If the usual cruise tours around the Mediterranean coast aren’t enough and you’re seeking new adventures, check out these 10 unique cruise itineraries to the far corners of the world.
Looking for the adventure of a lifetime without sacrificing comfort? Cruise tours, which let you visit multiple cruise itineraries while staying in the same hotel room, are especially popular with travelers seeking this balance. “Boutique cruise” tours, an alternative to the traditional Mediterranean routes, cater to those who want comfort along with adventurous destinations.
From the North and South Poles to the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, these cruises offer a variety of exciting routes. They’re so popular that a significant number of 2025 tours are already booked, though some spots remain. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the most intriguing cruises, offering experiences you may only have once or a few times in your life. If you’re looking for such an adventure, don’t miss our list, which ends with a surprise tour.
India Ganges River
India is one of the most challenging countries to visit, especially for travelers accustomed to comfortable vacations. To truly appreciate a country where life differs greatly from what we know, some comfort must be sacrificed. However, Uniworld’s Ganges River cruise offers an unforgettable adventure through the enchanting world of India without compromising on comfort.
The 13-day Golden Triangle tour includes Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, home to India’s world heritage sites, with the Taj Mahal as the highlight. The tour begins in New Delhi and concludes in Kolkata, with an optional special tour to Varanasi, India’s holy city.
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Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen
The Arctic, a captivating part of the world, has become a popular travel destination in recent years. Due to its delicate environment, tours to the poles are meticulously managed, particularly by boutique tour companies. Quark Expeditions, founded 30 years ago by two adventurers, is one such company.
Their impressive route covering three Arctic islands starts from Helsinki. These 15-day tours are only available in summer, given the harsh weather conditions of the region. The tour includes glacier walks and fjord visits via inflatable boats, offering guests the chance to experience Arctic wildlife firsthand.
Antarctica
Now, we journey from the North Pole to the South Pole for a one-of-a-kind adventure. This time, the destination is Antarctica. The South Pole has become a sought-after location in recent years. Ponant, a French boutique cruise company, offers an 11-day Antarctica tour that, despite being challenging to reach, is worth every moment. The journey begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost tip of Argentina, traverses the Drake Passage, circumnavigates the Antarctic continent, and returns to Ushuaia.
Expect to see giant glaciers, icy mountains, polar lights, and the untamed natural life of the white continent. These tours are held in January and February, during the South Pole’s summer season.
Pacific Islands
Ready to explore the exotic, turquoise-covered islands of the Pacific Ocean? Ponant’s unforgettable cruise takes you to Fiji, Tonga, Cook Island, and French Polynesia, offering a journey to the far reaches of the world. This 16-day tour is hosted aboard the 165-cabin Paul Gauguin.
Starting from Tahiti Island, the itinerary includes Moorea Island, Motu Mahana, Taha’a Island, Society Islands, Bora Bora, Aitutaki, Vava’u Islands, Savu Savu, Vanua Levi Island, Fiji, and Beqa Island. Guests can enjoy whale watching, rainforest walks, snorkeling in coral reefs, and relaxing on stunning beaches, all while experiencing the warm local culture of the Pacific.
Madagascar
Another exceptional tour from Ponant is Madagascar, a dream destination for many travelers. Known for its extraordinary wildlife, Madagascar, located off the southeast coast of Africa, is one of the world’s most unique travel spots. Famous for its lemurs, the island also boasts giant baobab trees, 300 bird species, 260 types of reptiles, and a variety of insects.
Alongside its rich natural life, Madagascar offers magnificent beaches and a fascinating culture. Ponant’s 16-day tour starts from Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, and concludes in the Seychelles after exploring Madagascar’s west coast.
Nile River
How would you like to explore Egypt, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, shrouded in mystery for centuries with its pyramids, pharaohs, and mummies, from the vantage point of the Nile River?
Nour El Nil‘s dahabiya-style boats, modeled after traditional Nile River vessels, offer guests an unforgettable journey. These boats, adorned with Egyptian cultural elements, provide luxurious comfort with their well-appointed cabins. The six-day Nile River tour begins in Esna, south of Luxor, and concludes in Aswan.
Along the way, you’ll not only visit historical monuments of Egyptian culture but also have opportunities to sail and swim in the Nile River.
Galapagos Island
The Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s rare untouched landscapes, are volcanic in origin. Home to over 6,000 unique species, Galapagos boasts an unparalleled natural environment. This unique ecosystem inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution during his five-week stay in the 1800s.
To preserve its delicate ecology, only a limited number of visitors are allowed each year, enhancing the island’s allure. Silversea‘s week-long Galapagos cruise circumnavigates the islands, making stops at smaller surrounding isles. The journey begins in San Cristobal, part of the Galapagos Archipelago, which is accessible via a small airport. Travelers typically reach San Cristobal from Quito, Ecuador’s capital.
Amazon River
The Amazon River and its surrounding Rainforest, a region sadly facing rapid decline, is a must-see while it still thrives. National Geographic Expeditions offers a nine-day Amazon River tour that takes guests deep into the Rainforest. Departing from Lima, Peru’s capital, the tour unfolds aboard a unique river vessel accommodating 28 guests in 14 cabins. This tour is particularly special as it is guided by an environmental activist, photographer, and biologist. Guests benefit from authentic insights and an intimate experience of this extraordinary ecosystem.
Japan
Japan, known for its unique culture, lifestyle, and history, has become a sought-after destination, especially among young travelers. National Geographic Expeditions offers a 12-day Japan tour, providing guests with an unforgettable experience of exploring the country by sea. The journey begins in Tokyo and includes visits to historic cities such as Tsumago, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, and Kyoto, concluding in Kyoto. This tour caters to solo travelers with hostel-style shared rooms, avoiding additional costs, and does not accept children under 12.
BONUS
Donald Trump Escape Tour
The final cruise on our list stands out for its unique purpose. Villa Vie Residences, a US-based cruise company, offers a four-year world tour designed for those wishing to avoid the administration of then-US President Donald Trump. Guests embark on this journey at the start of Trump’s term and return when it concludes, effectively bypassing events in the country.
The tour covers 140 countries and 425 ports over four years, though participants can choose shorter durations. The voyage takes place on the Odyssey, a massive cruise ship accommodating 650 guests. The company’s CEO notes, “If you want to escape, there’s no better option than the sea,” emphasizing the tour’s aim to provide solace for those dissatisfied with Trump’s presidency.
