Five travel firsts you can only experience on a cruise
Egyptian pyramids, romantic castles and the Northern Lights – bucket-list adventures that are best experienced on a cruise.
Saga
Egyptian pyramids, romantic castles and the Northern Lights – bucket-list adventures that are best experienced on a cruise.
Whether it’s the Northern Lights, romantic castles on the Rhine or the Pyramids of Giza, if you have a bucket list of must-sees, did you know that there are some destinations that absolutely must be experienced afloat?
We’ve spoken to the experts at Saga Cruises to find out the five unforgettable travel firsts that are even better onboard.
Chase the Northern Lights
Witnessing the Aurora Borealis paint the Arctic sky is an experience etched in every adventurer's bucket list.
Saga’s Excursion Manager, Simon Giles, says: “Catching that first glimpse of light in the sky is a magical moment and something I’ll never forget!”
Hop aboard Saga's all-inclusive Norway cruise for your chance to see the lights from the ocean, a truly spectacular way to view this natural wonder. Yes, you can technically see the Northern Lights from anywhere, but the advantage of being at sea is that the ship can sail past any cloud cover that could be blocking your sight of the display.
Being at sea also means it’s perfectly dark, the optimal conditions for witnessing the Northern Lights.
That’s not the only wonder you could see while on board – there's a chance you might also spot whales and dolphins. From majestic humpbacks breaching the surface to curious dolphins riding the waves, being aboard a boat offers the perfect vantage point to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Saga offers an 18-night Northern Lights and Festive Delights cruise and a 16-night Northern Lights and Arctic Circle cruise, which combine snow-covered scenery with skies filled with the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis.
Cruise down the Nile to take in one of the seven wonders of the world.
The Pyramids at Giza are testament to ancient Egypt’s architectural brilliance and rich history. Join a day tour from the cruise port in Alexandria and you’ll get to experience the huge iconic limestone structures.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest of the three, though the Pyramid of Khafre appears taller thanks to its elevated position. The Pyramid of Menkaure completes the trio. As well as the three pyramids, visitors can explore the smaller tombs and mastabas belonging to ancient nobles and officials.
You’ll get to see the enigmatic Great Sphinx guarding the plateau – his gaze stretches towards the rising sun, symbolising strength and wisdom.
Don’t miss the markets nearby, offering local crafts, food and souvenirs to take home.
Travel back in time with Saga with a cruise down the Nile.
From the Pyramids at Giza, to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor and Karnak, you will be able to visit some of the world’s most iconic archeological sites and dramatic landscapes.
Historic delights on the Danube
Imagine a titan carved from stone, his gaze piercing the Danube like a king surveying his domain. That’s Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, who reigned from the late 1st to the early 2nd century AD, frozen in eternity on a cliff face at the Iron Gates, where Romania meets Serbia.
He’s not just any statue, mind you. He’s the tallest rock sculpture in Europe, a colossal head soaring 141ft (43 metres) above the water, his weathered features etched with the echoes of ancient battles and timeless defiance.
To truly experience it, you have to navigate the Danube’s currents, feel the spray against your face, and watch as the king’s face comes into view.
the Danube connects some of Europe’s greatest cities, such as Budapest, Vienna, Linz and Bratislava. The varied scenery along its course features protected wetland plains, national parks listed by UNESCO, valleys and dramatic ravines.
Saga offers year-round cruises along this majestic river.
Cruise into a real-life storybook
A journey through the Rhine region is like stepping into a fairytale, where medieval fortresses perch atop vineyard-covered hills. One of the most impressive of these is Eltz castle (or Burg Eltz), which erupts from the 230-feet-high cliff face like something straight out of a Disney movie.
Cochem Castle, perched like a crown jewel on a steep hill overlooking the winding Mosel River, is an architectural masterpiece. You can quite easily imagine fire-breathing dragons flying around its towers while knights rescue damsels from the high windows.
Seeing the castles from the river is an entirely different experience. While exploring them on foot unveils intricate details and history, witnessing their fairytale grandeur looming over the water is pure magic.
And as this part of Europe is famous for its wine, you can sip a glass or two on deck, while you take in the castle magic.
Experience the fairytale castles, ancient vineyards and historic towns for yourself, by enjoying a cruise along the 765-mile-long Rhine which flows through Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Liechtenstein.
Cruise through impressive fjords
Experience the incredible natural scenery of the island of fire and ice.
Don’t miss the opportunity to head ashore to take in the incredible Goðafoss waterfall. Dubbed the “waterfall of the gods”, it’s one of the country's most iconic natural treasures – think a miniature Niagara Falls – situated in the north-eastern region of the country.
Further south you can enjoy an overnight visit to the capital, Reykjavik, Iceland’s oldest permanent settlement and gateway to the famous Blue Lagoon. The mineral-rich waters make it a favourite spot for a rejuvenating dip.
Iceland is a bucket-list destination with volcanos, lava fields and geysers, drifting icebergs and lonely peaks.
Saga offers a 14-night cruise to Iceland on Spirit of Discovery where you will be joined by Orca experts who will help you spot and learn more about marine wildlife, such as whales and dolphins.
Despite the Spirit of Discovery sailing to Iceland in July, temperatures are still a little chilly, around 13°C (55°F) in the daytime, falling to 3°C (37°F) at night. Therefore it’s always good to pack base layers, preferably made of merino wool, as well as the normal woolly sweaters. Waterproof outer layers and sensible shoes – preferably hiking boots – are also recommended.
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