Kos, Napier, Santo Tomas, Sarande, Sihanoukville and Valdivia all have in common. These very uncommon places are all new destinations that Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) companies have added to the…
Kos, Napier, Santo Tomas, Sarande, Sihanoukville and Valdivia all have in common. These very uncommon places are all new destinations that Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) companies have added to the nearly 2,000 ports they visit each year. CLIA`s member cruise lines continually seek out new ports of call to ensure that itineraries are fresh and new – and even more importantly, offer something for everyone.
Regardless of the destination – be it Asia, Alaska, the Caribbean or Europe – cruise vacations enable travelers to explore exotic cultures and landscapes around the globe, all the while returning to Western-style comforts and conveniences aboard passenger-pleasing ships.
In the Caribbean, for instance, several cruise lines this year are offering inaugural calls at the pristine shores of Grand Turk, part of the Turks & Caicos Islands chain, while others plan to visit La Romana in the Dominican Republic, with its miles of bleached beaches. In Mexico, more cruise lines are adding Costa Maya, an up-and-coming port near the ancient Mayan cultural centers.
In Alaska, more lines are also calling at Icy Strait Point in Alaska, a destination located near Glacier Bay that is the historic native settlement of Hoonah. Icy Strait Point offers travelers a glimpse at wildlife tours and a taste of native Tlingit culture.
CLIA cruise lines are charting new waters in Europe as well, with many lines traveling to such farther-flung ports including Sarande, Albania`s most famous seaside resort, and Constanta, Romania, where passengers can enjoy mud baths at local spas.
In Asia, cruise guests can take in the sights of Sihanoukville, Cambodia`s premier beach town; and Chan May, a port from which travelers can visit Hue, Vietnam`s Imperial City during the 19th century.
CLIA cruise lines are also adding calls to new, hot destinations in the Middle East, like Syria and Lebanon, affording travelers a glimpse of destinations about which much of the Western world knows little.
From cosmopolitan European cities to quaint Caribbean islands to remote, emerging ports in the Middle East, one thing always remains the same, said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA. Guests can return from their adventures ashore to ships that offer features and amenities that exceed expectations.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
