Cruise itineraries that are absolutely out of this world

Wave goodbye to mainstream destinations and say hello to a completely different kind of cruise. Exotic locales? Once-in-a-lifetime experiences? Adrenaline-pumping excursions? Now that’s more like it! Running the gamut from fascinating journeys in the Far East to centuries-old U.S. expeditions, these 7 cruise expeditions will awaken your inner explorer.

Galapagos | Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

7-Night Galapagos Islands Outer Loop Cruise

Pull a Darwin and make your way to the Galapagos! On this Celebrity sailing, you’ll discover exotic marine life in the blue waters of Gardner Bay, observe an impressive blowhole that spews water on Isla Espanola and, of course, see those famous finches, land iguanas and giant tortoises.

Muscat

7-Night Arabian Gulf Cruise

On this Royal Caribbean cruise, you really can have it all—a taste of traditional Arabic life, as well as the modern. You’ll set sail for Oman (one of the key destinations on the Arabian Peninsula), where you can snorkel among underwater life in Khasab, and meander through the old quarter of Muscat, before making your way to the glittering city of Abu Dabi.

Amalia Glacier

14-Night Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan Cruise

Gentoo penguins! Treacherous winds! Snowcapped volcanoes! For the true adventurer, this Princess cruise is a no-brainer. And besides checking out Cape Horn and the Strait of Magellan, you’ll also glimpse the completely gorgeous Amalia Glacier.

Kimberley Coast

10-Night Kimberley Cruise

The land down under doesn’t get more awesome than the Kimberley. Home to deserted beaches, incredible wildlife, and thundering waterfalls, the Kimberley is also known to have fewer peeps per square mile than almost any other place on earth. In other words, it’s super cool. And Silversea will help you see it all.

Photo courtesy of American Queen Steamboat Company

8-Night Pacific Northwest Splendor Cruise

Lewis and Clark? They’re practically your BFFs when you get on board this American Queen Steamboat Company cruise. You’ll follow the legendary duo’s epic 200-year-old journey, and see some pretty amazing sights along the way including the Columbia River Gorge, Hells Canyon and the end of the Oregon Trail.

Antarctica

10-Night Emblematic Antarctica Cruise

Go ahead, cross Antarctica off your bucket list. And, like, a bunch of other things too, thanks to this Ponant cruise. Seeing chinstrap penguins, floating alongside drifting icebergs, exploring deep waters in a dinghy – check, check, check! Plus, there’s a bonus: free parka and boots on board!

Irrawaddy | Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways

13-Night Golden Myanmar & Alluring Irrawaddy

Adventure awaits on the Irrawaddy! Cruise with Avalon Waterways, and you’ll experience non-stop action in “The Golden Land,” aka Myanmar. Ancient pagodas, teak forests and breathtaking archaeological sites are all featured on this itinerary, along with oh-so-much more.

Ready to plan your next adventure? Head to Orbitz Cruises.