Breathtaking Cruises

When you take a cruise, you know what you’re getting: 5-star service, enough food to immobilize you for practically the entire trip (and free, to boot!), a conga-line or two, and a general good time. That’s certainly why the vast majority of people go cruising, but there’s something that a lot of people either discount entirely, or just forget about: The scenery. With the vast array of cruising options available to the vacationer, breathtaking cruises in and amongst some of the most beautiful visual climates the world hast to offer shouldn’t be overlooked. In case you may be wondering where these panoramic wonder-views are hiding, here are a few examples: Alaska, Australia, Norway.... even the Amazon River.

As a small preview of what you can expect to experience if you put “breathtaking” at the top of your cruising criteria, let’s take a quick look at Australia, followed by a brief overview of Norway, Alaska, and points north. With ports of call like Sydney, your introduction to jaw-dropping scenery will come quickly - the Sydney Operahouse even looks like a ship! As far as natural scenery goes, Australia is vast & varied in its offerings. From prairies & grasslands one would expect to find in the American west or Africa, to rugged rock formations (Ayer’s Rock, or Uluru, as the Aborigines call it, is perhaps the most famous, but you typically won’t see it unless you venture into Australia’s interior), to stunning waterfalls, your breathtaking cruise through Australia will make memories that last a lifetime. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you can even (if you time your cruise correctly, that is) see a turtle nesting ground, and watch the miracle of life unfold right before your eyes.

Sticking with warmer climates, it is also possible to cruise the most voluminous river in the entire world - the mighty Amazon. Life-giving artery for the largest and most diverse ecosystem in the world, a cruise down this river & its tributaries is not to be missed. Typical offerings for such an adventure include jungle hikes, visits to native villages, and of course, the opportunity to take a dip in the Amazon river!

As far as places like Norway & Alaska go, those who favor a climate with a bit more “nip” in the air won’t be disappointed. With awe-inspiring scenery, the Northern Lights, and even 24 hours of daylight to enjoy, there is certainly something to be said for a breathtaking cruise at the top of the world.

There are so many other places one could focus on when speaking of “breathtaking cruses”, but then, this article does have to end eventually.... however, there’s good news: There is literally a cruise for everyone! For instance, if you’re a history buff, try a New England cruise, or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, river cruises through Southeast Asia (or the Mississippi, for folks on that side of the world) offer a tantalizing dose of adrenaline - not to mention fantastic photo opportunities!

With that said, such cruises as these are surprisingly affordable, often not exceeding $1,000 USD per person for a week-long cruise, with many amenities (food, etc.) included. It looks like all that’s left for you to do is pack!