Adventure Archives - Luxury Cruise News

Northern Lights, Magical Cruises

Adventure, Arctic Circle, Cruise Types, Cruise Types, Destinations, Hurtigruten, Lindblad Expeditions, Luxe Life-, Luxury Cruising, Small Ship Yacht, Theme Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises

Experiencing the Northern Lights from a cruise is a magical way to witness this natural phenomenon. Here are some of the best Northern Lights cruises in 2024:

Viking Ocean Cruises: Their “In Search of the Northern Lights” itinerary is a 13-day journey from London to Amsterdam, then up the coast of Norway and north of the Arctic Circle. This cruise runs from January to March, offering prime aurora viewing opportunities ¹.
Aurora Expeditions: The “Northern Lights Explorer” cruise lasts 19 to 22 days, starting in Kirkenes, Norway, and covering the Norwegian coast, Jan Mayen, East Greenland, and Iceland. This cruise is available in September ¹.
Hurtigruten Expeditions: While not specifically focused on the Northern Lights, their coastal ferry routes in Norway traverse ideal latitudes for aurora sightings. They even offer a guarantee: if you don’t see the Northern Lights on a sailing of 11 days or more, you get a free six- or seven-day cruise to try again ¹.
Celebrity Cruises: Offers Northern Lights cruises to destinations like Iceland and Alaska. Their itineraries include stops in Reykjavik and Akureyri, with opportunities to explore Iceland’s natural wonders and cultural sites ².
Norwegian Cruise Line: Provides budget-friendly options with comprehensive itineraries to key Northern Lights destinations ¹.
Silversea Cruises: Known for ultra-luxury expeditions, Silversea offers personalized service and gourmet dining while covering destinations like Reykjavik and Akureyri ¹.

These cruises offer unique experiences, so consider what aspects are most important to you, such as luxury, adventure, cultural immersion, or specific destinations. Enjoy your journey under the aurora borealis! 🌌🚢

Would you like more details on any specific cruise line or itinerary?

Exploring Asia, traditions and modern itineraries

Adventure, Asia, Australia New Zealand, Cruise Types, Cruise Types, Indian Ocean, Luxe Life-, Luxury Cruising, Mekong River, Oceania Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, Small Ship Yacht, Southeast Asia, The Orient, Theme Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Yangtze River

Exploring Asia by cruise is a fantastic way to experience the continent’s diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Here are some of the best cruises to Asia in 2024:

Princess Cruises: Known for their comprehensive itineraries, Princess Cruises offers voyages to destinations like Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. Their cruises blend ancient traditions with modern metropolises, providing a unique travel experience ¹.
Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises offers luxurious trips to various Asian destinations, including Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Their ships are known for excellent service, gourmet dining, and enriching shore excursions ².
Royal Caribbean: This cruise line provides a mix of adventure and relaxation with itineraries covering Japan, South Korea, and China. Their ships feature numerous amenities, including rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and Broadway-style shows ².
Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking offers culturally immersive cruises with stops in Japan, China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Their smaller ships allow for more intimate experiences and access to less-visited ports ².
Holland America Line: Known for their elegant ships and diverse itineraries, Holland America Line offers cruises to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. They focus on cultural enrichment and offer extensive shore excursions ².
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: For a more luxurious experience, Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive cruises to various Asian destinations. Their itineraries often include overnight stays in major cities, allowing for deeper exploration ².
Silversea Cruises: Silversea provides ultra-luxury cruises with personalized service and gourmet dining. Their Asian itineraries cover destinations like Japan, China, and Southeast Asia ².
Oceania Cruises: Known for their culinary excellence, Oceania Cruises offers trips to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Their smaller ships provide a more intimate cruising experience ².

Each of these cruise lines offers unique experiences, so consider what aspects are most important to you, such as luxury, adventure, cultural immersion, or specific destinations. Bon voyage! 🚢🌏

Would you like more details on any specific cruise line or destination?

SeaDream, Intimate Yachting

Adventure, Around the World, Caribbean, Caribbean, Caribbean Eastern, Caribbean Southern, Caribbean Western, Cruise Tips, Cruise Types, Cruise Types, Destinations, Europe, Extended Cruises, Food & Drink, Luxe Life-, Luxury Cruising, Mediterranean, Mediterranean Eastern, Mediterranean Western, Scandinavia Northern Europe, SeaDream Small Yacht Club, Small Ship Yacht, Theme Cruises, Trans Oceanic World, Transatlantic, Transpacific

Named “Best Small Luxury Cruise Ship of 2015” in ForbesLife, twin mega-yachts SeaDream I & II are intimate boutique ships that provide a unique travelling experience unlike any other cruise vacation. The expression “yachting” is not only a statement about size; it’s a lifestyle aboard our intimate vessels. with the service of 95 crew members and 112 guests that make each guest feel like they are on their very own private luxury yacht. Chic and stylish, SeaDream’s 56-stateroom yachts are favored for its elegant informality, highly personal service. Inclusive items include open bar and gratuities, all ocean views staterooms and suites, luxury accommodations and world-class cuisine. VIEW SEADREAM 360°

SeaDream Yacht Club offers a unique and intimate luxury cruising experience aboard its two boutique mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Here’s what makes SeaDream Yacht Club stand out:

Intimate Yacht Experience: SeaDream’s vessels are more akin to private yachts than traditional cruise ships, accommodating a maximum of around 112 guests each. This creates an intimate and exclusive atmosphere, allowing for personalized service and a sense of camaraderie among passengers.
Luxurious Accommodations: The staterooms and suites aboard SeaDream yachts are elegantly appointed and feature upscale amenities such as marble bathrooms, plush bedding, and flat-screen TVs. Many accommodations offer stunning ocean views and some even have private verandas.

Exceptional Service: SeaDream is renowned for its attentive and friendly service, with a high staff-to-guest ratio. This ensures that every need is met promptly and with a smile. The crew members are known for their professionalism and hospitality going above and beyond to create the most memorable experience for every guests.
Culinary Excellence: SeaDream yachts offer gourmet dining experiences inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. We focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and deliver the most creative epicurean experiences on the seas. Guests can enjoy exquisite meals and service in the elegant Dining Salon or al fresco on the Topside Restaurant deck.

Open-Air Activities: SeaDream yachts are equipped with water sports marinas, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of activities directly from the ship. From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to swimming and snorkeling. There’s always plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun in the pristine waters of the destinations visited.
Exclusive Itineraries: SeaDream Yacht Club offers itineraries to some of the world’s most desirable and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Think, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. With smaller ships, SeaDream can access smaller ports and harbors that larger cruise ships cannot reach, providing a more immersive and authentic experience.

Wellness and Relaxation: SeaDream yachts feature a full-service spa and fitness center, allowing guests to indulge in pampering treatments and stay active while at sea. Yoga and tai chi sessions are often offered on deck, providing opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation against the backdrop of the ocean.

Overall, SeaDream Yacht Club offers a luxurious and intimate cruising experience tailored to discerning travelers who seek a blend of comfort, adventure, and personalized service. Whether exploring hidden coves in the Caribbean or picturesque ports in the Mediterranean, guests can expect a memorable journey aboard SeaDream’s boutique mega-yachts.

Ponant, Exquisite Luxury

Adventure, Around the World, Caribbean, Cruise Tips, Cruise Types, Destinations, Luxe Life-, Luxury Cruising, Ponant, Small Ship Yacht

Ponant is widely considered one of the most luxurious cruise lines. The French cruise company specializes in luxury expeditions to destinations around the world, including polar regions like Antarctica and the Arctic, as well as other remote and exotic destinations such as the South Pacific, Alaska, the Amazon River, and more.

Luxurious Accommodations: Ponant’s fleet consists of small luxury expedition ships featuring spacious and elegantly appointed staterooms and suites. Each accommodation offers upscale amenities, comfortable furnishings, and stunning ocean views, providing guests with a luxurious home away from home.

1. Personalized Service: Ponant prides itself on providing personalized service to its guests. The attentive and professional crew members go above and beyond to ensure that passengers’ needs and preferences are met throughout the voyage, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere onboard.
2. Exquisite Dining: Ponant cruises feature gourmet cuisine prepared by talented chefs using high-quality ingredients. Guests can enjoy delicious meals inspired by the destinations visited, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The dining experience is enhanced by attentive service and elegant dining venues.
3. Expert-Led Exploration: Ponant’s cruises emphasize immersive exploration and discovery. Each voyage is accompanied by experienced naturalists, expedition leaders, and guest lecturers who provide insights into the destinations visited, including wildlife, ecosystems

Credit: PONANT The onboard experience is characterized by personalized service, gourmet dining, and a range of enriching activities and excursions led by expert naturalists and guides.

Guests on Ponant cruises can expect spacious and elegantly appointed staterooms and suites, gourmet cuisine prepared by talented chefs, and a variety of onboard facilities including lounges, bars, spas, fitness centers, and theaters. Additionally, Ponant emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility in its operations.

Overall, Ponant offers a high-end cruise experience tailored to travelers seeking luxury, comfort, and immersive exploration in some of the world’s most remote and captivating destinations.

Adventure Cruising

Abercrombie Kent, Adventure, Alaska, Antarctica, Arctic Circle, Australia New Zealand, Caribbean, Cruise Types, Food & Drink, Lindblad Expeditions, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Ponant, Small Ship Yacht, Swan Hellenic, Theme Cruises

Adventure cruising has gained popularity among travelers seeking immersive and active experiences in diverse and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Several cruise lines specialize in adventure cruising, offering unique itineraries that focus on exploration, wildlife encounters, and outdoor activities. Here are some notable adventure cruising brands:

Lindblad Expeditions: Lindblad Expeditions specializes in expedition cruises to remote and wild destinations around the world. Partnered with National Geographic, their ships are equipped for exploration, with expert naturalists and photographers on board to enhance the guest experience. Lindblad’s itineraries often focus on wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and adventure activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.
UnCruise Adventures: UnCruise Adventures offers small-ship cruises to adventurous destinations in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, and Central America. With a focus on active exploration and wilderness encounters, UnCruise itineraries feature activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and snorkeling, along with opportunities to interact with local communities and wildlife.
Ponant: While Ponant is known for its luxury cruises, the cruise line also offers expedition voyages to some of the world’s most remote and captivating destinations. With a fleet of small expedition ships, Ponant’s itineraries include polar expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic, as well as cruises to destinations such as the Amazon, the Kimberley region of Australia, and the islands of the South Pacific.
Aurora Expeditions: Aurora Expeditions specializes in small-group expeditions to the polar regions, as well as other remote destinations such as Papua New Guinea, the Russian Far East, and South Georgia Island. Their ships are equipped for active exploration, with Zodiac excursions, wildlife watching opportunities, and expert guides providing insight into each destination’s natural and cultural heritage.
Adventure Canada: Adventure Canada offers expedition cruises to the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Newfoundland and Labrador, and other remote regions of Canada. Their small expedition ships provide access to wilderness areas and cultural sites, with a focus on learning, discovery, and authentic experiences guided by experts in history, culture, and natural science.

Quark Expeditions: Quark Expeditions specializes in polar adventures, offering expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic. Their ice-strengthened ships are equipped for exploring remote regions, with activities such as Zodiac cruising, kayaking, and shore excursions led by experienced guides. Quark’s itineraries provide opportunities for wildlife encounters, scenic exploration, and learning about polar environments.

These adventure cruising brands cater to travelers seeking active and immersive experiences in some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. Whether you’re interested in polar exploration, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or outdoor activities, these cruise lines offer unique and unforgettable adventures.

The Best On and Off-Ship Adventures

Adventure, Amazon River, Lindblad Expeditions, Luxe Life-

Taking a cruise doesn’t always mean living life on the ship. Adventure cruises offer as much excitement on shore as they do at sea, these three ships provide an exceptional experience from both aspects.

Amazon Delfin II – Lindblad Expeditions

Venture into the wild aboard this Amazon river vessel. The ship can only accommodate twenty-eight passengers at a time, which makes it feel incredibly exclusive. Onboard you will find exotic flowers, hammocks, gigantic picture windows, a full line of organic toiletries, and locally grown rainforest foods. Wildlife sightings are frequent and expert naturalists are on staff to spot animals as well as answer any questions you may have. Common sightings include piranhas, sloths, pink river dolphins, squirrel monkeys, and white throated toucans. Luxury will not escape you on the Delfin II, as the ship features an aromatherapy massage parlor complete with rainforest essential oils as well as spacious guest cabins with 180-degree panoramic windows and king-sized beds.

Daily off-ship excursions include skiff and kayak exploration into the hidden lagoons and shallower depths of the Amazon. Cruise goers experience rainforest walks and are surrounded by tropical creatures and plants including a canopy stroll high above the forest floor. In addition, you can enjoy nighttime safaris to witness nocturnal jungle creatures making this experience even more memorable.

Coral Discoverer – Coral Expeditions, Australia

The Coral Discoverer is a monohull cruise vessel able to navigate shallow waters while carrying up to seventy-two passengers. Destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, Papa New Guinea, New Zealand, the Kimberly, the South Pacific, the Spice Islands, and Sulewasi. This ship features six luxury cabins with balconies and french doors as well as a sundeck with an open-air bar, a library with WiFi and computers, and a small exercise area. For those inquisitive minds, experts give daily lectures on geology, marine biology, anthropology, and history of the area. Marine life is prevalent in these waters and you are able to view humpback whales, dolphins, giant sea turtles, stingrays, and crocodiles from the decks. Twice daily, depending on which destination you are headed to, you may enjoy shore excursions such as diving into shipwrecks, kayaking, snorkeling, bushwalking, or visiting art galleries and historic sites.

Ocean Endeavor-Quark Expeditions

Explore the Arctic onboard the Endeavor. This ship focuses on health and wellness as well as adventure. Enjoy a juice and smoothie bar, take part in daily Yoga classes, visit the day spa, go for a swim in the pool, soak in the hot tub, and detoxify in the sauna. Also on-ship, there is a lecture theater, a bar, and a lounge. The sites are that of movies from glaciers to icebergs some occupied by penguins, sea lions, and the occasional polar bear. Off-ship adventures include frozen tundra treks, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even stand-up paddle boarding. For those extreme adventure seekers, the cruise offers arctic camping and mountaineering excursions. A truly “cool” experience.