Cruising the Seven Wonders of the World

Travellers all over the world will have heard of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. These beautiful and ingenious modern landmarks are the stuff of holidaymaking dreams, but did you know that you can visit them from the comfort of a cruise ship? If you’ve got the Seven Wonders on your travel bucket list, Bolsover Cruise Club is here to help you with the best cruise routes for visiting them!

What Are the Seven Wonders of the World?

Before we dive into the cruise routes that can take you to the world’s Seven Wonders, let’s do a quick run-through of what the wonders are and where they are located. 

• The Great Wall of China – Stretches across China from Shanhaiguan, Hebei, to Jiayuguan, Gansu
• Petra – Southwest Jordan
• The Colosseum – Rome, Italy
• Chichén Itzá – Yucatán State, Mexico
• Machu Picchu – Urubamba Province, Peru
• The Taj Mahal – On the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India
• Christ the Redeemer – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Cruising to the Seven Wonders: The Best Routes

1. The Great Wall of China

Stretching 13,171 miles, the Great Wall of China is one of the most famous structures in the world. The subject of the popular myth that it is visible from the moon, the Great Wall holds a special place in Asian history, with construction beginning in the 3rd century and continuing intermittently until the 17th century. 

This wonder is something special to behold, so what’s the best cruise to see the Great Wall of China? The best port of call is Beijing, located in the northeast of China. From here, guests can jump on a train or bus to the Mutianyu section of the wall, one of its most well-maintained and picturesque, thanks to the surrounding forestry.

Oceania Cruises and Azamara Cruises offer itineraries that sail around the Yellow Sea, stopping along the coasts of South Korea and Japan before making their way to Beijing. 

2. Petra

The ancient Nabataean city of Petra was carved into the red rock faces of Aqaba over two thousand years ago, and today it is one of the world’s most important historical and archaeological sites. Entered via the Siq – a narrow, 1km gorge – the city is flanked by 80-metre-tall cliffs, from which Al-Khazneh, or The Treasury, is magnificently carved.

The best way to visit Petra on a cruise ship is to select an itinerary that stops in Aqaba, from which a bus can be caught directly to this ancient wonder. Private transfers are also available, making visiting Petra super accessible. 

Several itineraries are available to reach Aqaba. Guests can select a Dubai cruise, offered by cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, that navigates the Suez Canal, continues through the Red Sea, and then proceeds to the Gulf of Oman. Alternatively, Africa/India routes from MSC Cruises stop at Aqaba before heading south to Madagascar. 

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At Bolsover Cruise Club, we offer cruises to the Seven Wonders of the World to help you tick them off your travel bucket list. Explore our variety of cruise destinations today to find the cruise you’ve always dreamed of.

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3. The Colosseum

Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the 50,000-seat Colosseum began construction in 70AD under Emperor Vespasian and became the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire within 10 years. Centuries on from its gladiatorial battles, this symbol of Roman strength and might remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Mediterranean.

Visiting Rome from your cruise ship is incredibly easy thanks to the city’s popularity as a cruise port. Cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Cunard and more drop anchor in Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, alongside iconic cities like Barcelona, Marseille and Naples. From their cruise port, guests can simply explore the city on foot, discovering the Colosseum with ease.

4. Chichén Itzá

Once the centre of the Mayan Empire, Chichén Itzá was founded around 1,500 years ago and today is Yucatán’s grandest archaeological site. At its centre stands the Temple of Kukulkan, or ‘El Castillo’, built by the Mayan people between 1000AD and 1200AD, in honour of the god Kukulkan.

Guests can access Chichén Itzá via Mexico cruises that stop in Progreso or Cozumel. From these ports, the site can be reached via bus or private transfer. It takes a few hours since it is so far inland, but the journey is totally worth it when you reach the destination. Cruise lines that offer itineraries to these ports include Explora Journeys and Holland America Line.

5. Machu Picchu

Dating back to the 15th century, Machu Picchu is the most iconic site of the Inca civilisation. Perched on a mountain ridge above Sacred Valley 2,430 metres above sea level, this World Heritage Site escaped unscathed from the Spanish Conquest that was fought around it. Discovered in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu returned to the world’s attention, securing its place as a modern wonder.

Due to being several hundred miles from Lima, a cruise to Machu Picchu​ isn’t strictly possible. Cruise lines like Seabourn drop anchor along the Peruvian coast, and guests then need to arrange excursions, including travel and accommodation, to visit this historic site. Explore exotic locations and offers.

6. The Taj Mahal

The marble mausoleum known as the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Heartbroken, he employed a team of 20,000 stone carvers, masons and artists to create the most beautiful tomb. Completed in 1653, it remains a masterpiece that attracts visitors from around the world.

Visiting this white marble wonder is possible via Far East Asia cruises that dock in India. Cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises offer dedicated excursions to the Taj Mahal, taking multiple days to explore Delhi, journey to Agra and soak up the architectural brilliance of this wonder. 

7. Christ the Redeemer

Standing 30 metres tall, with a wingspan just short of that, Christ the Redeemer is the largest Art Deco statue in the world. Atop Corcovado Mountain, this concrete and soapstone symbol of Brazilian Christianity watches over the city of Rio de Janeiro, offering one of the most spectacular approaches into port that you will ever see.

Plenty of South America cruises visit Rio de Janeiro, from which guests can head off on a guided tour, minibus, or tram ride to the mountaintop to appreciate the incredible views. Cruise lines stopping in Rio de Janeiro include Scenic Ocean Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises. 

Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club

Get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.

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