‘Game of Thrones’ is of course one of the most popular television series of all time. You know the show well. In fact, you might know some scenes word-for-word. Game of Thrones took the world by storm. People are flaunting Game of Thrones everywhere, from annual events to cruises.
One such cruise is a bit newer for many Game of Thrones fans, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t worth seeing. In fact, if you want to step foot on some of the most famous filming locations in the movie, you need to book a spot on the cruise. But first, you will need information about the cruise. Of course, there’s a certain epidemic halting most cruises right now. That’s not to say you can’t take a voyage to your favorite GOT locations when it debuts next year. Check out some of the details of this new voyage below:
18. The Cruise Will Open In 2021
Set your vacation for September 2021, because the Game of Thrones cruise is set to open on that date. The dates aren’t in stone yet, so you’ll need to keep up with the news. But it’s either an eight or 16-day cruise. It will focus on dozens of filming locations between Iceland to Croatia. The creators are Dalmatian Travel & Events, and they require people to pay at least $5,130 per person. However, some packages reach close to $22,000.
The cruise starts in Europe, so you’ll need to include those travel arrangements with your cruise price. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make sure you check out as much as possible.
17. There Are Different Payment Plans
For most people, coming up with over $5,000 in one shot isn’t easy. In fact, many people can’t do this without saving or taking out a loan. But thanks to the cruise’s quick way of thinking, you don’t have to worry about figuring out a savings plan or getting a loan. Instead, you can simply go to the Cruise of Thrones website and set up a payment plan through them.
They have three different payment plans and the registration and payment process opened in January 2020. The first plan is to pay in full. The second plan is setting up automatic monthly payments. All you need to do is secure your deposit and then set up a monthly payment plan. The final option is reserving your spot with a deposit and then paying the rest off as you can. This might take a bit more planning from you, but it makes it so you don’t need to set up automatic payments. However, you do have to meet the required deadlines when it comes to payments.
16. If You’re Already Excited, Sign Up
You can get the most up-to-date information without needing to pay or make a deposit for your spot now. All you need to do is head over to the Cruise of Thrones website and subscribe to their email list. You will receive the most valuable information about the trip. On top of this, you’ll receive any changes or additions to the schedule as soon as it’s approved by the cruise team.
They are doing their best to make sure this cruise is more than you can ever imagine, so changes happen often. They don’t want Game of Thrones fans out of the loop. Even if you’re not sure if you will go or not, it’s not a bad idea to head over to the website and sign up.
15. The Cruise Ship Is The Best
The Dalmatian Travel & Events team isn’t joking around when they say they want to give Game of Thrones fans their dream vacation. Every single part of this cruise is the best in the business, starting with the cruise ship, which is a Celebrity Edge class luxury liner. It can accommodate up to 2,918 passengers and up to 1,320 crew members.
The design of the ship has multiple levels, 24 restaurants, thousands of rooms ranging from single to celebrity, royal, and iconic suites. The dining rooms are more like halls where you will feast, and the Water Gardens of Dorne is also known as the Solarium. But, don’t think that your walk to your room is typical as you’ll go through the Great Pyramid of Mereen. There’s no doubt that with such a perfect cruise ship and room, the destination locations are even better.
14. But That’s Not All
There is already so much information out about the Celebrity Edge luxury liner that you’ll become more excited about your Game of Thrones vacation just by the statistics. First, it’s the first ship designed entirely in 3D. Its inaugural date is December 2018, which means plans were in the works for a while before anything became public.
The ship itself is 129,500 tons. It’s 1,004 feet in length with a beam that is 128 feet and a draught that is 27 feet. It can go up to 21.8 Kts, which is knots in the speed and is equivalent to 25 miles per hour. This gives one an excellent cruise speed that will cause you to feel more relaxed than anything else. The crew has people from 69 different countries, and it has 1,467 staterooms. But that’s not all. It also has two-story suite rooms and direct access to the sundeck.
13. There Are Three Different Cruises
Not every Game of Thrones fan will take the same cruise, but you’re bound to meet many new friends no matter what journey you choose. Three separate cruises start in September 2021. Two of them are eight-day cruises, and then one a 16-day cruise. Of course, there is also a little bonus cruise that you can take as well.
The first choice is an eight-day Northern Cruise, or you can pick the eight-day Southern Cruise or the 16-day Known World Cruise. Then, the bonus cruise is the Dragonstone side trip. This costs about $750 per person and is available on its own or with another cruise.
12. What’s Included In The Cruise?
You can’t learn more about where you’re going until you learn more about what’s included in the cruise. The team has thought of pretty much everything, from featured guests whom they will announce later, to game shows, spas, a scavenger hunt, fan art auction, podcasts, gaming room, cosplay parade, wine tasting, shopping, and more.
Other features that are included with every purchase is a $100 spa certificate, access to the fitness center, free Wi-Fi, Blue Chip Casino, 24-hour room service, and entry into specific events that are set up for everyone on the cruise.
11. Where Will You Go?
There are several destinations on the journey. Which cruise you choose will decide where you go. For instance, the eight-day northern cruise looks at the filming locations of Iceland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. If you choose to take the eight-day southern cruise, you’ll hit destinations like Spain, Malta, and Croatia. Of course, you might also know these locations as Dorne, Essos, and King’s Landing.
The 16-day cruise takes you to all six places as you’ll travel back to back to these places. Now that you have an idea of the locations you’ll visit on the cruise, it’s time to look at the places in a little more detail.
10. Northern Ireland
Ireland is known as one of the most popular tourist destination locations in the world. It’s on top of nearly everyone’s list with its fantastic nightlife and 16th-century castles. Over the last few years, Ireland has grown more in popularity because of the television show Game of Thrones. In fact, the country’s taken the success of this show and created their own Game of Thrones tour, much of which you will see on the cruise.
The location of Winterfell, Castle Ward, is definitely on the list to visit. It’s one of the most significant stops for any fan. Other places include Magheramorne Quarry in County Antrim, which is the filming location of the entrance to Castle Black and the Dark Hedges. Remember season two of the series when Melisandre gave birth to a terrifying shadow baby? Well, you can see this location on the cruise as well. You’ll head to the Cushendun Caves, where you’ll also see part of the Causeway Coast. Don’t think these are the only great places you’ll see as they are only part of your cruise.
9. More Ireland
Most of Game of Thrones seasons saw filming in Ireland and Northern Ireland. You might think this is all one area, but the country is slightly divided between the two. In fact, there is a different currency you will use in Ireland than you use in Northern Ireland. For instance, because Northern Ireland is under British rule, it uses the Pound Sterling, whereas the Republic of Ireland, also known as Ireland, uses the Euro.
While all the locations for Ireland are not directly set for the cruise yet, there are many places that you’ll find yourself playing a guessing game to see which ones you can view. Of course, you can always decide to head back to Ireland to see the places that you missed on the cruise. Other than the locations discussed previously, you can also see Belfast, Tollymore Forest, and Inch Abbey ruins.
8. Iceland
Iceland proudly claims home to several filming locations for the Game of Thrones. Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, more tourists are starting to head to the country every year, and part of this is because of Game of Thrones. This is one primary reason that the cruise will make sure to make its stop in Iceland, at least for a couple of cruises. One of the benefits you’ll get from making sure you see the filming locations of Iceland is its beautiful scenery full of mountains and waterfalls. Make sure you can see one magnificent sunset or sunrise before you leave the area.
One of the places you might get to see on the cruise is Iceland’s famous Thingvellir National Park. This is the location of many Game of Thrones scenes and is known as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. You can also view the Oxararfoss Trail, which you might know better as “The Bloody Gate.” Then, there is Nesjavellir, Thingvellir, or Brienne & the Hound, which took place in the final episode of the fourth season. Finally, you don’t want to forget about the Glaciers of Iceland, which you saw in several scenes in the series.
7. Don’t Forget About Spain
Of course, you won’t literally forget about Spain when looking at filming locations for the Game of Thrones series. In fact, Spain’s list is just about as long as Iceland and Ireland. Unfortunately, this means that you might not see all of them on the cruise. One spot in Spain will take you back to season 6, with its perfect backdrop, and this location is Las Bardenas Reales. Another famous site that you’ll remember from the series is double for Dorne Palace and gardens which started in season 5, and this is Seville’s iconic Royal Alcázar
Other locations that you might see on the cruise (and if you don’t there’s always the chance to go back to Spain as they have their own Game of Thrones tours) include Roman bridge of Córdoba, the little town of Osuna which got its 14 minutes of fame in season 5, and Girona Arab baths. You’ll remember this location when you see it – and probably think of the really heated scenes between Arya Stark and the Waif.
6. There’s More When It Comes To Spain
You might already know that Game of Thrones has a lot more filming locations than what was mentioned above. In fact, there are over a dozen that you can see. Spain’s Girona old town made its presence in season 6 when its streets transformed into the Free City of Essos. You might remember that this is where Arya Stark was living and being hunted by the Waif. Then, there is Gaztelugatxe, which is located in Northern Spain. This location became used for Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestral home of Dragonstone.
If you keep going, you’ll come across Castell de Santa Florentina, Barcelona. This is a medieval castle that doubled for House Tarly’s home castle in Season 6. Chances are this location might not become part of the cruise because it’s private property, and you need an appointment. However, anything is possible. Finally, you can’t forget about the 12th century Castle of Zafra in Guadalajara. You saw this location when it doubled for the Tower of Joy in three episodes in Season 6.
5. Possible Stops in Malta
If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you know that they spent a lot of time searching for specific locations for filming. They traveled to several areas to get the perfect location. Once they found the location, they spent a reasonable amount of time, sometimes about a season or two, filming in the area. Malta is one of the stops that you’ll make on your cruise that most people don’t know about. However, there are about as many destinations you could see in Malta that you have in Iceland or Spain.
When you stop in Malta, you’ll recognize many scenes from season 1. It is the first home of King’s Landing, and you might stop and see St. Dominic’s Convent in Rabat. This location is specific from the 7th episode in season 1, where Ned Stark confronts Cersei about the father of her children. Another location in Malta is The Gate of the Mdina, or you might see the Mesquita Square in Mdina.
4. Don’t Forget About These Maltan Locations
Fort Ricasoli in Malta doubled as the Gate of the Gods of King’s Landing. It first shows up in episode 3 and then pops up again in episode 5 during season 1. Buskett Gardens in Malta is home to Verdala Palace, which is technically closed to the public because it’s the summer home for the President of Malta. Another location is the 18th Century Fort Manoel, which doubles as the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor.
But you don’t want to stop your list of possibilities to see on the cruise there. San Anton Palace and Gardens, which is where the President of Malta usually lives, makes an appearance during season 1 several times. You’ll probably recognize the location from episode 10 when Joffrey took Sansa to the balcony to see the heads on spikes, which included the head of her father.
3. Croatia
Croatia is a beautiful location that isn’t the highest on people’s vacation list. But once you see the possible places you could see on the Game of Thrones cruise, this country will quickly make it to the top of your list. St. Dominika Street makes its appearance in many scenes during Game of Thrones. In fact, most of the show’s market scenes and City Watch or ‘Gold Cloaks’ scenes filmed here. The Ethnographic Museum is another location that you’ll want to visit. It dates back to the 16th century and doubles for the brothel where Tyrion Lannister meets Oberyn Martell, which takes place in season 4.
Bokar Fortress is another excellent location that represents the King’s Landing. However, you’ll probably recognize the fortress when Varys tells Tyrion that he’s very good at being the hand of the king because it’s most visible in that scene. Lokrum Island is not too far off of Croatia’s mainland. It was where Daenerys Targaryen got a frosty welcome from the Spice King.
2. Croatia Has More Filming Locations
Other than the places you read about above, you can also see Lovrijenac Fortress. This location has a lot of local history. But for Game of Thrones fans, it’s where the tournament was thrown in honor of King Joffrey’s name day. You might also recognize the location from season 2 where Cersei Lannister speaks with Petyr Baelish. Minetta Tower is known as a high point in the city of Dubrovnik. In the series, it doubled as the walls of the House of the Undying. If you remember, it’s where Khaleesi walks around the exterior wall while trying to find a way inside.
Diocletian’s Palace is another great location that you won’t want to pass up when you’re in Croatia. Not only can you get more history from the country, but you can also see where Daenarys trained her dragons. It’s also the filming location for the famous “kill your masters” scene during season 4. Another season 4 filming location is Klis Fortress. You’ll recognize this place from when Daenerys overthrows Meereen.
1. Don’t Forget About The Cruise’s Side Trip – Dragonstone
If the Game of Thrones cruise wasn’t great enough with everyone’s you’ve read, the creators just made it more fabulous by adding a separate add-on option to the journey for anyone who wants to see Dragonstone. As a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll never forget about seeing the steps of Dragonstone for the first time. If you take the cruise, you can take these steps yourself after you see Iceland, Croatia, Ireland, and all the other filming locations.
The real Dragonstone is actually the steps leading to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a church in the Basque region of Spain. It’s a treat that you’ll be able to see Dragonstone because most locals are worried that the thousands of people who visit every year because of its ties to history and the television show will ruin the ancient stairs. However, as a fan of Game of Thrones, you’re more likely to take care of the steps and touch the mother of dragons gently.
Sources:
“9 Game Of Thrones Locations in Northern Ireland You Have To Visit.” Janet Newenham, Wild Rover Tours. March 2019.
“12 Real Life Game of Thrones Locations to See in Spain.” Jessica Jones, The Culture Trip. May 2019.
“10 Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Malta and Gozo.” Elaine, The Whole World Is A Playground. October 2017.
“The Ultimate Guide to Game of Thrones in Iceland.” Katrín Björk, Guide to Iceland.
“‘Game of Thrones’ fans will soon be able to set sail on a ‘Cruise of Thrones’ and venture to the show’s iconic filming locations. Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure. November 2019.
“New Game Of Thrones Cruise Will Take Fans To Iconic Filming Locations.” Robbie Woods, Rough Maps. February 2020.
“Cruise of Thrones.” Dalmatian Travel and Events.
“Game of Thrones’ Dragonstone is a real place. Thousands of fans might ruin it.” Sarah Wildman, Vox. September 2017.
“10 best Game of Thrones filming locations to visit in Croatia.” Radio Times.