Bored of the Bahamas, Barcelona, Bermuda, and Bonaire? There’s a whole world to explore onboard a cruise ship from Bombay nights, Brazilian carnivals to white beaches in Bora Bora. There’s more to cruising than the Caribbean and the Mediterranean; Grab your chart and compass, let’s explore what the cruise industry has to offer, across the other 5 continents in the first of our three-part article.
Amazonian rainforests, Andean heights, Brazilian rhythm, Incan ruins, and sugar white beaches; welcome to South America, our first stop. Let’s start on the west coast in the small cluster of Galapagos Islands. This adventure immerses you in nature, the Galapagos, an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, are renowned for their unparalleled biodiversity and significant role in shaping Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. This remote cluster of volcanic islands, part of Ecuador, is home to an array of unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. Beyond its land-dwelling wonders, the Marine Reserve surrounding the islands harbours a diverse array of marine life, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a hotspot for scientific research and eco-tourism, particularly via boat.
Cruises to the Galapagos feature smaller ships such as Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Flora or Silversea’s Silver Origin. Think of them as imamate mini-cruise ships with modern interiors and spacious cabins, but with exploration at their core. These outward facing ships are all about the destination, with local crews, local cuisine, and expert naturalist hosts. All ships in this region feature zodiacs for your all-included exploratory tours, many also include laboratories to discover more once you’re back onboard. After a day’s exploring, relaxation is the goal back onboard. Eat alfresco and soak up the vistas, melt into a hot tub or sleep on deck under the stars in your own private cabaña. All sailings have sustainability in mind, with limited capacity to ensure these islands remain protected today and for tomorrow.
Heading further south, discover South American Fjord cruising along the Chilian coast. The Patagonian Fjords, nestled along the southern coast of Chile, form a mesmerizing tapestry of nature's grandeur. Carved by ancient glaciers, these deep, winding inlets cut through rugged landscapes, framed by imposing mountain peaks and dense forests. The fjords invite intrepid travellers to embark on unforgettable journeys through its raw and untamed beauty. As glacial ice meets the Pacific Ocean, it gives rise to stunning blue-hued glaciers and icebergs that drift gracefully along the water around you. When you navigate the labyrinth of waterways, you’ll unveil a panorama of awe-inspiring vistas, making the Patagonian Fjords a captivating destination for those seeking the serenity and majesty of untouched wilderness. Many major cruise lines such as Swan Hellenic, Azamara and Princess Cruises can be your guide to this unforgettable destination.
Missing a slice of the action, carnival (not the cruise line!) and a fiesta? Head to the east coast and explore cities rich in culture and the sparkling icons such as Rio De Janeiro. Taste traditional cuisine, stroll along Ipanema beach, or ascend to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and watch this samba city go about its day beneath you, all under the watchful gaze of ‘Christ the redeemer’. Feel the buzz of the city by the sea, immersed in football, volleyball, and the dazzling drama of carnival. This city is a must do on your cruise bucket list, with many cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, MSC and Cunard stopping by. Take it from us, this city doesn’t stand still, expect a new experience each time you drop by! From Chile to chilly, South America is also the gateway to the Antarctic, we’ll explore all things from this frozen land next time…
Heading 9,444 nautical miles to the Indian ocean, say namaste to our second continent, Asia and the bustling city of Mumbai; the starting point of our first cruise in 2024. Welcome to the enchanting realm of Asia, where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern marvels, and vibrant cultures paint a tapestry of diversity. Be prepared to immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. As you’re reading this, we will have embarked with Celebrity Cruises onboard Celebrity Millennium to discover the ‘Spice Route‘ between Mumbai and Singapore
Our journey starts in the vibrant and bustling city of Mumbai, where the heart of India beats to the rhythm of its diverse cultures, pulsating energy, and rich history. We’ll be soaking up the city for four nights, embracing the hustle, indulging our taste buds in a gastronomic adventure, savouring local street food like pav bhaji and vada pav. The city's iconic landmarks beckon us, from the majestic Gateway of India overlooking the Arabian Sea, to the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, our third UNESCO World Heritage Site mentioned in this article. Come with us to embrace the chaos, and let Mumbai weave its magic around you.
Leaving the hustle of Mumbai behind we arrive at the famed beaches of the Indian peninsular, Goa. We’ll be heading up the coast to Anjuna beach renowned for its bohemian charm, lively atmosphere, and pristine sands, more of a local draw, we can’t wait to mix with the Goan’s and really see what this coastline and its people have to offer. Goa is a blend of India and its Portuguese history, and Anjuna, famous for its vibrant flea markets, where eclectic stalls offer everything from bohemian clothing and handmade jewellery to local handicrafts and souvenirs. The beach exudes a laid-back and artistic vibe.
Back onboard, we head to our first port in Sri Lanka, the capital Colombo. Today we jump onboard a guided tuk tuk, to weave around this historic cities’ streets visiting temples, sampling local street food, and mingling with the locals. We plan to eat dinner on land at ‘Fire Beach’ as we’ve got a rare overnight stay to see the city once the sun goes down. Day two is all about chilled vibes, a short train journey down the tracks to Mount Lavinia and ‘Sugar Beach’, to enjoy laid back local charm white beaches, and ice-cold drinks.
Our second stop in Sri Lanka and one of the most anticipated on our adventure; Hambantota and Yala National Park. Our day starts early at 7am where we jump onboard our Jeep for an adventurous trek in search for leopards and elephants across its of dense jungles, open grasslands, and coastal lagoons - Indiana Jones, grab your whip and fedora!
From Hambantota we embark across the Bay of Bengal for Phuket, but more about that in the next edition of SAIL AWAY!
So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure like no other. Asia awaits, we’re ready to unveil its secrets, share its stories, and create memories that will linger long after we’ve left its shores. Get ready to be swept away by the magic, mystique, and magnificence of this extraordinary continent. Our Asian adventure begins now, with a home from home onboard our favourite cruise line. Join us on our journey over on Instagram.