Unique cruise destinations are more accessible than ever for UK travellers. While the Caribbean is a favourite, there are countless other exceptional seas and coastlines to discover. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find clear, practical answers to questions like: “Where can I sail that is different from the usual?” and “Which cruises are best for unique travel experiences?” Read on to uncover seven remarkable cruise regions that provide unforgettable holidays far from the crowds.
The Norwegian Fjords
Why stick to sunny islands when you could be cruising through the dramatic, icy landscapes of Norway? The Norwegian Fjords are legendary for their towering cliffs, shimmering waters, and tranquil fishing villages. If you are searching for unique cruise destinations within easy reach from the UK, you won’t want to miss this route.
Many UK-based cruise companies such as P&O Cruises, Cunard, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offer direct sailings from Southampton or Newcastle. This means a minimal journey to your departure port and effortless access to some of Europe’s most stunning natural wonders. You can sail past iconic locations such as Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord, and explore picturesque ports like Bergen and Ålesund.
Life aboard these voyages often includes daytime scenic cruising through narrow fjords, with regular stops for hiking, kayaking, or exploring the local food scene. You’ll also have the chance to spot wildlife including sea eagles and seals. Many cruises run during the summer months to maximise daylight, but some also operate in winter, treating you to magical glimpses of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
This destination blends adventure and relaxation, with opportunities to explore Norse history or simply marvel at the world-class views while enjoying top-tier hospitality. For those who want something completely different from the Caribbean, Norway’s commitment to sustainability and scenic beauty makes it an outstanding choice.
Japan
Japan is captivating, combining futuristic cities, centuries-old shrines, and wild natural spaces — all accessible by sea. Cruises around Japan stand apart as unique cruise destinations, especially since the region’s coastal cities have distinctive atmospheres and seasonal festivals, such as the world-famous cherry blossom bloom.
Major cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America Line run itineraries that start in Tokyo or Yokohama. From there, you might visit bustling Osaka, the historic peace gardens of Nagasaki, or the dramatic coastline of Hokkaido in the north. Each stop gives you a taste of regional culture, whether it’s sampling fresh seafood in local markets or soaking in an onsen (hot spring) near Mount Fuji.
Japan’s ports offer efficient public transport, making it easy to arrange independent shore excursions if you want to explore temple districts or take part in traditional tea ceremonies. Cruises also frequently include calls at fascinating lesser-known islands, like Ryukyu (Okinawa), where subtropical beaches and unique cuisine await.
If you’re keen on exploring Asia but want comfort and practicality, a cruise around Japan is an ideal, hassle-free option. You’ll enjoy a feast for the senses in every port, and the efficiency of Japanese hospitality ensures a seamless, memorable journey.
Antarctica
For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, few unique cruise destinations rival Antarctica. This continent is the last great wilderness, with vast glaciers, surreal icebergs, and unprecedented wildlife encounters. Antarctica cruises give you the extraordinary chance to see penguins, seals, and even whales in their natural habitat.
Several well-established expedition cruise companies, such as Hurtigruten, Silversea Expeditions, and Quark Expeditions, offer Antarctic voyages focused on sustainability and conservation. While direct departures from the UK aren’t possible, you can connect via South America, usually joining your ship in Ushuaia, Argentina.
These cruises are different from traditional holidays — you’ll set foot on the White Continent thanks to zodiac landings, join expert-led seminars about Antarctic ecology, and even enjoy kayaking amongst ice floes. The season runs from November to March, the region’s summer, when wildlife is most active. Pack layers; you’ll be in one of the coldest, most pristine environments on earth.
A cruise to Antarctica is strictly regulated for the protection of wildlife and habitats, and group numbers are kept small. If you’re interested in meaningful, environmentally responsible travel, this destination sets the gold standard. It’s ideal for UK travellers who dream of stories worth telling back home.
The Galapagos Islands
Sailing to the Galapagos is a dream for wildlife lovers. This cluster of volcanic islands, located off Ecuador’s coast, has earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its incredible biodiversity. Here, you’ll witness giant tortoises, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and more — all up close and often unfazed by humans.
Several cruise operators, including Celebrity Cruises (with its expedition arm), Lindblad Expeditions, and Silversea, run specialised small-ship cruises with expert naturalists onboard. Getting to the Galapagos from the UK typically involves a flight to Ecuador’s capital, Quito or Guayaquil, followed by a local transfer. However, the remote setting means you will be rewarded with few crowds and unimaginable sights.
Life onboard is relaxed but educational. Daily guided landings let you discover new species or snorkel with sea lions and turtles. Each itinerary is strictly planned to protect the fragile ecosystem, and visitor numbers are carefully managed in line with park regulations.
If you care about conservation and want to see some of the world’s rarest species in the wild, a Galapagos cruise is hard to beat. It’s an experience that goes beyond sightseeing: you’ll leave with a deep respect for nature and a greater understanding of our planet’s interconnectedness.
The Kimberley, Australia
Western Australia’s Kimberley region is one of the world’s great undiscovered wilderness areas. It makes our list of unique cruise destinations because its remote coastlines, rugged red cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls are almost inaccessible except by ship.
Boutique lines including Ponant, Silversea, and APT offer adventure-centric expeditions through this untamed landscape. You’ll often board in Darwin or Broome, travel through tidal rivers, and witness ancient Aboriginal rock art and diverse wildlife, such as saltwater crocodiles and migratory birds.
Onboard experiences are about immersion and education, including landings on isolated beaches, hiking in national parks, or scenic helicopter rides over the mighty Mitchell Falls. Unlike traditional Caribbean sailing, these voyages are more intimate—you’ll travel in smaller groups with expert guides and a highly personalised service level.
A Kimberley cruise is ideal if you crave adventure and desire somewhere few have seen. The journey is definitely long from the UK, but for those who make the effort, it’s a chance to see a raw and ancient landscape and create memories that outlast a typical sun-and-sea holiday.
Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast
If Mediterranean sunshine appeals but you want something more unique than Spain, Italy, or France, consider Croatia’s spectacular Dalmatian Coast. Stretching from Dubrovnik up to Split and beyond, this coastline boasts medieval towns, hidden coves, and stunning national parks.
Operators like Marella Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Azamara offer itineraries that let you explore everything from Dubrovnik’s city walls to the waterfalls of Krka National Park. Smaller ships even visit lesser-known ports such as Hvar, Vis, and Mljet, allowing authentic local experiences.
Expect to wander centuries-old lanes, sip local wines, and swim in remarkably clear Adriatic waters. The summer months see vibrant festivals and lively beachfronts, while shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and excellent weather. Many cruises start from Venice or Athens, but you’ll also find routes reaching the region from Southampton.
A Croatian cruise uniquely blends European culture, natural beauty, and an easygoing pace of life. You get the best of city and seaside, and the dramatic coastline offers photo opportunities at every turn — perfect for both first-timers and seasoned travellers.
The Canadian Arctic and Greenland
If you dream of leaving the world behind and exploring the extremes, the Canadian Arctic and Greenland offer some of the world’s most remote and pristine unique cruise destinations. Here, you’ll trace the routes of intrepid explorers across icy seascapes, past towering glaciers, and through communities shaped by indigenous Inuit cultures.
Adventure cruise lines like Hurtigruten, Adventure Canada, and Aurora Expeditions operate in this region, typically from July to September, when the ice recedes enough for safe passage. You’ll board in places such as Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) or Iqaluit (Canada) and traverse routes through Nunavut, Baffin Island, or the fabled Northwest Passage.
Onboard, you’ll gain insight into local heritage via expert-led talks, participate in zodiac excursions to see polar bears or walrus, and stand on deck as icebergs drift past in midnight sun. These ships are usually smaller, offering a close-knit atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for hands-on exploration.
A cruise in the Canadian Arctic and Greenland is not just about checking locations off a list — it’s about understanding the resilience of life in harsh climates and experiencing the wonder of nature at its most spectacular. For adventurous UK travellers, the Far North delivers silence, splendour, and genuine discovery.
Finding your next unique cruise adventure
Choosing unique cruise destinations beyond the Caribbean opens up unforgettable experiences, from the icy fjords of Norway to the wild outposts of Antarctica and the cultural richness of Japan. The world’s waterways are full of hidden treasures and bucket-list adventures that are both accessible and rewarding for UK travellers. Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or new to life at sea, these seven destinations offer something fresh, authentic, and endlessly fascinating.
If you’re ready to plan your next extraordinary journey, consider reaching out to tour operators like P&O Cruises, Cunard, Hurtigruten, Silversea, or specialist expedition companies. Each brings expertise and a track record of safety, service, and environmental responsibility.
Pack your bags, leave the ordinary behind, and discover unique cruise destinations that will change the way you see the world. For more information, consult trusted sources such as the official tourism boards or cruise line websites, and let your next adventure begin.
