Travelers will be able to experience 30 new small ship cruise itineraries around the world from among 91 total options with Wilderness Travels newly-revealed 2018-2019 Small Ship Cruise Collection. The program, introduced in 2013, brings the adventure travel company's out-of-the-way itineraries that delve deep into a region's culture and cuisine to cruises. Passengers sail aboard small luxury ships that can navigate to locations not accessible by larger vessels and enjoy onboard education when not exploring a destination.
While the vessels are not operated by Wilderness Travel, the company curates the best ships on the waterways that match the interests of the company's clientele. Many of the trips are offered only once, and they tend to fill up quickly.
Two new trips already receiving a huge amount of interest since the 2018-2019 catalog was distributed: the Easter Island and Polynesia Cruise and the Antarctica Peninsula Basecamp Cruise, a region to which Wilderness Travel has been taking guests for more than 25 years.
Easter Island and Polynesia Cruise - 15 days, From $5,620 per person
See the famous moai of Easter Island, explore archeological sites and hike the walls of a volcano. Then sail through the islands of French Polynesia, including Pitcairn, Moorea and Bora Bora with spectacular snorkeling, swimming, and diving. The adventure takes place aboard Le Soleal yacht with French cuisine, private baths, a spa and a pool.
Departure date: March 4-18, 2019
Antarctica Peninsula Basecamp Cruise - 12 days, From $7,950 per person
This cruise is one of the most active voyages in Antarctica, says Barbara Banks, director of marketing and new trip development for Wilderness Travel. Guests can enjoy a range of adventurous activities like hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, mountaineering and more. This cruise takes advantage of the weather and ice-conditions to get travelers up close to the beauty of the Antarctic from its wildlife and glaciers to alpine peaks and many islands, all the while exploring the area by kayak, Zodiac, snowshoe and even camping.
Departures throughout February, March, November and December 2019 and February and March 2020
Arctic
Arctic Wildlife Safari - 10 days, From $6,495 per person
Known for its itineraries that put guests front and center with wildlife and conservation efforts, Wilderness Travel's new Arctic Wildlife Safari showcases the vast wildlife on the island of Spitsbergen in Norway to see polar bears, reindeer, whales and many bird species aboard the Sea Spirit. This vessel holds 112 guests in outside-facing suites with TVs in all rooms, as well as a library, gym and elevator on board.
Departure dates: June 13, 21 and 29, 2019
Europe
Dublin to London - 13 days, From $9,400 per person
This nearly two-week journey sails from Dublin past the coast of Northeastern Ireland, around the top of Scotland and then back down to London. Explore Scotland's famous islands like the Isle of Skye and Isle of Noss along the way, including a train ride through the Scottish Highlands, followed by stops in Aberdeen with its castles, York, Ramsgate and then London.
Departure date: May 23-June 4, 2019
Christmas Markets
There will also be special departures for cruises visiting the famous Christmas Markets on the Rhine and the Danube throughout November and December. River cruising aboard these boats is a really dreamy way to experience old Europe at its most festive time of year, says Banks. The company's small ship cruises down the two rivers all year long are also perpetually popular.
Africa
Zanzibar to Durban - 17 days, From $17,200 per person
Experience Southern Africa from aboard the Silver Discoverer, which takes guests close to the region's rugged coasts with a fleet of Zodiacs for even more intimate exploration with dance classes, language lessons and designer boutiques on board. The cruise sets sail from Zanzibar, visiting Tanzania and Mozambique before heading to Madagascar to explore the country over several days and finally concluding in South Africa.
Departure date: November 27-December 13, 2018
Asia
Treasures of Japan with South Korea - 17 days, From $15,980 per person
Explore Japan's Inland sea, western coastline and the Sea of Japan aboard the Caledonian Sky yacht with a library, floor-to-ceiling windows, elevator and small gym. The cruise takes guests to the country's famous temples and shrines, past castles and fortresses, and to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. A final highlight is an excursion to South Korea to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site of excavated monuments, tombs and temples in Gyeongju.
Departure date: April 12-28, 2019
For more information about Wilderness Travel's small ship cruises or to book a trip, visit www.WildernessTravel.com or call 800-368-2794.