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6 Cruise Destinations to Add to Your New Year's Resolutions

Have you thought about what kind of adventures you'll include at the top of your New Year's list resolution list this year? What dreams do you want to see fulfilled? Cruising lets you collect experiences and return from each journey feeling invigorated and transformed. 

With a Norwegian cruise, you have seven seas and countless land in between to explore. The world's horizons are large. What do you want to discover? Need some ideas? Here are six Norwegian cruise destinations to add to your New Year's resolutions this year.   

1. New Zealand Cruises

Auckland, New Zealand Cruise

New Zealand is a cruise destination that should be at the top of every bucket list. Visit the Fiordland National Park to see New Zealand's glacier-carved fjords, valleys, and lakes. Enjoy the scenic mountain and sea vistas. 

Explore Devonport near the port city of Auckland. Devonport is a charming, laid-back waterfront village. See yellow-eyed penguins, Royal Albatross, and fur seals in Dunedin, New Zealand. Grab a seat on the Taieri Gorge Railway train and see dramatic ravines, sheer cliffs, and other breathtaking scenery near Port Chalmers. Visit Akaroa, New Zealand and visit a historic settlement that is located right in the heart of an ancient volcano. Visit the local boutiques and shops to pick up some souvenirs for folks back home. 

Take in Victorian Gothic buildings in Wellington, New Zealand. Visit one of the many famous vineyards of Napier, New Zealand. A must-visit while in Tauranga, New Zealand, is the aptly-named Hell's Gate, a natural geothermal park that has hot geysers, mud baths, and pools. 

2. South Africa Cruises

Cape Town, South Africa Cruise

South Africa is another cruise destination that should be at the top of your bucket list. Gorgeous Table Mountain looms high above the capital city of South Africa — Cape Town. Take a cable car to the top of the mountain for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city, or explore the vibrant, bustling urban city on foot. Visit the notorious prison that held Nelson Mandela. The prison, located on Robben Island, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Take a stroll around Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, then head to Boulders Beach, which got its name because of its location right between two granite boulders. See penguins at close range on the beach. Stroll along Capetown's waterfront for some entertainment and shopping. 

3. Cruises from The United Arab Emirates

Dubai Cruise

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quickly becoming one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. Dubai is a glamorous playground that is a city of contrasts. The city embraces the future with projects like a lightning-fast hyperloop train, but it also embodies tradition and culture. See some of the most stunning architecture in the Middle East, such as the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. Make sure you visit the observation deck for unforgettable views. Experience the many culinary flavors of Dubai, too. Stroll along the Dubai Marina waterfront past luxurious yachts and trendy restaurants. 

There are a variety of other things to do in the United Arab Emirates. Take a safari through the desert and ride a camel. Explore the Souq Madinat Jumeirah village, which is made up of a series of canals, and take in the Arabian hotels that line the canals. 

4. French Polynesian Cruises

French Polynesian Cruise to Bora Bora

Take a French Polynesia cruise and explore Bora Bora. Bora Bora means “created by the gods,” and it seems that this island was aptly named. The dramatic landscapes will make you think that you are in another world. Paddleboard across a still lagoon. Shop for handicrafts at a local boutique. Hike through the lush forests of Mount Otemanu. Explore the marine life of Bora Bora as you snorkel the clear turquoise waters. Look for friendly mantas and black-tipped sharks. 

Visit the port town of Nuku Hiva. This volcanic island features dramatic waterfalls, gorgeous beaches, and dramatic cliffs that rise from the sea. Hike through the lush vegetation of Moorea, which one of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia. 

5. Cruises to Greece

Lefkada Island in the Greek Isles

Book a Norwegian Greek Isles cruise and check off several of your New Year's Travel list destinations at once. The Greek Isles are full of mystery and intrigue. Drive along the east coast of Rhodes and discover a landscape full of lemon, olive, and orange trees. Spend a day visiting any of the beautiful vineyards in the area. Sample wines and olive oils produced at Agriturismo Magna Grecia. See ancient stalactites in Argostoli. You might have to travel off the beaten path, but that's true of many bucket list destinations.

6. Russia Cruises

Cruise to St. Petersburg, Russia

See timeless cities and plenty of natural splendor on a Russia cruise. Great golden palaces, breathtaking churches, and wonderous palaces are just a few of the sights that you can see on a cruise to St. Petersburg, Russia. 

St. Petersburg has more than 200 museums that house more than three million pieces of art. See how many you can visit on your Norwegian cruise. See the pure gold dome of the St. Isaac Cathedral. It's made of 220 pounds of pure gold. Make sure you explore the flavors of Russia while in St. Petersburg, too. Visit one of the city's many local markets for fresh, artisanal cheese, local produce, natural honey, and caviar. If you cruise to St. Petersburg in June, you'll note that the city's night sky is never dark, which explains St. Petersburg's famous "white nights."

Do you want more bucket list cruise destinations to add to your list? If so, then check out this blog post.