23rd January 2023

Most countries in the world have at least one National Park, most several. These are parks protected by the government for the enjoyment of the people. Many of these fantastic natural spaces with unique flora and fauna are accessible by cruise. Here are some of our favourites...

Arcadia - Bar Harbor

Home to some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife on the East Coast of America, Acadia National Park is open to explore year-round. Situated on the coast of Maine, the majority of the park’s 47,000 acres covers Mount Desert Island, though some parts of the park are on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. 

Whether you’re interested in visiting Acadia National Park for the Autumn foliage, winter skiing, spring fishing or summer hikes, it’s the perfect outdoor playground. Many people begin their exploration of the park at the headquarters or the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. To enjoy the park with fewer crowds during peak summer months, try an alternative entrance like the Welcome Center at Rockefeller Hall on the Schoodic Peninsula.

Cruises that visit Bar Harbor, Maine

Hawaii Volcano Park - Hilo

Experience some of nature’s most awe-inspiring wonders at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located 45 miles southwest of Hilo, the park is home to two volcanoes including Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on earth. The thrill of visiting such an active volcano makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. 

It stretches across 335,259 acres or about 523 square miles from the summit of Mauna Loa out to the sea. Explore the 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests.

Cruises that visit Hilo, Hawaii

Thingvellir - Iceland

Thingvellir (Þingvellir) holds great significance to the population of Iceland, not only as a National Park, but also as the birthplace of their nation as it was the founding place of the Icelandic parliament, founded around the year 930.

The name Þingvellir literally means 'Assembly Plains' and is appropriate not only due to the meeting of people in the parliament but also the meeting of the American and Eurasian continental plates. A visit to Thingvellir will reveal extensive lava fields, pristine lakes and craggy gorges, the largest of which, Almannagja, is a highlight for many. Visitors can enjoy various hikes, explore on horseback or even scuba dive in the park.

Located just 40 minutes from Reykjavik, Thingvellir is one of the main attractions on the famous 'Golden Circle' day tours and a true 'must-see' for any visitor to Iceland.

Cruises that visit Iceland

US Virgin Islands

Covering the majority of the island of St. John, Virgin Islands National Park features breathtaking beaches, tropical forests and relics from the island's history. St. John is easily reached by excursion or private boat charter from larger, neighbouring St. Thomas.

Within its borders lie protected bays of crystal blue-green waters teeming with coral reef life, white sandy beaches shaded by seagrape trees, coconut palms, and tropical forests providing habitat for over 800 species of plants. These amazing natural resources are part of the rich cultural history of the park and its island home.

Cruises that visit the US Virgin Islands

Fiordland - Milford Sound

Found in the southwest corner of South Island in New Zealand, Fiordland National Park is a popular stop on many cruises to the region. This diverse area of the country comprises mountains, valleys, lakes, fiords and rainforest environments, all of which have helped to enable a fantastic range of species to thrive. 

At the heart of the park is Milford Sound; a vast and beautiful fiord surrounded by mountains including Mitre Peak, which is more than a mile in height and described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World.' 

Cruises that visit Milford Sound

What's the best National Park you've ever visited? Let us know!