If you love the outdoors and wildlife or are an adventure holiday fan, a cruise may not seem like the ideal holiday for you. But there are a few cruise destinations around the world that offer both luxury and something different. Here are five ideas to inspire you to book yourself a luxury cruise for your next vacation.
Australia and New Zealand
Tours around Australia and New Zealand offer the chance to see some amazing scenery, wildlife and also visit some of the top spots around these two Southern Hemisphere countries. Visit cities such as Sydney and Melbourne in Australia and Dunedin and Auckland in New Zealand as well locations such as the famous Bondi Beach and the island of Tasmania. For northern areas, April to September is a good time to travel while March to August is best for the more southern locations. Head to New Zealand in December to March for the driest months. Don’t be afraid of having to take an extra leg of the trip to get to your cruise destination. For example, some of the best cruises depart from Brisbane.
Japan
The ancient cities of Japan are just part of the attraction of taking a cruise around this country. Top spots to visit include the capital Tokyo, with its brilliant blend of historic buildings and cutting-edge technology that sums up much of Japan. Other locations to look to visit include Kagoshima on the southern edge of Kyushu with its palms trees and beautiful sea views. Hakodate is another popular spot where you can visit the Mount Hakodate Observatory looking out over the sea.
Galapagos
For wildlife fans, the fascinating islands of the Galapagos are one of the dream cruises available. Here you can see species of animal not found anywhere else in the world including giant tortoises, penguins and hilarious looking blue-footed boobies (a type of bird). Each island has its own species so there is plenty to see. December to May are the best times to visit when the seas are calmest and the animals most active.
Central and South America
While many people have experienced a Caribbean cruise, there is also plenty to see and do on the mainland of Central American and down into South America. You can even find large cruise ships that can travel a distance up the Amazon River, being that it is so wide and deep. Look for expeditions that allow you to visit Mayan ruins in Mexico or go kayaking in sea caves. And there is the rich wildlife of the area to enjoy – monkeys, parrots and big cats to name just a few. You can even find a cruise that takes you through the famous Panama Canal and across to the Pacific coast.
Antarctica
Antarctica might not be somewhere you associated with a cruise, but it is becoming a popular destination for people who want to go somewhere different. There are places like the Falkland Islands and South Georgia as well as parts of Antarctica itself. The wildlife is a big draw for people with elephant seals, fur seals and an amazing amount of bird life – who can resist penguins? It is also a good chance to see historic locations associated with polar exploration.