One of my friends mentioned she loved cruises, but she wasn’t going on any more cruises because she had already been to just about everywhere in the Caribbean. I told her there are so many other places to see outside the Caribbean! That got me thinking . . . if I could go on a cruise right now, outside the Caribbean, where would I go?

1. Galapagos: The Galapagos Islands, a province of Ecuador, are made up of more than 10 different islands. Almost all the animals you’ll find on these islands cannot be found anywhere else. This would definitely be a photo op of a lifetime!
   

   Galapagos blue-footed booby © Neil Burton | Dreamstime.com

2. Mediterranean: Ahhh, the turquoise splendor of the Greek Isles, the vineyards of Provence, the energy of Barcelona. Venice, Croatia and Athens are just a few of the amazing stops on a Mediterranean cruise.
   

   Dubrovnik, Croatia ID 75884807 © Emicristea | Dreamstime.com

3. Europe: Madeira, Portugal; Lisbon, Portugal; and Monte-Carlo, Monaco. all look gorgeous!
   

   Madeira Portugal -Photo 31893920 © Aldorado10 – Dreamstime.com

4. Africa: On an African cruise, you might visit destinations such as Mozambique, Madagascar, Cape Town, Seychelles, Egypt and Port Elizabeth. I can’t imagine the awe of traveling down the Nile River!
5. Antarctica: While cruising along icy vistas, curious seals, whales and penguins may come out to play. I would imagine it might feel like you’re on another planet surrounded by all those glaciers, and the Southern Lights at night.
   

   Antarctica Dreamstime.com_xxl_109415189

6. Hawai’i: Perfect for someone who likes tropical locales but has already done the Caribbean islands!

Now, I just can’t wait to book a cruise!

— Tracey Cullen, art director