Cruising is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to travel. There’s something to be said for what are essentially moving hotels – unpacking your bag once but experiencing a variety of wonderful destinations. The popularity of small-ship cruising is also making way for some fantastic value cruises, and we’ve collated our top picks for 2020.
Antarctica
Often described as “The Last Frontier” in terms of travel, Antarctica is a dream destination of many. The untouched wilderness, ice as far as the eye can see and unique wildlife are often what inspires people to make the voyage to the frozen continent. While pricing has often made Antarctica seem impossible, the higher interest in this destination has meant more trips, making it more affordable than ever. See a variety of penguins, seals, whales and birds.
Cruises to Antarctica start from $7,090 for a triple share or $10,919 for a twin share on a 10-day cruise.
New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
If flying to South America is a bit of a stretch, we’d recommend exploring the Subantarctic Islands off the coast of New Zealand. Recognised as the largest natural sanctuary in New Zealand, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these volcanic islands are home to a variety of unique plant and wildlife. This includes large colonies of birds, including penguins, sea lions and seals.
Cruises to the Subantarctic Islands depart for 14 days from $14,440*pp.
Kamchatka Peninsula
Of all the Sub-Arctic regions, the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East is possibly the most unexplored and most dramatic. Sitting on the edge of a tectonic plate, the Kamchatka Peninsula’s landscape is rough, varied and breathtaking. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, living in an area with basically zero human impact. Small-ship cruising is one of the best and only ways to properly see this region. Enjoy glimpses of a variety of birds including Tufted and Horned Puffins, Laysan Albatross, and Parakeets. For eager whale watchers, you’ll encounter Sperm, Humpback and Killer Whales, among others.
Expeditions to Kamchatka depart for 13 days from $11,459*pp.
Franz Josef Land
Catching a glimpse of a polar bear is becoming more and more difficult. However, Franz Josef Land in the Russian Arctic National Park, is an easy place to spot them. Other quintessential Arctic wildlife also inhabits the island, including walruses, a variety of birds inhabit the land, and humpback, bowhead, narwhal and white beluga whales. Add in exotic landscapes of fjords, scree slopes and cliffs, and this journey is sure to take your breath away.
Expeditions to Franz Josef Land depart for 15 days from $14,672*pp.
Pitcairn & Easter Islands (Rapa Nui)
Visiting the most remote and uninhabited islands in the world is a feat that not many have achieved. The Pitcairn Islands in the Central Pacific Ocean are full of pristine waters, a variety of flora and incredible bird and marine life. Easter Island, or Rapa Nui as it is known by those who live there, is the location of the carved stone statues with oversized heads. See these impressive structures, carved between the 13th and 16th centuries up close.
Cruises to Pitcairn and Easter Islands departs for 19 days from $30, 978*pp.
*Please note these prices were correct at time of publishing, they are valid while availability lasts and are subject to change at any time. For a more precise quote for your desired travel dates, please get in touch.
