Test international waters with these fantastic exotic cruises 2015

Not another Caribbean cruise, you say? We hear you loud and clear. It’s time for somewhere new – and these surprising destinations are just the thing. From exotic tropical paradises to arctic history-rich locales, some of the world’s most incredible destinations are only a cruise ship away. Here are a few great picks for fantastic exotic cruises 2015.

Viking River Cruises

1. Egypt

It’s the cradle of civilization! It’s the gift of the Nile! It’s Egypt! And a fabulous 12-day Viking River Cruises sailing is an ideal way to explore it. You’ll check out all the awesome sights – the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, the Temple of Horace – and enjoy luxurious accommodations.

2. Thailand

Go ahead: Check Thailand off your bucket list (and maybe some neighboring countries too). Become enchanted with Bangkok, lounge on powdery white sand beaches, and don’t miss the 39-foot Big Buddha – all when you climb aboard a Princess sailing, like this one.

Uniworld Cruises

3. Russia

Exploring all over Mother Russia while enjoying ultra-luxurious accommodations? Done and done. This Uniworld sailing will whisk you off to some of the country’s most impressive cities – Moscow, St. Petersburg, and beautiful Yaroslavl – where you’ll marvel at onion-domed cathedrals and maybe catch a Russian ballet at the famous Hermitage Theatre.

4. The Galapagos

You and Darwin? Practically BFFs. (At least that’s how you’ll feel when you head to the Galápagos with Celebrity Cruises.) You’ll sail all around this archipelago of volcanic islands, spotting unique flora and glimpsing exotic wildlife, like hybrid iguanas and sea lions.

Seaborn Cruises

5. Antarctica

Vast and wild, Antarctica is the brrrfect destination for adventures. Go kayaking along the White Continent (wear layers!) and get a closer view of curious seals, porpoising penguins, and giant icebergs. And then head to your cozy room aboard the Seabourn Quest to warm up.

6. Tahiti, Fiji & the South Pacific

Bora Bora, Fiji, Tahiti (AKA every tropical paradise you picture when you close your eyes) is yours to discover on board a Paul Gauguin ship. Verdant rainforests? Low-lying coral reefs? Palm-fringed beaches? Check, check, and check.

Norwegian Cruise Line

7. Norway

Norwegian Cruises go to Norway – kind of a no-brainer. But, what you maybe didn’t realize is Norway is super awesome. Only here can you take in the sights of the Geiranger Fjord, marvel at sweeping waterfalls in Flam, and walk around the fairy tale town of Alesund.

Ponant Cruises

8. Indonesia

Pack your bags (and don’t forget the sunscreen) – post-card perfect Indonesia is calling your name. Worried about how you’re going to get to a bunch of the country’s islands? Don’t be. Thanks to awesome itineraries, like this one from Ponant, hitting up all the places you want to go is a total breeze.

9. Sri Lanka

Centuries-old Buddha statues. Stretches of seemingly endless beaches. Hundreds of elephants. Sri Lanka is pretty darn dreamy, and you can experience it (and other incredible destinations) first-hand aboard ships like Cunard’s Queen Mary II.

Ready to sail? Check out other fascinating itineraries at Orbitz Cruises.