Summary
The Best Unique Cruises
Many travelers have enjoyed a Caribbean Cruise, but there are numerous unique cruises across the globe. While we are not frequent cruisers, we have thoroughly enjoyed our experiences on small ships to remarkable destinations from Alaska to Antarctica. Are you considering a cruise soon?
We’ve had the privilege of cruising on every continent. While a Caribbean cruise from Miami can be fun, it’s the more unusual cruises that have left a lasting impression on us. From the Arctic to Antarctica, and the Orient to the Amazon, these are the most unique cruises in the world. Enjoy!
Antarctica Expedition
If there’s one unique cruise that stands out for a holiday, it is undoubtedly an expedition to Antarctica. We were fortunate to explore Antarctica with Quark Expeditions aboard the Sea Spirit. Contrary to popular belief, an Antarctic expedition is far from a bare-bones experience.
The Sea Spirit boasts an all-suite accommodation along with 5-star dining, an elegant lounge, an open bar, and even a hot tub. This adventure was not only thrilling but also luxurious, inviting us to enjoy daytime exhilaration and relaxing elegance at night. The stunning scenery and wildlife in Antarctica are breathtaking, leaving you in awe at every turn of the expedition.
There’s so much to discover about what you can see and do in Antarctica; for more information, visit our What to Expect on an Antarctica Expedition. We could fill an entire article discussing this trip alone!
Amazon River Cruise
An Amazon River Cruise is a dream journey for many. If you think a cruise could ever be dull, consider embarking on an Amazon Cruise, packed with endless opportunities for exploration that will engage your senses.
The incredible scenery along the world’s largest river and its diverse wildlife make it impossible not to be fascinated. Floating down the river, you could easily be content with the stunning views alone.
However, thrilling excursions also await, from immersing in local culture to trying your hand at piranha fishing, swimming with dolphins, and kayaking.
Onboard the Estrella Amazonica by International Expeditions, you will find spacious suites with balconies, alongside an elegant dining room serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Evenings feature a buffet and cocktails on the deck.
South Pacific Cruise
From Australia to Hawaii, we joined the Holland America M.S. Amsterdam for a segment of their Asia Grand Voyage. This cruise offers an excellent way to visit stunning destinations like Fiji, American Samoa, and New Zealand, which can be challenging to reach otherwise.
Our journey commenced at noon and concluded near midnight. After navigating through the canal and Lake Gatun, we found ourselves sailing the Pacific Ocean, exploring the wonders of Panama and Costa Rica.
Ha Long Bay Cruise
Ha Long Bay in Vietnam marks our very first cruise. We embarked on a brief 3-day journey from Hanoi aboard a traditional junk boat.
Ha Long Bay is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, characterized by towering Karst formations stretching into the South China Sea. Standing on deck amidst these majestic cliffs is truly spellbinding.
As islands vanish into scenic mists, you experience an otherworldly atmosphere. Exploring the caves and looking down from a high lookout offers a magical perspective of this extraordinary location.
Alaskan Cruise
An Alaskan Cruise is a coveted destination for many cruise enthusiasts. Although larger ships traverse Alaska, small expedition boats provide a unique opportunity to venture off the well-trodden path into uncharted territories.
We navigated on zodiacs and kayaks, exploring glaciers and observing wildlife up close. Our voyage featured gourmet dining while watching orcas and humpback whales breach the surface. Alaska is an adventure lover’s paradise, with activities like flights over Denali, dogsledding, glacier landings, helicopter rides, hikes, whale watching, and ziplining.
The opportunities for exploration are limitless, and the towns in Alaska are filled with friendly locals. It truly is a playground for adventurers, albeit with a higher price tag. So, be prepared for costs.
Nile River Cruise
The Nile River, known as the longest river in the world, offers numerous river cruises from Aswan to Luxor (or vice versa) every week in Egypt. Imagine commencing your journey by visiting the magnificent Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, stepping into King Tut’s tomb.
Subsequently, sail the ancient river in luxury, uncovering additional temples, ruins, and everyday life along the water. Don’t miss out on taking a felucca to experience traditional sailing methods that have persevered for centuries. For a truly unique cruising experience, the magical Nile River is unrivaled.
Three Gorges, China
The Three Gorges of China are a bucket list adventure for many cruisers, marking one of the most unique journeys of a lifetime. We anticipated being the only Westerners onboard, but were pleasantly surprised to find many fellow cruisers from Europe and North America sharing the experience.
The depth of experiences shared by other travelers was astonishing; they eagerly discussed their journeys across Europe and the Caribbean while we listened in admiration. The Three Gorges cruise is perfect for those who have explored extensively.
This cruise offers a passage down the Yangzi River through an array of stunning gorges. Years ago, cities were submerged to create the Three Gorges Dam, with ancient civilizations now lying beneath the water level. Although the river’s elevation is significantly higher, the towering cliffs remain a sight to behold. This journey includes stops at relocated towns and smaller boat excursions to witness the spectacular Lesser Three Gorges.
Panama Canal Cruise
A cruise through the Panama Canal is a bucket list experience for many. This man-made marvel stands as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World! A Panama Canal Cruise with UnCruise is nothing short of amazing. Navigating the canal takes an entire day, allowing you to admire this engineering wonder.
European River Cruise
The European River Cruise is increasingly popular, as travelers seek distinctive ways to explore Europe affordably. We must say, more often than not, you’ll have the best view of the city while traveling by ship.
Most European cities located along rivers were historically built around life on the water. If you were to stay in a waterfront hotel, the costs would be exorbitant, but on a cruise, you dock directly downtown at the port.
If your goal is to see a variety of Europe in a short span, this could be an appealing option for you. We provided insights on maximizing the experience of your European River Cruise. Avoid the mistakes we made!
Greenland Expedition Cruise
We’ve embarked on cruises spanning all seven continents, from the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the stunning Arctic Circle.
Greenland provided us with another remarkable cruise adventure. We were fortunate to embark on the same ship we had on our Antarctic expedition, allowing us once again to have a luxury experience in the polar regions.
The Arctic’s beauty rivals that of Antarctica. Greenland features the Western Hemisphere’s most active calving glacier, producing magnificent icebergs in the sea.
Both Dave and I concur that the ice formations in Greenland were even more stunning than those we encountered in Antarctica, which is quite a statement. What sets Greenland apart from Antarctica is the infusion of cultural experiences throughout the voyage.
The cruise offers exhilarating activities such as kayaking, zodiac excursions, and the iconic polar plunge. Additionally, it presents opportunities to visit Inuit communities and explore larger settlements where you can delve into Greenland’s rich history and culture.
While wildlife sightings may be less frequent—due to hunting practices among locals—the overall journey compensates with meaningful experiences.
In conclusion, this magical cruise appeals to seasoned cruisers and novices alike!
We hope this overview of the world’s best cruises inspires your next travel adventure. Have you embarked on a unique cruise? What was your most memorable cruise experience?
