Go Beyond The Caribbean
Do you yearn for the sea beyond and the tried and true destinations of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaskan coast? You're in luck, cruise companies are always expanding their horizons to new ports. This list covers everything from the most rugged places on earth to river cruises right in your own backyard.
1. The Northwest Passage
The infamous Northwest Passage may not look like much on a map—it's a winding route between Greenland and Russia—but it's claimed countless lives over the centuries. Today, you traverse this elusive trade route from the comfort of a luxurious cabin. This voyage is filled with northern lights, vibrant blue glaciers, and animals you won't see anywhere else on earth.
2. Tristan Da Cunha
A series of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic, Tristan da Cunha is one of the most remote places on earth that's still inhabited. Tristan is a paradise for birdwatchers, and offers cruisers a unique way to interact with the local culture: while cruise ships don't often dock at the main islands, locals will swim out to meet the ship. Also, you'll travel somewhere most of your friends have never heard of.
Brian Gratwicke from DC, USA on Wikimedia
3. Panama Canal
The Panama Canal was made for sailing, and that's just what you'll do. Travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through this astounding man-made marvel. While this technically counts as a Caribbean cruise, sailing through the Panama Canal goes overlooked by cruisers with white sand beaches on their minds.
4. Galápagos Islands
Did you know that Ecuador's Galápagos islands have the highest biodiversity anywhere on the planet. These volcanic islands are home to penguins, tortoises, and one of science's greatest discoveries: the theory of evolution. Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin or enjoy pristine snorkeling, the Galápagos have something to offer.
The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
5. Nile River
You don't have to be a pharaoh to sail down the Nile River. Most lines begin in Cairo where you can see the Great Pyramid before sending you down the river from Luxor to Aswan. Anyone who had an Ancient Egypt phase as a kid should consider a Nile River cruise...we just hope there isn't any Poirot-style intrigue.
6. Svalbard
Back to the frozen north, Svalbard, Norway is home to one of the world's northernmost permanent settlements. Svalbard's terrain varies from mossy tundra to polar desert—no, not all deserts are sandy—rife with walruses, reindeer, and polar bears. Schedule your trip in the height of summer to bask in the Midnight Sun—just make sure to bring your sunglasses.
7. Mekong River
Thanks to Viking's clever advertising, many people think of Europe when they hear the words "river cruise". However, the Mekong River, flowing through Southeast Asia takes cruisers throughout Cambodia and Vietnam on the mother of rivers. Excursions to UNESCO world heritage site Angkor Wat are a must.
8. Tierra Del Fuego
For travelers who really want to go off the beaten path, look no further than Tierra del Fuego, where sailors have rounded Cape Horn for centuries. Called a land of ice and fire for its stunning contrast of volcanic headlands and dramatic glaciers, Tierra del Fuego is one of the last untouched landscapes we have left.
9. Sir Bani Yas
If you want to unplug and forget about your worries, skip the trip to Dubai and head to Sir Bani Yas. Just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, this island was designated a wildlife preserve in the 1970s. Today, the island is a private beach resort for visiting cruise ships.
10. Mystery Island
Speaking of unplugging and unwinding, there are few places better to do so than Mystery Island in Vanuatu. In fact, we bet most people couldn't find Vanuatu on a map, which only adds to the allure. This island is so small that you can explore it in 30 minutes and has no electricity, phones, or roads.
11. Saint Pierre & Miquelon
You don't need to cross the ocean for a taste of France when Saint Pierre & Miquelon is a short boat ride from Newfoundland. This French overseas territory is complete with wine, pastries, and a certain je ne said quois. It's a must-do if you're considering a cruise up the St. Lawrence River.
12. Avignon
However, if an overseas territory won't cut it, there are plenty of cruises that will take you around France. Personally, we'd recommend sailing down the Rhône to Avignon. This Medieval city in the south of France is known for its historic architecture, lavender fields, and wine tasting.
13. Tasmania
People tend to overlook Tasmania on Australia trips. Far from being all bush and devils, this underappreciated island showcases soaring cliffs and gorgeous gardens. History lovers can bask in the colonial-era architeure of Battery Park in Hobart while learning about the island's past as a penal colonal.
14. Amazon Basin
If you want your cruise to be wild rather than relaxing, then the Amazon Basin is the destination for you, but, don't worry, you won't have to sacrifice comfort. Cutting through South America, the Amazon Basin is home to one in every 10 species of flora and fauna on Earth! While the Amazon spans nine countries, most companies concentrate on Peru, where you can see jaguars, pink dolphins, and more.
15. Jeju Island
Jeju Island is one of South Korea's most popular vacation getaways, but it's not as popular among westerners. Jeju isn't called the "Hawaii of Korea" for nothing offering leaft green foliage, dormant volcanoes (that you can actually go inside) and breathtaking waterfalls. If you're booking a cruise to or around Korea, we'd definitely recommend one that stops at Jeju Island.
16. Budapest
Just behind the Mediterranean, the Danube River is one of Europe's top destinations for cruising. And on that mighty river is Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube, featuring jaw-dropping castles, winding cobblestone streets, and baroque art. Book around Christmas for an unforgettable journey.
17. Seychelles
While the Seychelles may be in the Indian Ocean, they're actually part of Africa, and a wonderful year-round destination. With beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, these islands are ideal for honeymooners (or romantics at heart) or snorkelers. Seychelles is a great alternative to the Maldives for budget-conscious travelers.
18. New Orleans
You don't have to go far to enjoy a cruise vacation, in fact, if you're on the east coast you aren't too far from New Orleans. America offers a beautiful varieties of rivers for inland cruising, but the Mississippi is perhaps the best. Bonus points if you can book a historical steamboat.
Hannibal Photography on Pexels
19. Canary Islands
If the winter weather has you down, there's no better place to go than Spain's Canary Islands. Boasting 3000 hours of sunlight annually, this stunning archipelago is closer to Morocco than Spain, but still maintains the laidback Spanish way of life. You'll hear the canaries sing from the first moment you disembark.
Jose Antonio Jiménez Macías on Unsplash
20. Antarctica
Antarctic cruises aren't for the faint of heart. The Great White South is home to some of the most brutal and alien conditions on earth, which is exactly why it's become a luxury cruise destination in the past few years. From the notoriously rough Drake Passage to polar plunges into the frozen ocean, this is one cruise you'll likely to never forget.
