Think of cruise holidays and invariably the image of island-hopping between paradisaical islands in the Caribbean comes up and while it's true that there are many cruises like that, there are also cruise ships out there offering experiences which could be described as the polar opposite. Luxury liners are replaced for smaller more specialised boats that travel between remote and untouched destinations. Guests who opt to take these adventure cruises will find themselves travelling in more specialised groups exploring the unknown during the day and making use of the cruise ship's facilities in the evening.
Antarctica
Antarctica is the remotest, most undiscovered continent in the world which makes it ideal for adventure cruises. It also perhaps the only destination in the world where people book cruise holidays to, but never end up leaving their ship. This concept might sound strange yet most of Antarctica's attractions can be seen from the ship; perhaps because most of the attractions in the region are of the furred and feathered variety. Keep a look out for humpback whales and emperor penguins which can often be seen swimming in the ice-cold waters below your boat. Travellers to this region will usually travel to the destination on special cruise ships designed with the difficult terrain in mind. However, they also contain many facilities offered by other cruise ships, like state-of-the-art gyms, basketball courts and virtual golf stimulators. There are even evening photography courses to ensure that the pictures that you take on your cruise are worth sharing with your family.
Galapagos Islands
The flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands is truly like no-where else in the world. Travel on the Celebrity Xpedition, a well-equipped cruise ship that allows you and up to 91 fellow guests to explore the islands in style. The ship has been especially designed to help protect the world-famous archipelago and features environmentally sound design. Sadly, the islands are not a cheap cruise destination, but the price is well worth it for that once in a lifetime experience.
These Galapagos Islands were founded by Charles Darwin and famously gave rise to much of his theories on evolution. You'll see giant tortoises everywhere, but make sure you stop by the Charles Darwin Research Centre and visit Lonesome George; the sole survivor of his species. Blue-footed boobies are one of the more unusual birds that you'll see in the Galapagos and distinguishable by their bright blue feet. After a day's sightseeing, enjoy a mimosa in the Blue Finch Bar or unwind after a hard days exploring with a hot-stone massage.
A cruise ship is the perfect way to get around whether you plan to view the incredible flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands or the undiscovered terrain of Antarctica. With many ships designed to leave minimal environment impact, you can not only travel to your destination with a clear conscience, but enjoy a cocktail on the top deck as you do so.
Emily Collins is a travel writer with an extensive knowledge of cruise holidays. For more information on cruise ships that travel to Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands visit Cruise Answers.
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