For those craving a hassle-free vacation with sun, surf, and afternoons sipping tropical cocktails from a poolside lounger, a cruise is often the ideal choice. But if you aren’t interested in beaching it and prefer cooler climates, a voyage to the Bahamas or Jamaica probably isn’t your cup of tea. Just under 13 million tourists booked a Caribbean cruise in 2023, so if you wish to escape the crowds and have a different kind of cruise experience, these unexpected cruise itineraries may be for you.
New England to the Canadian Maritime Provinces
Sailing through the rocky harbors of Maine and the untamed wilderness of the Nova Scotian coastline is likely not the first cruise itinerary that comes to mind. However, there are a number of sailingss that cross the North Atlantic and stop in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and oftentimes eastern Québec and Newfoundland. These voyages are especially exciting in summer, when you can expect clearer skies and warmer temperatures that are ideal for exploring the region’s many quaint fishing villages, historic lighthouses, and stunning natural landmarks.
As of 2024, Royal Caribbean offers a seven-night cruise departing from Boston with stopovers in Portland, Maine; Saint John (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick; Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Cruise Canada New England is a great resource for discovering some of the popular ports in the region and itinerary recommendations.
Iceland to Greenland
If you’re interested in colder weather (even in summer), then the icy passage between Greenland and Iceland likely won’t intimidate you. The dramatic fjords, colorful Scandinavian towns, and glaciers are easily viewable from the deck of a ship. Plus, cruising to these destinations will save you money on car rentals and airfare, which are often costly in this region.
Celebrity Cruises offers a 12-day expedition with stops in Reykjavík, Iceland; Isafjordur, Iceland; Akureyri, Iceland; and Qaqortoq, Greenland. Meanwhile, Atlas Ocean Voyages goes farther north — with ships departing Reykjavík bound for even more remote outposts in Greenland, such as Qaqortoq, Narsarsuaq, Paamiut, Nuuk, Akulleq Island, Sisimiut, and Kangerlussuaq. After all, it’s not every day you get to sail to the Arctic Circle.
South Korea to Japan
While the cerulean waters of Thailand and Vietnam are often top cruise destinations in Asia, sailing the Kanmon Strait from Japan to South Korea is an equally exciting alternative many Americans don’t consider. Major cities such as Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Cheju City, and Incheon (near Seoul) are accessible from the coast, which means you won’t need to splurge on a rail pass or airfare. When you dock, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture of two countries hailed for their exceptional cuisine, riveting history, and long-standing cultural traditions.
Holland America Line offers a two-week voyage across the strait to Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Cheju City, and Incheon. Celebrity Cruises’ 12-night voyage includes even more cities — such as Kyoto, Kagoshima, and Fukuoka — as well as a stop near Mount Fuji in Japan and the Korean city of Busan.
British Isles to the Netherlands and Belgium
While train hopping is typically the most popular way to travel in Europe, many people forget that booking a cruise is another great way to explore numerous cities across the continent — without having to consider timetables. Journeying throughout the British Isles en route to the Netherlands allows visitors to experience an array of cultures and see more remote parts of Britain that are easily missed, such as the Shetland Islands in Scotland and the Isle of Wight in the English Channel.
Celebrity Cruises’ 12-night voyage embarks from Amsterdam and includes stops in Cork, Ireland; Waterford, Ireland; Liverpool, England; Holyhead, Wales; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Glasgow, Scotland; and Lerwick on the Shetland Islands. For a shorter journey, Ambassador Cruise Line offers an eight-day journey to ports of call such as IJmuiden in the Netherlands, Zeebrugge in Belgium, and St. Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly.
Rhône and Rhine Rivers
If you’re looking to check many European countries off your bucket list in one trip, also consider taking an epic cruise through the heart of the continent on the Rhine and Rhône rivers. You’ll experience the canals of Amsterdam, world-famous gastronomy in the French city of Lyon, the stunning scenery of Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, among other highlights.
Avalon Waterways offers many cruises both northbound and southbound along the Rhine and Rhône, but the two-week itinerary that includes both rivers often books quickly. Viking Cruises features a similar package, with numerous excursions to vineyards, monuments, and other cultural sites of interest.
Pacific Northwest
The cold waters of the Pacific off the coast of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia aren’t ideal for swimming, but a cruise docking in ports across the Pacific Northwest may be more favorable. Journey the Columbia River Gorge and the Snake River or sail along the San Juan Islands to witness some of America’s most stunning landscapes, from emerald green river valleys to temperate coastal rainforests and snow-capped peaks.
AdventureSmith Explorations offers a six-day voyage through the San Juans, where you can spot whales and kayak in quiet coves. There’s also a six- or eight-day excursion in partnership with Food & Wine magazine that visits wineries, craft breweries, and award-winning restaurants in Portland, Oregon; Astoria, Oregon; and Walla Walla, Washington.
Argentina to Antarctica
If you’re not prone to seasickness and can brave the infamous Drake Passage, a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to Antarctica may be in the cards for you. Depart from the southernmost city in the world — Ushuaia, Argentina — and cross the rough, frigid water to spot icebergs and wildlife such as Gentoo penguins, humpback whales, leopard seals, and other species. These cruises can be up to 20 days long, so prepare accordingly.
Many travelers choose to voyage to the South Pole with Lindblad Expeditions via National Geographic, a seasoned expedition team that led the first travelers to Antarctica five decades ago. Hurtigruten Expeditions is another experienced line that has been sailing to the continent for more than 20 years and prioritizes sustainable practices.
Featured Stories
