Must Visit Destinations for 2017

1. Canada

Canada is celebrating an important birthday in 2017. It’s 150 years since the Canadian Confederation was founded. To celebrate the occasion, Parks Canada are throwing open the doors of their National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites – free of charge. With your free Discovery Pass you can make the most of every minute you spend in Canada.

The birthday party continues all year in Charlottetown, where the Confederation was signed. On our Canada & New England cruises, sail into this distinctive nautical town and join the celebrations. The full 14-night cruise introduces you to Canada’s vast and beautiful landscape and vibrant cities, demonstrating the country’s allure for adventurers and culture-seekers.

2. Alaska

While we are in the area, if your 2017 is about discovering unchartered territory, Alaska surely must feature in your wish list. This dramatic, snow-swept landscape feels as if it is on the very edge of the world and is, unsurprisingly, the least densely populated US state. This year marks 150 years since Alaska was sold by Russia to America – the Alaska Purchase, and there is no better time to view this remarkable outpost.

Whether you crave the adventure of a thrilling snow safari, marvelling at snow-capped mountains and dramatic glaciers, or the temperate climes of a green and leafy seaside town, you can do it all on our Alaska cruise. As your ship sails into the heart of the Inside Passage and passes the Hubbard Glacier, you have the perfect viewing platform to take in the majesty of your surroundings. On-board experts will be able to tell you all about the geography, history and wildlife of this amazing country. For a contrast, hop off at the pretty town of Victoria to explore the parks, gardens and museums.

3. Athens, Greece

An ancient city it may be, but the Athens approach to culture and hospitality is surprisingly modern. If you have never been before, now is the time to visit. If you have been before, you might find some surprising and welcome changes for 2017. 

This forward-looking attitude is no better demonstrated than in the brand-new Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, a stunning park, library and theatre complex. Designed by world-famous architect Renzo Piano, this ambitious project has transformed the area and even includes an artificially created incline which allows views of the bay of Kallithea. Whether you are here for the cultural events it houses or the simply to enjoy the scale and beauty of the project, it is, quite simply, the best reason to visit Athens in 2017.
Build your Athens visit into our Greek Isles cruise and enjoy the contrast of the lively capital city with the laid-back island lifestyle.

4. Scandinavia

If 2016 was the year we discovered hygge, then 2017 is the year to experience it in its Scandinavian home. Hygge, if you missed it, is a Danish concept which can be roughly translated as cosiness and conviviality and the warm, contented feeling that accompanies it. It has its Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish versions too.

Hygge, however, is not just about lazing around indoors. It exists as a payoff for the outdoor adventures that are integral to the Scandinavian psyche. It’s the hot chocolate after a morning’s skiing, or the roaring fire when you come in from the cold. That’s why you need to go to Scandinavia to get the true hygge experience.

Take a Celebrity cruise  that allows you to explore Norway, the isle-scattered archipelago of Stockholm in Sweden, or Denmark’s fairy-tale forests. After climbing the hills, kayaking between islands or walking through the forests, head for a cosy bar or café and enjoy your well-earned hygge.

5. Buenos Aires, Argentina

With the South American spotlight now finally off Rio de Janeiro, home to last year’s Olympic Games, it’s time to consider South America’s other great city, Buenos Aires. Argentina’s capital is a sensuous, passionate city that seduces the senses and draws you in.

In 2017 it has been chosen as the first ever Art Basel City. Art Basel is an organisation that promotes art globally, connecting the world’s artists and galleries and their patrons. Buenos Aires has been selected for its rich cultural heritage and commitment to the arts. There will be a programme of vibrant cultural events aimed at showing the world that Buenos Aires is bursting with artistic creativity and talent. 

As the city’s artists vie for world attention, take a Buenos Aires cruise and let this fabulous celebration of art and culture seduce and inspire you. 

6. Bermuda

Bermuda, a tiny island group cast adrift in the North Atlantic Ocean, punches well above it weight in the world. This sunny colonial paradise is rightly popular with British and American tourists, accommodating the best of both cultures, from its British pubs and afternoon teas to its world class golf courses.

This year, the eyes of the world will be on Bermuda when it hosts the 35th Americas Cup yacht race from May to June. In the crystal clear waters of the Great Sound, the final will see two contenders race for glory in the oldest sporting event in the world.

Check out this paradise before the crowds arrive on one of our April Bermuda cruises. Stop off at Kings Wharf to enjoy a cosmopolitan British vibe – the only difference to Britain being the warm sub-tropical climate!

7. The Galapagos Islands

If you are looking for a unique adventure off the beaten track in 2017, then you will find it in the carefully protected Galapagos Islands. This natural paradise, where human impact has been kept to a minimum, is home to nearly 2000 unique species. It opens a door to the natural history of our planet and provided Charles Darwin with the evidence he needed to write his theory of evolution.

We choose it for our list of 2017 destinations because we have two brand new ships setting sail to the Galapagos Islands in March for the first time. On this once on a lifetime holiday, you can look out for prehistoric land iguanas on Dragon Hill, see the giant tortoises of Puerto Ayora and go snorkelling in Urvina Bay.

Our Galapagos cruises are all inclusive, down to the meals and drinks on-board, shore excursions and snorkelling equipment. 

Which destination will you choose this year?

There you have it. From the arctic frontiers of Alaska to the unspoilt wilderness of the Galapagos; from high art and culture to everyday lifestyle inspiration; from local birthdays and celebrations to global sporting events. After our world tour of 2017 all that is left is for you to choose your favourite destination for this year’s cruise.