Riomaggiore, a charming village in Italy's famed Cinque Terre, is a gem of the Ligurian coast. With its colorful houses cascading down steep cliffs towards the azure Mediterranean, this picturesque town offers a postcard-perfect escape. Founded in the 13th century, Riomaggiore is rich in history, with medieval churches like the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1340, reflecting its ancient past.
This coastal route runs between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound, and is a popular route for cruise ships. Cruise passengers can expect to see a breathtaking amount of wildlife, as well as Ketchikan, Wrangell, Prince of Wales, Sitka, Juneau, Haines, Skagway and Glacier Bay.
Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.
The Coral Coast stretches along the southern edge of Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu, beginning around 15 km south of Nadi and continuing toward Suva. This 80 km shoreline is dotted with beaches that widen at low tide, bays set against green hills, and a series of small townships that feel welcoming and down to earth. Sigatoka, often called the gateway to the Coral Coast, sits beside the winding Sigatoka River, where local markets brim with fresh tropical fruit and handmade crafts.
Cruz Bay is the welcoming gateway to St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where vibrant Caribbean life meets rich island history. Stepping off the ferry from nearby St. Thomas, visitors find themselves in a lively waterfront town filled with cafés, bars and boutiques that lead toward sandy streets and shimmering views of the bay. This small town is also home to the Cruz Bay Visitor Center, a helpful place to start planning outings into Virgin Islands National Park and to learn about the island.