Destinations

Sometimes sleepy, sometimes sophisticated, Alaska is the epitome of rugged paradise. Its primary magnetism lies in monstrous glaciers and frosted mountains, yet sparking waterfalls, mist-enshrouded forest and sheer fjords lend to its serene, if not rough, beauty.

Cruises to Alaska are slow, glacier-intensive voyages that typically sail along the Inside Passage and visit Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier, and three to four ports. Most cruise lines also offer cruise-tour packages that take passengers deep into the interior of Alaska via train.

Once the old stomping grounds of marauding pirates, these 700 islands, are now one of the century’s most idyllic hotspots. The Bahamas’ perpetual sunshine, sapphire-blue seas and sugar-white beaches lure sun-worshippers, honeymooners and families alike.

Popular as quick getaways, cruises to the Bahamas are usually only 3 or 4 days long. Nassau, Freeport and Key West are the main ports, though some cruise lines call at their own private island in the Bahamas. Duty free shopping, nightlife and diving abounds.

Quintessentially British, Bermuda is known as much for its cricket matches and afternoon tea as much as it is for its pink beaches and cloudless skies. Medieval alleys compete for foot traffic with lush fairways, and glitzy hotels loom over senic coloured cottages.

Most cruises to this island are 7-night single-destination journeys, giving vacationers several days to enjoy snorkeling, golfing and sightseeing. Ships spend two to three days at Hamilton, the capital city; St. George, on the eastern tip of the Island; and/or Kings Wharf on the western end.

Serenely rustic, the east edge of Canada and New England is a blissful coastal paradise brimming with fishing villages, mom-and-pop shops, colonial history and a rugged ambiance. Vying for attention are mansions, lighthouses, bookshops and seaside eateries.

Cruises to Canada and New England range from short 5-night beat-the-summer-heat getaways to longer, very highly anticipated 10-night fall foliage cruises. Cruises typically depart from New York or Boston and sail to Bar Harbour, Halifax, Montreal, St John, Toronto and Quebec.

The charm of sailing to the Exotic Caribbean lies in the opportunity to visit offbeat ports with unique ambiance that aren’t as frequently visited during standard Caribbean sailings. Who wouldn’t want to visit Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, Aruba and the Bahamas in a single trip?

Unending miles of gleaming beaches and year-round sunshine complement a more exotic culture. Walk the black sand of St. Kitts, view Spanish architecture in Cartagena, shop for elegant imports in Philipsburg and hike rainforest preserve in St. Lucia.

The honeymoon capital of the world is a seducing concoction of jagged volcanoes, palm-fringed beaches, verdant valleys, glorious rainbows and awesome cliffs. Rivaled in beauty by few other states, it is an enchanting, fairy-tale like dreamscape that is the consummate tropical getaway.

Cruises to Hawaii are the ultimate "island-hopping" adventures, giving you ample time to visit tropical islands and enjoy your luxurious ship. Popular 7-, 10- and 11-night cruises call upon Hilo and Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Kahului and Lahaina, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; and Nawiliwili, Kauai.

White-sand beaches, great water sports, an exuberant nightlife and a lively art scene all contribute to Mexico's popularity. Beachfront resorts afford you modern pleasures, while open-air markets, ancient Mayan ruins and cozy cantinas cultivate your sense of culture.

Baja cruises to LA, Ensenada, and Catalina are fun, relaxing 3- and 4-day getaways.