Many of you are avid cruisers, but your partner or travel companion may be less so. Some people love the variety and activity of cruise vacations, and the other travel partner merely tolerates it.
Or maybe, you’ve done a ton of cruises, and are just looking for something a bit different.
I’ve had two separate inquiries recently from married couples, where each partner has a different idea of a “great vacation”, so I thought I’d offer some ideas for specific and unique experiences when cruising that might meet this need. This allows one partner to pursue a passion or interest, and the other has all the normal structure and activity a cruise vacation offers.
Here’s a few ideas for specific themes or experiences while cruising. Oh yeah… the AI image generator had a ball this week with making a collage for all these different experiences (who knew polar bears played golf?).
AMA WATERWAYS UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Our friends at AMA offer a variety of different experiences:
CLASSICAL MUSIC Cruise – Budapest round-trip for 7-nights
- Visit Budapest (overnight) Bratislava, Durnstein, Vienna (overnight).
- March 2, 2025 fares from $1799 with a $150 on board credit
- July 2, 2025 fares from $2999 with a $150 on board credit
Here’s the list of ALL the Classical Music Cruises:
WINE CRUISE in Provence from Lyon to Arles, departing November 6, 2025 for 7-nights.
- These cruises are hosted by sommeliers or winery owners, and have tasting and pairings conducted both on the ship and ashore.
- Visit Lyon (overnight), Vienne, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, Arles (overnight)
- Fares start at $3899 with a $150 on board credit.
- We did this cruise a few months ago. Here’s our video blog: https://youtu.be/H2rBL8J7DIU?si=qEgzgTeVLJbAx1hQ
Here’s a list of ALL the AMA WATERWAYS wine cruises:
https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/destination/wine-cruises/2024
GOLF CRUISE between Budapest and Prague for 12-nights departing October 13, 2024
- Visit Budapest (2 hotel night), Bratislava, Vienna, Krems, Passau, Vilshofen, Regensburg, Prague (3 hotel nights).
- Fares from $6159
Here’s a list of all of AMA’s Golf Cruises:
https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/explore/golf-cruises-2024
COLUMBIA — SOUTH AMERICA Magdalena River cruise for 7-nights:
- Experience Latin, Caribbean and Jazz music. Eat incredible food, see tropical birds and other animals and plants unique to this ecosystem. Best of all, it’s only a 3-hour flight from Miami.
- Visit Cartagena, Palenque, Calamar, Santa Barbara de Pinto, Mompox, el Banco, Magangue, Nueva Venecia, Barranquilla.
- Extensions available to Medellin and Panama.
- Departures in May 2025 from $3349 per person
More information: https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/colombia
AMA fares include a choice of shore excursion in every port (many of which you would pay extra for on other cruise lines), beer/wine with meals, wifi on the ship, specialty dining, a wellness coordinator, and more active shore excursions.
AZAMARA UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Azamara differentiates itself by its itineraries. They have four R-Class boutique vessels that hold 680 guests when fully loaded. They position themselves between the Premium Brands, and the luxury small-ship companies.
GOLF CRUISE round-trip Dublin departing July 1, 2025 for 11-nights
- In partnership with PerryGolf, 5-rounds are available, including Royal County Down, Donegal, Ballybunion, Old Head OR Fota Island, Portmarnock Links.
- Visit Dublin, Isle of Man, Belfast, Killybegs, Galway, Foynes, Bantry Harbour, Cork, Waterford,.
- Veranda Fares From $5320 for the cruise. Golf is extra.
There are dozens of PerryGolf Cruises on Azamara. Here’s the list: https://www.azamara.com/cruises?keywords=golf-cruise
RIO CARNIVAL & Amazon departing February 25, 2025 for 25 nights
- Imagine being able to visit the most famous Carnival in the world, but then retreating to the solace of the ship.
- Visit Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador de Bahia, Macapa, Amazon River, Boca de Valeria, Manaus, Parintins, Santarem, French Guiana, Barbados.
- Fares from $7427.
SOUTH AFRICA round-trip Capetown departing January 4, 2025 for 12-nights
- See South Africa and only have to unpack once.
- Pre-cruise available for 4-nights at Imbali Safari Lodge in Kruger NP.
- Post-cruise available for Victoria Falls and Chobe Game Park.
- Visit Capetown, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Durban, Mossel Bay.
- Veranda Fares From $3888.
PORTUGAL, Bordeaux & Normandy departing June 1, 2025 for 10-nights
- The small Azamara ships means you dock right in town in places like Bordeaux and Honfleur, not like the big ships. So you are closer to the wineries (Bordeaux), and the Normandy Beaches (Honfleur).
- Visit Lisbon, Porto, Bordeaux, Saint-Malo, Saint Helier, Jersey, Cherbourg, Honfleur, London.
- Veranda fares from $3600
All Azamara fares include the beverage package, gratuities, wifi, and usually a generous on board credit that can be applied to shore excursions.
TAUCK DOMESTIC LAND EXPERIENCES
Here are two options a bit closer to home, that offer a different vacation experience:
Philadelphia to Washington DC for 11-days
- See the Rodin Museum, the Liberty Bell, visit Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed), travel through Amish Country to Gettysburg, Jefferson’s Monticello, Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, see all the sites on National Mall in Washington, and get an exclusive visit to the National Archives.
- Live American history! Departures in September and October from $5790.
Polar Bears and Northern Lights in Churchill Manitoba for 6-days
- Visit this small community on the shore of Hudson’s Bay for a once in a lifetime experience. Includes round-trip charter flights from Winnipeg.
- Travel in a specially designed tundra vehicle to look for Polar Bears, enjoy an after-hours reception at the Manitoba Museum, see a dog-sledding demonstration, and visit the Eskimo museum.
- Departures in October & November from $8290
Recently booked a Viking Cruise?
Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online, by phone, or on board. Our clients worry that if they book on-line (or on board), that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation.
We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.
We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.
There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).
If you recently booked a Viking Cruise, please let us know as soon as possible.
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
