5 adventure-packed cruises

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Cruises are relaxing. They also tend to be stress free. But a new trend in cruising turns them into incredible adventures, too. Taking your seafaring excursion well beyond sun, sand and surf, these exotic itineraries offer off-the-beaten adventures, while staying within a realistic budget. Get on board with our thrilling cruises for active travelers.

Gulf of Alaska Cruise

Sailing northbound or southbound between either Vancouver or Seattle and Anchorage, these voyages are one of the best (and only) ways to experience the pristine wilderness of Alaska. You can rock climb up Skagway’s White Pass, trek across glaciers in Juneau and experience a thrilling sled dog ride through scenic forests, flats and waterfalls. Cruisetours (land and sea vacations) let you see even more, with included nights at wilderness lodges in the heart of national parks.

Western Mediterranean Cruise

If you’ve come down with a case of wanderlust, but don’t have the vacation time for a 3-month backpacking trip, consider touring Europe’s must-see cities by cruise. Western Mediterranean itineraries are typically jam-packed with classic ports like Naples, Rome, Florence, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Nice and Seville. The options for active pursuits are equally endless: cycling through Las Ramblas, mountain climbing in Nice, hiking inbeautiful Palma de Mallorca, touring Pompeii and so much more.

South America Cruise

If you’re seeking something off the beaten path, look no further. South America sailings cover thousands of miles of rugged, diverse landscapes, with cruises typically traveling to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, or around Cape Horn. You can sail past sunning glaciers and fjords in Patagonia, trek through the Andes Mountains and experience the jaw-dropping Iguazu Falls.

Hawaii Cruise

Why settle for just one Hawaiian Island when you can visit several—minus the taxing island hopping via plane. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America sails to the four largest islands in a single week, making it one of the most convenient options for limited vacation time. Kauai is an adventurer’s paradise, with kayaking along the Waialua River, exploring Waimea Canyon or going on a wild ATV ride. You can also hike volcanoes in Maui, take a surf lesson in Oahu and go zip lining on the Big Island.

Australia & New Zealand Cruise

Talk about a whirlwind adventure. These cruises let you experience the Great Barrier Reef, the breathtaking New Zealand countryside (think Lord of the Rings) and the pristine national parks of Tasmania. Select itineraries may even port in exotic, bucket-list worthy locales like Bora Bora, Tahiti and Fiji.

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Tagged: Caribbean, Cruise, Destinations, Hawaii, Uncategorized