Season: January

The magic of cruising extends beyond on-board luxury and panoramic vistas of the sea to include some of the most remote and breathtaking corners of the world, from icy polar regions to sun-kissed Greek isles. Cruising brings to your fingertips places that are often inaccessible by any other way—indeed, a very exciting way. Here’s a take on a few extraordinary itineraries and journeys that illustrate all that’s best about our world from the sea.

1. Antarctica Expeditions

The ultimate last pristine wilderness on our planet—Antarctica is the place for discovery that provides travellers with the privilege of enjoying the raw power and beauty of nature.

Unique Highlights:

• Penguin Colonies: This frozen continent is home to several classes of penguins, including Emperors and Adelies. You positively may not ever forget the chance to view their social activities and pranks.

• Glacial Landscapes: Enormous snow and ice shelves and giant glaciers like the Ross Ice Shelf and the Antarctic Peninsula mould a dramatic, adrenaline-filled landscape.
• Scientific Stations: Stations like McMurdo Station provide an understanding of scientific studies on climate change and glaciology.

• Historic Exploration Huts: Historic huts from early 20th-century expeditions allow a look into the lives of these pioneers, like Shackleton and Scott.

At last, there is the southernmost continent, Antarctica. It’s a land of extreme superlatives—a massive ice field of silence and stark beauty. It also sends chills that can bring visitors into contact with another world. The least studied and most remote place on Earth today provides that undisputed and unique experience for those truly in search of adventure, solitude, and survival in a genuine environment of nature.

2. Northern Lights Polar Expeditions

Chasing the Northern Lights is an exceptional, charming adventure in some of the remotest reaches of the polar world.

Unique Highlights:

• Aurora Borealis: The best places to see the Northern Lights are in high-latitude areas, where the Earth’s magnetic field meets the solar wind. Observe this ghostly show of green, pink, and violet lights that giggle across the Arctic sky.

• Ice Fjords: Sail by magnificent ice fjords, such as Norway’s Geirangerfjord or Svalbard’s icy waters, whereby imposing ice formations and a frozen landscape set a great scene for the auroras.

• Arctic Wildlife: Keep your eyes out for Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, and Arctic foxes, typically set against the white background of the snowy landscape.

• Polar Nights: Experience polar nights themselves when the sun has not risen above the horizon. This phenomenon creates a type of twilight sky that, by far, provides the most optimal conditions for watching the aurora.

The Arctic regions represent both harsh environments and very dark, long winters. Under these conditions, it provides the perfect canvas for the Northern Lights, a type of celestial display that paints the sky with its colourful patterns. Besides that, the Arctic is home to a wide variety of wildlife adapted to the harsh conditions of the region, which has turned it into a destination of natural wonder and scientific interest.

3. Alaska: Cruises from Vancouver

The scenic landforms and wildlife of Alaska are just stunning when viewed from a sea-based perspective. 

Unique Highlights: 

• Glacier Bay National Park: Standing amidst silence, feel the roar of Glacier Bay as vast sheets of ice calve from great glaciers such as the Margerie Glacier, creating thunderous splashes and icebergs.

• Denali National Park—or, more exactly, by boat. The sight of the soaring Denali in the water is really something to behold. On side trips’ ranges, closer glances at that graceful peak are obtained.

• Wildlife Viewing: Here you can witness humpback whales breaching from the water, sea lions sunbathing on ice floes, and bald eagles above.

• Historic Gold Rush Towns: Visit the charming historic towns that seem to retain in the present time the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush of yesteryear, like Skagway.

Alaska is a land of contrasts defined by its rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and vast wilderness areas that are pockmarked with quaint villages. Known for dramatic scenery, here it is possible to see a wild and unspoiled part of the world. Interesting cultural heritage, including the Gold Rush past, adds a layer to the state’s incredible natural wonders.

4. Greenland and Iceland: Unique Land Masses Best Explored by Water

Greenland and Iceland are endowed with tremendous natural beauty, all best viewed from the sea.

Unique highlights:

• Greenland Icefjord: Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  is famous for its dramatic icebergs and calving activity. The gigantic ice formations here are a thrilling visual sight.

• Iceland—Volcanic Landscapes: The coastline of Iceland is adorned with such volcanic features as geysers, the points of volcanic craters, and lava fields. The landscapes around Reykjavik and the Golden Circle are most dramatically seen from the water. 

• Hot Springs: A very Icelandic activity is bathing in the geothermal hot springs, like the Blue Lagoon, amid a snowy landscape, warmed by the mineral waters.

• Coastal Villages: Visit small coastal villages such as Sisimiut in Greenland, with its colourful houses and Inuit heritage, or Vik in Iceland, famous for the black sand beaches and dramatic sea stacks.

In contrast to landscapes, the icy expanses of Greenland present a complete antithesis to the geothermal activity of Iceland, which has a very varied range of natural wonders. Both destinations exhibit rugged beauty and geological creations that are unique in many ways, with exploration from the sea being very interesting.

5. Greek Isles: Exploring Greece Through Sea Cruises

The Greek Isles are a treasure trove of history, culture, and splendid landscapes, best explored over their surrounding sea.

Unique Highlights:

• Santorini’s Caldera: The presence of the ancient volcanic crater creates a dramatic backdrop to the island’s whitewashed buildings and blue waters, spectacularly visible from cliff top villages on this island.

• Mykonos’ Lifelong Culture: Literally, one can say that when it comes to Mykonos, it has a vivid nightlife and beautiful beaches. Walk through the small streets of the old city, with its small stores all around; you can breathe in a cosmopolitan feel.

• Ancient Ruins of Crete: Crete harbours the ruins of the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos, which is one of the greatest archaeological sites in Greece. It forms the material related to the early Aegean civilization.

• Medieval Old Town of Rhodes: Rhodes has a mediaeval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hosting well-preserved mediaeval walls, streets with cobbling, and landmarks of great historical importance.

The Greek Islands, with their great history, vibrant cultures, and great coastal vistas, bejewel the land. All three of the islands have their own unique charm; from the romantic sunsets of Santorini and the lively atmosphere of Mykonos to the historic resonance of Crete, maybe this is why it captures me. These days, tasting the bygone era feels so real on these islands in the middle of the Mediterranean.

Final Thoughts

You will experience one-of-a-kind cruises that can be experienced at some of the most remarkable destinations on earth. From frozen Antarctica to the sun-kissed shores of the Greek Isles, your experience will be a new one every time, full of unbelievable moments. Experience the beauty and adventure of these extraordinary places by the sea like never before.

For more details on these incredible cruise destinations and to start planning your next adventure, click here.