12 of the World’s Best Exclusive Cruises for 2022

The Covid-19 health crises halted traveling. But today, people have so many places to visit, such as relaxing voyages on idyllic rivers in Europe or adventure sailings in Alaska or Asia.

The beauty of a cruise is that you’re able to visit multiple destinations in a single holiday. It also helps you discover treasures that you can’t explore on foot, including the icebergs in Alaska and Icelandic fjords.

Further, you’re able to have spectacular views that you can’t have on the land, like historic seaside towns found on the Northern Scottish isles or picturesque fairytale castles along the Danube River.

Therefore, you can expand your horizons by taking a cruise, perhaps traveling to another continent to watch local entertainment, making friends on board, or trying new activities like wildlife spotting, hiking, or cooking.

Here are the best cruises that will take you to the most incredible destinations in 2022.

1.   Amsterdam

Cruising during balmy springtime takes you through Dutch flower fields full of blooming tulips, then to towns such as Den Helder, Hoorn, and Lelystad. Keukenhof Gardens is one of the world’s largest flower gardens with hundreds of plant varieties.

You can also taste the Dutch delicacies displayed in local bakeries, such as scrummy speculaas biscuits and almond paste cookies called gevulde koek.

2.   Antarctica

The 7^th continent is virtually uninhabited and is a destination just like any other. You will discover magnificent marine life, unspoiled scenery, and roaming icebergs. The journey may begin in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina and home to word-regarded steaks, sensual tango dancing, and more.

Some of the magical sightings you will explore in the Antarctic scenery are the icy waters, penguins’ colonies, whales, seals, and orca pods. You can explore the spectacular Ross Sea, one of the finest but least visited Antarctica attractions. There you will see dazzling blue-white icebergs and Adelie penguins on the southern tip of Renaud Island.

The Ross Sea cruises will take you to the Amundsen Sea, where you will watch sprouting minke whales and orcas (killer whales) along the ice edge, groups of seals resting on the ice floes, emperor penguins, and a variety of fulmarine petrels’ species.

3.   Danube River

Danube River is the second largest river that connects 3 historic capitals and 10 countries in Europe. It winds through changing backdrop of vineyards, forests, gorges, and mountains. The cruise presents you with art, culture, music, and scenery. Although you can plan for Danube destination year-round, Spring and Fall are the best seasons.

You will sail through scenic old-country villages, can stop at medieval fortresses, fairytale-Esque castles, museums, concert halls, and churches. Others include Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg, and Vienna Opera House.

4.   Iceland

The destination is characterized by ports and fishing villages surrounded by fjords, waterfalls, hot springs, and mountains. You can go birdwatching on small islands by Arctic Circle, stop off at spectacular waterfalls, fjords, spot whales and snow-capped peaks.

The cruise to Iceland can start from Liverpool, where you can visit art galleries galore and museums, and in the Outer Hebrides, you can see towns such as Stornoway.

5.   Galapagos Islands

The diverse landscape forms a complex ecosystem that has been allowed to blossom with minimal humankind interference. Galapagos Island is the home to unique wildlife such as spiky marine iguanas, giant tortoises, sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, as well as the sea lions that inhabit the islands and are ready to take a swim with you.

Other breathtaking features include Isla Floreana (Devil’s Crown), the crater inside the volcano hosting delicate corals, and a wide variety of Galapagos fish. Isla Genovesa or bird Island, blue-footed, elusive red-footed, and the masked Nazca booby.

You can also take a stroll to the artisan markets to taste their sophisticated culinary, visit the old town to enjoy the nightlife scene, or admire the sparkling city lights as the night falls. The cruise to the Galapagos Islands is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to its mesmerizing sights.

6. The Netherlands

Depending on when you take your cruise holiday, the sail might take you to the fabulous Floriade Expo or the great floral event in the world that takes place every 10 years. The good news to plant lovers is that the colorful celebration of shrubs, trees, flowers, creepers, and perennials be held on April 10, 2022, in Almere. The greenery will extend to October 9, 2022, and will be graced by international and national brainiacs and innovators that make cities more sustainable, beautiful, and fun.

There is a lot more to love in Holland, such as Het Loo Palace, 17 themed gardens at De Kruidhof Botanical Garden in addition to local bakeries.

7.   Rhone River

A cruise on the Rhone River exposes you to the finest food and wine in Europe, including creamy cheeses, rich Burgundy wines, and Zesty Provencal rose. Aside from exploring several beautiful destinations in the region, you will have a real foodie adventure in the heart of France.

Additionally, sailing along this European river leads you to charming cities and towns like pretty Arles, underrated Lyon, enchanting Avignon and Ardeche Gorge, or the Grand Canyon of Europe.

Lyon is famous for its centuries of history, delicious French food, Roman ruins, modern art galleries, and markets selling oysters, cheeses, and fresh-baked bread. Arles has slowly become the art capital of Provence. It converted its train stations into galleries and home to world-renowned architects. You can also see a collection of restaurants that are determined to change the dining scene as well as a lively market.

Avignon’s quiet streets and medieval ruins allow you to explore and discover its rich history, museums, plazas, and streets lined with restaurants and cafes. Other destinations include Viviers, the Camargue, Port-Saint-Louis, Martigues, Tain L’Hermitage and Saint-Etienne-des-sorts.

8.   Scottish Highlands

The Highlands is the largest region in Scotland, covering up to 10,000 sq. miles. The region has plenty of stunning scenery. Fort William, Fort Augustus, Skye, Eigg, Iona, the Sound of Mull, Loch Nevis, and Loch Ness are known for their majestic flora and fauna, towering castles, wild landscapes, glistening waters, and more.

The cruise will take you through the islands and highlands of Scotland, where you will discover the hidden sea lochs, accessible only on the water, as well as the beautiful Caledonian Canal. Further, the area has luxurious resorts and hotels, famous breweries and distilleries, breathtaking geological wonders, legendary battlefields, and local history-rich museums.

9.   The Mekong

The cruise along the river elicits the dreamy romance of Indochina, which includes villages on stilts, floating markets, emerald paddy fields, and golden temples.

Cities such as hipster, casual Siem Reap, breathtaking Angkor’s temple complexes, and the wild Ho Chi Minh City have incense scented temples, street food vendors, shopping malls, and skyscrapers that all vie for your attention. Additionally, the cruise can take you through bustling Hanoi, as well as Halong Bay dotted with misty limestone towers, which gives you a truly immersive experience of Southeast Asia.

10.  The Volga (Russia)

A Russian cruise takes you through Moscow and St Petersburg, where you will visit the beautiful Hermitage, Red Square, and Kremlin. You will enjoy ballet performances by the Kirov or Bolshoi.

The Volga-Baltic Waterway that lies between the two cities and across the lakes Ladoga and Onega will lead you to sleepy farming villages and the biggest wooden church in the world built without nails located on Kizhi Island. Additionally, you will see elaborate churches with gold domes as well as other architectural wonders.

11.   Vancouver & Alaska

The Alaska cruise will take you to awe-inspiring landscapes that include looming glaciers over the sea or ice skyscrapers, in the depths, you will find whales, sea eagles, salmon, bears, and Misty Fjords National Monument.

Additionally, the Alaskan cruise will take you to Vancouver, where you find North American best restaurants and a wonderful quality of life. You will find a lively market along Granville Island and craft bars when you stroll downtown Vancouver.

12.  Veneto

A cruise holiday that takes you to Venice will allow you to see the Venetian Lagoon, which hosts enchanting islands of Torcello, Mazzorbo, Burano, and the charming port of Chioggia. Still, you can explore the food of Bologna and Medieval Padua or luxurious SS La Venezia.

Other exclusive excursions include private visits to the famous Doge’s Palace and secret tours to hidden spots reserved for the local people.

Takeaway

The 12 featured cruise holiday destinations are perfect for taking stunning views, relaxing, and meeting like-minded people. The incredible cruise collection will help explore a wide range of rivers, beautiful mountains, stunning towns, architectural wonders, and marine life.

The ship itself will offer you world-class entertainment, a great spa, and spacious rooms hence a breathtaking experience. So start compiling your cruise bucket list and add these destinations too. After all, you can have multiple destinations in a single holiday