There’s a common refrain I hear from some of my travel clients: “cruises aren’t really my thing.” But not all cruises take place on those giant “floating hotels” where fun seems to be focused on on-board shopping, casinos, and waterparks.
There’s a whole world of cruising options that caters to curious travelers. The ships tend to be smaller and more nimble, so they can dock in off-the-beaten-path ports and traverse tricky sea conditions. In fact, some of the destinations these cruises visit aren’t accessible any other way but over water! If a traditional cruise doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, here are my top three picks for cruise experiences that focus on immersion and authentic discovery:
Danube River Cruise
European river cruises in general are a great pick for curious travelers; the cruises are typically capped at just 100-200 passengers so that the nimble ships can navigate Europe’s narrow waterways. Because so many cities and villages in Europe were built up around rivers, your cruise will be able to dock you right in the heart of your destination—you can simply stroll off your ship and start exploring!
I recently completed my very first river cruise, down the legendary Danube, on an AmaWaterways ship. We got to explore palaces like Schonbrunn in Vienna and Passau Castle in Bavaria, taste the region’s famous white Riesling and Gruner Veltliner wines, and marvel at the incredible church spires and mosaics in Budapest. Most days, we were able to choose between guided walking tours, hikes, or biking tours, which made it easy to tailor the cruise experience to how I preferred to explore!
Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise
I’ll never forget my first big “pinch me!” moment on my Galapagos cruise. The crew said to get ready to swim with hammerhead sharks. I didn’t believe them at first … but swim with sharks we did! An expedition cruise to the Galapagos Islands is a true adventure. A knowledgeable crew of naturalists leads you to one of the most remote locations on the planet, where you’ll hike across volcanic islands and dive into marine-rich waters on an action-packed itinerary.
My Galapagos cruise reminded me of being on African safari, because each day was all about spotting as many animals in their natural habitat as possible. One difference, though, is we had more intimate encounters with the wildlife in the Galapagos—when you’re literally swimming in the same waters as seals, sea turtles, and marine iguanas, there are no barriers between you!
While a Galapagos cruise is certainly adventurous, you won’t be leaving your creature comforts behind. The nimble ship only holds a small number of passengers, so you’ll never feel like you’re competing for elbow room. Suites are modern and comfortable and meals are downright gourmet—it’s the perfect blend of luxury and discovery.
Adventure in Antarctica
I haven’t completed an Antarctic expedition cruise yet, but it’s high on my bucket list! Why? Because a cruise to Antarctica takes you to the very final frontier, where you’ll find landscapes and wildlife in concentrations unlike anywhere else on earth. Your days will involve hopping into a zodiac or kayak to glide past enormous icebergs, hiking across glaciers and past penguin colonies, and getting up close with orcas, whales, and seals splashing through the icy water.
Like a Galapagos expedition cruise, an Antarctic cruise is also focused on true ecological discovery and education. You’ll be joined on board by naturalists and marine life experts who’ll share fascinating insights on the habitats you’ll encounter. Plus, no two Antarctic cruises are alike—the constantly changing climate conditions will influence your cruise’s route. It’s a true one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
Ready to set sail on your own curiosity-driven cruise? Let Curioso Travel design it for you—complete our trip inquiry form to start planning today.
