The world is yours to explore on a fall cruise, a time when many destinations are at their most beautiful. The Mediterranean is still basking in the warmth of late summer, while clear autumn days are the best time to head even further south to the antiquities of Egypt and Israel.
Admire dazzling foliage on a fall cruise along the East Coast. In late-season Alaska, the first snow is dusting the mountains and the bears are feasting on autumn berries. For unrivaled wildlife sightings, the Galapagos is the answer, with whales still in the archipelago and seal pups beginning to take to the water. Or head for the Far East, to the thrilling cities and glorious white sand beaches of Asia, promising adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Savor the best of the season on fall cruises to the Mediterranean. The sea is still warm enough for swimming in September and even October, while spectacular sights like the Parthenon in Athens or La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona seem to shimmer in the golden light. Admire the grand monuments of Rome and taste different flavors of gelato in sunlit squares, or take a cruise to medieval Dubrovnik and stroll around the ancient ramparts that encircle this beautiful city.
Unwind on a fall cruise to the Caribbean. Lounge on pristine beaches on St. Maarten and snorkel over brilliantly colored coral reefs off sleepy St. John. Clamber over giant tumbled boulders at The Baths in Virgin Gorda, or savor the sensation of docile stingrays gliding past you at Grand Cayman’s Stingray City. In Puerto Rico, soak up the sights and sounds of atmospheric Old San Juan, and on cruises to Mexico, explore Mayan antiquities at Tulum.
Alaska is magical in fall, as the first snow dusts the mountaintops and the foliage of the tundra turns blazing gold and red. Animals are fattening up for winter, with bears feasting on late-season blueberries. Explore colorful Creek Street in Ketchikan, or learn about Gold Rush fever in Skagway. Gaze at the vast, blue-white face of the Hubbard Glacier, or fly over the forest on a zipline at Icy Strait Point. You could even spot the Northern Lights rippling in the sky on a clear night.
September, October, and November in the Galapagos are cooler, drier months, with an ethereal mist often hanging over the water in the early mornings. The wildlife is active around this time; the seals have pups and blue-footed booby chicks should have hatched. The sea is still warm enough for snorkeling—this is the equator, after all—and wetsuits are provided so you can enjoy the underwater life and scenery for longer.
Explore shimmering palaces and golden Buddhas in Bangkok, Thailand on a cruise in the fall, when the steamy heat of the summer has eased off, and relax under arching coconut palms on jewel-like Ko Samui. Learn about Vietnam’s poignant history in the fascinating museums of Ho Chi Minh City, and wander through night markets fragranced with sizzling street food. Spend time in sophisticated Singapore to visit the spectacular Gardens by the Bay and shop for quality crafts and high-end fashion.
Fall is the perfect time to visit Israel and Egypt. The honey-colored stone of Jerusalem glows in the sunshine as you marvel at the Old City, the Dome of the Rock, and the Western Wall. From bustling Haifa, admire the landscapes and Biblical sites around the Sea of Galilee. In Egypt, you’ll overnight in Alexandria with time for a day trip across the desert to gaze in wonder at the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx outside Cairo.
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