Admit it -- when you think of a cruise, you think of buffets with plates the size of a small country and old people playing shuffleboard. But cruises can be just as intricate, exciting and adventurous as any other vacation option. Just take these six options, for example!
Australia in AntarcticaIn celebration of
Australia's association with Antarctica’s exploration and scientific advances, Peregrine Adventures has launched a 10-night Antarctic Explorer adventure affording passengers the chance to travel in the company of the men and women of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE), including Di Patterson, Ray McMahon and John Gillies. In addition to sharing their insights and experiences, they and other experts on natural and human history will be on hand to introduce passengers to the wondrous landscapes and wildlife at the bottom of the earth. But the best part is getting the opportunity to go hiking, visiting penguin rookeries, seal colonies and scientific bases all across the gorgeous Arctic landscape. There’s even a fleet of inflatable Zodiac boats to get passengers up close and personal with curious seals and whales! Check out
peregrineadventures.com for more information.
The Elvis CruiseFans of The King won’t want to miss out on this one. Carnival Cruise Lines and St. Louis, Mo.-based Jazz Cruises, LLC partnered to offer the first authentic, fully licensed specialty cruise that celebrates the music and life of the legendary Elvis Presley. Taking place over four days, the Elvis Cruise features visits to Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas and includes tributes to Elvis’ most popular performances, but also gives guests the chance to take part in an Elvis tribute contest that will award one lucky participant with $100,00! The one-of-a-kind voyage is hosted by Jerry Schilling, longtime friend and confidant of the late Elvis Presley, and author of the book, Me and a Guy Named Elvis. As if that’s not enough, there’s top-notch entertainment including live shows from artists who performed with Elvis and have been recognized for continuing his musical legacy, including the TCB Band, the Jordanaires, the Imperials, the Dempseys, Ronnie McDowell, Terry Mike Jeffrey & Band, Ruby Wilson and others. You won’t want to miss it! Log on to
theelviscruise.com for more!
Legend in AsiaIf you think Royal Caribbean is all about the crystal blue waters and white sand beaches, you’re partially right… but you’d be discounting their incredible trips on all the other edges of the globe. For example, the Legend in Asia takes guests to the tropical ports of Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) and Penang, Malaysia; Langkawi, Malaysia and
Phuket, Thailand;
Hong Kong and
Bangkok), Xiamen and Sanya, China; Hue (Danang), Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (Vung Tau), Vietnam; and Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Not only do guests get full run of RC’s incredible luxury liners, but they can also see some of the most incredible cities in Asia via unique and inventive shore excursions. Check it out at
www.royalcaribbean.com!
Fiji Aggressor IIThis one’s for the divers. With a boat that holds maybe 20 people, the talented and knowledgeable crew leads certified scuba fanatics to some of the top dive sites around Fiji, including Manta Rock at Wakaya Island, which is considered a manta ray cleaning station; E-6 and Hi-8, two world-famous dive sites with colorful pinnacles and depths of over 3,000 feet; and Christine’s Palace near Makogai Island, featuring a coral-covered pinnacle that rises 60-feet from the ocean floor, stopping just 15-feet from the top. The Aggressor’s accommodations aren’t too shabby, either. The state rooms are comfortable, there’s an entertainment center in the commons area, and there’s a hot tub to soothe your aching diving muscles. But Fiji isn’t the only dive trip they do! Look up more incredible dive trips at
aggressor.com.
The Kimberly CoastThis ain’t your grandmother’s cruise! The Kimberley coast of Western Australia is best known for blending the outback with the ocean, offering an incredibly remote and beautiful wilderness area that few get to see… until now. Coral Princess Cruises offers popular 10-night cruises between Darwin and Broome throughout the dry season from April to September, giving passengers an intimate experience no matter which ship they choose – the Oceanic Discoverer, which holds only 72 guests; or the Coral Princess with a maximum of just 48 guests. Cruise goers get the chance to explore the many waterfalls, river systems, reefs or other natural attractions of the area, and interact with naturalists and guest lecturers who will reveal the significance and history behind features along the way, including both Wandjina and rarely seen Bradshaw Aboriginal rock art galleries, sea bird rookeries, towering waterfalls and a large boab tree with a clearly visible inscription dating back to 1820. Wow!
The Soap CruiseFor those of you worried about missing that hot storyline on your favorite soap, fret not – Carnival Cruises has you covered. 2007 marked the first year of their hot Soap Cruise aboard the Fun Ship Imagination, featuring stars from your favorite daytime soaps like Days of Our Lives, All My Children, The Young & The Restless General Hospital, As the World Turns, and The Bold and the Beautiful. Interaction with the stars begins as soon as you climb aboard! As the ship sets sail, the stars have a meet and greet session that gives guests the chance to have a professional-quality photo taken with them. And then, while cruising the beautiful Caribbean, there will be a variety of activities to enjoy with the soap stars including a Cocktail Party, Soap Trivia Game, and so much more. It’ll be like you brought your TV with you! To find out more, surf on over to
www.soapcruise.com!
