With locations constantly updated and cruise liners continuously being improved, cruises are the modern way to see the world.
They are no longer limited to the popular regions of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Baltics, but now also go to more unusual places, such as the Norwegian Fjords and the Alaskan wilderness.
Here we look at some of the unusual cruise options available around her world:
Norway
A cruise along the Norwegian Fjords showcases a profusion of unique natural wonders; waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and fjords. Along the way, the majority of the ports visited are little fishing towns perched on the side of the bays, providing intimate and low key cruises.
There are a number of different stop-offs, which include Bergen, Oslo where you can see the Vigeland sculptures, Stavangar, the Viking capital of Trondheim and the gateway to the Arctic. Some liners cross the Article circle where you can visit the lunar landscapes as well as the world's most northern town, Hammerfest.
The town is the best place to see the spectacular Northern Lights and is a very popular tourist area. Norwegian liners vary in size and luxury; a number boast private balconies, which at a slight extra cost provide a perfect way to view the Norwegian scenery.
Alaska
Despite being the largest state in America, Alaska is a land of immense beauty whilst being very sparsely populated. Similarly to Norway, Alaska boasts a number of fjords, glaciers, icebergs, coastal wilderness and snow-capped mountains as well as fertile rainforests. A range of animals are also regularly spotted including whales, bears and eagles.
Alaskan cruises offer a number of different experiences that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else. Guests have the chance to enjoy the unspoiled wilderness whilst also visiting frontier towns full of history and experiencing up-close encounters with wildlife in their original and undisturbed natural habitats. There are also a number of on shore excursions available, including helicopter tours, river trips, bear watching and dog sledding.
With two passages available, an Alaskan cruise has benefits for all kinds of people. The Inside Passage is usually a trip that does not involve flying into one city and out of another, but instead boasts a roundtrip sail. On the other hand, the Gulf of Alaska allows the travellers to see a wider range of the Alaskan scenery, including additional glaciers. However, there is also the option for custom made trips to Alaska, which could include land tours of the interior country or Canadian Rockies as well as the conventional cruise route.
Disney Themed
Themed cruises are also becoming more popular with choices such as active, relaxing and for the kids amongst you, the Disney cruisers. Starting in Florida, the Disney cruise transports you into a fairytale world with activities for all ages. The cruise liners offer classic beauty with a twist of modern luxuries favoured by cruises nowadays. A wide range of dining is available, from snacks to sit down meals, buffets to adult only restaurants.
Disney theatres are located on the liners so that travellers can enjoy an abundance of Disney themed shows throughout their trip. As well as this, there are regular character greetings, which give children and adults the chance to meet the Disney favourites. With restaurants, pools, rooms and spas named specifically after Disney characters and movies, the Disney cruise is a must for any Disney fan.
Hawaii
For those wishing for a more relaxing cruise, the Caribbean can provide a perfect place for a relaxed and harmonious cruise. The Caribbean provides individuality and spectacular landscape and diverse culture. Cruises around the area are usually divided into three areas; eastern, western and southern. The eastern itinerary includes islands such as Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua; the western offers the Mexican Riviera, whilst the southern surrounds itself with the Panama Canal, Margarita Island, Aruba and Curacao.
A slightly less popular destination on the Caribbean cruise is Hawaii, due to its distance. However with its historical traditions, it is an ideal destination on relaxing cruises and can be combined with stopovers in other cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Luxury
There are a number of luxury cruise liners that run around the world. Despite most cruises offering luxury holidays and accommodation, certain liners go that extra way to ensure that guests have an even more luxurious time aboard their ships. Not just for the privileged, luxury cruises allow the traveller to travel around the world in the most stylish ocean liners.
With the majority also having an all inclusive policy, food and drink are included in the price with some liners offering premium wines, spirits and champagnes. Luxury liners give a feel of a private yacht rather than a large cruise liner with exceptional service. Staff to guest ratios are close to 1:1 with personal service throughout your stay. Award winning restaurants are also available aboard the luxury liners, with culinary masterpieces influenced by renowned international chefs.
For those after smaller, less commercialised cruises, luxury liners are a perfect choice. Exclusively designed for fewer guests, the liner boasts more space despite being generally smaller than other liners. Due to this it also enables the cruise itineraries to be based around more exotic and unique destinations, as they have the ability to call into ports that large mainstream cruise liners are not able to dock in. Regardless of the size, the liners still have the same facilities seen in a normal liner; show lounges, casinos, spas, swimming pools and large fitness facilities.
Although possessing similar facilities to mainstream liners the facilities come with a much higher specification and level of comfort. Suites are also high-end luxury with many possessing balconies. 24 hour room service is also commonplace to complement the spacious suites, bathrooms, fine cotton bed linen and high quality toiletries; personal butlers are also sometimes provided with individual suites.
Family
Cruise holidays are also now becoming more popular for the whole family rather than just couples; it is not uncommon to find more than 1000 kids on board certain mainstream large liners. With Disney cruises being very popular, other themes have also sprung up with certain liners specifically set up for families.
Family cruises contain specific children's facilities, which can often rival those at land resorts. New liners are now being nicknamed 'floating resorts' as they possess everything expected on a land resort to keep children happy whilst allowing parents to relax, knowing their children are safe.
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