I never thought of going on a cruise because I assumed it was "too expensive", like all the other BS were fed daily to hinder us from experiencing a fantastic life. Last year I popped my cruise cherry and WHEW! I was faded for five days straight and it took me extended time to get back into the harsh reality of land life. But what better way to explore the world than with a chauffeur and some of the happiest people you will ever meet?! I went solo and left with family. Here are some popular destinations to ride the waves to this year.
Caribbean
Mind-blowing Natural Beauty: For my 33rd birthday, I said I wanted to be on an island somewhere far away, preferably Turks & Caicos. I dont care if it was only for a day, I WAS THERE! The Caribbean is Mother Nature's masterpiece; white-sand beaches stretching for miles, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and crystal-clear turquoise waters so vivid it's like a living screensaver. And the sunsets are so breathtaking you might even consider sharing one with an island boyyy. If you're ever in Nassau, skip Atlantis and go 5 minutes down the road to Cabbage Beach. That was the best jungle massage Ive had so far 😉.
Adventure on Steroids: If you're an adrenaline junkie like me, the Caribbean is a playground that'll keep you PUMPED! We're talking scuba diving with sharks, zip-lining through lush rainforests, and off-roading in the island's rugged terrains. Having the 3rd largest reef in the world, I got to cross snorkeling in Turks and Caicos off my bucket list and even got a stingray massage for my bday! The history, activities and culture make this destination an endless buffet of excitement. If you're looking to recharge your batteries and soak up some Vitamin D, the Caribbean is the place to be. Im an Island Girllll!
Mediterranean
Time-travel Through History: Exploring a crazy range of European countries and cultures along the Mediterranean Sea, these cruises usually cover ports in Italy, Greece, Spain, and France, and may also include stops in Croatia, Montenegro, and Turkey. Highlights include historical sites, iconic landmarks, local cuisine, and stunning coastal landscapes. The Mediterranean is like a living, breathing history book. You'll be walking in the footsteps of ancient civilizations, exploring the very birthplace of Western culture. Picture yourself wandering through the ruins of the Roman Colosseum, gazing at the Acropolis in Athens, or getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of medieval Dubrovnik. This region is overflowing with epic stories, legendary battles, and grand empires making it a history buff's dream and a mind-blowing experience for anyone with an ounce of curiosity.
Feast on Mouthwatering Cuisine: Y'all know how much I love my food, especially carbs! The Mediterranean is a melting pot of flavors, and each port of call offers its own unique culinary delights. From the fresh seafood in Greece, the tapas in Spain, and the handmade pasta in Italy – it's next-level delicious. Plus, you'll be pairing these dishes with some of the best local wines, and it's a five star culinary experience that'll leave you craving more. This is at the top of my list, no joke. I can almost taste the salt air while I sip my Amarone. I need to book one of these cruises ASAP!
Best Mediterranean Cruise Line
Viking Cruises is a leading cruise line according to an abundance of great reviews, offering both ocean and river cruises across the globe. The company has been honored with multiple awards for providing outstanding services, luxurious facilities, clean ship design, and sustainability practices. Vikings' small vessels are known for providing a personalized experience, and have gained recognition as the "Best Small Ship Cruise Line", "Best River Cruise Line" and "Greenest Cruise Line". With its exceptional accolades, Viking Cruises consistently provides a superior cruising experience. Take a look at some of the reviews: Viking Cruise Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Ratings of Viking River ...
Alaskan
Nature's Epic Masterpiece: Alright, I HATE the cold. Why would anyone wanna pay to be cold? But it's not just some icy wilderness up there; it's a mind-blowing, awe-inspiring destination that'll leave you speechless. The last frontier has more than 57 million acres of designated wilderness: watersheds, mountain ranges, glaciers, wetlands, coastlines, volcanoes, tundra, forests, and rivers. Homelands of Indigenous peoples that are now also recognized as wilderness are the culmination of thousands of years of Indigenous land stewardship. Alaska is one of the few places in the United States that has large, intact natural landscapes. These large areas allow ecosystems to function naturally so they are more resilient and allow species to better adapt to climate change. Dynamic areas offer clean air and water, habitat protection, and support mental and physical health. Alaska will make you feel alive, and it'll change your perspective on nature forever.
Wildlife Extravaganza: If you love wildlife like me, Alaska is the ultimate safari. Think about it: grizzly bears fishing for salmon, moose meandering through the woods, and sea otters playing in the icy waters. About 95% of National Park Service land in Alaska has some wilderness protection, and accounts for about 30% of the nation’s wilderness. This includes mass migrations of caribou and the natural disturbance of fire that creates a mosaic of vegetation communities. And that's just scratching the surface. Few are able to say they have floated through the Inside Passage, with humpback whales breaching beside the ship, or had eagles soar above while exploring quaint, historic ports. Make sure you end your trip taking the scenic route through Denali National Park so you can feel connected to wildlife nature in a way that you've never experienced before.
Baltic Sea
History Buff's Paradise: The Baltic sea is excellent a choice for those interested in history, culture, and stunning architecture. Key stops typically include Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg. You'll have the chance to explore medieval cities, fairytale castles, and modern metropolitan areas. Step into a time machine that'll teleport you back through the centuries as this region has seen it all - Vikings, medieval knights, grand empires, and even the Cold War. Head to the cities of St. Petersburg, Tallinn, and Stockholm and stroll the ancient castles, grand palaces, and cobblestone streets before you run back to the port. They can't leave us all!
The Land of the Midnight Sun: Now, here's something really trippy. During the summer months, the Baltic Sea region experiences what's called the "Midnight Sun," where the sun never fully sets. Imagine cruising through the night with the sky still lit up like it's twilight. It's a surreal experience that you've got to see to believe. Plus, those extra hours of daylight mean more time to explore and soak up everything this amazing region has to offer. Idk if this is a good or bad thing that its bright around the clock because when we're not sleeping we're most definitely drinking. Cheers!
My first cruise experience was definitely unforgettable! EVERYONE was happy. Ive never seen so many smiling people sharing the same joy of just living and appreciating life. It was really cool and Im glad my next boat ride will be longer so I can try and not hit my 15 drink max one of the days lol. We were LIT. Click my photo for a sneak peek of my bday trip! Full episode of me cruising' and groovin' at https://www.fadedtruth.com/episodes.
Caught a travel bug and still need a fix? Click the photo below for my bucket list! Bon Voyage!
