Cruises are wonderful vacation options, but people tend to think of them as only being for people who want to relax or visit warm destinations in the tropics and subtropics. There are actually many unique locations cruises can take you to and many types of activities and excursions. Here are six unique cruising destination ideas for your next vacation.
1. The Alaskan Coastline
Alaska is an utterly unique location in the northern hemisphere. While it’s a much colder destination than those you would find on a more traditional cruise, the views are spectacular whether you stay on the ship or participate in excursions. Alaska is home to incredible landscapes, both along the coast and farther inland. You may be able to see local wildlife or the northern lights, depending on the time of year you visit. You can take Alaska cruises from Seattle, Washington, Vancouver, British Columbia, and several other ports along North America’s west coast.
2. The Nile River
Cruises aren’t confined to the ocean. There are many cruise lines that offer river and lake cruises in addition to cruises at sea. One unique river you may want to cruise is the Nile River, located in Egypt. A cruise on the Nile is an excellent idea for those interested in Egyptian history and culture. While on your cruise, you can tour ancient cities, visit temples, tombs and pyramids, go to museums and attend lectures given by expert Egyptologists. You can also get a taste of modern Egyptian culture by visiting cities such as Cairo.
3. Central and South America
Most people are familiar with Caribbean cruises, but this is not the only Southwestern region you can visit. There are also cruises that take travelers to Central and South American destinations. You may want to take a cruise through the Panama Canal to learn about the canal’s history and importance to the world’s economy and supply chains or to the Galápagos Islands in Central America. In South America, you might choose to visit the mountains and historical sites of Peru or the cities and rainforests of Brazil.
4. The Antarctic
Antarctica is an incredibly remote location but it’s hard to find a more unique cruise experience, so it can be worth the effort. To reach Antarctica, you first need to travel to an appropriate port. There are ports in Argentina, the Falkland Islands, and Chile. Many cruise lines offer cruises to Antarctica, but you should choose your cruise carefully depending on what you want to do during your trip. Not every cruise line offers onshore excursions, so your options may be limited if you’re interested in those excursions. However, all cruises will offer activities related to sightseeing, such as sailing, wildlife watching and kayaking.
5. Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is a region full of unique countries, cultures, landscapes and wildlife. You can choose to visit one city, such as Bangkok, one country, such as Vietnam, or a larger part of the region. If you choose to go to Southeast Asia, it’s a good idea to book a vacation that includes both ocean and river cruises.
6. The Faroe Islands
Northern Europe is an increasingly popular location for tourists to visit. Many people are fascinated by the history and culture of the region, the landscapes and the experiences the region has to offer. People who visit the nordic countries may hike glaciers, experience the polar night or the midnight sun and learn about the region’s unique history. One overlooked area of Northern Europe is the Faroe Islands, an archipelago under Danish jurisdiction located between Iceland and Norway. These islands are home to Viking settlements, sea cliffs, puffin colonies and fjords.
Your vacation should be something you know you will enjoy. Some people prefer to relax and be pampered on their vacations and cruises. Others may want to seek out options that provide them with adventurous excursions and unique experiences they’ll remember for a lifetime.
With a passion for helping students navigate their educational journey, I strive to create informative and relatable blog content. Whether it’s tackling exam stress, offering career guidance, or sharing effective study techniques
