Wild Earth Travel is celebrating a happy new year and the end of a very busy and productive year. In 2015, their small ship cruising portfolio grew immensely, and they now offer over 1200 small ship cruises on 177 ships all over the world – wherever there is water, there will be a small ship cruise!
With many airlines offering New Year sales, now is the perfect time to confirm your small ship cruising holiday for 2016. Here’s some holiday reading to guide you through their picks for 2016.
Happy reading and Season’s Greetings!
16. Antarctica
An expedition cruise to Antarctica really is a cruise of a lifetime. Choose to camp on ice, sea kayak, snow shoe, take photographic workshops on the ice and more. Cruise the Peninsula, the Ross Sea or East Antarctica.
15. Alaska
With soaring peaks, spectacular glaciers, wildlife filled waters, lush rainforest and fascinating local culture, Alaska is a spectacular destination to explore by small ship. Humpback whales and orca are often escorts as we explore Alaska’s magnificent fjords.
14. The Arctic
Small expedition cruise vessels allow access to otherwise inaccessible Arctic coastlines and close approaches to wildlife such as Polar Bears and Walrus. Cruise the Canadian Arctic, Svalbard, Greenland or the Russian Arctic.
13. South Georgia
Often referred to as the most incredible wildlife show on earth, South Georgia’s vast numbers of King penguins and elephant seals, grand scenery and fascinating history never disappoint.
12. Portugal & Spain
Immerse yourself in flamenco, tapas, Picasso, Gothic architecture, Moorish fortresses and the fossils of El Torcal as you cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona along the Iberian Peninsula through the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean.
11. The Solomon Islands
With its idyllic white sand beaches, world class snorkelling, welcoming villages and fascinating maritime history, the Solomon Islands are an undiscovered paradise waiting to be explored.
10. Costa Rica
Cruise one of the most biologically diverse areas of the planet and explore lush rain forests, diverse cultures, verdant cloud forest, sizzling volcanoes, white sand beaches and a wide range of wildlife including over 300 bird species.
9. The Greek Islands
These picturesque islands provide the perfect destination for small ship cruising. Choose a cruise that will transport you back in the time to the glory days of Ancient Greece, with historians on board who will be able to guide you through these fascinating times.
8. Madagascar
Madagascar truly is unique – its scenery, wildlife, plants and people are unlike anywhere else in the world. Be captivated by charismatic lemurs and stunning chameleons, photograph towering Baobab trees and bright birdlife, snorkel crystal clear waters and meet friendly local people.
7. Ireland
Ireland has long been a must-visit destination for many travellers, however very few have cruised its coastline. Leave the hassle of bus touring or car hire behind as you cruise the coastline of the Emerald Isle, exploring local villages, rugged islands, and deserted beaches.
6. Sumatra
Circumnavigate the world’s sixth largest island in October 2016. See orangutans in their natural habitat, snorkel over coral reefs, visit remote islands where native indigenous people still live in isolation, all accompanied by guides who are experts in their fields.
5. Croatia
The Adriatic remains popular for 2016, for good reason! We now offer 25 different small ship Croatian cruising itineraries including aboard the luxurious 40 passenger MV Diamond, one of our newest ships in our collection.
4. Iceland
Iceland offers much for the traveller – shooting geysers, bubbling mud pools, grand fjords, dazzling waterfalls, spectacular volcanoes. Circumnavigating Iceland by small ship can be a cost effective way to explore the island, with cruises starting from just $260USD per day.
3. Galapagos Islands
Head to the water and gain a new perspective on the islands’ marine life with sea kayaking and diving options available. For those who want to stay dry, some ships offer glass bottomed boats and footage from Underwater Rovers viewed from the comfort of the lounge!
2. Mergui Archipelago
South East Asia’s best kept secret is made up of over 800 beautiful islands, home to white sand beaches, charming fishing villages and unique marine life. Include the Andaman Islands and Myanmar’s historical Bagan in your cruise or visit on a 3 or 6 day cruise from Myanmar.
1. Cuba
With the thawing of Cuban – US relations set to increase tourism to Cuba, 2016 is the year to visit this vibrant and fascinating island to beat the crowds. Embark in Havana or Miami and be swept up by the music, the architecture, the passion, the art and the history of Cuba.
SOURCE: Wild Earth Travel