

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The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when the temperatures are a little cooler.

ALSO READ: Take a cue from these celebs for your next trip

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Hurtigruten Cruises

If an international cruise and seeing the Northern Lights have both been on your bucket list for ages, why not combine the two?

No trip to the Arctic is complete if you haven’t seen the spectacular Aurora Borealis, nature’s ultimate light show. Hurtigruten Cruises currently has a Northern Lights Promise offer which is valid until the end of March 2022, where you can get another six- or seven-day Classic Voyage free of charge if the Northern Lights do not appear on your voyage to Norway.

Cruising while watching the Northern Lights. Picture: Supplied

The best time to travel to Norway to see the Northern Lights is between November and March.

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Ponant

If the Seychelles’ white, outstretched beaches and impressive granite boulders are what you’re after for your next trip, Ponant has a variety of cruise ship options to choose from.

Their The Essential Seychelles itinerary allows you to discover the must-see jewels of the Seychelles, including Saint Anne Marine National Park, Remire Island, Curieuse Island, an encounter with the archipelago’s unique, giant tortoises and much more.

Seychelles’ granite boulders. Picture: Ponant

The best time to visit the Seychelles is between April and May or between October and November.

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Holland America

Departing from Seattle in the United States, Holland America’s seven-day Alaskan explorer trip takes you on a round-trip Seattle adventure. The itinerary includes the spectacular Glacier Bay National Park, whale-watching and stops in rough-hewn Ketchikan, as well as Alaska’s capital, Juneau.

The cruise season in Alaska starts in May and runs all the way through to September.  

Royal Caribbean Cruises

If you’re in the mood for some island hopping, Royal Caribbean Cruises’ seven-night Southern Caribbean Island Hop cruise might just be right up your alley.

The itinerary includes visits to Bridgetown in Barbados, Scarborough in Tobago, the Port of Spain in Trinidad, St George’s in Grenada, Kingstown in St Vincent, Roseau in Dominica and Castries in St Lucia.

Caribbean cruises. Picture: Supplied

The best time to cruise the Caribbean is from November to mid-December (if you’d like to avoid the busy season).

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