Types of cruises

You need to be a committed explorer for this journey. The Antarctic Peninsula – an extension of the Andes – is the most popular landing spot as it is closest point to South America, but still separated by the notoriously rough, 1,000km-wide Drake Passage, which takes two days by boat. Cruises often stop off at islands along the way, which helps to break up the long voyage. Those departing from New Zealand will set sail for the distant Ross Sea, pausing to explore tiny Sub Antarctic islands – some of the most remote specks of land on the planet. The great distances here generally require lengthier expeditions. However, the rewards are great on this frozen continent. Baby seals flop across the ice, while comical penguins waddle and dive. Giant albatross launch themselves off cliffs, while the sight of the long-anticipated Antarctic sunrise, reflected in still waters – will melt your heart.

Forget dinner at the captain’s table or cocktails by the pool. Often on board former expedition ships, these take you to the earth’s extremes – the polar regions of the Arctic, Spitsbergen & Antarctica and always with expert guides. They will, of course, have good cabin facilities, some may have en suite and others might not. You won’t get expedition style food on board though, because all that adrenaline from spotting the likes of polar bears or walruses, whales or penguins, create a healthy appetite. The luxuries on expedition cruises are lectures from guest experts, warm observation rooms, and high quality all weather gear, for people who seek extraordinary wildlife watching, adventure and going with the floe. So to speak.

It’s all clichés on board with sailing vacations, because they really do put the wind in your sails, and will definitely give you that ‘wind running through your hair’ feeling. Life on the ocean waves can take you to some of the most unforgettable locations too. Sail the Aegean in Turkey on board a traditional Turkish gulet, explore a whole other side to Burma’s on board a yacht sailing around the stunning Mergui Archipelago. Avoid the giant cruise monsters in places like Norway by sailing around the smaller, quieter fjords, or the Bahamas, by sailing around the Eastern Out-Islands of the Bahamas. Island hopping with only wind power in the likes of Italy, Croatia and Greece are must do’s for any sailor, with snorkelling and swimming all part of the Mediterranean mix. And with a skipper and cook to take care of all your fundamentals, while you focus only on the frolics. You will need a few more layers on a Scottish sailing vacation, but the wildlife watching of whales, dolphins and a bevy of birdlife along the Kyles of Bute, for example, are the finest rewards. That and a fine malt whisky with the skipper at the end of the day.

Combine adventure, sailing skills and pure admiration for the craftsmanship involved on a tall ship cruise vacation. And of course, seascapes that you usually only see on escapist screensavers, or ads for Bacardi. Such as the Bahamas, where you can escape the cruise ship giants of Nassau and the like and board the traditional, and definitely greener, ruler of the oceans. If you want to gain some ropes and rigging experience closer to home, there are tall ship excursions to the likes of the Channel Islands and Ireland.