Extraordinary places you didn’t know you could visit by cruise

The superyacht era begins with Emerald Cruises

20 July 2026

Cruising has a way of opening up corners of the world that can feel almost out of reach. Beyond the classic Mediterranean routes and Caribbean island-hopping, there are sailings that take you into polar waters, along remote river systems, between volcanic islands, and across coastlines that few travellers ever get to see up close. From penguin-dotted shores in Antarctica to the red cliffs of the Kimberley, these are the kinds of journeys that make you rethink what a cruise holiday can be.

The superyacht era begins with Emerald Cruises

Antarctica: the cruise journey at the edge of the world

For travellers drawn to the farthest corners of the map, this is the kind of journey that feels truly expeditionary, yet it’s more accessible than many people realise thanks to specialist cruise itineraries from South America. Sailings often depart from Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina, before crossing the Drake Passage towards the Antarctic Peninsula. Once there, the scenery does most of the talking: towering icebergs, glaciers sliding into the sea, and colonies of gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins along the shore. Zodiac trips can bring you closer to places like Paradise Bay and Neko Harbour, while onboard experts help explain the wildlife, weather, and fragile polar environment as you travel.

Japan: temples, skylines, and coastal surprises

Exploring by cruise offers a completely different way to experience Japan, linking busy cities, coastal towns, and scenic islands without needing to repack every few nights. You might start in Tokyo or Yokohama, then sail to ports such as Kobe for Kyoto’s temples and tea houses, Hiroshima for the Peace Memorial Park and nearby Miyajima Island, or Kanazawa for Kenrokuen Garden and its beautifully preserved samurai district. Some itineraries also call at Hakodate, where the morning market is known for fresh seafood, or Shimizu, where Mount Fuji can appear across the bay on a clear day. It’s a brilliant way to take in Japan’s variety, from neon-lit streets to quiet shrines and seaside onsen towns.

French Polynesia: island-hopping through the South Pacific

Scattered across the South Pacific like stepping stones, the islands of French Polynesia are made for travelling by water. A cruise here might take you from Tahiti to Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Huahine, each with its own pace and personality. In Bora Bora, the lagoon is all pale sandbanks, reef sharks, rays, and Mount Otemanu rising in the distance, while Raiatea is often linked with ancient Polynesian navigation and the sacred site of Taputapuātea. Smaller ships are especially well suited to this part of the world, giving you time for snorkelling, beach picnics, and slow afternoons beside water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue in a matter of metres.

The Amazon: deep into the rainforest by river

Here, travelling by cruise makes complete sense, as the river itself becomes the route into the rainforest. Depending on the sailing, you may explore from Brazil or Peru, with itineraries taking in places such as Manaus, the Meeting of the Waters, Iquitos, and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Smaller river ships can reach narrow channels where pink river dolphins surface, macaws flash through the canopy, and night excursions reveal a different side of the forest. Rather than rushing between stops, the experience is about slowing down, listening to the sounds around you, and seeing how life on the river shapes everything from local villages to wildlife encounters.

The Kimberley: Australia’s wild northwest by sea

Australia’s Kimberley coast is wild, rugged, and far easier to explore by ship than by road. Stretching across the northwest of Australia, this remote region is known for dramatic red cliffs, tidal waterfalls, ancient rock art, and empty bays that feel a long way from anywhere. Cruise itineraries often travel between Broome and Darwin, with calls or excursions to places such as Montgomery Reef, King George River, Horizontal Falls, and the Lacepede Islands. Zodiac outings are a big part of the experience, taking you close to mangroves, sandstone gorges, saltwater crocodile habitats, and Aboriginal rock art sites that date back thousands of years.

To experience any of these extraordinary destinations by cruise, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

Here’s everything you need to know about Virgin Voyages’ new 2027 Mediterranean escapes

20 July 2026

Virgin Voyages is bringing two tempting Mediterranean sailings to 2027, both beginning with a night in Barcelona before guests step aboard Resilient Lady. From big-name coastal cities to characterful island stops, these itineraries are designed for travellers who want more than a simple fly-and-flop escape. Expect leisurely sea days, long hours in port, and a mix of Riviera style, Italian landmarks, Maltese history, and Spanish island charm, all without having to repack between each destination.

The superyacht era begins with Emerald Cruises

20 July 2026

A new chapter at sea is taking shape, one built around the ease, space, and quiet confidence of the superyacht lifestyle. With Emerald Kaia launching in 2026, Emerald Raiya following in 2027, and Emerald Xara joining in 2028, the fleet is growing with a refined focus on sleek design, intimate guest numbers, and the freedom to slip into smaller ports, secluded harbours, and coastal towns that larger ships simply cannot reach.

Celebrity Xcel is bringing a fresh take to European cruising

02 July 2026

Celebrity Xcel is making its European debut, pairing some of the continent's most-loved destinations with an onboard experience designed to be every bit as memorable as the places you'll visit. Whether you're wandering through ancient streets in Athens, sipping local wine in Madeira, or soaking up the atmosphere along the French Riviera, this is a holiday that lets you enjoy Europe from a different perspective. Even better, with more than 40 overnight stays across 10 cities, there's more time to enjoy each destination after the daytime crowds have dispersed, whether that's lingering over dinner, taking an evening stroll, or simply seeing another side of the city.

The superyacht era begins with Emerald Cruises

Here’s everything you need to know about Virgin Voyages’ new 2027 Mediterranean escapes

The superyacht era begins with Emerald Cruises

Celebrity Xcel is bringing a fresh take to European cruising

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