Which cruise itinerary are you based on your Chinese Zodiac?
Tuesday 17 January 2023
Happy New Year! To celebrate the turning of the Lunar Year, we’ll share the best cruise itinerary for each of the twelve Chinese Zodiacs in this article. Read on to discover your Chinese Zodiac and the ideal cruise destination or type for your personality.
What are the Chinese Zodiac signs?
In China, each new year has a zodiac attributed to it, and those born in that year are thought to have the attributes of their Zodiac. There are 12 zodiacs in total; in order, they are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each is attributed to a year in turn, and the cycle repeats every 12 years.
Unlike western calendars, the new year falls on a different date each year following the lunar calendar and marks the transition from one year (and one Zodiac) to the next. The celebration tends to fall in either January or February.
In 2023, we are entering the year of the rabbit, starting on the 22nd of January. This year will end on the 9th of February 2024, and the year of the dragon will begin.
Find your birth year below to discover your Chinese Zodiac…
Rat – 2032, 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948
Ox – 2033, 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949
Tiger – 2034, 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950
Rabbit – 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939
Dragon – 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940
Snake – 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941
Horse – 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942
Goat – 2027, 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943
Monkey – 2028, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944
Rooster – 2029, 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945
Dog – 2030, 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946
Pig – 2031, 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947
Where should you travel based on your Chinese Zodiac?
So, now that you know your zodiac animal, we’re sure you’re interested in learning your characteristics and a travel destination that would suit your personality traits too. Find your zodiac below to discover the cruise itinerary for you.
Rat
Traits: Family-orientated and adaptable
The first sign in the 12-year calendar; rats are family-orientated and adaptable. Rats are commonly associated with wealth and prosperity due to their resourcefulness and strong work ethic. It’s also said that rats are happy to turn their hand to anything, always ready to adapt and try something new.
Rats are the most family-orientated of all the zodiacs, using their work ethic and ambition to better their family life. This is why a multi-generational cruise is perfect for those born in the year of the rat. A multi-gen cruise will unlock a fantastic holiday for the whole family, with everyone from grandparents to grandchildren able to come along and enjoy the trip.
Cruising is the perfect holiday type for rats, and with new destinations and experiences to be had every day, it will open doors for the curious-minded. From exploring a historic port town one day to taking advantage of the fantastic onboard attractions the next, a quick-witted rat will find themselves stimulated and with plenty to enjoy – just as they like it.
Ox
Traits: Reliable and determined
Similarly to their animal counterpart, people born in the year of the ox are associated with reliability and determination. They are strong and down-to-earth, committed to their personal path with an unyielding effort and ambition.
Their focus and determination make it so that ox are unlikely to want to down tools and take a break at all, preferring instead to stick to their course and work away at their goals. However, a break is the best way to rebalance the mind, so as a compromise, we suggest the ox take a mini cruise.
With a mini cruise holiday, the ox can give themselves a short break from their usual routine, expanding their mind and letting them recalibrate before returning to the grindstone. Whether opting for a cruise over the Channel to mainland Europe or around the UK, this short break is one that’ll be rewarding in the long term.
Tiger
Traits: Restless and brave
The tiger sign is one of restlessness, strength and bravery. Tigers are considered powerful and passionate, with effortlessly dynamic personalities. They can seem like juxtapositions to onlookers who don’t share their mindset, both free-spirited but territorial and both considered but reckless; but to tigers, life is for living, and nothing should get in the way.
A vivid country home to spectacular wildlife and bustling cities, we suggest a tiger cruises South Africa for their next holiday. Whether it’s hiking iconic Table Mountain or learning history on Robben Island, there is plenty to do here for the multi-faceted tiger.
And, as South Africa is a pinpoint on our World Cruises, you’ll be able to satisfy your restlessness with plenty of other stops in other countries too. Whether you circumnavigate the globe or unwind on a smaller section of a larger cruise, you’ll always be moving forward.
Rabbit
Traits: Gentle and sensitive
Rabbits might not be the most outgoing or outspoken characters, but they are well revered in Chinese culture for their kindness and sensitivity. A quiet and gentle creature, rabbits are faithful and caring, as well as quick and skilful.
For gentle rabbits, we recommend staying close to home with a stunning cruise around the UK. With a British Isles cruise, you’ll be able to learn more about the beautiful place we live, taking in wonderful ports in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
These trips are a real treat, and for the quiet and gentle rabbit, it will mean you’re allowed to explore within your comfort zone but still enjoy amazing experiences that you can’t get at home. Plus, cruising will offer a unique perspective on Great Britain.
Dragon
Traits: Energetic and confident
Of all of the zodiacs, the dragon is the only which is not a real animal and is an integral part of the Chinese zodiac. Gifted with energy and encouragement, dragons are not afraid of challenges and are highly ambitious characters. Their passionate and dominant nature often causes them to be associated with leadership roles.
For larger-than-life dragons, we recommended a larger-than-life, around-the-world cruise. Think you can take on the challenge of over 100 nights of exploration, traversing multiple continents and too many ports to count? We’re sure that you can.
We know that as a dragon, you’ll be looking for something that can excite you to the maximum, and there is nothing better than this, the ultimate holiday. A genuine once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, this will undoubtedly be able to match up to your ambitions.
Snake
Traits: Wise and enigmatic
The wise and enigmatic snake is another well-revered zodiac, as in Chinese culture, snakes are thought to be little dragons. Both seductive and mysterious, snakes are wise with excellent intuitions. In fact, they’re regarded as the most intuitive of all the zodiacs.
For the wise snake, we’re sure an exciting cruise to New Zealand from the UK will stimulate your mind and give you a great range of enjoyable experiences. You’ll be able to enjoy a range of rich and exciting cultures and an impactful arts scene as you travel.
During your New Zealand cruise, you’ll be able to enjoy one of our world cruise sectors and take on a large part of this unique voyage. Visiting amazing locations like the Caribbean, Panama Canal and the Pacific Islands on to New Zealand, it’ll be sunshine and smiles all around.
Horse
Traits: Independent and intelligent
The socialite of the Chinese Zodiac world, the horse loves to be in a crowd and adores being surrounded by people. Although they thrive in a big crowd or group and prefer not to be solitary, horses are independent and happy to lead the conversation and pave the way.
For the social and intelligent horse, a Mediterranean cruise is ready and waiting to unlock amazing experiences in warm and welcoming cultures. You’ll find great energy and frenetic cities as you glide around the Mediterranean coast, including a range of historical marvels.
There is a reason that the Mediterranean is one of the most famous cruise destinations in the world. And, for the fun-loving horse, it’ll be a destination you’re sure to fall in love with.
Goat
Traits: Artistic and kind
The goat is an artistic personality with kindness in their soul. Goats are the kind of people others love to be around, as they are honest, amicable, and easy to get along with. They’re also artistic and creative, thriving on pushing themselves and trying new things.
Two things are important for goats looking for their next favourite travel destination: energy and culture. Being able to feed into both a goat’s love of the arts and adoration for people, a cruise to the Canary Islands is the perfect itinerary.
It’s not only the weather which is warm in the Canary Islands but the welcome too. For people-loving goats, the friendly nature of the community here is perfect. And the fascinating cultural blend makes for some amazing art and historical attractions, ideal for stimulating the mind and the creative juices.
READ MORE: How to spend your stopover in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Monkey
Traits: Curious and self-assured
Monkeys are cheeky characters in real life, and those born in the year of the monkey are no different. Known for being curious and self-assured, a monkey might be seen as a mischievous character but one that’s well-loved. Crafty and clever, the curiosity and confidence of a monkey means they’re able to turn their hand to many things and can take a lot to be truly stimulated.
That’s why a cruise to Singapore is perfect for the curious mind. Both a country and a capital, the streets are pulsing with energy and life here. With a blend of modern and traditional, there is plenty for the curious monkey to enjoy. Although it’s only a modest 31 miles wide and 16 miles top to bottom, you’ll find excitement everywhere you turn.
And, as Singapore sits at the end (or beginning) of one of our world cruise sectors, you’ll be able to extend your trip and spend more time here. Unleash your curiosity and let Singapore engulf you; you won’t be left disappointed!
Rooster
Traits: Hardworking and responsible
Those born in the year of the rooster are many things; hardworking and responsible, talkative, popular, confident, and honest. Some may say they can even be cocky due to being so self-assured and comfortable commanding a crowd.
For the hardworking rooster, enjoying a cruise around Northern Europe is ideal. With a mixture of authentic port towns and larger cities bustling with crowds, the rooster will be able to indulge themselves in fantastic culture and new groups of people. Just being on board a cruise ship and mingling with other guests will go a long way towards stimulating the people-loving rooster.
Whether it’s a cruise around the British Isles, France, or even Germany, Northern Europe has plenty to offer those who travel there. It’s a hub of exciting experiences, and by visiting on a cruise ship, you’ll see a unique side to these fantastic destinations.
Dog
Traits: Loyal and dependable
Just like its animal counterpart, those born in the year of the dog are known for being dependable and loyal, as well as sweet and loveable. Their fierce loyalty means they prefer familiarity in both those they spend time with and where they spend their time.
For the loyal and dependable dog, a holiday of simplicity is the best option, so a cruise to Canada from the UK is the perfect choice. Visiting Canada from the UK is a wonderful option for the dog, who’ll be able to enjoy the adventure but also appreciate the familiarity.
A cruise to Canada is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy both the best of cruising and some wonderful destinations due to the trip across the Atlantic. This means you’ll be able to make the most of the onboard facilities during the sea days and still have plenty of brilliant ports to enjoy.
Pig
Traits: Sincere and logical
The twelfth and final sign in the Chinese zodiac 12-year calendar, the pig is sincere and logical. They have high levels of focus and are devoted to their goals. Pigs are trustworthy and kind, always willing to put their diligent mind towards tasks for others and never quick to judge.
For the logical pig, it makes sense to go to one of the world’s most loved cruise destinations – the Norwegian Fjords. With towering, often snow-capped peaks and still waters, the Fjords are one of the most beautiful areas in the world and are sure to take your breath away.
The Norwegian Fjords are a timeless cruise destination and are better seen from the deck of a cruise ship. And, due to our focus on sustainability, the eco-criteria of the ships allows them to glide through the protected Norwegian World Heritage Fjords.
Whether you are a dragon and are now excited about the idea of the ultimate cruise adventure or a dog considering when you can fit a trip to Canada into your schedule, we’re sure you’ll have an excellent idea for another destination to add to your bucket list.
Check out our blog if you are looking for more destination recommendations alongside travel advice and cruising tips.
