Top 5 Cruises
Everyone loves Lists, so here are a few that may intrigue you. Based on our reader's polls and our booking statistics, we've compiled several Top 5 Lists of different types of specialty cruises — uncommon cruises from every corner of the world.
Visit this page often, as these lists are continually updated.
Lists of 'Top 5' Cruises
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Antarctica & The Falkland IslandsBuenos Aires to Ushuaia | December to December | 18 NightsOn the Discovery (Voyages of Discovery) (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Voyages of DiscoveryEuropean styles and avenues grander than those in Paris fill the city forever linked with Eva Perón. Two nights let you explore this cosmopolitan hub, a far cry from the reclusive Falkland Islands or the tranquillity of Antarctica. We’ll call on one of the peninsula’s scientific stations, where teams monitor… |
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Adventures of Lord Howe & AotearoaBrisbane to Wellington | October to November | 14 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesThis 14 night voyage features a myriad of islands, beautiful bays and beaches, remnant and active volcanoes, exquisite wine country, calm harbours and exploration in vibrant Auckland. Explore onboard Orion from Brisbane visiting World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid, the stunning Bay of Islands,… |
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Amsterdam to ParisAmsterdam to Trier | November to April | 11 NightsOn the Amadagio (Motor Ship (Riverboat)) | Operated by AMA WaterwaysThe perfect cruise for early spring and late fall! Visit some of Europe's most fascinating cities as you sail the Rhine River from youthful Amsterdam to Germany's fashion center, Düsseldorf. Explore splendid Cologne with its magnificent Dome and admire the picturesque Rhine castles on your way to bustling Frankfurt and… |
Northern BurgundyLezinnes to Auxerre | April to October | 6 NightsOn the Nenuphar (Barge (European)) | Operated by French Country Waterways, Ltd.You are greeted at our meeting point hotel by our guide. He will escort you via private motorcoach or high-speed train to the mooring where your luxury hotel barge awaits. Once aboard, you are welcomed by our cordial, English-speaking crew, and ushered to your comfortably appointed stateroom, complete with private bath.… |
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Savoir Faire Tulip CruiseHaarlem to Haarlem | March to October | 6 NightsOn the Savoir Faire (Barge (European)) | Operated by GoBarging |
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Scottish Highlander Standard CruiseDochgarroch to Banavie | January to December | 6 NightsOn the Scottish Highlander (Barge (European)) | Operated by GoBargingWe cruise along the Great Glen from Inverness towards Fort William, through lochs, along rivers and the scenic and absorbing Caledonian Canal. Ancient castles leading to the waters edge, heather-clad hillsides and arguably the finest inland cruising scenery in the world. The Legends of the past, the taste of single… |
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Magna Carta Standard CruiseLondon to London | January to November | 6 NightsOn the Magna Carta (Barge (European)) | Operated by GoBargingThe Middle Thames... A slow meandering journey past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns, villages , a mixture of olde worlde England and the natural beauty of Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. From Henry VIII’s Hampton Court past Windsor Castle to Henley with frequent stops allowing plenty of time to wander and… |
Cultural China and Tibet with Yangtze River CruiseChongqing to Yichang | April to October | 14 NightsOn the Victoria Anna (Motor Ship (Riverboat)) | Operated by Avalon WaterwaysThis exciting vacation introduces you to the rich history and cultural treasures of China and Tibet. Visit world-famous historical sites in Beijing, Xi-an, and Shanghai, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the legendary Terracotta Warriors, and the Yu Yuan Gardens. High in the Himalayas, explore Lhasa,… |
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Egypt: Jewels Along the NileAswan to Luxor | January to December | 10 NightsOn the Nile Adventurer (Motor Ship (Riverboat)) | Operated by TauckDelve into a fascinating civilization where architectural feats and antiquities still amaze thousands of years after their creation. Egypt is an intriguing land of pyramids, temples, colossal statues, mummies, golden treasures, and hieroglyphic symbols. Tauck's Egypt tour includes a cruise on the Nile aboard a… |
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La Dolce Vita Standard CruisePadua to Fusina | April to October | 6 NightsOn the La Dolce Vita (Barge (European)) | Operated by GoBargingOur cruise along the Brenta river and around the Venetian lagoon is as unique as Venice herself. Venice holds a romantic charm which has remained largely unaltered for centuries, boasting splendid architecture, elaborate palaces and a sense of culture and mystique unparalleled in hotel barge cruising terms. The… |
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New Guinea OdysseySepik River to Sepik River | January to December | 11 NightsOn the Sepik Spirit (Motor Ship (Riverboat)) | Operated by Papua New Guinea Trans Niugini ToursThe New Guinea Odyssey takes you through New Guinea, allowing enough time in each stop over to be submersed in the culture and ecology of the area. You will be taken on a cultural journey through a few of Papua New Guinea's 700+ language groups, from the Melpa of the Wahgi Valley, to the Yokoim of the Karawari River,… |
Champagne & Brie Cruise: Epernay to ParisCumieres to Paris | August to September | 6 NightsOn the Savoir Faire (Barge (European)) | Operated by GoBargingNote: This is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible and may be changed according to passenger requests and local conditions. The itinerary is in the reverse direction every other cruise week. |
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Taste of the Pacific NorthwestPortland to Portland | September to October | 7 NightsOn the Spirit of Discovery (Motor Vessel) | Operated by Cruise WestThe inaugural Taste of the Pacific Northwest culinary cruise will feature the rich history and delicious flavors unique to this region. Journey along the mighty Columbia River through Washington's Wine Country round trip from Portland, Oregon. Travel this scenic riverway punctuated by orchards, vineyards, evergreens… |
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European OdysseyCopenhagen to Lisbon | September to October | 16 NightsOn the National Geographic Endeavour (Expedition Vessel) | Operated by Lindblad ExpeditionsFar from the madding crowds, our noble expedition ship National Geographic Endeavour noses into quaint ports and calls at island communities that regular cruise ships simply cannot visit. We anchor in remote places like St.-Jean-de-Luz, Ile d’Aix and Islas Cies, which are the envy of large ships.” This fragment from… |
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A Taste Of IberiaLiverpool to Greenock | April to May | 9 NightsOn the Black Prince (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise LinesTen alluring nights to sample warm Fred. Olsen hospitality, welcome spring sunshine and beautiful ports might just whet your palate on this wine tasting cruise. |
Cote D'azur & Spanish IslesNice to Barcelona | August to August | 7 NightsOn the Seabourn Legend (Small Cruise Ship (Luxury)) | Operated by Seabourn Cruise LineFrom great cities of the antiquities to tiny harbors rarely called upon by visitors, The Yachts of Seabourn will take through the Mediterranean in sophisticated style . From Portugal and Spain, our journeys take you through France, Italy, Croatia and Greece to Turkey and Egypt, allowing you to explore lost civilizations… |
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Caribbean - San Juan to San JuanSan Juan to San Juan | December to December | 9 NightsOn the SeaDream II (Mega Yacht) | Operated by SeaDream Yacht Club |
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Kimberley ExpeditionDarwin to Broome | May to September | 10 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesOrion’s 10 night Kimberley Expeditions will undertake an in-depth exploration of this remote coastline, one way from Darwin to Broome or vice versa. Nothing can fully prepare you for the dramatic contrasts of Australia’s north-west, rich in Aboriginal culture and galleries of ancient artwork. Towards the west, in… |
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La Dolce Vita Honeymoon CruisePadua to Fusina | April to October | 6 NightsOn the La Dolce Vita (Barge (European)) | Operated by GoBargingOur cruise along the Brenta river and around the Venetian lagoon is as unique as Venice herself. Venice holds a romantic charm which has remained largely unaltered for centuries, boasting splendid architecture, elaborate palaces and a sense of culture and mystique unparalleled in hotel barge cruising terms. The… |
Upper Irrawaddy - UpstreamPagan to Bhamo | October to November | 12 NightsOn the Pandaw IV (Motor Ship (Riverboat)) | Operated by Pandaw River CruisesThis expedition combines scenic interest with a study of local life and culture. We visit the main historic and cultural centres as well as many remoter places well off the beaten track. Such small towns and villages are part of a rich river economy and thriving with local industry and activity. Irrawaddy valley… |
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Amazon VoyageIquitos to Iquitos | January to December | 9 NightsOn the La Amatista (Motor Ship (Riverboat)) | Operated by International ExpeditionsThe Amazon River, surrounding nearly half of the territory of Peru, is the mightiest river in the world, flanked by vast stretches of pristine rainforest. International Expeditions has been exploring the Amazon for all of our 29 years of existence, and we continue to be amazed at all we find on our 10-day Amazon Cruise.… |
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Four-day cruise Gothenburg – StockholmGothenburg to Stockholm | May to September | 3 NightsOn the Juno (Steamboat) | Operated by Göta Canal Steamship CompanyExperiencing this journey is a bit like riding in a time machine – we’ve retained this cruise ever since the shipping company was founded in 1869. As our guest you will experience the entire Göta Canal: meandering from Gothenburg in the west, through the wondrously lovely inland only to arrive at the royal capital… |
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Cruise the Inside Passage of British ColumbiaBella Bella to Prince Rupert | June to September | 6 NightsOn the Parry (Tugboat) | Operated by Westwind Tugboat AdventuresAdventure cruise the waters from Vancouver to British Columbia's most northern seaport, Prince Rupert. This magnificent piece of the "Inside Passage" is cut with picturesque channels and fiords, bordered by snow capped mountains, glaciers and evergreen forests that seem to grow right out of the water. Wildlife is in… |
Galapagos IslandsDragon Hill to San Cristobal Island | January to December | 4 NightsOn the GALAPAGOS EXPLORER II (Motor Vessel) | Operated by Canodros S.A. |
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Monteverde + Costa Rica And PanamaHerradura to Colon (Panama) | November to March | 10 NightsOn the National Geographic Sea Lion (Motor Vessel) | Operated by Lindblad ExpeditionsThere is an aura about Monteverde’s cloud forest that soothes the spirit. The mist drifting past silhouettes of majestic trees, the cool quiet and the haunting music of a bird called “solitaire.” Trees draped in a profusion of bromeliads and orchids create a powerful impression of abundance and life. Amid such… |
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Assam Despatch 3Steemer Ghat to Dibrugarh | October to March | 7 NightsOn the Charaidew (Motor Ship (Riverboat)) | Operated by Assam Bengal NavigationThis cruise on the highest reaches of the Brahmaputra still navigable highlights the unique culture of the area, fusing Indian and S.E. Asian influences, with a visit to Sibsagar, the old capital of the Ahom kings, as well as to Majuli Island with its unique Hindu monastic communities famous for their dance drama.… |
Antarctica - The White ContinentUshuaia to Ushuaia | October to January | 14 NightsOn the National Geographic Explorer (Expedition Vessel) | Operated by Lindblad ExpeditionsOur journey to the "White Continent" offers six days of exploration on the incomparably beautiful Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands and waterways. The sights, sounds and emotions will stay in your mind forever — enormous tabular icebergs, hillsides covered with thousands of penguins and the excitement on… |
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Antarctic Dream ExpeditionUshuaia to Ushuaia | November to March | 10 NightsOn the Antarctic Dream (Expedition Vessel) | Operated by Antarctic Shipping, S.A.This expedition offers you the ideal introduction to the Great White Continent. Departing from and finishing in the port of Ushuaia, we take in the most exciting sights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Our program is oriented towards the viewing of wildlife. |
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High ArcticKuujjuaq to Resolute Bay | August to September | 10 NightsOn the Lyubov Orlova (Research Ship) | Operated by Cruise North ExpeditionsTravelling far past the Arctic Circle and into the polar desert, we explore the length of Baffin Island to the fabled Northwest Passage. Simply put, our High Arctic expedition features some of the most breathtaking scenery the Arctic has to offer. Towering mountains, fiords, glaciers and ice caps seem to appear at… |
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Antarctic Continent - Ross SeaInvercargill to Invercargill | January to February | 20 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesDuring the peak of the southern hemisphere summer, Orion offers travellers a unique opportunity to venture to the continent of Antarctica. Orion will cross the Antarctic Circle to places redolent with history and adventure. Along the way the wildlife we will encounter will astound you. The sub-Antarctic islands are home… |
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Wonderful White WorldTromsø to Kangerlussuaq | July to July | 15 NightsOn the Bremen (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Hapag-Lloyd CruisesExperience the great diversity of Arctic nature in all of its infinite scope. The HANSEATIC sets its course for glacial mountains and hot springs, stops in the colourful settlements of the Inuit and takes you on to the white beauty of Disco Bay. You decide yourself which of the Arctic’s faces thrills your heart the… |
Blue Danube DiscoveryBudapest to Nuremberg | May to November | 13 NightsOn the Amacello (Motor Ship (Riverboat)) | Operated by AMA WaterwaysSee the very best of Europe’s highlights and experience centuries of art, history and culture. From Budapest, a famous haven for musicians, writers and artists, cruise through the stunning cultural cities of Vienna, Bratislava, Passau and Regensburg. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and baroque abbeys.… |
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Portugal, Spain, & Douro River ValleyPorto to Porto | March to October | 10 NightsOn the Douro Queen (Motor Ship (Riverboat)) | Operated by Uniworld River Cruises, Inc.The Douro River, rising in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, has created the spectacular Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambling vineyards and charming native farms called quintas cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s… |
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Grand Yangtze DiscoveryChongqing to Shanghai | March to November | 6 NightsOn the Victoria Prince (Motor Ship (Riverboat)) | Operated by Victoria Cruises |
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Our picks for 'Top 5' Cruises are largely based on input from people like you - as well as our booking patterns, of course. If you've recently been on a cruise that you feel deserves to be included in one of our 'Top 5' categories, we'd love to hear from you! Use this form to vote for your favorite cruise experience.
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