Many of the world’s most spectacular panoramas are hidden from normal view, only accessible to the world’s more adventurous travellers. So, in a bid to share some of the world’s best kept secrets, Royal Caribbean has worked with its Captains around the world to uncover their most memorable views and destinations around the world.
The cruise holiday company, which sails to 260 destinations globally, has surveyed the Captains of its 23 ships to identify 12 destinations which even its most seasoned travellers consider to be breath-taking every time they make the journey into port.
Sydney Harbour, Australia
Regarded as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world with more than 240 kilometres of shoreline and meandering waterways, it also plays host to the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Captain Rick Sullivan who is now onboard Explorer of the Seas, visited Sydney Harbour during his time onboard Rhapsody of the Seas and called it “the most iconic harbour in the world.” Explorer of the Seas will make her maiden debut in Sydney this year, on 28 November 2015, crossing in beautiful Sydney Harbour with twin sister Voyager of the Seas.
The Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
The glaciers of Alaska were chosen as a favourite view by several of the captains surveyed, who commented on the magnitude and scale of the view from Yakutat to Disenchantment Bay. Voyager of the Seas’ Captain Sindre Borsheim, commented that he loves the view because: “it is different every time, as the colours vary with the light” while Captain Juan Caranti, from Radiance of the Seas, added: “when a piece of ice falls into the ocean it makes an extraordinary roar, like a thunderstorm.” The Hubbard Glacier, located in Eastern Alaska is joined by the Valerie Glacier to the west and joins Disenchantment Bay waters.
Venice Harbour, Italy
Chosen by several of the Captains surveyed, Venice’s stunning architecture was considered to be at its best when the sun is rising over it first thing in the morning.
Geiranger Fjord, Norway
The Geiranger fjord is located in the southwestern part of the county of Møre og Romsdal, in Norway. The deep blue water is surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls and lush, green vegetation. Captain Espen Been, from Grandeur of the Seas, described how: “where the mountains meet the sea and the snow from the surrounding tops is mirrored, it seems like everything is blooming.”
Stockholm archipelago, Sweden
The archipelago through which ships sail as they come into Stockholm was described as being like “nothing else” due to the thousands of rocks and tiny islands which have to be navigated on the entry to the port. Captain Espen Been, from Grandeur of the Seas said that “homes look like doll’s houses” as you sail past. With nearly 30,000 islands, islets and rocks – from Arholma in the north to Landsort in the south – rugged nature blends with wooded islands, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches in the second largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea.
Vesuvius, Naples, Italy
The landscape of the Mediterranean was regularly cited by the Captains as housing some of the best views in the world. But several identified the view of Vesuvius towering over Naples at sunrise as an extraordinary image to capture from the sea.
Golfo di Poeti, La Spezia, Italy
Lord Byron was so enamoured with Lerici that the bay became known as the Bay of Poets. The Captains commented that it was “easy to see why” it earned such devotion, with comments that the view of the Golfo di Poeti as ships sail out of the port of La Spezia is “enchanting.”
Nice, France
A popular destination for the well-trodden holidaymaker, the Captains commented that the view of Nice as they sail into the neighbouring port of VilleFranche deserved a place in the top 20 thanks to its mountainous backdrop. Captain Tomas Busto, from Adventure of the Seas, said he loved it because: “when the ships arrive in the Mediterranean in April, the mountains are still snow-capped but the beaches are welcoming sunbathers.”
Kotor, Montenegro
Captain Lis Lauritzen, from Vision of the Seas, commented that Kotor in Montenegro deserved a spot in the list of favourite views as it is “completely different in terms of view and environment.”
The port is located in the Gulf of Kotor which is considered to be one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea. The historic town of Kotor has little commercial traffic and is known for its Venetian style architecture set against a mountainous backdrop.
Island of Moorea, French Polynesia
The “beautiful green, jagged volcanic mountains” of the Island of Moorea helped it finds its way into the top views for the ship Captains. The French Polynesian island paradise is known for the juxtaposition of sandy beaches against its dramatic mountain ranges, with rainforest trails and scuba diving popular activities for adventurous travellers.
Vancouver, Canada
Captain Rick Sullivan, from Explorer of the Seas, explained that Vancouver made the list due to the perspective of sailing under the First Narrows Bridge into Vancouver Harbour looking at the city against the backdrop of the mountains.
The English Channel, UK
Captain Henrik Loft Soerensen, from Brilliance of the Seas, commented that his favourite view is of the expanse of English Channel as it is “beautiful and peaceful”.
For further information or to book a cruise, contact your local travel agent, phone 1800 754 500 or visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au.
SOURCE Royal Caribbean International