Many of the world’s most sacred sites have historically been inaccessible to all but the hardiest of travelers.
There are more than one hundred cruise itineraries that provide access to sacred places – worldwide sites of healing, guidance and divine inspiration.
The significance of these hallowed sites cannot be expressed in words or pictures. To understand their impact, the faithful must visit them in person to experience healing, guidance or divine inspiration.
While many of the world’s most sacred sites have historically been inaccessible to all but the hardiest of travelers – those who were able to make arduous overland journeys – travel industry experts say travelers will find that today’s cruise itineraries make many of these locations surprisingly easy to visit.
Sacred Places to Visit via Cruise Ship
Bordeaux, France, Lourdes
The heart of Pyrenees, Lourdes, is where the Virgin Mary first appeared in 1858. Since then, countless people around the world visit Lourdes every year to experience its grace. In this beautiful city filled with Roman Catholic churches, you can experience the impact of the Virgin Mary’s apparition.
Nearest cruise port: Port de la Lune. 3-hour drive.
Trivia: The sanctuary of Lourdes is one of the most-visited Catholic shrines in the world, with around four million pilgrims coming every year.
Cologne, Germany, Shrine of the Three Kings
The story of the Three Wise Men’s trip to Bethlehem is one of the most poignant in the Bible, and the Shrine of the Three Kings holds their mortal remains. Above the high altar of the Cologne Cathedral is a huge tomb adorned and covered with gold leaf. Built around the 12th century, it stores the grandest relics of the Western world and is a pinnacle of Mosan art.
Nearest cruise port: Port of Cologne
Trivia: Over a thousand gems and beads were used to embellish the framework, decorated with filigree and enamel.
Dublin, Ireland, Newgrange
The crown monument of Ireland’s Ancient East is the Stone Age (Neolithic) structure of Newgrange, said to be built by Stone Age farmers. A massive circular mound with a diameter of 85 m, Newgrange has chambers inside and is made with over 200,000 tones of stones. The 97 huge kerbstones, some of which are inscribed with symbols of megalithic art, surround the mound. A leisure stroll around Newgrange would leave you gripped by its history.
Nearest cruise port: Dublin Port
Trivia: Built roughly 5,200 years ago, Newgrange is older than Stonehenge and the Giza Pyramids.
Paris, France, Chartres Cathedral
The Chartres Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church represents the finest of French Gothic art. The cathedral has been an important destination for Christian pilgrims who come to see the Sancta Camisa, which is said to be the tunic worn by Virgin Mary. It is also an architectural masterpiece for its building innovation and the famed 13th-century stained-glass windows as well as its gorgeous sculptures on the facade.
Nearest cruise port: Le Havre. 3-hour drive.
Trivia: The Chartres Cathedral was completely rebuilt over 26 years following a fire in 1194 and the famed stained glass runs into more than 28000 feet.
Asia/Far East
Shimizu, Japan, Mt Fuji
The most exquisite panorama in Japan is the union of Mt. Fuji, one of the three holiest mounts in Japan. It is worshiped as a deity (kami) by Shintoists, Buddhists, Confucianists and other smaller religious groups. Its volcanic activity represents the earth, sky, and fire. Thus, many pilgrims walk or take cable cars to the peak of Mount Fuji. You can experience the holiness of the mount and the scenery at Mount fuji.
Nearest Cruise Port: Shimizu Port. 2-hour drive.
