Destinations As Seen on Screen

Big and small screens alike have the potential to inspire our wildest travel dreams. Whether you can see yourself swashbuckling on pristine sands with Hollywood superstars, or getting up close and personal with Polar-dwelling wildlife, there’s a luxury cruise line waiting to take you there.

The potential for adventure has never been greater, so grab your popcorn as we reveal some of the biggest and best on-screen destinations you can explore in ultimate opulence.

Pirates of the Caribbean – Regent Seven Seas, Wallilabou Bay (St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Caribbean)

Few films of the past couple of decades have captured the imagination of all ages in quite the same way as Pirates of the Caribbean. Based on the theme park ride of the same name, the quintet of films was produced on just some of the islands in the idyllic part of the world that is St. Vincent and the Grenadines – and stepping onto the sets could be easier than you think.

The capital, Kingstown, had a starring role in many of the movies. With all excursions included in Regent Seven Seas cruise fare you can partake in a Caribbean and Snorkel excursion while docked in this sun-soaked port of call; you will follow in the footsteps of Captain Jack Sparrow in Wallilabou Bay, otherwise known as Port Royal in the hit films. Some of the original sets still remain, which you will be able to discover after a day filled with exploration and underwater adventures.

Experience it for yourself with Seven Seas Splendor’s Caribbean Melody itinerary > 

Mamma Mia – Seabourn, Skiathos and Skopelos (Greece)

If there’s been a feel-good film of recent years it’s Mamma Mia, an ABBA-filled extravaganza blessed with singalong tracks and stunning scenery that left millions longing for a Greek holiday. The islands of Skiathos and Skopelos had a leading part in the film (and its sequel), and thanks to their blue skies, pearly-white sands and breathtaking views, they have now found themselves firmly planted on many holidaymakers’ European wish lists.

Seabourn presents the opportunity to visit not one but both of these islands. Skíathos was where many of the outdoor scenes in the first film were produced, including the Old Port where Sophie’s fathers meet for the first time. Skopelos is where you will discover the chapel of Agios Ioannis, where Mamma Mia’s iconic wedding scene was shot. It’s just as beautiful in real life, but you’ll have to scale the craggy clifftop to get there. The views when you reach the top will more than make up for it!

Visit both islands with Seabourn Encore’s Aegean Allure & Turkish Treasures voyage >

Escape from Alcatraz – Silversea, San Francisco (California, USA)

Prison dramas come and go, but not many have stood the test of time in the same way as Escape From Alcatraz. With Clint Eastwood in the headline role, this 1979 classic was named by Variety as “one of the finest prison films ever made”. Peril, intrigue and suspense are all served up in abundance as the big-name cast tries to break free from one of the world’s most infamous facilities.

Alcatraz Island lies off the coast of San Francisco, and to this day remains an attraction that draws in visitors from far and wide. Silversea presents the opportunity to explore Alcatraz on an included sightseeing excursion, where after a ferry ride, you’ll ascend to the former penitentiary for a self-guided tour of the cellhouse. You will be able to hear stories from real prisoners and feel the intensity of a prison breakout from correctional officers who worked and lived on the island.

Explore Alcatraz Island with Silver Shadow’s Central America cruise >

The Lord of the Rings – Oceania Cruises, Tauranga (New Zealand)

Middle Earth may be one of the most incredible fictitious lands imaginable, but the good news is that Hobbiton makes it a reality. It is the film set you have always dreamed of; located in the heart of the Waikato region in New Zealand, you’ll see where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began, and listen to intriguing tales of how Hobbiton came to be. If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings, this is the one attraction to rule them all.

Oceania Cruises brings the magic alive on their Hobbiton Movie Set excursion. You will have ample time to explore the fantasy world, including stops at the Party Tree and Green Dragon Inn. JRR Tolkien’s tales are sure to be brought to life through the 44 Hobbit Holes, each with the same magnificent detail you will have seen in the cinema.

Visit Hobbiton with Regatta’s New Zealand Discovery voyage >

Jurassic Park – EXPLORA I, Kauai and Oahu (Hawaii, USA)

There’s no denying that the scenery in Jurassic Park is nothing short of breathtaking, and while you’re unlikely to happen across a dinosaur while you’re there, Hawaii is more than willing to welcome fans of the franchise. Kauai was used for the original 1993 film and its sequel, where locations such as Allerton Garden and Pilaa Beach provided exceptional backdrops to some of the most memorable scenes. Oahu is also well worth a visit, with its lush vegetation and forested landscapes that are so unmistakably Jurassic Park.

Explora Journeys will be Hawaii-bound on a number of immersive itineraries, taking in the islands that have helped put Jurassic Park on the map. On board EXPLORA I, you will disembark in both Kauai and Oahu, where you can see the impressive landscapes for yourself in what is sure to be a truly memorable experience … even without the prehistoric wildlife.

Discover Kauai and Oahu with EXPLORA I’s Extended Hawaiian Islands journey >

Game of Thrones – Emerald Sakara, Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Dubrovnik dazzles at any time of year. The impressive walled city has been drawing in visitors for generations, but in recent times has made a name for itself as the backdrop to the Game of Thrones. Ambling around the historic centre, you can’t help but feel you’re a part of the hit TV series, where cobbled streets and hidden alleyways seem to lie around every corner.

While cruising on board Emerald Cruises’ luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, you’ll discovery spectacular architecture and peruse the medieval walls of Dubrovnik on an immersive exploration.

Visit Dubrovnik with Emerald Sakara’s Coastal Gems of Italy and Croatia sailing >

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – Azamara, Aqaba (Jordan)

Jordan challenges everything you think you know about the Middle East. The ancient site of Petra rightly has a starring role, a covert city that has enticed movie-makers for generations – including George Lucas. He selected the iconic Treasury building as the exterior of The Temple of the Sun in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and fans of the film still visit in their droves to explore in the shadows of Harrison Ford and Sean Connery.

Located a mere Indiana Jones whip-length away from the port of Aqaba, cruisers won’t have to venture far to discover what has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and holy grail of bucket-list destinations. Azamara makes visiting Petra simple, offering a shore excursion directly from the port. Prepare to be mesmerised by the blushing pink sandstone and awe-inducing architecture, as you meander in the footsteps of Indiana Jones himself.

Uncover Petra with Azamara Pursuit’s Ancient Trade Routes itinerary >

Frozen Planet – Scenic, Antarctica

Frozen Planet is a cinematic masterpiece of the small screen, bringing viewers closer to some of the world’s most untouched and remote landscapes that exceptional wildlife calls home. Polar regions have long been out of reach for those with even the strongest sense of wanderlust – until recently. Spurred on by this incredible BBC series, the demand to travel to these parts has never been stronger.

Expedition ships are slowly uncovering these snow-covered landscapes in a luxurious fashion. Scenic is among them, where Zodiacs are deployed to take guests even closer to these unspoilt landscapes. An onboard specialist Polar Discovery Team provides insights into the geology, wildlife and history of this spectacular area through lecture presentations and guided shore excursions. These are truly unforgettable experiences, so whether you decide to try your hand at kayaking in Antarctica, or deep-diving into the waters on board the Scenic Neptune submarine, Scenic will make it possible.

Sail Beyond the Antarctica Circle with Scenic Eclipse >