Well, you may have tried a couple of cruises already. Possibly one of the more popular Mediterranean cruises or even a cruise around the beautiful Caribbean Sea. But have you considered something a bit different or maybe further afield?
What about a cruise north to the arctic or a trip to the Far East? Although it doesn’t have to be a trip to an isolated part of the world. It could simply be a cruise which takes a different route from the usual.
So, here are five ideas for your next cruise holiday, from shorter European itineraries to “once in a lifetime” trips across the Pacific. But don’t worry, a cruise with a difference can still be luxurious. We don’t want to pack you off on a rusty old tramp steamer.
South Africa (Cape Town Cruise)
Have you considered a cruise to Cape Town, South Africa? You probably didn’t know there were cruises to South Africa from the UK. Most South African cruises involve a flight to the departure port. However, there are a few cruise itineraries which are a once in a lifetime experience.
These cruises take you west across the Atlantic through the Panama Canal, traversing the Pacific and the Indian Ocean before finally arriving in Cape Town. This incredible trip takes nearly 3 months in total.
Norway And The Arctic (The North Cape)
Norwegian fjords cruises have been popular for many years. These cruises are great if you do not want to fly as most of them depart from UK ports. However, there is an option to go further north, a cruise across the arctic circle to Norway’s North Cape.
You’ll have the chance to experience the natural beauty and unique culture of this remote part of Norway (the North Cape is located on the northernmost point of mainland Europe).
Cruising during the summer months, you get stunning views of the Arctic Ocean under the midnight sun. While during the winter, there’s a chance to see the northern lights.
Panama Canal Cruise (East Coast To West Coast)
A cruise from Miami may not sound that different to most cruise itineraries. But instead of cruising the Caribbean or down to Mexico. Have you considered a cruise starting in Miami but ending on America’s west coast?
Taking a cruise from Miami to San Francisco via the Panama Canal is a longer and more unique itinerary compared to your typical cruise. These cruises usually stop in the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico before passing through the Panama Canal. Connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal is considered one of the modern engineering marvels of the world. Sailing through this narrow canal is one of the highlights of the trip.
The cruise continues up the west coast of the United States with stops in Mexico and California before arriving in San Francisco.
South Pacific (Australia To Hawaii)
This transpacific cruise takes about 18 days and takes in some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Departing from Sydney, Australia, you spend a few days at sea before arriving in New Zealand. Take in the dramatic scenery of the North and South Islands before another unique experience. You can live the same day twice as you cross the international dateline.
Cruise the French Polynesian islands of the South Pacific, the inspiration for the artist Paul Gauguin. These paradise islands include Tahiti, Moorea and Raiatea. It’s then back to sea as you cross the Pacific to the islands of Hawaii, the 50th state of the USA.
South America (Across The Atlantic)
If you like long sea days and the golden days of transatlantic cruising, this cruise is for you. Not only are you crossing the North and South Atlantic, but you are also crossing the equator. Departing from Europe, the crossing can take up to 21 days, with port stops in the Canary Islands, Brazil and Argentina.
As well as the legendary cities of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, make sure to take a tour of the countryside. For us, it would be a trip to the natural beauty of Patagonia, a region settled by us Welsh back in the 1860s. As well as Spanish, they still speak Welsh.
These are just a few suggestions for your next cruise. Remember, the world is out there for you to explore, and a cruise can help bring it all a little closer.
