Filed in Expedition, Featured Destinations — November 20, 2024

8 Remote Luxury Cruise Vacations For a Different Kind of Holiday

Most destinations are accessible with planes, trains, and automobiles and travel restrictions around the globe are slowly easing. However, several remote vacation destinations are better accessed by water. With luxury cruising now more popular than ever, faraway locations once considered too isolated to visit are now waiting to welcome you.

Here are some of the incredible off-the-beaten-track choices of remote expedition cruises available to you:

Antarctica

boaters sailing under a hole in an iceberg

Photo by Long Ma

Most people will never step foot on this exquisite, barren continent, and that’s what makes it one of the most exciting places to visit. The wildlife, flora, and fauna are breath-taking, and cruising here is an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Silversea operates a luxury all-inclusive 10-day itinerary that includes top-quality cuisine and in-suite butler service. Their expedition guides have extensive knowledge about life in Antarctica, and nightly lectures give you a more in-depth insight into this remote environment. The Silver Cloud suites and amenities are of the highest standard, with free-flowing champagne and Wi-Fi for your convenience. And for those explorers who dread the Drake Passage crossing, Silversea offers a fly-sail option. Silversea ensures that everything is taken care of, so you can focus on the beauty and tranquillity as you explore this wondrous continent.

Falkland Islands

red cabin on the coast in Falkland islands

Photo by Vijay Chander

Less than 3,000 people live on this archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. There is a vast array of wildlife here, including penguins, seals, sea lions, and more than 200 species of birds. This nature lover’s paradise can be reached on the impressive Norwegian Star luxury ship with 14 dining choices and several bars. Accommodation onboard is stylish and comfortable, and the evening entertainment is varied. There is a spa, casino, lounges, and an adult-only area. Norwegian Cruise Line’s 14-day itinerary from Santiago is great value while never compromising service and luxury.

Greenland

colorful houses on the coast in greenland

Photo by Nicola Abraham

Greenland is the largest island in the world and used to be a lot greener than it is now. Nearly 80% is now covered in ice and is home to whales, reindeer, and fewer than 60,000 people. Owned by Denmark, there are three World Heritage UNESCO sites here, and its stunning landscape is a must-see for any adventurous traveler. Celebrity Cruises operates a 14-night cruise on the Celebrity Summit that brings you a comprehensive itinerary filled with excitement, exploration, and truly unique moments of wonder and awe. The new Crystal Endeavor will also offer Greenland itineraries. Enjoy the hot springs and meet some of the Greenlanders that proudly call this magnificent island their home.

Galápagos Islands

yellow iguana bathing on a rock in Galapagos islands

Photo by Simon Berger

Visiting the Galápagos by ship has only been possible in the last 50 years, and this fragile ecosystem limits the number of annual visitors to protect the wildlife and landscape. Cruising is the best way to see the myriad of islands and observe the magnificent birdlife from the comfort of your ship. Quasar Expeditions runs a sensational itinerary on its luxury 16-guest yacht that ensures privacy, intimacy, and stylish comfort. Celebrity operates three ships in the Galapagos – Celebrity Flora (100 guests, all suites), Celebrity Xpedition (48 guests) and Celebrity Xploration (16 guests). Kayaking, snorkeling, and land excursions provide you with the best opportunities to observe the giant tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, sea turtles, and the fascinating Blue-footed Boobies.

Easter Island

a row of moai statues on easter island

Photo by Sophie Laurent

One of the most remote places in the world is Easter Island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. There are over 900 Moai statues covering the island, believed to bring good fortune to the Polynesian tribes that lived there. Only one airline flies here, but access by luxury cruise liner makes it easier than ever to visit. Princess Cruises incorporates a trip here on its world cruise 36-day itinerary on the Sea Princess.

The North Pole

North pole marked on a map with a pin

Cruise to the top of the Earth with Quark Expeditions on its specially built ice-breaking ship that welcomes 128 guests. The harsh environment and temperamental weather conditions are handled with care and attention by the staff of 50 Years to Victory, and your leisure time can be spent enjoying the saltwater plunge pool or shooting hoops on the basketball court. There is even a tethered hot-air balloon. The all-inclusive bar will warm you up after the chilly yet adventurous excursions. This is sure to be an unforgettable voyage of a lifetime.

Myanmar

Bagan Myanmar surrounded by hot air balloons

Photo by Majkell Projku

While Myanmar has had a troubled history, it’s been open to tourists since 2011, and cruising around this stunning country is a wonderful way to see the beautiful landscape, culture, and nature of what was once called Burma. The kind, welcoming locals are proud of their country and delight in interacting with everyone they meet. With stunning wildlife and an abundance of temples of stupas dating back to the 9th century, Scenic Cruises operates an extensive 11-day river cruise itinerary on the luxury Scenic Aura that holds 44 guests.

Amazon River

An old wooden row boat on the Amazon River looks very natural and at home but note the discarded plastic mug, even here.

Photo by Nareeta Martin

Cruising along the Amazon in South America is one of the most remarkable adventures for experienced travelers. The 10-day itinerary operated by National Geographic Expeditions features an in-depth look at the stunning nature and wildlife in the Amazon. Meet the indigenous people, explore the lush rainforest on foot, and meander through the tranquil backwaters in kayaks and skiffs. This small luxury ship welcomes 28 guests and has an outdoor lounge, sundeck, and observation deck where you can relax and observe pink dolphins, sloths, and howler monkeys while enjoying the sounds of the Amazon.

Let’s get started planning your luxury cruise vacation! Reserve your complimentary consultation call with me to begin!

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