5 surprising places you can cruise to

1. Amazon River

You’ve probably heard of river cruising, especially along Europe’s famous Danube - but what about floating down the world’s longest and arguably most exotic river?

On an Amazon River cruise, you can pass giant water lilies, watch wildlife, like spider monkeys, roam lush rainforest from the deck and, if you’re game, swim with the river’s unique pink dolphins.

Dare-devil cruisers have the option to jump into the murky waters with these endangered mammals, although if you’re not big on snakes you can stay dry and admire from the deck – the rare pink dolphins share the river with another rare beast, the anaconda.

This is a cruise best experienced on one of the smaller vessels that can navigate much of the 6400km river.

Cruise with: Avalon Waterways

2. Tokyo (via Yokohama)

How do you take the hustle out one of the world’s most bustling city but still enjoy all it as to offer? Take a cruise around Tokyo.

Most cruises give you the hop off, hop on option, so you can go exploring the old Tokyo Imperial Palace, pass below the massive red paper lantern of the Thunder Gate, and stroll Zen gardens and forests.

If you’re after an alternative to the big ship experience, you can see Toyko’s bright neon billboards on a futuristic water bus along the Sumida River, known as Toyko’s gateway to the sea.

Cruise with: Princess Cruises

Rainbow bridge over the Bay of Tokyo

3. Mississippi, America

One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. It’ll be hard to hold back counting the amazing sights that’ll pass by on a cruise along the Mississippi River.

Fun fact: The Mississippi River is home to 360 species of fish, 326 species of birds, 145 species of amphibians and 50 species of mammals.

So, as you imagine, there’s a lot to see along the way.

Aside from the wildlife you can spot from your deck, you’ll also be able to watch century-old oak trees and Civil War memorials as you float past.

If you’re a history buff, this is a cruising destination you’ll appreciate. For the ultimate journey back to the American Victorian era, board American Steamboat Company’s American Queen, known as the largest riverboat ever built. Think of it as a jazz club cross with an antiques store on water.

Cruising the Mississippi will definitely provide an experience you’re not likely to get backpacking around the country.

Cruise with: American Queen Steamboat Company

The "mighty" Mississippi river from above

4. Papua New Guinea

Dubbed by the travel industry as the next hot cruise destination, boarding a ship to visit our Melanesian neighbour should be on your bucket list.

From volcanic sites to thick rain forests, there’s much to see from the deck of your ship. Onshore, slip into your scuba gear – you can rent some on the island - as Papua New Guinea is known for its underwater marvels of coral reefs, coastlines and islands.

Some Papua New Guinea cruise itineraries give adventurers keen the chance to lace up their boots and tread the 96km Kokoda Trail. Just make sure you get a trek permit before taking on the rugged mountainous terrain.

Best of all? As Papua New Guinea has an equatorial climate, making it a perfect all-year round cruising destination.

Cruise with: P&O Cruises

5. Panama Canal

Considered one of the greatest ever engineering projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal is the waterway that changed history.

Come and discover this unique lock-lined channel that connects two oceans. Travel from Colon on the Atlantic through the vibrant Panama City on the Pacific, and a whole heap of less visited but intriguing destinations on the way.

A trip to the Panama Canal throws up an interesting mix of exotic wildlife, the history of modern engineering, and the beauty of Central America.

With so much to discover, shore excursions cater are varied and cater to the adventure seeking, wildlife lovers and those who just enjoy a moderate stroll through story laden streets and villages.

Cruise with: Smaller ships like Holland America

The Panama Canal from the Atlantic side

Ready for a getaway?

Speak to an RAC travel agent. They quite often have exclusive deals and savings for customers, are cruise-line accredited and meet the industry standard of training.

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