If you have been cruising for any length of time, you have undoubtedly visited or heard of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but what is that exactly? First, let’s think about what heritage is. This definition from UNESCO says it all–Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, World Heritage Sites are those places that have “outstanding value to humanity,” and they “belong to all peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.” Lovers of history, art, and nature alike call these sites “must-see” or “bucket-list” destinations. But, with more than 1,100 wonders located all around the world, how does one choose?
All cruise lines visit different UNESCO World Heritage Sites on specific cruises. While not all reachable via cruise ship, there are over 70 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North America. Today, we are going to focus on some of the most popular sites in North America visited by major cruise lines.
- Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. It is a 3.3 million-acre wilderness known for its calving glaciers, mountains, fjords, and more. Guests can view the massive glaciers right from the ship’s deck or book an excursion or cruisetour.
- The Historic District of Old Québec, which sits within Québec City, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It was the first city in North America to earn this recognition. It is split into two main sections and is recognized as the only walled city north of Mexico and one of the best examples of a fortified colonial city. Eastern Canada and New England itineraries typically feature this wonder.
- Also in Canada is Old Town Lunenburg in Nova Scotia. This site is known as the best example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America, and its brightly colored architecture. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and can be visited during port stops on Canada and New England itineraries.
- Old San Juan in Puerto Rico was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1983. Ships dock right in the bay, making a visit to the site an easy walk or taxi ride. It includes La Fortaleza and the San Juan National Historic Site, two well-preserved 16th-century military fortresses.
- Cruises to Antigua and Barbuda will take you to Nelson’s Dockyard, which is located in English Harbour, Antigua. Nelson’s Dockyard is the only Georgian-era naval dockyard still in operation in the world. Most excursions that include this wonder are combined with Shirley Heights Lookout and a white-sand beach.
- Everglades National Park in Florida became a World Heritage Site in 1979. The protected site covers more than 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness in South Florida. It is considered a World Heritage Site in Danger due to the threats to its ecosystem. High-speed airboat tours, pontoon tours, mangrove safaris, and more can be offered when docked at PortMiami or Port Everglades.
- In 1987, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which contains two of the world’s most active volcanoes, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most excursions to this natural wonder are guided hikes to active craters and steam vents.
- L’Anse aux Meadows is a famous 11th-century Viking settlement in Newfoundland, Canada. It was established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. It is the only authentic Norse/Viking settlement in North America and dates back to 1000 AD. Excursions to this World Heritage Site are offered from St. Anthony.
- Sian Ka’an & Chichén Itzá on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico were both named World Heritage Sites in 1987, but are very different. Sian Ka’an is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. It offers tropical forests, mangrove stands, marshes, barrier reefs, wildlife, and so much more. It showcases nature at its finest. Cruise ships offer excursions to this site from Cozumel or Costa Maya. Chichén Itzá is a massive pre-Hispanic city. The site includes Mayan and Toltec architecture, including the Temple of Kukulcán, the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Sacred Cenote. Cruise ships offer excursions to this site from Cozumel or Progreso.
- The last UNESCO World Heritage Site we will mention is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York. The dual-island site encompasses Liberty and Ellis Islands and celebrates freedom, democracy, and the Great Atlantic Migration. The typical cruise excursion is a half-day guided land tour. New England/Canada and Atlantic coast itineraries usually offer the excursion, which departs from the Manhattan or Brooklyn cruise terminals.
There are various other UNESCO World Heritage Sites offered by cruise lines, some of which require cruisetours. As with all things cruising, you will want to check your cruise line for the best itinerary if you are interested in visiting any of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The region and time of year are important to take into consideration, as well as your own personality.