Taking a cruise vacation to some unconventional places is a dream for a lot of us. With the expansion of the cruise industry, this might just become a reality. Cruise companies have now added unconventional destinations to their list so when you contact them, you can always check out for the far-flung locations. Here’s a list of ports you will love, and these make for some of the top cruise vacations.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
All those who love the outdoors will find exploring the Galapagos Islands a great idea. It is to the west of Ecuador about 600 miles, and became famous because of Charles Darwin. These 120 islands have unique flora and fauna. Visitors will find giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and sea lions. Travelers can sunbathe, kayak, snorkel, and hike to the various islands. These islands are on the itinerary of Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. The cruise includes San Cristobal islands, Isabela islands, Santa Cruz Islands, where the traditional ships do not navigate and only smaller vehicles are used.
Egypt
You can go up the Nile River with the National Geographic Expeditions or Viking River Cruises and check out the beautiful scenery of the temples and the tombs. Cruise ships are likely to stop in ancient cities like Aswan, Edfu, and Luxor. The all-inclusive price of the voyages cover drinks, meals, accommodation off and on the ships, expert lectures, and excursions. You also get to visit traditional Nubian villages, Temple of Horus, and Valley of the Kings. Additionally, you can visit museums and markets in Cairo before and after a river cruise.
Vietnam
Take a cruise to North Vietnam, which offers jaw-dropping scenes, excellent shopping destinations, and delectable cuisine. This trip is offered by Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, which also has excursions to Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and other locations. The cruise includes a hike through Cat Ba National Park. You can visit Ha Long Bay via a seaplane or a junk boat, and you get to watch the traditional water puppet show. You can shop for souvenirs or try out the local food specialties like dumplings. Cruises through Vietnam also stop over at Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore.
Antarctica
A cruise to Antarctica is surely unconventional, and major cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises sail by Antarctica where you can watch the great scenery. The Silversea and Seabourn Cruise lines are exceptional and take the guests for a trip to the shore. You may just get a chance to watch the penguins and seals close-up if the weather is favorable. Many try kayaking in small inflatable boats to the Elephant Island. You could probably get to see humpback whales, orcas, and Commerson’s dolphins. Those cruises that do not offer shore trips offer real-time commentary from experts.
Panama
The Panama Canal in the link that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. It is an artificial waterway for cargo ships. You have to pass through a series of locks where the water level is altered for the ship to move forward. You cannot disembark while traveling through the canal and have to dock in the city. In the city, you can explore the Gamboa Rainforest with an aerial tram and know about the Panama gold industry. This cruise is available through Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line, among others.