Chances are you’ve spent much of past year riding your bike as close to home as possible. But 2021 can be the year you truly reconnect with your friends, loved ones and the wider world on two wheels.
Rather than your usual loop from home back to home again, Princess Cruises’ wide network can open the door to a wide selection of cycling excursions. As you pedal, you’ll experience incredible vistas and discover fascinating history and culture in some of the most exciting destinations in the world.
From the picturesque art deco city of Napier in New Zealand to the striking icy landscapes of Alaska, Princess offers you the chance to push boundaries by bike and discover places you’ve never seen before in the luxurious surroundings of its fleet of ships.
Whichever Medallion Class Princess liner you’re aboard, you’ll be able to soothe your aching muscles with a relaxing massage at the onboard Lotus Spa, and indulge in the best night’s sleep at sea with a bed designed especially by a sleep doctor.
Meanwhile, your Ocean Medallion is a 10p-sized, wearable device that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating your loved ones anywhere on the ship, so it’s all smooth sailing.
If 2020 had you suffering from itchy feet, read on for five destinations you could be cycling around in 2021.
1. Napier Rotary Pathway, New Zealand
Princess Cruises offers a stunning range of cruises to Australia and New Zealand, and a stop-off in Napier is sure to be a highlight.
Its beautifully preserved 1930s architecture pays homage to the country’s Māori heritage by merging the linear symmetry of art deco with tribal motifs.
Here you can enjoy a 10-mile tour that will take you south on the Water Trail – a dedicated walking and cycling path that follows the coast and forms part of the epic 3,000km Nga Haerenga, or New Zealand Cycle Trail.
Expect spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the cliffs of Cape Kidnappers in the distance. After approximately seven miles, you’ll turn inland at Awatoto and ride on a raised limestone trail through market garden country, following the Tutaekuri River to the suburb of Taradale.
2. West Coast Cycle Tour, Guernsey
Princess’ popular range of British Isles cruises allows you to see Blighty – including the Channel Islands – like never before.
As a summer destination, Guernsey offers a warm climate, breathtaking scenery and picturesque places of interest, including the charming capital, St Peter Port.
This cycling tour takes you from Perelle through to Catioroc. Ride through the protected area of Shingle Banks, Lihou Island and the Colin Best Nature Reserve before reaching the magnificent L'Eree Bay.
You’ll want to stop and explore the numerous World War II-era bunkers built during the German occupation, before continuing along the quiet seafront at Rocquaine with its views out to Les Hanois Lighthouse.
On your return to Perelle, it’s worth stopping to view the Creux es Fees, the third-largest surviving dolmen (or megalithic tomb) on the island, or even the tiny St. Appolines Chapel with its medieval paintings.
3. Rocca Al Mare Open Air Museum, Estonia
Princess has a broad choice of European routes, some of which include a stop in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed jewel box, the city is rich in history with a famously friendly atmosphere. Its lower town, the larger part of medieval Tallinn, was built between the 13th and 16th centuries and is an enclosed neighbourhood of colourful houses, half-hidden courtyards and churches.
This 30km cycling tour takes you around the expansive parklands of the Rocca al Mare Open-Air Museum to the southwest of the city, with expansive views of the Baltic Sea.
The museum holds an exceptional collection of more than 100 preserved 18th- and 19th-century village buildings, many of them among the oldest in Estonia, from farmhouses and churches to log houses and windmills.
4. Sea Cycle Ocean Adventure, Alaska, USA
An Alaska cruise is your ticket to adventure amidst the awe-inspiring glaciers, wildlife and national parks that make up the Last Frontier. The Sea Cycle tour on offer here is a great opportunity to try a different kind of pedalling as you explore Ketchikan in southeast Alaska.
This hands-free cycle boat is designed for two and will see you gliding past the stunning Tongass National Forest, the world's largest remaining temperate rainforest.
At roughly 17 million acres, Tongass is home to abundant wildlife, including bears and Sitka black-tailed deer. Glance skywards and you may spot an eagle soaring overhead, while a curious seal or two might give you some friendly company in the crystal-clear waters as you pedal along.
5. Helsinki By Jopo Bike, Finland
There are few better ways to experience the majesty of Scandinavia than on a Princess Cruise.
The vibrant Finnish capital Helsinki, with its intriguing blend of neoclassical and modern architecture, plays host to this 10-mile cycling tour on a Jopo Bike – a gearless, unisex red bicycle that’s been iconic in Finland since the 1960s.
You’ll ride past Hietaranta Beach, the city's main public beach, all the way to the serene Sibelius Park complete with its celebrated abstract monument, dedicated to the famed Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
Your tour continues to Töölö Bay, a beautiful park in the heart of Helsinki, for a view of the new Finnish National Opera. Next comes Kaivopuisto Park, Helsinki's oldest and best-known park, with beautiful coastal views, before you arrive at Katajanokka Island, full of beautiful art nouveau buildings.
While there, you'll pass the Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, the largest orthodox church in western Europe.
Cruise with confidence
Aboard a MedallionClass Princess cruise there are a number of ways to connect with your loved ones in style.
- Share unforgettable experiences with your favourite people
- Immerse yourself in a choice of more than 380 destinations
- Create new friends with crew and fellow guests
You can also cruise with confidence knowing that Princess Cruises works hard to make every journey as safe and sanitary as possible and offers a flexible cancellation policy. Find out more
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Ready to explore? For more information and to book your cruise, visit the Princess website below or call 0344 338 8671.