Brendan O'Connor

I lived and worked in Alaska for 4.5 months and of all the places I have visited this has got to me my favourite and I would return here in a heartbeat. Alaska is a U.S. State and best visited by Ocean Cruise Ship, strangely enough most people do not realise that they are required to have a U.S. Visa for entry into Alaska! There is so much to see and do from visiting stunning Fjords to picturesque towns and cities along a stunning coastline plus many shore excursions to purchase (via the cruise company) which will broaden your knowledge and further enhance your destination experience. 

I have stayed in the vibrant city of Barcelona on many occasions, usually prior to embarking a cruise ship from its port, however, it is also ideal for a short break. There is always a buzz about this city with great shops, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets. 
It is a great city for people watching while sitting with some excellent tapas and a cool beer or glass of wine. Barcelona is a very “walkable” city, and its Metro system is very user friendly for getting to the main tourist attractions such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral and the Montjuic Park. 
I have twinned this favourite with another which is just a 30-minute train journey along the coast from Barcelona – the beautiful, picturesque seaside town of Sitges 😊 Sitges is a maze of narrow streets with a myriad of fantastic shops and places to eat. It has a spectacular seafront which is dominated at one end by the pink stone church of Sant Bartolome and which is the scene for a truly epic fireworks display every August. Sitges is a very chic resort and a leisurely stroll the beautiful seafront promenade will take you past some spectacular villas with million-pound price tags – it is nice to dream! The town can be quite busy in the summer months; however, I have also visited around Christmas time and it is very relaxing – another great people watching opportunity.
                  

I visited St. Petersburg for 3 whole days while on a 14-night Baltic Capitals’ ocean cruise. It is a vast and fascinating city steeped in both history & culture. One of the highlights was attending a performance of the ballet “Swan Lake” in the country in which it was created. Another must do is an afternoon river excursion on the Neva River which took us past many of the great building and sites of the city. Our guide on this excursion was a local man who was very passionate about St. Petersburg and possessed a vast knowledge of the city and its history. Other “must sees” are Catherine’s Palace, The Hermitage Museum, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and The Church on the Spilled Blood.