An island getaway is perfect for those looking for seclusion, sprawling beaches and the relaxing rhythm of crashing waves. Hundreds of thousands of islands occupy the world’s lakes and oceans, each one offering travelers something unique.

Discover which of these island destinations suits your travel style, and let’s get started planning your trip to get off the grid.

1. CANARY ISLANDS

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European, African and South American cultures collide on this string of seven islands that sit west of Morocco in the Atlantic. There’s something for almost everyone here, including history, natural landmarks like Mt. Teide and if you go during Carnaval, a party that is second only to Rio’s. The comfortable, stable climate means that tourists are here year-round, so to avoid crowds and experience the islands’ innate beauty, venture outside the major resorts in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

2. ST. LUCIA

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This eastern Caribbean isle is most easily recognized for its dramatic Pitons that soar up from the southwest coast. Honeymooners often choose St. Lucia for its romantic resorts, but the lush, unspoiled scenery also makes a perfect backdrop for hiking or ziplining. Music lovers flock to the island in the spring for the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, which has previously featured headliners like Flo Rida, Diana Ross, and Ziggy Marley.

3. MYKONOS, GREECE

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Often thought of as Santorini’s wilder sibling, Mykonos has recently become a hot spot for celebrity holidays. Hip new restaurants and hotels are popping up among the more traditional whitewashed buildings, which means this party hub’s prices will continue to rise. For less noise and lower prices, avoid the peak months of July and August.

4. BORA BORA

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Though this French Polynesian island is only six miles long and two miles wide, the “Pearl of the Pacific” packs an impossible amount of beauty into every inch. The lush greens and warm, aquamarine waters are the stuff that tropical vacation dreams are made of, and luckily for visitors, many of the accommodations feature over-the-water bungalows.

5. ST. MARTIN – ST. MAARTEN

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Guests to this dual-governed island can easily hop back and forth between the French-controlled northern end of the island, and the Dutch-controlled south. The north tends to exude a more fashionable, relaxed vibe, while the south boasts casinos and a vibrant nightlife scene. No matter where you are, there’s bound to be rave-worthy restaurants, and plenty of options for fun in the sun.

6. ICELAND

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Not every island is known for its tropical climate and sun-tanned tourists. Iceland’s jaw-dropping natural wonders, like volcanoes, glaciers and geysers, are reason enough to draw visitors to the Land of Fire and Ice. There’s also plenty of culture to be savored in Reykjavík, whether that be listening to live traditional music or enjoying fresh, innovative Nordic cuisine.

7. TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

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Out-of-this-world terrains and diverse wildlife are two reasons to travel to this remote Australian state best known for its namesake cartoon devil. For those that aren’t outdoorsy types, the island’s isolation has also fostered a thriving local culinary scene, with ingredients that truly can’t be found anywhere else.

8. SEYCHELLES

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Composed of 115 islands dotting the Indian Ocean east of Africa, Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most untouched, uncrowded beaches. Many of the tranquil shores are also fringed by sea-sculpted granite boulders, remnants of the island’s origins as a granite mass attached to India. For privacy seekers, it doesn’t get more remote — or more exclusive — than Seychelles.

Whether your sights are set on sweeping views, culture, adventure, or just catching some rays, there’s a perfect island getaway for everyone!

Travelers have long dreamed of witnessing the vast wilderness of the Great North and checking another state off their bucket list. The 49th state is home to the most pristine and beautiful landscapes in our country and this summer is the time for summer vacations to Alaska.

1. ALASKA IS A RECORD-SETTING STATE

Don’t let the map fool you, Alaska is the largest state. With almost twice the square miles of Texas, there’s more to see and do than you can imagine. It’s also the home to the tallest peak in North America, Mt. Denali, which tops out at just over 20,000 feet. Alaska also contains the largest of the United States’ National Parks, the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. According to NationalParks.org, with 13.2 million acres, this park is larger than Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and the country of Switzerland combined. 

2. YOU CAN STILL TOUR ALASKA BY TRAIN

Train travel is one of the best ways to take in the journey as you venture from town to town in Alaska. With large windows, comfortable seating, and the flexibility to move around the car, train travel allows you to sit back, relax and take in the sights. With trusted cruise lines Holland America and Princess offering land packages with rail, seeing Alaska by train is one bucket-list item that can still be achieved this summer!

3. SEE AMAZING AND UNIQUE ANIMALS

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Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, including bears, moose, caribou, wolves, whales, sea otters, and many others. It is also home to several rare and endangered species, such as the Steller sea lion, the North Pacific right whale, and the short-tailed albatross. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see these animals in their natural habitats and seeing them in the wild is a rare and unforgettable experience.

4. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN ADRENALINE RUSH, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE

Alaska is a great destination for adventure sports like kayaking, rafting, and dog-sledding! With more than 6,600 miles of coastline, Alaska is a paddler’s paradise. You can explore pristine waters, glacial fjords, and remote islands by kayak or canoe. Looking for something a little more adventurous? Alaska has some of the wildest whitewater rafting in North America, with rivers ranging from mild to extreme. My favorite activity in Alaska is dog sledding! Dog sledding is a quintessential Alaskan experience, and there are many opportunities to try it for yourself. You can take a guided tour or even learn to mush your own team of sled dogs.

Overall, Alaska has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or just getting away from it all. So why not consider making Alaska your destination this summer?

Royal Caribbean has earned a reputation in the cruise industry for incredible vacations at sea thanks to a commitment to innovative creative ventures accompanied by a constant reimagining and redefining of the cruise experience. Royal Caribbean has upped the wow factor yet again, bewitching excited cruisers and breaking single-day sales records with the all-new, incredibly dazzling Icon of the Seas ℠. 

 A Royal Caribbean ship has never been bigger or bolder than this towering new addition to the line’s fleet, the massive Icon of the Seas ℠. So, what makes this ship a stand out on the horizon?  

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WONDERFUL WATER FUN 

Royal Caribbean has always ensured plenty of places to splash on board, but the largest ship in the fleet promises larger-than-life water play for all ages.  

  • Category 6 Waterpark, which features six brightly colored slides, tempts passengers to come play on Deck 20. Thrill-seekers will flock to Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide at sea, which launches riders into the abyss when the slide’s floor drops from under waiting feet. Pressure Drop℠ is another heart-pounding option – it’s an open, free-fall water slide that is equally as exhilarating. Families can also splash and shriek together careening down Hurricane Hunter℠, the first group raft ride at sea. 
  • There’s also a pool for every day of the week, including the wow-worthy largest swimming pool at sea, Royal Bay in Chill Island℠. For the adults, secluded Cloud 17℠ allows access to The Lime and Coconut Bar where colorful frozen concoctions await. Splashaway Bay℠ and Baby Bay make water play fun for the smallest sailors. 
  • At the largest swim-up bar at sea, Swim & Tonic℠, bartenders concoct refreshing beverages while guests cool off on the in-water loungers. It’s the perfect combination of ways to beat the Caribbean heat. 

NEW SPACES  

When Royal Caribbean introduced the neighborhood concept on the Oasis Class, passengers loved the unique atmosphere and amenities each area provided. On Icon of the Seas ℠, new neighborhoods and accommodations are making their debut.  

  • A newly imagined neighborhood, Surfside℠, is a paradise for families, complete with colorfully playful décor, an arcade, a carousel, and an array of family-friendly food.  
  • Suite Neighborhood feels exclusive, but never stuffy, with its two-story deck, private pool and hot tub, and upscale dining for suite guests. 
  • The familiar and fun AquaTheater has been reimagined as AquaDome℠, a space dedicated to dazzling water displays, death-defying dive shows, and delicious dining. 
  • The three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse truly takes family accommodations to new heights. A karaoke station, in-suite slide, cinema room, and private patio are just a few of the amenities that might make it hard to leave your stateroom…until you remember how incredible the rest of the ship is too! 

A FRESH (THRILLING!) PERSPECTIVE 

Endless onboard entertainment has always been a hallmark of a Royal Caribbean cruise, but a new activity is sure to send passengers over the edge…literally!  

  • For a heart-pounding experience accompanied by stunning sea views, creeping along the Crown’s Edge sky walk and obstacle course is both a memorable activity and great vacation story! Stay focused and watch your step…the floor could drop out from under you at any moment! 

For a cruise vacation sure to please all members of the family, Icon of the Seas ℠ promises plenty of thrills and chills so you can get your fill of fun. Let’s get you booked on Icon of the Seas today!!!