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Strategic sightseeing makes the most of a cruise
Ketchikan
First Time: This is our favorite Alaskan port for shopping, and the most interesting area downtown is Creek Street. Not a street at all, it's a boardwalk that winds along a series of boutiques and arty galleries (buildings that once housed brothels). Don't miss Stedman Street as well for its handful of excellent shops selling made-in-Alaska gifts.
Return Visit: You can actually do the first-time itinerary and this one in the same day. Take a tour of Misty Fjords National Monument via high-speed catamaran and float plane. The trip takes you through the Behm Canal and into Rudyerd Bay, which is surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Australia/New Zealand
The Challenge: We can't think of a single down side to this itinerary except for one (major) factor: the flight over! For North Americans, particularly for those from the East Coast, the trip can take as long as 24 hours, door to door. It's a long way to go — but it's worth it in the end.
Wellington
First Time: You could easily spend the entire day here at Te Papa, New Zealand's marvelous national museum, with exhibits that range from a variety of treasures to showcases of the nation's past. In town, don't miss the Museum of Wellington City & Sea, appropriately located right on Queens Wharf; it's devoted to the city's maritime history. Top your day off with a cable car ride for a spectacular overview of Wellington.
Return Visit: The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy boosted New Zealand up the "must-see" travel charts. Wellington, or "Wellywood," was the center of the filmmaking, not surprising since director Peter Jackson lives in the 'burbs. Visit the location sites used for the gardens of Isengard, Rivendell and Lorhlorien. Some tours include the Stansborough weaving mill where the elfin cloaks were made.
Melbourne
First Time: Take the light rail (conveniently located right across from the cruise terminal) into Melbourne's fabulous downtown district. A mix of historic and contemporary architecture, this city was founded in the mid-19th century and influenced by both Asian and Western designs (the former's influence can be found in the numerous lush parks throughout). Go shopping on Collins Street, lunch in Greektown (Melbourne is the largest Greek city outside of Greece) or Chinatown, and munch at the Victoria Market.
Return Visit: Tour the Yarra Valley — famed for its wines, including shiraz, Chardonnay and pinot noir, and visit wildlife sanctuaries such as the Healesville Sanctuary, where you can spot kangaroos, emus, dingoes and other native animals.
Christchurch
First Time: Take the on-and-off trolley around the town of Christchurch and visit the city's best-known attractions, such as the Arts Centre, the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, and the Christchurch Arts Gallery. Have lunch at one of the sidewalk cafes along Oxford Terrace and go "punting" on the River Avon.
Return Visit: Take an "overland" ship tour to Mt. Cook National Park, in the heart of New Zealand's gorgeous fjordlands, a visit which typically includes an overnight in Queenstown and a visit to Milford Sound.
Cruise Critic, which launched in 1995, is a comprehensive cruise vacation planning guide providing objective cruise ship reviews, cruise line profiles, destination content on 125+ worldwide ports, cruise bargains, tips, industry news, and cruise message boards.
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