Cruising the New Seven Wonders of the World

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ before and for many, these wonders are probably on your bucket lists. The good news is you can access them on a cruise, or as part of an extended Cruise & Stay holiday – here’s how to include the New Seven Wonders of the World on your itinerary.

The Great Wall of China

Beginning at Shanhaiguan in Hebei province and ending at Jiayuguan in Gansu province, the Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most impressive structures.

Stretching a huge 13,171 miles, the wall was originally built as several separate structures, before being linked together to become the Great Wall of China as we know it today. Building began in the 3rd century and continued to the 17th century, with most of the existing wall originating from the Ming Dynasty.

Take Me There

Many World Circumnavigations take you to Shanghai; a destination brimming with excitement and culture. The Great Wall of China is around 14 miles from Shanghai and can be reached by a short taxi ride or on the Line 10 Shanghai Metro.

Petra (Jordan)

The ancient Nabataean city of Petra was carved into the red rock faces of Aqaba over two-thousand years ago and the historical and archaeological site truly is one to behold. The city is entered through the Siq; a narrow 1km gorge, flanked by 80-metre-high cliffs. Al-Khazneh, or The Treasury, is the first structure visitors will encounter and is a huge façade carved out of an area of the rock face measuring 30m wide and 43m high.

From first impressions of Al-Khazneh, the city appears before you; a Roman-style 3,000 seat theatre, colonnaded streets, sacrificial altars, elaborate rock-cut tombs and the imposing Ad-Deir Monastery, all intricately carved into the stunning rose-coloured rock.

Take Me There

The Jordanian port of Aqaba is a popular stop on itineraries around the Middle East, frequented by luxury cruise lines such as Silversea and Azamara.

The Colosseum (Rome)

Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (after the emperors of the Flavian dynasty by whom it was constructed), the 50,000 seat Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire and was symbolic of Imperial Rome.

Construction of the vast concrete and stone structure began in 70AD, under the instruction of Emperor Vespasian, before it was eventually completed in 80AD by his successor and heir, Titus. Despite a bloody gladiatorial history and severe damage resulting from earthquakes, the Colosseum remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.

Take Me There

Rome is a popular port that is visited on many European and Mediterranean cruise itineraries, where Rome appears alongside the likes of Venice, Kotor, Monte Carlo and Genoa.

Chichen Itza (Mexico)

Chichen Itza stands at over 1500 years old and once served as the centre of the Mayan empire; it is now the Yucatan’s grandest archaeological site and one of the most visited places in the world. Central to the Mayan ruins is the Temple of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo. Built by the Mayan people between 1000AD and 1200AD, El Castillo served not only as a temple to the god Kukulkan, but also as a calendar; the Mayan people devised the 365 day calendar we know today and El Castillo features 365 steps – one for each day of the year. It is also exactly 24 metres tall.

Twice a year, during the spring and autumn equinox, the Shadow Serpent of El Castillo falls on the pyramid; as the sun sets the snake descends the steps to join a stone serpent head at the base of the staircase.

Beyond El Castillo you will find many other Mayan ruins, including the Great Ball Court, Temple of the Jaguars and El Caracol; a structure widely believed to have served as an astronomical observatory.

Take Me There

Full day tours regularly visit Chichen Itza from the Mexican port of Cozumel; a popular destination on many Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries.

Machu Picchu (Peru)

The 15th century Inca site of Machu Picchu is an icon of Inca civilisation. Perched 2,430 metres above sea level, on a mountain ridge above Sacred Valley, this World Heritage Site escaped unscathed from the Spanish Conquest that was fought around it. American historian Hiram Bingham discovered the city in 1911, bringing it to the world’s attention and securing its place as one of the modern wonders.

Around 200 structures stand proud amidst a maze of polished dry-stone walls, including temples, plazas and homes. Against a scenic backdrop between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, the city of Machu Picchu provides an intriguing insight into the legacy of the Inca civilisation.

Take Me There

Princess Cruises South America itineraries may be preceded by cruise tours of Peru, with excursions to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

The Taj Mahal (India)

This iconic marble mausoleum was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. So devastated was the emperor after the death of his beloved wife during childbirth in 1631, he employed a team of 20,000 stone carvers, masons and artists to create her the most beautiful tomb in the world. The Taj Mahal is a masterpiece that draws marvelling crowds from around the whole world; white marble is intricately carved and inlaid with thousands of semi-precious stones, Pietra Dura scrollwork and quotations from the Quran written in calligraphy and inlaid with jasper.

The iconic main building took 17 years to complete and is considered to be the finest example of Mughal architecture in the world.

Take Me There

What better way to arrive on the majestic shores of India, than on board one of the world’s most regal ocean cruise ships. Cunard offer excursions to the Taj Mahal as part of several Far East itineraries, many of which dock into the port of Mumbai and provide an excellent base for tours.

Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)

At 30 metres tall and with an arm span of 28 metres wide, Christ the Redeemer is the largest Art Deco statue in the world. From atop Corcovado Mountain, the universally recognised symbol of Brazilian Christianity commands the city of Rio de Janeiro from its position 2,300ft above the city.

The concrete and soapstone statue was designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa Brazil and French engineer Albert Caquot; finally unveiled in 1931 – five years after building began.

Take Me There

The vibrant port city of Rio de Janeiro not only puts you within reach of Christ the Redeemer, it also offers one of the most spectacular approaches into port that you will ever see.