by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:00 AM ET, Sun June 25, 2023
Let’s face it: some people just don’t want your average Caribbean cruise, and that’s okay! It’s the adventurers who think outside of the box for their travel, and this might deter adventurers from trying out cruising — but if there’s anyone who’s said that cruising is boring, they are plain wrong.
We’re highlighting five unique cruise itineraries around the world to inspire the adventurers, the cruisers who’ve grown bored of the same itineraries and those who just want a taste of something different.
West Africa & Cape Verde
Chances are, if you read travel news regularly, you’ll know about the rising popularity in cruising the Middle East, particularly by river boats along the Nile. Yet Egypt isn’t the only country in Africa that offers cruises.
Expedition line Hurtigruten Expeditions offers an entire selection of itineraries along Africa’s western coastline and along the islands of Cape Verde. Destinations may include Banjul City, Dakar, Senegal’s capital city, the island of Santiago, the UNESCO-designated Bissagos and much more.
You’ll spend your time learning about the people who call these places their home, encountering incredible natural wonders and realizing the thousands of years of history that you didn’t know about before.
Philippines & Indonesia
Windstar Cruises is often touted as the best small-ship operator in Tahiti and French Polynesia, but they also offer a unique cruise to the Philippines and Indonesia in honor of their crew members.
Hindu temple in Bali, Indonesia. (photo via pawopa3336/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
The Windstar Crew Hometowns: Philippines and Indonesia is a 14-day itinerary sailing from Hong Kong in China to Benoa (Bali). Destinations include Hundred Islands National Park, Manila, Boracay, Busuanga Island, Puerto Princesa, Sandakan and plenty others that many travelers might not have ever encountered in other cruise itineraries.
The itinerary encourages travelers to discover bustling metropolises and blissful paradises, with experiences ranging from visiting an orangutan rehabilitation center to learning about Dutch colonialism and trying delicious new dishes.
Abu Dhabi to Mumbai
Oceania Cruises is offering travelers a way to visit the splendors of India and the Middle East, with its 10-day Sumptuous Arabia voyage.
The itinerary begins in Abu Dhabi, visiting Doha, Sir Bani Yas Island, Dubai, Khasab, Muscat and Fujairah before heading to Mumbai, India. Experiences include visiting wonders both ancient and modern, encountering the region's many cultures and histories, exploring several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the city of Sharjah, spotting the unique Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin on a whale-watching excursion and much more.
Alaska & Japan
What connects Alaska and Japan? Well, the Lindblad Expeditions itinerary, A Journey from Nome to Tokyo: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture certainly does!
The 20-day itinerary may have a stunning price tag, but it also offers a unique combination of destinations and therefore, isn’t to be missed for those willing to cruise expedition-style. Destinations include Nome, St. George and St. Paul Islands, the Baby Islands, the Aleutian Islands, Akan Mashu National Park, Muroran, Sendai and Orarai, ending in a few days’ exploration of Tokyo.
It visits some of the least-visited islands in the Pacific and provides an immersive glimpse into the wildlife of both Alaska and Japan, as well as the Ainu culture of Japan.
The Ohio River
No list of unique cruise itineraries would be complete without at least one river cruise itinerary, and American Queen Voyages offers a unique river cruise opportunity that’s close to home for many travelers.
American Countess (photo via American Queen Voyages) (Photo Credit: American Queen Steamboat Company)
The cruise line offers a selection of Ohio River voyages, including the 9-day Louisville to Pittsburgh itinerary onboard the newest paddlewheeler, the American Countess.
The itinerary travels along the Ohio River, visiting Louisville, Madison, Cincinnati, Maysville, Point Pleasant, Marietta and Wheeling before ending in Pittsburg. Highlights include visiting the National Underground Railroad Heritage Center, the Krohn Conservatory, the historic riverboats of Ohio’s oldest city and much more.
Ready for Your Next Cruise?
If we’ve inspired you to consider how unique cruising might be, make sure to contact your preferred travel advisor to get started finding the best one for you — they’re often the best resources for travelers looking for the most unique or off-the-beaten-path travel experiences.
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