As well as the popular iconic destinations, some cruise lines are offering cruises to exotic and less crowded locations that you may well have dreamed of visiting.
Here are a few less travelled spots that cruises are heading to that may appeal to your adventurous spirit.
Papua New Guinea
Known as an untouched paradise and one of the final frontiers of the South Pacific, Papua New Guinea is a dream destination for expedition cruising.
It’s known for its stunning scenery, marine life, colourful cultural celebrations and tribal groups, who speak more than 800 languages.
The cultural festivals are a feast for the senses and a photographer’s heaven.
Highlights also include visiting idyllic tropical isles fringed with sandy white beaches and bounded by endless coral reefs.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Ponant, Seabourn, True North, Heritage Expeditions, Carnival
Japan’s Art Islands
As well as the iconic cities and attractions of Japan, a cruise to the Seto Inland Sea visits several iconic art islands that host the popular Setouchi International Art Triennale.
The contemporary art festival is held every three years on several islands and the coastal cities of Takamatsu and Tamano.
Located between the main Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea is home to more than 700 islands. Naoshima is the most famous among the art islands, featuring the work of architect Tadao Ando. Avant-garde Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, has her black-spotted pumpkin sculpture on an old pier – it’s an Instagrammer’s heaven. Other islands include Injuma and Teshima.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Ponant, Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea, Scenic
Galapagos
Love animals and marine life? A Galapagos cruise is a dream come true for nature lovers. It’s not a cheap cruise but the rewards are many as you come face to face with wildlife that are happy to share their space with you. There are about 127 islands in the Galapagos. It’s where Darwin developed his theory of evolution and it remains an ecology hotspot.
You will see giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, lots of bird species including blue and red-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins. The Galapagos fur seals are entertaining to watch.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Silversea, Celebrity, Aqua Expeditions
The Kimberley
Often called Australia’s last frontier, the Kimberley in Western Australia is mesmerising.
The colours are amazing from the red dirt, turquoise waters, aqua blue skies and the occasional fluffy white clouds that dance across the sky.
Spot knobbly crocodiles lazing on a sun-drenched sandbank or peering out from tangled mangroves. Highlights include King George Falls, Rowley Shoals, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, and an opportunity to see ancient rock art.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Ponant, Silversea, Scenic, True North, Seabourn, Coral Expeditions, Kimberley Quest
Madagascar
Madagascar is known for its wildlife including black lemurs, chameleons and mongooses, plus birdlife, coral reefs and outstanding giant baobab trees.
The iconic trees are best seen near Morondava, home to 1200 trees and where the Avenue of Baobab are a photographers’ delight. Beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and lowland forests are some of the highlights. The islets of Nosy Hara, Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely marine parks, renowned for their underwater life.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Regent Seven Seas, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn, Holland America Line
Seychelles
Palm tree-lined white sandy beaches lofty mountains and tropical forests feature in the Seychelles. Mahé Island has amazing mountains, La Digue Island is known for its white beaches, Praslin Island for its picturesque scenery and Sainte Anne Islan for its colourful reefs. It is located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar.
Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles, is a colourful metropolis nestled on the island of Mahe.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Regent Seven Seas, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, Holland America Line.
Antarctic
The “white continent” is on many bucket lists and those who venture across the Drake Passage are not disappointed.
Expect to see vast snowy landscapes, lofty icebergs plus wildlife including penguins galore, seals and whales. Some cruise lines offer one-way flights if you are short on time and then you can cruise back. All expeditions ships have a team of experts who share their knowledge of this amazing destination.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Scenic, Ponant, Viking, Silversea, Lindblad Expeditions, Hurtigruten
Arctic
Get set to see polar bears in their natural habitat and hear the call of the Arctic birds. The Arctic is an area beyond the Arctic Circle, the line circling the globe about 66 degrees north of the Equator. It is close to the North Pole and is covered in sea ice all year. Norway’s isolated Svalbard archipelago is one of the land masses closest to the North Pole.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Silversea, Scenic, Quark, Lindblad, Hurtigruten,Viking, Ponant and Princess
Jeju Island
Known as the “island of the gods,” South Korea’s largest island is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve. Hallasan Mountain is the highest peak in South Korea and is home to the world’s longest underground lava tube. It is known for its white-sand beaches and volcanic landscapes. Walk the scenic path to the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, one of the island’s most famous attractions, and watch history and culture come alive at the open-air Jeju Folk Village Museum.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises.
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah is both steeped in ancient history and viewed as the modern, economic capital of Saudi Arabia. It’s Red Sea location serves as a major trading port for the Middle East region as well as the global link to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Media. Jedda is also a renowned resort town – the famed waterfront is lined with hotels, sculptures, restaurants and more. The old town of Al-Balad with its stunning architecture and vibrant markets is another highlight.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises
Greenland
Greenland located in the North American Ocean is fast becoming a hot destination. The capital Nuuk is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, with just 16,000 residents. Located on the southwest coast, you will also find the world’s largest fjords, the Nuup Kangerlua Fjord. Highlights include marine life sightings including whales. Hiking is popular along a rugged coastline and kayaking and boating in the fiords. Cute colourful houses in view of the stunning Sermitsiaq mountain make great photos.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Viking, Oceania Cruises, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, Scenic, Carnival
Iceland
Known as the ‘land of ice and fire’ you will see boiling hot springs, thundering waterfalls roaring rivers and lava-spewing volcanoes. It’s a nature lovers’ paradise.
Popular cities include the capital Reykjavik, home to coloured houses, a robust art scene and lots of history. Indulge in a mud mask and massages at the impressive the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa built on a lava field and heated with geothermal energy.
Cruise Lines that Visit
Seabourn, Silversea, HX Hurtigruten, Viking
