8 Most Adventurous Cruise Holidays

Cruising is not about getting from point A to point B, it's all about the journey. Sure, a great cruise will have stunning and exciting stops along the way, but it's more about how you get there rather than the destination.

But, since we at Benny's Boardroom can never get enough of adventure, we decided to spice things up a little and mix the thrill of an adventure with comfort and luxury of a cruise. Check out our list of the most adventurous cruise holidays around the globe.

 

Mekong River

Who says a cruise needs to be on an ocean or sea? River cruises can be just as magical, if not even more so due to spectacular sights on the river banks you'll be able to observe at any time of day and night.

Mekong River will take you through several exotic countries - Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos; each more mysterious and beautiful than the previous one. Vietnam will take your breath away with the plethora of colours on display in the ancient pagodas and vibrant markets. In Cambodia, you will be able to see the famous Angkor Wat Temple hidden in the tropical rainforest. And Laos will surprise you with rich history, architecture and unspoiled nature.

If you decide to treat yourself to a luxurious Scenic Spirit cruise, you will enjoy all this beauty and numerous other pleasures aboard a 5-star, all-inclusive ship worthy of a royal.

 

Galapagos Islands

A cruise through the Galapagos Islands will be the ultimate adventure for the nature lovers. The point of this cruise is not luxury, it's an expedition to see some of the most unique flora and fauna species on the planet.

Depending on the cruising company you opt for, you will visit several of the 18 major islands in the Galapagos archipelago. Get ready because each island has its own appeal and incredible wildlife. You'll get a chance to swim with some of the largest sea turtles in the world or with Galapagos penguins, come face to face with marine iguanas, fur seals, sea lions or even snorkel with dolphins and whales.

Due to the fragile ecosystem on the island, the number of visitors to the Islands is limited. So, make sure to secure your spot on the cruise well in advance. And make sure to come well prepared for the adventure with all your gear. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 60L is a great choice to pack everything you need.

 

Transatlantic

If your idea of a cruise involves several days of complete peace and quiet on the blue ocean, then you might want to jump aboard one of the transatlantic cruise ships from Europe to Americas or vice versa.

While the peaceful blue vastness will be surrounding you for about a week, there will be plenty to do on the ship. The huge cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean offer a wide variety of options for fun and relaxation. Indulge in spa treatments, play sports, watch theatre performances, go clubbing, and enjoy excellent cuisine from around the world in numerous restaurants.

Regardless of where you decide to start and finish your trip, you will get an opportunity to spend unforgettable moments in places like Barcelona, Canary Islands, Brussels, Reykjavik, Florida, and other popular destinations.

 

Nile River

How would you like to follow the trail of one of the first civilizations on Earth on the incredible Nile River? This cruise will be an incredible voyage for the history buffs and anyone who enjoys being surrounded with lush nature and learning about rich culture.

Several cruise lines offer tours of the river on more or less luxurious boats with a similar itinerary. So just imagine yourself on a deck of a slow boat, lying in a hammock or drinking fresh tea on comfy pillows filled with Egyptian cotton, while millennia of history float right by you. You will also be able to stop by the towns and small villages along the Nile, visit ancient temples, shop at lively markets, swim in the river and eat at local restaurants.

Nour El Nil cruise company offers the most luxurious experience in one of their four opulent dahabiyas. Expect a huge deck for observing the gorgeous surroundings and a beautifully-designed, spacious suite.

 

South Pacific

If you're searching for paradise on earth, look no further than South Pacific. You will definitely find it on one of the breathtakingly beautiful Islands in this region. We're talking tropical rainforests, crystal clear turquoise ocean, palm trees and white sandy beaches wherever you look.

Depending on the cruise line, your voyage will start somewhere on the east coast of Australia before you set off on an adventure to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Cook Islands and even the remote Marquesas Islands and end your journey in New Zealand. Seeing the endless beauty on your way through the islands is enough reason to do this cruise, but if you need adrenaline and excitement beyond that, you can arrange snorkelling excursions, surfing sessions, swimming with dolphins and diving with sharks.

Come prepared for these thrilling activities with a reliable surfboard and a top-quality wetsuit like our eco-friendly Patagonia Womens R1 Yulex.

 

Amazon River

Gliding down the Amazon River really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will cherish forever. But, this expedition will mostly appeal to the nature lovers rather than the adventure seekers. Just sit back, relax, and watch the fascinating jungles, rainforests and colourful villages of Brazil, Peru and Colombia slowly pass you by.

Don't expect a variety of activities on the Amazon cruise. This voyage is meant for enjoying the staggering environment and unique wildlife of South America. But, if you need a thrill, just remember that your boat is floating among piranhas, crocodiles and anacondas, to name just a few deadly animal species you might come across here.

Choose one of the luxurious cruise ships such as Delfin, Aria Amazon and Anakonda and enjoy being pampered. These voyages include the finest amenities, opulent rooms, cosy observation decks, exquisite food and exciting excursions on the shore.

 

Beijing To Rome

Are you ready for the mother of all cruises? The grand voyage from Beijing to Rome taking you across the planet by sea, tracing the inception of human civilization. As you can imagine, this is no cruise for ordinary travellers; it's for serious adventurers and history buffs with plenty of time on their hands.

The cruise doesn't offer many thrilling activities, but it does take you across 30 ports in the South China Sea, Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Suez Canal and Mediterranean Sea. The voyage lasts ten weeks but you don't have to worry you'll spend all this time without land in sight. There's plenty of time to explore, sightsee and shop at all these ports.

The problem with this grand cruise is that it requires a lot of time and money and it attracts very few people so it's not viable for cruise lines. You might find an occasional offer on some websites, but it's mostly a thing of the past these days.

North Pole

This cruise is completely different from all others on our list and it's not for the faint-hearted. Don’t expect comfy observation decks, lovely views and sandy beaches. You are in for a wild ride aboard the powerful Russian nuclear icebreaker clearing your path through the icy obstacles.

Yes, the North Pole cruise is for the fans of more extreme adventures, but that doesn't mean this trip is any less beautiful than the rest. It's just an acquired taste. Quark Expeditions offer some of the most fun North Pole adventures. Aside from getting an opportunity to be one of the few tourists who ever stood on "top of the world," you can enjoy a helicopter tour of the Arctic Ocean or even a hot-air balloon ride over the snowy surfaces.

Keep your eyes peeled before returning to your warm cabin to enjoy a cup of warm tea. You might even spot a polar bear, a walrus or a seal. And, even though you'll get some of the gear on the spot, make sure to bring your own super-warm, waterproof jacket like The North Face Men's Venture Jacket that will keep you sheltered even on an Arctic adventure.

 

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Cruise holidays offer the best of both worlds - relaxing at sea and adventuring on land. All you have to do is unpack once and enjoy the rest of the cruise chilling, fine dining, observing the beauty around you and exploring the destinations along the way.

And this type of holiday is not just for the retirees anymore, you can easily find exciting adventure cruises just like the ones on the list. So, if you're still in a dilemma whether to take one, we hope we've helped you decide.

Which of these cruises would you like to take? Let us know in the comments below.