A cruise may be a truly relaxing getaway where you can spend the days lounging on the deck, enjoying happy hour drinks, and taking in the scenery. Or a cruise can be an active adventure that involves exploring natural settings, getting up close and personal with wildlife, and having an super mario bros itinerary that adapts to the weather. Adventure cruises and expeditions are popular because visitors today are looking for fresh experiences, cultural immersion, and undiscovered isolated locations. These cruisers aren’t completely roughing it, though. After a day of kayaking, hiking, or snorkeling, many guests return to butler service, five-course dinners, hot tubs, and large suites.
Adventure cruises might sate a tourist’s curiosity, dedication to ecotourism, or desire for an active getaway. They might travel on well-equipped expedition ships to places like Antarctica, the Galápagos, or inhospitable islands in the Arctic Circle. They might board kayaks or Zodiacs, stroll through thick forests, or snorkel with tropical fish and coral reefs while traveling. The majority of adventure cruises provide educational activities onboard to improve the experience.
There are many possibilities, and expedition itineraries and activities with an adventure theme can also be found in the brochures of classic luxury cruise lines. Here are 13 adventure cruises suitable for both novice and seasoned travelers.
Disney Adventures: Patagonia and Antarctica Expedition Cruise
This 12-day journey starts in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and continues with a trip to Ushuaia, where there will be opportunities to visit Tierra del Fuego and take the End of the World train via Patagonia. Visitors board the ship there to embark on the 10-day cruise to Antarctica. Along the way, there are extra excursions that you can take, such as a Zodiac trip to the Antarctic Peninsula, a penguin stroll, a kayaking adventure, and a hike for breathtaking hilltop views of Antarctica. A highlight is the two-day journey through the Drake Passage. Wildlife viewing, naturalist talks, photographic advice, ship excursions, games, movies, and a heated pool are among the things available on board.
Disney Adventures: Expedition Cruise to the Galápagos Islands
From Quito, Ecuador, travelers will take a flight to Baltra, where they will board a panga boat to travel to the ship, Galápagos Legend. The trip will last for nine days. The journey starts with a hike and snorkel on Bartolome Island, after which the ship travels to South Plaza Island for a morning wildlife walk with a naturalist where you can see sea lions, iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Visitors can go hiking, glass-bottom kayaking, and snorkeling on Cristóbal Island. Go to Espaola, the oldest of the Galápagos Islands, to see green sea turtles, sea lions, and mockingbirds in their natural habitat. Disney movies, stargazing near the equator, and outside eating are all available to passengers.
Amazon and Machu Picchu: The Wild Peru Escape by Lindblad and National Geographic
Visitors on this experience depart from Lima, Peru, and travel to Cusco before taking a train to Machu Picchu and a drive to an Andean town. One day is dedicated to touring Machu Picchu, including treks to the Sun Gate and Huayna Picchu. Visitors arrive to the Delfin II for the Upper Amazon cruise via train, aircraft to Lima, then drive to the riverside settlement of Nauta. They spend the following five days exploring the magnificent five million acre Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Daily skiff or kayak trips, as well as treks (when the water level permits), pass sloths, monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. Visitors have a unique chance to interact with the river residents, known as ribereos.
