WHERE TO CRUISE IN 2022 WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN

From Europe to Latin America, Royal Caribbean can take you to 61 countries on six continents in style. PHOTO AND CONTENT CREDIT: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

From the wild reaches of Alaska to the Mexican Riviera’s sunny beaches, to archaeological sites in Greece, you can take a Royal Caribbean cruise to your pick of 240 destinations across 61 countries in 2022. At the top of the must-see list this year are seven places that cover some of the world’s iciest landscapes, bluest shorelines, most historic ruins and more.

Check out the top destinations you can visit on a cruise in 2022:

Alaska

There are four Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska, including newcomer Quantum of the Seas. Helicopter experiences, hiking and zip lining as just some of the activities in store. From seaside towns, like Ketchikan and Seward, to natural wonders like the Dawes Glacier, you’ll find wildlife—moose, bears, humpback whales and more—and sense of absolute freedom. Alaska is also the home of the Tlingit civilization, Indigenous people with a thriving culture in places like Icy Strait Point. The Last Frontier has more miles of coastline than any other U.S. state combined (over 33,000 miles), making a cruise one of the best and most convenient ways to see all the state has to offer.

Pro tip: You can even catch one-of-a-kind views as you sail Alaska, thanks to miles of floor-to-ceiling windows and unique spots like the North Star, an all-glass observation capsule that takes you 300 feet above the ocean. It’s in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship.

Immerse yourself in Alaska’s wonders on a cruise from Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Greek Isles, like Corfu, are known for ancient ruins that date back to the 8th century. CREDIT: ISTOCK

Greece

With sunny weather, miles of shoreline, remnants of ancient civilizations and many iconic sights old and new, Greece tops many travel lists. You can cruise to several of the 227 inhabited islands (nearly 6,000 in total), like Corfu, Rhodes and Delos. In this Mediterranean oasis, you can discover the birthplace of democracy in Athens, meander at archeological treasures like the Parthenon, a temple to the gods, and Mycenae—the remains of a once-major center of civilization—and hike up jagged hills formed by volcanic activity in Santorini. Happy days can also be spent simply soaking in the joy of Greece’s abundant beaches, rich culture and much-loved food that is known for its use of olive oil, feta, fish and lean meats.

Sail the Mediterranean on a cruise to Greece.

Find bliss at one of the many beaches of Barbados, like Crane Beach. CREDIT: ISTOCK

Barbados

From Bathsheba’s rocky shores to vibrant live music in St. Lawrence Gap and the historic streets and buildings of Bridgetown, Barbados’ 11 parishes are full of wonder. This Southern Caribbean gem has more than 70 miles of beaches—some with rare pink sand—that make many must-see lists. On the west side of the island, you’ll find gentle waves for snorkeling and easy relaxing, while on the east side, there are cliffsides and swells that thrill surfers. Barbados is known for its blend of British and West African culture; Bridgetown and its Garrison are both well-preserved examples of British colonial architecture. Barbados is also a popular destination to cruise from, which means you have the option to extend your vacation before or after a cruise to experience even more of the island nation—it may be 20 miles long, but there’s plenty of ground to cover.

Visit Barbados and other Southern Caribbean islands for the ultimate tropical vacation.

Barcelona is just one of the iconic coastal destinations in Spain. CREDIT: ISTOCK

Spain

A visit to Spain promises dynamic architecture, food like paella and churros, and a blend of mountainous and coastal scenery. Fans of history, art and culture flock to Barcelona to see the work of famous 19th-century architect Antoni Gaudi, such as La Sagrada Familia basilica, a jaw-dropping cathedral under construction today. Another hotspot is Ibiza, which is known for its nightlife, entertainment, and even salt flats and sea caves. The city of Mallorca, a top destination for sailboats, offers the best of coastal living, like fresh seafood and wine that thrives in the temperate climate. Wherever you end up in Spain, you’ll have plenty to discover.

Pro tip: The highly anticipated Wonder of the Seas is sailing from Barcelona and Rome, and heading to several of the western Mediterranean’s dreamiest destinations like Naples, Italy; Provence, France; and Mallorca, Spain.

Set course for Spain and the Mediterranean.

One of the most recognizable Australian landmarks is the Sydney Opera House, widely regarded as an engineering marvel. CREDIT: ISTOCK

Australia

Australia’s wildly different regions across six states range from the vast Outback, where red rocks jut out of the desert, to metropolitan hubs like Sydney and Melbourne, and everything in between. In Queensland, you can marvel at wildlife like kangaroos and koala bears, in their natural habitat, and dive in to explore the largest coral reef system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Hit up New South Wales to take in the sight of the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, a world-famous beach. Additionally, discover nearby Vanuatu, a country of 83 islands and where more than 1,000 languages are spoken; it also has the world’s only underwater post office. You’ll always have plenty of adventure in store Down Under.

Venture to Australia and beyond on a South Pacific adventure.

One of Mexico’s most stunning spots is the Ik Kil cenote, a top place to swim in the Yucatan region. CREDIT: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Mexico

Mexico is a large and extremely diverse place with a rich heritage. Influences from Spain, and the Maya and Aztec empires are reflected in music, folklore, dance, celebrations like El Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and even tequila. In the Baja region, famed vineyards thrive in mild coastal weather. It’s also the birthplace of the margarita. The Yucatan is where over 200 Maya ruins are shrouded in deep jungles and tropical heat. Underwater, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of coral reefs, like the 600-mile-long Mesoamerican Reef—or Great Maya Reef—off Costa Maya. Cultural pride, natural wonders and flavorful dishes and drinks are everywhere throughout Mexico.

Pro tip: Navigator of the Seas sails to Mexico from Los Angeles on three-, four-, five- and seven-night cruises to destinations like Ensenada, Can San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

Make memories on a cruise vacation to Mexico from Los Angeles.

Copenhagen, Denmark, the city that inspired the works of Hans Christian Andersen, is sometimes called the city of fairytales. CREDIT: ISTOCK

Denmark

There’s a certain magic in the air in Denmark—maybe because it’s the birthplace of fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen. Roam Copenhagen—or better yet, bike, since bikes outnumber cars in Denmark’s capital—to find sites like the Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park with 25 rides as well as ballet and theater productions. You can also head to the National Museum of Denmark, which chronicles the country’s history with a collection of about six million artifacts. For an escape from city life, venture to Thy National Park, with its rolling hills and “troll forests,” which were named after the 200-year-old trees that have grown in strange, twisted shapes because of frost and wind. This small Scandinavian country has picture-perfect lakes and waterways, seaside villages and staggering cliffs.

Discover the wonders of Denmark on a cruise to Northern Europe.

Feeling inspired to start planning your next vacation? Let me help you find your perfect Royal Caribbean cruise to one of these amazing destinations or one of many more!