Voyages of Splendour: Destinations That Beckon You to Sail
Sailing or cruising towards the unknown, guided only by the eternal dance of the sun and stars—there's something primal, yet undeniably luxurious about journeying to far-flung corners of the world by sea.
The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, the sound of the waves crashing against the hull... there's nothing quite like the feeling of being out on the open water. And when you're sailing or cruising to a new destination, the sense of adventure is even more exhilarating.
Here, we guide you through some of the globe’s most captivating destinations that are either only accessible by sea, or best experienced from the deck of a ship or the bow of a boat.
Antarctica - Why Cruise?
The icy solitude of Antarctica offers an unmatched sense of wonder and a visit to the seventh continent of the world is on many adventurers’ bucket lists. The scenery is pristine, the wildlife abundant, and the experience of seeing the frozen continent is one you will never forget.
Recommended Experience:
Expedition cruises with ice-strengthened hulls are your best bet, making for a safe and immersive Antarctic experience. For those with a little more time, include South Georgia and The Falklands for a richer Antarctic experience – view the enormous colonies of king penguins and seals, be inspired by Jurassic-style landscapes and walk in Shackleton’s footsteps.
Indonesia & Beyond - Why Cruise?
Visit breathtaking Bali and the pink sands of the Komodo National Park – the habitat of the legendary Komodo dragon – or follow the historic trade winds enroute to the famous Spice Islands. Discover the glittering jewels of the ‘Coral Triangle’ – with its vibrant reef and stunning variety of marine life, the islands of Raja Ampat are a paradise for keen divers and snorkellers.
Recommended Experience:
Navigate these exotic waters, visiting one of the planet’s most pristine, remote and beautiful areas on a luxury small ship - from traditional Pinisi schooners to superior scuba diving liveaboards and oceangoing super-yachts.
The Kimberley - Why Cruise?
For a closer-to-home Australian adventure – one of the last remaining authentic wildernesses – the Kimberley is every explorer’s final frontier. Silent fjords, coral reefs, sandy shores, abundant wildlife and the oldest Indigenous lands in the world.
Recommended Experience:
Choose a smaller ship if you are looking for a more immersive and active experience, while visiting the Kimberley.
Galapagos Islands - Why cruise?
Few places on earth offer the raw, untamed natural beauty of the Galapagos. See evolution in action as you encounter a vast array of unique wildlife and incredible variety of topography. Be mesmerised by the diversity at every island you visit, where animals rule and the scenery is ever-changing.
Recommended Experience:
Choose a ship with expert naturalists on board for a journey that educates as much as it fascinates. For those safari and wildlife enthusiasts, this is an experience that will captivate you!
Northwest Coast of Africa - Why Cruise?
The less-travelled Northwest coast of Africa offers a kaleidoscope of cultures, landscapes, and histories.
Recommended Experience:
Opt for smaller cruise lines that specialise in off-the-beaten-path itineraries, making sure you can explore the region's hidden gems.
The Arctic - Why Cruise?
Take your travel seriously with a trip to the Arctic. This region at the top of the world is where raw tundra and remote, beautiful landscapes take on a new meaning. It’s where glaciers, icebergs and fjords define the landscape. This vast area includes the Canadian High Arctic, Greenland, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, Alaska and the famous Northwest Passage.
Recommended Experience:
Regardless of which Arctic destination you choose, opt for an expedition-style cruise for an intimate and knowledgeable journey. Visit Greenland's icy wonders, where remote colourful towns are only connected to each other by sea, offering an authentic insight into the Innuit local communities or a circumnavigation of the icy desert of Svalbard for an opportunity to witness the spectacle of the ‘king of the Arctic’: the beautiful polar bear.
If you are an adventure seeker, a wildlife enthusiast, an off-the-beaten-path seeker or the avid traveller looking for a unique travel experience – you should consider visiting one of these remote destinations best discovered by sea.
Contact one of the Y Travel team to work out the best region for you; the numerous cruise options available and the best time of year to explore the region.
Our Y Travel Team Voyages of late.