Cruising has evolved far beyond the classic Mediterranean or Caribbean routes. Here are the most interesting, and unusual
Near+Far
Cruising has evolved far beyond the classic Mediterranean or Caribbean routes. With modern ships reaching more remote and culturally rich parts of the world, today’s travellers are seeking offbeat, breathtaking destinations accessible only by sea. Whether you’re drawn to icy landscapes, wildlife encounters, or tropical isolation, cruising offers an unmatched way to see the world from a different perspective.
Below, we’ve rounded up five of the most interesting and unforgettable locations to cruise through. From volcanic islands to ancient fjords, these spots promise incredible sights, authentic experiences, and that unique feeling of discovering somewhere few have ventured.
The Norwegian Fjords
Sailing through Norway’s fjords is an unforgettable experience with a symphony of steep cliffs, icy waterfalls, and deep blue waters. The fjords were carved by glaciers and today remain some of Europe’s most stunning natural landmarks.
Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are frequent highlights on most cruise routes. As your ship winds between towering peaks, each turn reveals another breathtaking vista.
The perspective from the deck, dwarfed by the environment, allows you to properly appreciate the immense magnitude and stillness of the fjords. Summer is the best season to visit, with long days, verdant hills, and mirror-like water.
Many cruises begin in Bergen or Oslo and journey northward, sometimes even crossing the Arctic Circle. Small ports along the way offer charming town stops, scenic hikes, and authentic Norwegian culture. It’s peaceful, powerful, and profoundly beautiful.
Iceland
Iceland’s rugged beauty makes it a dream destination for those craving dramatic landscapes and raw natural power. Cruising around its coastline offers a front-row seat to towering waterfalls, steaming geysers, and jet-black lava beaches. Reykjavik is often the starting point, but venturing further afield by ship reveals untouched fjords, charming fishing villages, and the chance to spot whales and puffins in the wild.
Cruises to Iceland from the UK have surged in popularity, thanks to their convenience and the opportunity to explore without airport hassle. Some itineraries include the remote Westfjords or circle the entire island, giving passengers a complete experience.
Onboard, you can warm up in hot tubs while watching icebergs drift past. With nearly 24 hours of daylight in summer, the scenery is always on display. Iceland is a place where nature reigns, and cruising is one of the best ways to witness its wonder.
The Galápagos Islands
Few cruise destinations offer the level of ecological wonder found in the Galápagos Islands. Located 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, this isolated archipelago is home to wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Cruising here is more than a holiday – it’s a nature expedition. From blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises and marine iguanas, the Galápagos is a living museum of evolution.
Because the islands are so spread out and fragile, small-ship cruises are the only way to explore multiple spots while preserving the environment. Each day offers guided land excursions and snorkelling trips, allowing passengers to get up close with the unique species and landscapes. Expect volcanic craters, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, often with barely another soul in sight.
The experience is immersive and educational, with guides sharing insights into the islands’ complex ecosystems. The Galápagos is sure to change the way you see the natural world.
Komodo Islands, Indonesia
The Komodo Islands are among Southeast Asia’s most spectacular and mysterious destinations. Located within Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda chain, the islands are most famous for the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. But beyond the wildlife, cruising through this region feels like entering a lost world. With emerald cliffs, hidden coves, and coral-fringed beaches, it’s a haven for both nature lovers and snorkellers.
The best cruises to the Komodo Islands typically depart from Bali or Labuan Bajo, and include stops at Rinca and Komodo Islands themselves, both part of Komodo National Park. On land, guided treks bring you close to dragons, while underwater, vibrant reefs teem with tropical fish, manta rays, and turtles.
Ships often anchor in tranquil bays where you can kayak, swim, or just soak in the view. Far from crowded ports, the Komodo Islands offer an otherworldly escape – all the more magical when approached by sea.
Alaska
Alaska’s wilderness is unlike anywhere else – vast, wild, and full of life. Cruising here offers access to remote areas that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach by land. Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage are key highlights, with towering ice formations coming out of the sea, bald eagles circling overhead, and orcas breaking the surface nearby.
The changing scenery is constant, from temperate rainforests to snow-capped peaks. Stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway provide a taste of Alaskan culture, gold rush history, and indigenous heritage. Onboard, guides and wildlife viewing from the decks enhance the journey. Unlike tropical cruises, this is about quiet grandeur and rugged charm.
Whether you’re kayaking beside a glacier or spotting bears from the ship, Alaska invites you to reconnect with the wild. A cruise here isn’t just a holiday; it’s an eye-opening adventure into one of the planet’s final frontiers.
Summary
The world is full of fascinating corners, but some are best seen by ship. From the volcanic allure of the Komodo Islands to Iceland’s dramatic coastlines, cruising opens up experiences far beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re after wildlife, epic landscapes, or cultural discovery, each of these five destinations offers something unique and unforgettable when explored by sea.
