From river cruising the Amazon to narrow boating around the UK, traveling on a speedboat in Bali, yachting along Cote D’Azur, and going on an expedition to the Arctic, here are some of the alternative cruises you may need to try.
1. River Cruise the Amazon
Covering several countries and spanning the South American region, the Amazon River and its rainforest are massive. The best way to discover it is to go on a river cruise.
An Amazon River cruise is not like your typical cruise. While some cruises are focused on entertainment and activities, cruising the Amazon River is more about exploring the culture, wildlife, and rugged beauty of the world’s largest rainforest.
You will most likely begin your journey in Lima, particularly in a port city called Iquitos, located right in the middle of the forest. From here, you’ll take a shuttle directly to the river, where you will board your cruise.
You will be welcomed with refreshing drinks before sailing into the mighty Amazon River. As you sail along the river, your days will be filled with lots of adventures and exciting discoveries.
Unlike most cruises where you will be stuck in the boat for most of the journey, your Amazon cruise will require you to get off the boat more often.
Your days will be filled with many adventures, including going on jungle safaris and navigating through the river filled with wildlife activities. You will be with an expert guide who is quick to spot the wildlife.
2. Narrowboating around the UK
Narrowboating is a fun way to explore the UK waterways and charming countryside. It’s fun, affordable, and perfect for families with kids or couples looking to do something unique and romantic.
There are plenty of weekend barges to rent, where you can explore the canals at your own pace while reconnecting with nature and having the wonderful opportunity to explore Britain’s most scenic canal routes.
While it’s possible to join an organized narrowboating tour, hiring your own narrow barge will give you a sense of freedom to curate the activities to include in your getaway, all in the comfort of your own floating home.
These boats are equipped with modern facilities, such as showers and toilets. While it may not be as spacious as a cottage, these boats are ergonomically designed, giving you enough space to relax and unwind.
There are many different routes to explore on your narrowboating adventure, offering everything, from romantic nature trails to scenic walks on the quaint countryside and visiting pubs and Michelin star restaurants, not to mention the romantic sunset views from your boat!
3. Speedboat Around Bali
Also called the “Land of the Gods”, Bali appeals to tourists of all kinds, thanks to its sheer natural beauty of beautiful beaches and lush terraced rice fields that exude serenity.
Although the island is popular among honeymooners, it is also an excellent destination for the adrenaline junkies who can get their fix from thrilling water sports activities, including a fun speedboat ride.
On your speedboat tour of Bali, you’ll hop aboard a fast boat tour as you explore the brilliant blue seas and the surrounding islands.
You will be stopping at pristine white sand beaches and dramatic cliffs, marvel at the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean and experience some peace and quiet at some of the hidden beaches along Nusa Penida.
Depending on your itinerary, your tour may also include diving and snorkeling opportunities.
Some tours will include an option to have drone footage of your speedboating experience. You will be joined by a professional drone pilot who will document your excursion.
At the end of the tour, you’ll receive high-quality and edited footage of your incredible speedboat adventures in Bali.
4. Charter a Yacht along the Cote D’Azur
Yachting along the Cote D’Azur offers you a chance to explore some of the most glamorous ports and beaches along the Mediterranean shores.
During your cruise, you’ll visit the historic ports of St. Tropez and the spectacular Iles d’Or.
Stop at idyllic Mediterranean beaches and discover the majestic flora and protected aquatic wildlife. It’s also popular area for the gay community and booking a gay sailing cruise is perfect for LBGTQ+ travelers.
If you do, make a stop at St. Tropez, which has long been a favourite destination of celebrities.
Don’t miss a stop at Iles d’Or, where you will find protected anchorages, scenic beaches, and some spots for swimming and snorkeling. Here, you’ll also find a lighthouse in 1837.
For those who love to explore the wildlife, check out the protected waters of the National Park of the Calanques, set between Marseille, Cassis, and La Ciotat. Covering around 540 square miles of coastline, it’s well worth a trip during your yacht charter of the Côte d’Azur.
Your yachting adventure of the Côte d’Azur will put you right in the centre of the chic seaside resort’s atmosphere, jet-setting crowd, fine dining restaurants, and designer boutiques.
When chartering a yacht along the Côte d’Azur, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, including luxury gay-friendly cruises that include itineraries that cater to gay travelers.
5. Expedition to the Artic
Thanks to documentaries centred around the Arctic, everyone seems to know about it these days.
An expedition to the Arctic will give you a chance to experience incredible wildlife encounters, from polar bears hunting at the sea ice to cute ringed seal pups taking their first dive.
Your Arctic expedition will be bound by the unexpected, which could include random wildlife encounters, especially in summer, where a sighting could happen anytime.
Be prepared to witness a polar bear turning up for dinner, an orca popping up alongside your ship, or a herd of reindeer patiently watching your ship drift.
Your expedition will also give you a chance to gain a new appreciation for the environment as you encounter incredible mountain visas and majestic glaciers stretching across the horizon.