LET’S BE HONEST: 2020 WASN’T THE BEST YEAR FOR CRUISES.
But the focus on ships as a point of potential Covid-19 infection has meant that cruise companies have introduced strict protocols for the future — including ones that promise to improve your all-round experience, with smaller groups and spaced-out excursion times, plus booking flexibility that was hitherto unheard of.
Some companies, such as Ponant, continued sailing throughout 2020; others are returning to the high seas this year. All have used the enforced pause in business to work out new safety rules, and before booking any trip, you should check what the cruise line is doing to protect both crew and passengers. For starters, you should expect pre-boarding Covid-19 tests and regular temperature checks to become routine. Some are going one step further: Saga, for instance, has already insisted its passengers be fully vaccinated 14 days before sailing. Things might change as the year goes on, but it’s likely that masks will be required in public areas, too. And apart from the onboard protocols, all itineraries, of course, will depend on borders being open.
But it’s an exciting time to set sail, especially since social distancing probably means cruising is about to feel much more boutique. So grab your passport (and negative test results) — we’ve picked some of the most exciting trips to lure you back on board.
BEST FOR EXCLUSIVITY
THE GALÁPAGOS
A tour of the fauna-rich islands offers a rare chance to discover the archipelago at its most abundant and serene. Words: Jamie Lafferty
Bu hikaye National Geographic Traveller (UK) dergisinin March 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye National Geographic Traveller (UK) dergisinin March 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
DIRECTORY
Lush Paul Valley, located at the foot of the COVA crater, is surrounded by rocky peaks, constituting one of the most spectacular landscapes of the island of Santo Antão.
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
To summit Kilimanjaro is an expedition of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a first-timer, there are key questions to consider before tackling the Tanzanian peak.
SEARCHING FOR BIGFOOT
TO VISIT OREGON IS TO EMBRACE THE ELEMENTAL POSSIBILITY OF BIGFOOT, THE HAIRY, HUMAN-LIKE MYTHICAL CREATURE. THE PROSPECT AND THRILL OF THE CHASE MAKES THE AREA'S THICK FORESTS, GURGLING CREEKS AND SCENIC HIKING TRAILS A TRUE WALK ON THE WILD SIDE.
FOR THE BIRDS
A visit to the Scottish Highlands offers one of the best bird- and wildlife-watching experiences in the UK, with the promise of rare encounters with unique species.
ON THE WATER
From swimming to standup paddleboarding, boating to biking, here's how to have the ultimate adventure on and around six of world's most beautiful lakes.
HOW I GOT THE SHOT
PHOTOGRAPHER MATT DUTILE ON SNAPPING THE FROZEN CONTINENT'S CHARISMATIC WILDLIFE FOR OUR MAY ISSUE
THE EVOLVING GAP YEAR
FROM ENHANCING A CV TO BENEFITTING A LOCAL COMMUNITY OR TRAVELLING WITH PURPOSE, THE MOTIVES FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE A GAP YEAR ARE INCREASINGLY NUANCED.
VALLETTA
In Malta’s harbour-framed capital, a rich and evolving art scene unfolds among honeyed baroque facades, echoing the global influences that have shaped the city over the centuries
A timeless city
Wander through artistic alleyways and along modern beachfronts in South Korea’s second city — a place where tradition and innovationgo hand in hand.
SANDS OF TIME
COVERING AROUND 800,000 SQUARE MILES, ALGERIA'S SHARE OF THE SAHARA TAKES UP OVER 80% OF THE COUNTRY - THE VOLCANIC PEAKS, CANYONS AND VAST SAND SEAS FORM A STRIKING BACKDROP TO OASIS CITIES AND UNIQUE NORTH AFRICAN CULTURES