Travel insights from Jenna Buege, associate editor of The Compass
It’s been said before, but cruising is one of the most efficient ways to travel. What other form of transportation allows travelers to rest their heads in one beautiful destination and awaken in the next? And exploring those beautiful destinations, and the exciting sights and attractions that they offer is just one of the perks of hitting the seas. But did you know that cruising is also a great way to get in some quality beach time? That’s right, several cruises allow travelers access to some of the most stunning beaches in the world.
Check out these six fabulous beaches to visit on a cruise.
Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia
Travelers sailing to the Land Down Under will love a visit to Sydney’s bustling Manly Beach. A popular spot for surfers and locals, this beachy hideaway offers plenty to do and see whether that’s grabbing a drink and a quick bite to eat, admiring the view from Manly Wharf or relaxing beneath an umbrella.
In addition to surfing, Manly Beach is also a hot spot for scuba divers as the nearby Dive Centre Manly offers scuba courses geared toward all levels of expertise. Or, for those who prefer to stay on dry land, travelers can hit up Manly Bike Tours for an adventure up the coast from the comfort of two wheels.
South Beach, Miami, U.S.
Located just six miles from PortMiami, Miami’s South Beach is a huge attraction in the cruise community. And with 2.2 miles of white sand to explore it’s easy to see why. Whether they spend the day catching rays beneath the palms or get lost exploring rows of pastel-colored Art Deco buildings, travelers are sure to find plenty of fun at South Beach.
Those interested in doing some people-watching can head to Lincoln Road, a mile-long pedestrian thoroughfare that’s jam-packed with designer stores, cute boutiques, delicious bars and restaurants, and some wild street entertainment.
Kelingking Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Pristine turquoise waters and a rugged yet colorful landscape make Indonesia’s stunning Kelingking Beach one-of-a-kind. Accessible by ferry from the Port of Benoa, this gorgeous stretch of sand is a beach-lovers paradise.
Fun fact: When viewed from above, Kelingking Beach bears a striking resemblance to our prehistoric friend the T-rex. Travelers hoping to catch a glimpse of the dino-like outcropping can do so from a viewing platform located above the beach.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
A fan-favorite in the travel world (no really, this beach made USA Today’s 2022 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards), Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach is beloved by many for its crescent-like shape, warm waters and sparkling white sand.
Cruisers can easily access this beachy wonderland when they dock at the Grand Cayman Island cruise pier. Also worth noting, Seven Mile Beach is a favorite among family travelers as the surf is gentle enough to be fun (and safe) for even the youngest of swimmers.
Sonderstrand Beach, Skagen, Denmark
Cruisers voyaging to Denmark might enjoy a visit to Skagen’s Sonderstrand Beach. A deviation from the often tropical locales that accompany beachy scenery, Sonderstrand Beach can be incredibly cold and windy. However, that, according to locals and visitors past, is what makes Sonderstrand an ideal spot for kite-flying.
But great conditions for kites aren’t the only thing this beach has going for it, the area is also popular for Icelandic horseback riding. So saddle up and prepare to be windblown, this beach is like nothing travelers have experienced before.
Elia Beach, Mykonos, Greece
Just 30 minutes from the cruise port in Mykonos is Elia Beach, a Grecian paradise with stunning teal waters and golden sand. Perfect for every type of traveler, Elia Beach is famously inclusive welcoming families, LGBTQ+, solo, and in designated areas nude (yup, some portions of the beach are clothing optional) travelers alike.
As a popular tourist spot, this destination can get a little lively but the beach is overall quiet and well-kept. And when their stomachs start to growl, travelers can hit up the collection of nearby bars and restaurants to satisfy their cravings.
About the Author
Senior Editor for VAX VacationAccess and world explorer, Jenna loves writing about all things travel. When she’s not busy creating content, she spends her time exploring the great outdoors, cuddling with her two black cats and researching her next big (sometimes strange) adventure.
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