There's no travel pleasure more intense than a cruise. We close our eyes, and unforgettable sensations flood our minds. We look at the map and search for unique places to sail.
Article from CruisesNews magazine
A lot has changed since Victorian travelers, eager for novelty, embarked on precarious passenger ships to escape their routine. Modern cruise ships now sail almost every sea, and the options are so vast that it's easy to turn dreams into reality.
Dozens of ships tend to congregate in the most popular areas. In our MareNostrum, a warm and welcoming place steeped in history, the festive warmth of the Caribbean, and the breathtaking, untamed nature of the Norwegian Fjords. Alaska is becoming a more distant alternative, where wide-open spaces are the perfect ingredient, and Asia and South America are increasingly sought-after destinations.
Leonardo da Vinci: “Water is the driving force that moves all of nature.”.
The price list is extensive, and the selection of ships caters to all tastes. Large, medium, small, boutique, expedition, mainstream, or luxury. There's something for everyone.
The world is small, and our capacity for dreaming is infinite. Whether your pockets are deep, you've won the lottery, or you believe there's no better money than that spent on leisure, I propose an exercise in imagination: five cruise experiences, sure to satisfy even the most demanding travelers. For sailors and explorers seeking ultra-exclusivity or the chance to discover the most privileged environments on our planet. It's a tough choice. The earth is a beautiful place, and it was difficult to decide among an immense list of irresistible destinations and cruises.
Do you want to close your eyes and mentally sail to unique places? These would be my top five, unrepeatable ones.
Certainly, my list is not exhaustive, but in a cruise industry that is beginning to show signs of saturation in certain seas, it's still possible to dream. Of course, dreams don't come cheap. But do life experiences have a price? Do we only live twice? You can stay on your couch dreaming, or you can take the next step and make those dreams a reality. Don't hesitate, life doesn't wait.
POLAR PLEASURES
The Arctic and Antarctica have traditionally been considered the last frontier. I suppose this is because, with their inhospitable grandeur, they represent places incompatible with human life, yet they produce infinite serenity with their perennial ice and curious beauty. Cruises to Iceland, Greenland, and even the White Sea are part of the programs offered by the most specialized shipping companies, but lately one word dominates everything: "expedition," especially polar expeditions. Antarctica, the frozen continent, is one of the most beautiful pristine environments in the world, subject to protection protocols, such as the Madrid Convention signed by 49 countries, which commits them to eliminating any type of human activity except tourism, although even this is controlled by IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators), which establishes draconian limitations to ensure that human contact goes unnoticed. Ships with fewer than 400 passengers, disembarkations of only 100 people at a time, along with isolation measures and sanitation so that humans do not contaminate, with their germs, a unique fauna and flora.
The frozen continent is fighting for its survival, struggling to avoid succumbing to intolerable tourist pressure. It is the fourth largest continent, with an area of 14 million km²
It's a destination as sweet as the immense range of whites and blues of the icebergs, the eternal ice, or the marvelous rugged landscapes of Deception Island, or the close encounter with the trusting colonies of penguins, cormorants, and seals floating gently on ice floes above an incredibly deep blue sea. But don't underestimate Antarctica. It can be cruel, changeable, and threatening when immense waves rise in the Drake Passage, or when the gentle, icy breeze transforms into hurricane-force winds. Be that as it may, while cruise experiences leave you unmoved, the uniqueness of Antarctica leaves no one indifferent, not even the most seasoned seafarer.
The journey of a lifetime, for which we will have to spend an exorbitant amount of money, but proportionate to the preparations and the costly resources employed. The business seems to be booming, because exploration ships and yachts are constantly setting sail, and the frozen continent promises to be especially crowded in the coming years. Silversea, Ponant, and Hurtigruten would be some of the most recommended alternatives.
The Madrid Protocol, a protected area, has been in force since 1998 (signed in 1991). This protocol provides comprehensive protection for the Antarctic environment and its dependent or associated ecosystems.
The melting ice is opening up new polar routes for commercial cruise ships. One such route is the Northwest Passage, between the Arctic and the Canadian west coast. On August 16, 2016, the Crystal Serenity set sail from Anchorage to New York. Years after explorer Roald Amundsen first made the journey, this time with better resources and in a safer environment. We will find pristine landscapes, though somewhat more tamed than Antarctica, with the tundra as a backdrop and colonies of polar bears and Arctic foxes as inhabitants. Visiting the secluded Inuit communities is a privilege that would be difficult to achieve otherwise.
OUT OF AFRICA
Wild Africa remains largely untouched by the cruise industry. Aside from repositioning cruises and South Africa, there are still not many ports or locations that offer sufficient guarantees for stable operations. All references to Africa are always ethnically warm, intense, and colorful. And nothing is more evocative than Bogart and Hepburn's iconic cinematic voyage through the inland waters of the African heartland aboard their fragile African Queen. Thanks to the allure this image holds for some romantic and adventurous cruisers, luxury cruises are now sailing the turbulent rivers of the African continent.
Victoria Falls has been a World Heritage Site since 1989. It has a drop of 108 meters.
Africa is the pure emerald splendor of the jungle. A vast expanse of life and death, it is home to the most extreme living conditions. Beautiful and dangerous at once, it is crisscrossed by brownish, mighty rivers like the Gambia, one of the longest in the country. Variety's small riverboats offer a leisurely cruise. The sounds of the jungle, the warm nights, and the close contact with the wildest parts of the river and its banks are especially thrilling. You'll visit nature reserves like Abuko, or places like Tendaba, Kuntaur, or Kauur. But to maximize the African experience, there is an even more magnificent route. One of the largest river cruise companies, CroisiEurope, presents a vintage vessel. Traditional and melancholic, the Africa Dream is like sailing as the early explorers did, like the legendary Livingstone, but with all the advancements of modern, safe navigation. One of the explorers of deep Africa, and author of valuable scientific works on botany, geology, zoology, etc.
Gambia is one of the few countries in the world that adopts the name of a river that crosses it from east to west as its alma mater.
Modern travelers embarking on this journey will be immersed in African culture by expert lecturers. The voice of Africa is powerful, and after exploring South Africa, the typical itinerary moves to the Zambezi River, the great river of Southern Africa, which flows through countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. This is the most authentically African region. Highlights include Robber Island, the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls (the third largest in the world), and a truly breathtaking spectacle. The Chobe National Park is perfect for experiencing the richness of the native wildlife. Zebras, antelopes, and buffalo live peacefully in their natural habitat. Experience life in a local lodge on Sedudu Island, surrounded by large colonies of buffalo, hippos, and even crocodiles. And because Africa is a land of peoples who have remained unchanged over the years, Impalila serves as the point of contact with local communities.
Few African experiences compare to gliding gently down one of its rivers. As with the Nile, life springs up and thrives along its banks.
EDEN IN THE FAR PACIFIC
When we think of paradise, the Pacific Ocean comes to mind. It was already paradise for Captain Cook, who was captivated by the allure of a sea that can be peaceful and lifeless, yet tremendously unpredictable and furious. A vast, lost world, where tens of thousands of small, anonymous islands inspire our dreams. And we all know the magical images of the great Pacific: lost islands with Robinson Crusoe-style castaways, coconuts, garlands of flowers, dancers in friendly tribes who come out to greet us in canoes, lapis lazuli waters, endless sands, volcanoes, hula hoops, and forgotten villages. Hollywood's influence is powerful, and although the Pacific is nothing new, each and every one of these clichés is real.
French Polynesia is one of the largest archipelagos in the Pacific. Of its 118 islands, only 67 are inhabited.
Traditionally, cruises cover every corner of the globe, to a greater or lesser extent. From the touristy and massive Hawaiian archipelago, to the alluring destinations of the Solomon Islands off the Australian mainland and New Zealand. But let's lose ourselves in the middle of the ocean. If we want to recreate every single cliché, the most "wonderful" is French Polynesia. Remote, expensive, inaccessible, and perfect for sailing the Paul Gauguin, the benchmark ship in the region. No one better embodies the quintessential experience of sailing through the remote waters of Polynesia. Regional decor, luxurious decor, flowers, local cuisine, music, and Tahitian artists on our return. A boutique ship that ventures into inaccessible harbors, allowing direct contact with the crystalline waters of the exotic archipelago. The Paul Gauguin anchors in the open sea, extends its marine deck to swim in the warm waters, or to practice a vast range of water sports with lush landscapes before our eyes, or to explore its rich seabed.
The Paul Gauguin prides itself on perfectly compressing all of Polynesia within its decks.
Private beaches and small atolls, desert landscapes—this is everything we dream of when we think of getting lost in places where only a privileged few set foot. The routes include such evocative names as Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Bora Bora, Tonga, the Tuamotus, and the Marquesas Islands. Among the leisure options offered, in addition to days spent in luxury private resorts, deserted beaches, or direct contact with the incredibly friendly locals, ready to adorn you with all the picture-perfect flower leis you could want, we can delve into tropical rainforests, visit pearl fishing communities, rent private boats, or even explore any hidden waterfall or the mouth of an active volcano. Without a doubt, the perfect place to escape monotony. It's an intense dose of sweetness, but not at all cloying.
THE LAST VIRGIN CORNERS OF THE EARTH
Unfortunately, the world is getting smaller and smaller, and humankind has an innate desire to explore everything, exploiting every place for tourism. Sadly, there are no longer any truly pristine places on Earth, with minimal human presence. If you're not a fan of ice, the ultimate ecological paradise is the Galapagos Islands. A naturally perfect and untouched place belonging to Ecuador. And although you'll encounter every possible obstacle to visiting, some luxury cruise lines with small boutique ships offer eco-nature expeditions to the islands.
Galapagos tortoises are the largest and longest-lived tortoises on Earth, capable of living for more than 100 years.
These are places on the planet where wildlife reigns supreme, and humans must call ahead, ask permission, and enter with extreme caution. There are some exclusive ways to access these areas, such as Celebrity Cruises, with its exploration subsidiary, which already operates in the region and has just launched the Celebrity Flora. This elegant ship combines design and luxury with materials, décor, and colors from the surrounding environment to blend seamlessly into this paradise. Currently, Silversea offers a wide range of exploration itineraries. Its luxurious Silver Galapagos provides the perfect opportunity for lovers of eco-expeditions, an unparalleled life experience. As with all dream cruises, they are not cheap. In the case of this archipelago, enormous environmental fees and permits must be paid, and the regulations are so stringent that it cannot be considered a mass cruise destination. The archipelago's future hinges on its development.
The Galapagos ecosystem is so sensitive that the introduction of domestic animals from the mainland has severely damaged its balance.
The list of accolades is long. A Natural World Heritage Site since 1978, a Biosphere Reserve since 1985, a Marine Reserve since 1986, and UNESCO bestowed upon them the highest honor in 2001, declaring them a World Heritage Site. They essentially comprise 13 volcanic islands, 6 smaller ones, and 107 minor rocks and islets. With the second most intense seismic activity after Hawaii, what makes the islands unique is that there is no other place on the planet that concentrates so many endemic species. Maintaining a pristine environment is relatively easy. Seeing species you'll never encounter in other latitudes, with such diversity, is unique to the Galápagos. It's the dream of any ecologist, or anyone with even the slightest sensitivity towards the flora and fauna of our mistreated planet. Darwin visited the islands and was so amazed that it became the starting point for his "On the Origin of Species.".
Only about 200,000 tourists visit the islands, with strict limitations on their behavior and how they interact with the animals. Naturalists, biologists, and geologists are on hand to explain the destination in detail and help us connect with animals so unaccustomed to human contact that they show no fear or reserve. The archipelago is a place free from hunting and predatory fishing. The list of species is so extensive that it's impossible to name them all. But the list would include unique dolphins, hammerhead sharks, whales, sea lions, penguins, iguanas, and the famous giant Galapagos tortoise. All this, in addition to unique coral reefs and native vegetation such as giant cacti.
ORIENTAL FANTASIES, INDONESIA, AND UNSEEN PLACES
Until recently, Asia in general was a little-known and rarely visited destination. The lack of budget flights and the seclusion of countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, and even China itself, did not favor tourism, which lacked even adequate hotel infrastructure, except in specific locations like Thailand. Currently, the continent is advancing at breakneck speed, with low-cost flights, especially from Gulf airlines, and ships permanently stationed in ports in China, Malaysia, and Singapore. Mass tourism has already saturated some places, but the continent remains a wonderful and exotic place, brimming with artistic and natural wonders. Millions of Chinese are now beginning to travel. But Asia is vast, and we must look to undiscovered corners of Indonesia, where large ships do not dock. Thousands of islands in Indonesia, the Philippines, and the alluring Brunei present themselves as perfect candidates to be my fifth dream cruise option. Without diminishing the rest of the continent.
The growth in Chinese cruise passengers is spectacular. More than 10 million bookings are expected between now and 2026.
Ponant is one of the world's most exquisite and exclusive luxury cruise lines. When it comes to luxury and refinement, the French are unparalleled. Gourmet cuisine and elegant yachts also stray from the beaten track. Experts in Antarctica, they've grown so much that their small ships now reach every corner of the globe. One of their flagship routes, where you won't see any other vessel, is sailing on the L'Austral between Cairns and Australia, through the Indonesian Inland Sea. Part of Melanesia, it's one of the most enigmatic regions on Earth, boasting a unique ethnographic richness. Undoubtedly, it's a truly exclusive experience. The ultimate exploration of "lost" places.
As with any good equatorial route, you'll find unique beaches and bays like the Coron Islands in the Philippines, with Lake Kayungan, one of the cleanest in Asia. A sea of rock formations like Halong Bay rises from the pristine waters, like something out of a fantasy realm. It's also a snorkeling paradise, especially popular with those who find exploring shipwrecks fascinating. But the highlight of the exploration is a visit to a tribe that remained lost until the 1970s, unchanged since they were feared for being headhunters and even cannibals: the Asmat. These were terrifying latitudes, where any white person who dared to enter their territory would disappear.
Indonesia, the country with the most islands in the world, has so many that the government isn't sure of their exact number. They recount them every year to ensure their integrity.
Today, they live peacefully, accepting Western contact and building their homes in trees some 25 meters high. They continue to use ancient tools, crafting their weapons by hand, adorning themselves with mysterious beads, and painting their faces with vibrant colors. They remain exceptional artisans in wood carving. And as with any expedition, a visit to a biosphere reserve is essential. Tangkoko National Park in Sulawesi boasts 127 mammal species, 233 bird species, and 107 reptile species. Most remarkably, 79 mammal species are endemic (notably the Black-crested Macaque, of which only slightly more than 5,000 remain), along with 103 bird species and 29 reptile species.
