Cruising is still the fastest-growing segment in travel, which means that you can sail anywhere in the world at almost any time of the year. However, some destinations lend themselves to cruising in a way that enhances the experience by linking guests to a bygone era of cruising. We call these classic cruising experiences. Join us as we share our favorite itineraries that are best experienced from a ship.
Nile River Cruise
As the works of Agatha Christie make their way to the silver screen, more and more guests are looking to experience the glamor of the golden age of cruising. The Nile is the main conveyance of people, goods, and services from Egypt’s lower empire to the upper empire near the Nile. River Delta. You can follow in the footsteps of the fictional Hercule Poirot as you visit iconic Egyptian Landmarks like Cairo, Memphis, Sakara, Aswan, and more.
Our Pick: Sail in one of the unique suites aboard Uniworld Boutique Cruises for an even-more classic cruising experience.
Mississippi River Cruise
The history of the American South and the Heartland of the United States is intrinsically linked to the Mississippi River. From the complex allegories of Mark Twain to the “Barn Burning” style of William Faulkner, the Mississippi River is the setting of many of the seminal works of American Literature.
As if that isn’t enough, two of America’s most popular musical genres sprung up from the banks of the mighty Mississippi: New Orleans Jazz and Memphis Blues.
A Mississippi River Cruise is as classically American as a road trip down Route 66. There is no better way to visit all heartland’s greatest cities.
Our Pick: If you want to experience the Mississippi in its most classic form, sail aboard one of American Queen or American Cruiseline’s paddle steamers.
Arctic Expedition
Imagine for a moment the perilous journeys of the original Arctic Explorers as they raced to reach the North Pole or navigate the Northwest Passage. These adventurers set out with massive fanfare and optimism. Still, they often resulted in life-or-death perilous situations that tested the limits of the human spirit in the harshest conditions in the World. Now imagine sailing to the North Pole or through the Northwest Passage on a luxury ice-breaker while enjoying the finest cuisine, suites, and technology modern cruising offers.
If exploring the massive semi-solid moving ice mass that is the northern icecap is on your bucket list, you will see far more from a ship than you would by flying there. The only way to get a more authentic experience would be to attempt to walk across it, but we recommend heated tile floors and hot toddies. If you want an idea of the extreme cold, just do a polar plunge.
Our PIck: If you want to go to the North Pole, you need the PC2 Ice-breaking capacity of Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot. For the Northwest Passage, we like Seabourn Venture’s itinerary.
Mekong River Cruise
Vietnam and the United States have a complex historical link that cannot be ignored. For many, the Mekong River river was the theater of conflict during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s. To the people of Southeast Asia, the Mekong is the vital lifeline between Vietnam and Cambodia. It provides sustenance, shelter, commerce, and irrigation. Today Vietnam is a rising tourist destination and welcomes everyone from casual sightseers to Veterans seeking closure.
The Mekong River has always served as the main means of transportation of people, goods, and services between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. There is no better way to gain an understanding of the ancient and modern history of the region.
Our Pick: Sail in Luxury with Scenic River Cruises.
Sail Tahiti
One of our favorite itineraries for romance, scenery, and escape, Sailing the Islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia aboard a tall-masted sailing ship is the definition of a classic cruising experience. Leave the kids at home for this one and renew your love for one another as you explore the most scenic beaches in the South Pacific and bask in the sun on teak decks under billowing white sails as you sip champagne.
Our Pick: Windstar’s Wind Class ships.
Whether you want to feel the glamor of the 1930s in Egypt, the adventure of the Mississippi, the Romance of Tahiti, or the history and culture of the Mekong, your experience will be that much more linked to the culture, people, environment, and history if you choose to cruise.
For more information or to explore additional options, request a call from the destination and product experts at Luxury Cruise Connections. Our team of knowledgeable advisors will assist you in creating the perfect vacation experience to meet your needs.
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