There are so many incredible destinations to choose from  many advantages that come with choosing to go on a luxury cruise. From smaller ships to all-suite accommodations, each cruise line offers their own amenities. With smaller ships, you’re able to sail to destinations and dock in ports that larger ships often can’t. Keep reading to learn more about a few of the unique destinations you can sail to.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Over 600 miles off the Pacific coast of Ecuador lies the Galápagos Islands. 97% of the islands are a designated national park. Filled with incredible wildlife, you can spot giant tortoises, whale sharks, and the Galápagos sea lion – just to name a few. There are many endemic species making this an incredible destination to visit. What is interesting about this UNESCO World Heritage Site is that it encompasses both the islands and marine reserve. If you visit between January and May, expect warmer weather with more rain. From June until December, it will be cooler temperatures with less rain.

Cruising with National Geographic

Explore this remote destination in expedition style with National Geographic. Enjoy a cruise vacation to the Galapagos Islands only or combine it with a trip to Peru. Each cruise is accompanied by an expedition team made up of experts. What is interesting about these cruises is that the schedule is flexible. They state the beginning and end points of the cruise and outline the islands they plan to visit. This allows you to be able to experience unexpected opportunities.

More Cruise Line Options

Other cruise lines that sail here include Silversea Cruises.

Easter Island, Chile

Sail across the South Pacific Ocean and discover Easter Island on a luxury cruise. This intriguing island is situated in the South Pacific – roughly 2,300 miles off the west coast of Chile. It’s well known for the massive statues made from stone, each ranging between 6 ½ and 65 feet tall, called Moai. Their original purpose remains a mystery. Explore the island and learn more about its history and archaeological sites on your visit. Easter Island is also home to Rapa Nui National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cruising with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Explore Easter Island on a few extended cruises on two of Regent’s ships. Sail on the Seven Seas Navigator, accommodating 490 guests, or the Seven Seas Mariner, slightly larger with 700 guests. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer all-inclusive cruises, with unlimited shore excursions to unlimited wifi.

More Cruise Line Options

Sail here with other luxury cruise lines, like on a few extended cruises with Silversea Cruises and National Geographic, or occasionally as a stop on a world cruise.

The Amazon

Experience the famous Amazon River from the comfort of a luxury cruise. The longest river in South America, this is a unique destination to visit. In Brazil, you can visit Manaus: the capital of the Amazonas state and the largest city on the river. In Peru, visit Iquitos, a city that can only be reached by air or water. Along the river, you can see interesting wildlife, like sloths, howler monkeys, as well as the Amazon river dolphin (also called the pink river dolphin).

Cruising with Seabourn Cruise Line

Plan ahead for your 2022 vacation! Sailing on the Seabourn Venture, chose to explore the Amazon only or stay on longer for an extended voyage. The Seabourn Venture, built as an expedition ship, is due to launch next year. Experience the river by zodiacs or kayaks in some areas; and learn more from the expedition team onboard. Also featured on this ship will be two submarines that are custom-built.

More Cruise Line Options

Venture through the Amazon with other luxury cruise lines, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises, National Geographic, or on extended cruises with Crystal Cruises.

Russia: Far East

Wildlife experiences here are incredible because of its remoteness and how it is undeveloped. There are not a lot of people living in this large area, and for most of the last century, travel to this area was restricted by the Soviet government due to military reasons. Massive brown bears inhabit the region, although they may not be seen as often. In the water, see sea lions, walruses, and different kinds of whales, like orcas, humpbacks, and grey whales. See amazing landscapes – from volcanoes to valleys. As a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are still active volcanoes here and you’ll find geysers in the aptly named ‘Valley of the Geysers’.

Cruising with Silversea Cruises

Sailing most frequently to this area from the Silversea fleet is the Silver Explorer, although the Silver Cloud will make a stop here as well. Extended cruises are offered for this region, leaving from Japan or Alaska. Depending on your itinerary, you may pass over the International Date Line.

More Cruise Line Options

You can also explore the Russian Far East with National Geographic and Crystal Cruises.

The Nile River, Egypt

Sail along the longest river in the world and explore ancient history on a Nile River Cruise. With a civilization that dates back millennia, there are incredible sites for you to visit. Luxor lies several hours south of the Egyptian capital of Cairo and is part of a popular route along the Nile River. Sail between Aswan and Luxor or vice versa. While in Aswan, visit the Philae Temple or the Abu Simbel temples with the massive 66 foot statues of Ramses. Exploring from Luxor, you have numerous sites to visit, like the Luxor Temple or the Medinet Habu. It is also here that you can visit the famous Valley of the Kings – where King Tutankhamun’s tomb was found nearly 100 years ago.

Cruising with Oberoi

Cruise along the Nile in luxury on the Oberoi Zahra or the Oberoi Philae. These ships offer 22 or 27 cabins and suites; and you can choose to stay in select suites that offer a private terrace with an outdoor whirlpool that’s heated. The Oberoi Zahra is also the only boat that offers a full-service spa on the Nile River.

More Cruise Line Options

You can also experience Egypt and some of these famed sites when stopping along the Red Sea. Cruise on extended cruises with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Crystal Cruises. Offering Nile River cruise trips is National Geographic.

Myanmar River Cruise

Explore Myanmar by sailing along its rivers. The Irrawaddy River is an important river and the largest in Myanmar. You can begin or end your journey in Bagan where you can see a number of historical sites. Visit the Shwezigon Pagoda or the ancient city of Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Mandalay, further north along the river, where you can visit sites like the Shwenandaw Monastery or the Kuthodaw Pagoda. A popular port amongst ocean cruises that stop here is Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar. Visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda or the National Museum. There is a lot of history to see and learn about on a luxury cruise to or within Myanmar.

Cruising with Sanctuary Retreats

Explore the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers of Myanmar in luxury on the Sanctuary Ananda. Enjoy one of 21 suites that all offer private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. This custom-built ship was designed to sail these rivers and has a private docking point in Mandalay.

More Cruise Line Options

Sail to Myanmar on select, extended cruises on other luxury cruise lines, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises.

Have you sailed to one of these interesting destinations?

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