At WendyPerrin.com we hear from a lot of travelers who would like to take a cruise but have run up against a big challenge: They want to be physically active, see nature, and interact with locals—three things that cruise lines often do not make easy to accomplish—and they aren’t sure which locations and vessels are optimal. So we’ve pulled together a list of the very best upcoming cruises for achieving these goals: staying active, meeting locals, and seeing nature. We’ve even shared who to book through to get the best experience for your dollar.
Cruisegoers explore Alaska’s natural beauty, on and off the water. Photo: David Vargas/Lindblad Expeditions
Wild Alaska Escape, aboard the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Bird
When: Departing from Sitka or Juneau most weeks from late May through August 2019; June is Alaska’s driest month of the year
The Details: A compact itinerary designed to fit within a single work week, this cruise is packed full of options to explore southeast Alaska as few ever will—from hiking lush rainforests to kayaking in remote bays to cycling around a glacial lake. Enjoy the local flavor in the tiny community of Haines, walk the Totem Trail in the picturesque oceanfront town of Sitka, and enjoy a traditional dance demonstration in an ancient Chilkat Tlingit village. There’s abundant wildlife to be found in this region, including coastal bears, migrating whales, and the iconic bald eagle.
Pro Tip: Category 2 cabins on the Upper Deck have doors that open to the outer deck, allowing for the best wildlife viewing.
Book Your Cabin: Contact Ashton Palmer through our site to be marked as a VIP and get the best possible trip.
Gentoo penguin chicks, Port Lockroy, Antarctica. Photo: ExpeditionTrips
Antarctic Peninsula, aboard the 112-passenger Island Sky or 114-passenger Hebridean Sky
When: 2018/19 departures from Ushuaia, Argentina available between late November and late February
The Details: If you want to mingle with penguins, hike on the White Continent, and paddle around icy bays, and perhaps even camp on Antarctica—but you don’t want to rough it onboard—these ships are a great choice. The top-notch expedition staff and photography coach will make sure that you get the most of your adventure.
Pro Tip: Want to help with real-world scientific research in Antarctica? Ask about the complimentary Citizen Science program.
Book Your Cabin: Contact Ashton Palmer through our site to be marked as a VIP and get the best possible trip.
Canal barge cruises move slowly, allowing for great up-close views of the French countryside. Photo: Barge Lady Cruises
Bicycling in Burgundy, aboard the six-passenger Rendez-Vous barge
When: Weekly private departures from Paris, France, available from April through October 2019
The Details: When you charter the Rendez-Vous for a private cycling adventure, your onboard local biking guide will plan daily 10- to 20-mile routes through Burgundy’s rolling greenery and famed Grand Cru vineyards via manicured towpaths and fantastic biking trails; bikes and a backup vehicle are provided. The Rendez-Vous feels like a boutique hotel, with chic décor, an open kitchen, and a shaded sundeck—plus it’s got an extraordinary wine list full of Premier Crus.
Pro Tip: With a hot tub on deck for loosening your muscles after your bike rides, the Rendez-Vous is well outfitted for younger, more active travelers.
Book Your Cabin: Contact Ellen Sack through our site to be marked as a VIP and get the best possible trip.
The clear blue water of the Galapagos Islands. Photo: hugh_s20/Pixabay
The Galapagos Islands, aboard the 16-passenger Ocean Spray
When: Year-round departures from Quito, Ecuador
The Details: Pair an exploration of Ecuadorian culture on the mainland with extraordinary wildlife experiences and active options in the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy the warm hospitality of historic Quito before boarding a comfortable catamaran to explore the Galapagos, filling your days with hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking in this world-renowned national park and marine reserve.
Pro Tip: Since the Galapagos are close to the equator and warm year-round, plan your cruise to get a bit of sun whenever the weather is coldest at home.
Book Your Cabin: Contact Ashton Palmer through our site to be marked as a VIP and get the best possible trip.
Search for the northern lights on an Arctic cruise. Photo: Shutterstock
Arctic Air-Cruise: Greenland’s Northern Lights, aboard the 66-passenger Ocean Nova
When: Weekly departures from Reykjavik, Iceland, in September, 2019
The Details: Spend your days exploring iceberg-laced Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system, and your evenings searching the sky for the Aurora Borealis. This adventure gives active travelers the chance to trek in Greenland National Park, paddle pristine waters, and search for Arctic wildlife.
Pro Tip: Pack sturdy footwear to take full advantage of Greenland’s spectacular hiking, and sign up early for the popular sea-kayaking excursions.
Book Your Cabin: Contact Ashton Palmer through our site to be marked as a VIP and get the best possible trip.
Go truffle hunting with the family-run L’Or des Valois mushroom farm in France. Photo: Barge Lady Cruise
France barge cruise out of Dijon, aboard the six-passenger Magnolia
When: Weekly private departures available from April through October 2019
The Details: When you charter the Magnolia, owner/operators Nicolas and Magali Rancelot welcome you as one of the family: You’ll go truffle hunting at a family-owned mushroom farm, accompany your chef to the Dijon market to shop for the day’s ingredients, and dine at the country home of Magali’s parents. Four other meals are taken on shore at small bistros and artisan kitchens, so you’re sure to soak up plenty of local color.
Pro Tip: At about $3,800 per person for a six-night, seven-day cruise—including all but four meals—the Magnolia is an excellent value among canal barge cruises.
Book Your Cabin: Contact Ellen Sack through our site to be marked as a VIP and get the best possible trip.
The Seychelles and neighboring islands, aboard the 260-passenger Le Lyrial
When: Departs from Durban, South Africa, on April 1, 2019 and March 25, 2020
The Details: Discover some of the Indian Ocean’s most picturesque isles and isolated atolls on a five-star tropical expedition that offers ample opportunities for both activity and relaxation. Divers and snorkelers alike will enjoy exploring Aldabra Atoll, a virtually untouched UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pro Tip: Special savings are available for those who wish to extend their travels on consecutive sailings.
Book Your Cabin: Contact Ashton Palmer through our site to be marked as a VIP and get the best possible trip.
Pink Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia. Photo: Shutterstock
Exploring the Indonesian Archipelago and Komodo Island, aboard the 184-passenger La Laperouse
When: Departs from Singapore on November 25, 2019
The Details: Komodo National Park, Pink Beach, traditional villages, the orangutans of Borneo, and a luxurious new superyacht—what more could you want? This adventure treats travelers to a variety of landscapes, cultures, and unusual wildlife while hopping from island to island, all without leaving the creature comforts behind.
Pro Tip: Get a whale’s-eye view of Indonesia as you enjoy a cocktail in the ship’s unique multi-sensory Blue Eye lounge.
Book Your Cabin: Contact Ashton Palmer through our site to be marked as a VIP and get the best possible trip.
John Hopkins Glacier (with Mount Orville and Mount Wilbur in the background) in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. Photo: Shutterstock
If you require a large ship: Alaska’s Inside Passage (7-Day roundtrip out of Vancouver), aboard the 2,106-passenger Nieuw Amsterdam
When: Departs from Vancouver every Saturday between May and late September 2019
The Details: Cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage, visiting Tlingit Indian villages and the best fishing ports in southeast Alaska along the way. Those wishing to be active can go zip lining, kayaking, glacier hiking, and the like; wildlife lovers can spot whales and birds. You’ll spend a day in Glacier Bay National Park, then come back to a large ship with lots of entertainment and dining options to choose from.
Pro Tip: While plenty of large cruise ships visit Alaska, Holland America has been doing so for almost 60 years; they have more highly coveted Glacier Bay permits than any other cruise line, they bring national park rangers and members of the Tlingit culture onboard to enrich the experience, and they have larger cabins than their competitors.
Book Your Cabin: Contact Tom Baker through our site to be marked as a VIP and get the best possible trip.
Be a smarter traveler: Read real travelers’ reviews of Wendy’s WOW List and use it to plan your next trip. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter @wendyperrin, and Instagram @wendyperrin, and sign up for her weekly newsletter to stay in the know.
