4 surprising destinations you can cruise to

Forget Alaska. Skim the water in these unexpected places.

By Lauren Ferrone
Last updated on: May 1, 2019 at 4:07 pm

The Caribbean, Alaska and New Zealand – these might be popular cruising destinations, but it’s time to broaden your horizons. We reveal the 4 surprising places you can set sail on your next water adventure.

1. Amazon River

You’ve probably heard of river cruises down  Europe’s Rhine or Danube rivers, but how does floating along the world’s largest river sound?

On an Amazon River cruise, you can peer over the railing to see giant floating water lilies, watch spider monkeys roaming lush rainforests and, if you’re game, swim with the river’s unique pink dolphins.

While dare-devil cruisers have the option to jump into the murky waters with these endangered mammals, if you’re after a tamer experience, it’s best to stay dry and admire from the deck. Why? Pink dolphins share the river with piranhas and the world’s largest snake, the anaconda.

To take in as much of the 6400km river as possible, it’s best to board a smaller ship. Larger vessels can sail only as far as Manaus – the Amazon’s largest city.

Cruise with: Avalon Waterways

Drone shot of the Amazon River.
Weave through the Amazon River by ship.

2. Tokyo (via Yokohama)

What’s the ideal way to take the hustle and bustle out of one of the world’s busiest cities? Opt for a cruise around Tokyo rather than setting out on foot.

There are cruises where you can hop off to take in the sights of old Tokyo Imperial Palace, pass below the massive red paper lantern of the Thunder Gate, and stroll Zen gardens and forests.

If you’re after an alternative to the big ship experience, you can see Toyko’s bright neon billboards on a futuristic water bus along the Sumida River – known as Toyko’s gateway to the sea.

One thing to watch out for is that water bus services end relatively early in the evening. So, if you’re looking to spend time at your destination, it’s best to skip the water travel and take the train back.

Cruise with: Royal Caribbean

Sparkling city lights and cherry blossoms in Tokyo with cruise ships on the water, Tokyo.
Float past cherry blossoms and city lights in Tokyo.

3. Mississippi, America

One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. It’ll be hard not to count the amazing sights that pass by on a cruise along the Mississippi River.

To give you an idea of just how much there is to see along the way, the Mississippi River is home to 360 fish species, 326 bird species, 145 species of amphibians and 50 species of mammals.

A cruise along the Mississippi River is also a must-do for history buffs, as you can admire century-old oak trees and Civil War memorials from your deck.

For the ultimate journey back to the American Victorian era, board American Steamboat Company’s American Queen, known as the largest riverboat ever built. Think of it as a jazz club cross antique store on water.

Cruise with: American Steamboat Company

Steamboat docked on the Mississippi River at sunset.
Board a steamboat for a Mississippi River adventure.

4. Papua New Guinea

Go on a cruise a little closer to home in Papua New Guinea. Dubbed by the travel industry as the next hot cruise destination, boarding a ship to this Melanesian nation should be a bucket list item.

From volcanic sites to thick rainforests, there’s a lot to witness from the deck. Onshore is no different. Make sure you slip into your scuba or snorkelling gear or rent some on the island – PNG is known for its underwater marvels – coral reefs, coastlines and islands.

Up for a challenge? Some PNG cruise itineraries give adventurers the opportunity to lace up their boots and tread the 96km Kokoda Trail – one of the world’s hardest walking trails. Just make sure you get a trekking permit before tackling the rugged mountainous terrain.

Perhaps best of all though is the fact that PNG lies just north of Australia. That means it has the same equatorial climate, making it a perfect all-year round cruising destination.

Cruise with: P&O Cruises

Above and below action shot of an underwater diver.
Papua New Guinea is known for its underwater marvels.

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