The cruises that will challenge your preconceptions
Not convinced a cruise is for you? These are the voyages that will change your mind says Rishika Sharma
To novices, cruising isn’t synonymous with meaningful experiences that expose travellers to authentic flavours of the world, opportunities for cultural immersion, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Yet, here are five journeys that dispel the stereotypes surrounding cruising to convert the ‘not-for-me’ virgin voyager into first-time sailors:
1. Secrets of Egypt and the Nile Cruise (AmaLilia, AmaWaterways)
Most sceptics would have no trouble succumbing to the temptations of a Nile cruise. Traversing the realm of the Pharaohs by sailing along the world’s longest river, many vessels offer pit-stops at some of Egypt’s most incredible destinations, including the Valley of the Kings, where you’ll find the mythical tomb of the boy king, Tutankhamen; Alexandria, the ancient city founded by Alexander-the-Great and home to the legendary Queen, Cleopatra; and the striking temple of Karnak.
With fierce competition, the Egypt cruise space is ever evolving to elevate the travel experience. For those looking for deep immersion on and off the vessel, guests onboard AmaWaterways' AmaLilia can enrich their trip via the on-board Egyptologists; take part in papyrus making workshops; and gain private access to historical sites including the spectacular, newly-opened, Grand Egyptian Museum.
2. Peru by river and rail (Pure Amazon, Abercrombie and Kent)
Travelling to the Amazon is the ultimate form of escapism, filled with sightings of exotic wildlife, opportunities to visit remote communities to learn more about their customs, and experiences that create pathways to connect back with mother nature.
However, for too long this adventure has felt inaccessible for those unable to strip back from every-day creature comforts. Until now.
Introducing, Pure Amazon, Abercrombie and Kent’s first Amazon river cruise. True to the A&K brand, soulless luxury has no place here. Every detail throughout the ship has been meticulously considered. From the interiors created in partnership with local artisans to curated plates that serve to create a platform for raising awareness of the region’s culinary excellence, and the ship’s floating spa – where passengers can indulge in Amazonian wellness treatments – all aspects have been deliberately chosen to pay homage to the region’s rich cultural offering.
In keeping with the company’s values of sustainable and responsible tourism, of the bookable experiences available, including canoeing along the tributaries and guided expeditions to encounter pink-river dolphins, guests can also pay a visit to local schools, adding a layer of social consciousness to the cruise itinerary.
3. Exploring Galapagos ( Endeavour 11, National Geographic)
While visiting the Galapagos Islands is – as clichéd as it sounds – a trip of a lifetime, experts at National Geographic have created a cruise like none-other onboard Endeavour 11, promising to be a rite of passage for curious explorers and budding naturalists.
Travel with photojournalists and scientists, transforming a humble sailing experience into a research-passenger hybrid vessel, which offers unique amenities including a library, public presentations and specialised equipment for up-close observations, such as underwater cameras and video microscopes.
Tours are geared around wildlife experiences, including visiting the archipelago’s ‘sneezing’ iguanas, snorkelling with sea lions, swimming with turtles and unparalleled scuba experiences for experienced and certified divers, as well as encounters with pink flamingos and of course, the famous giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies that are endemic to these islands.
There are also glass-bottom boats, zodiacs, kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards for adventure-keen passengers.
4. Antarctica awaits (Antarctic Explorer, AE Expeditions)
An expedition to the white continent is arguably the ultimate adventure, and one of the best ways to experience the wilderness of the Earth’s final frontier is onboard a cruise liner geared towards delivering educational, immersive and unforgettable experiences to Antarctica.
Winning accolades such as World’s Best Expedition Cruise Liner and World’s Best Polar Expedition Operator, the Australian-owned B-Corp company has made adventures to the truly far-fling corners of the earth an artistry – especially with their arctic and Antarctica itineraries.
Passengers onboard Antarctic Explorer can expect untameable beauty, polar plunging experiences and both zodiac and near-shore cruises to catch sights of penguins, whales and seals among crystal mountains of glaciers galore.
5. The Lost Civilisation (The Jahan, Heritage Line)
Dubbed, the most romantic cruise liner, The Janan, is effectively a boutique resort on the river.
Named after the love boat belonging to eloped lovers, Lord Byron and Karishma, a beautiful Indian aristocrat from the lineage of the emperor, Shah Jahan (of Taj Mahal fame), it’s elegant, colonial British-Indian décor, East-India club wherein to play antique chess, dreamy outdoor jacuzzi-pool decorated by stunning Turkish mosaics, and impeccable, flawless service harkens modern-day travellers back to the glamour of old-world travel.
Most charming of all is its ability to blend elusive temples and hidden villages, inaccessible by roads, with bucket-list destinations, including Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia to create the perfect culturally packed, immersive itinerary for hedonistic yet intrepid travellers looking to explore the Far-East.
