The World of Specialty Cruises

welcome the most comprehensive collection of information and advice on specialty cruises
your resource center for unique, unusual or uncommon cruises
three cruicial benefits
- an encyclopedic knowledge of specialty cruises
- an online community of like-minded travelers
- Specialyt cruise Advisors to assist with your questions

What Exactly is a Specialty Cruise?

any cruise that's not a big-box cruise.
but if a cruise offers...
- a unique destination,
- a unique vessel,
- or a unique cruise theme,
or all of the above
if the cruise is on a smaller ship or is uncommon, then you're likely to find it here.

Go Where the Big Ships Don't

15-deck mega ships can't fit under the bridges that span Europe's rivers!
big-box ships can't put you ashore among Antarctica's penquins
but specialty cruises can; they deliver what intrepid travelers crave...
unique and unusual destinations

Browse over 100 cruise themes

cruise with others who share your special interest or affinity
over 100 cruise themes in these 16 categories

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Welcome to the world of specialty cruises — everything that megaship cruising isn't. If you're looking for an alternative to big-box cruise ships, you've come to the right place.

Uncommon Cruise Ship Destinations and Experiences
Unique Small Ship Cruises on Unusual Vessels
Exotic Cruise Ship Vacation Packages and Over 100 Cruise Themes
Unforgettable Cruise Holidays, like Luxury Cruise Ships or Specialty Itineraries

So, welcome to the ultimate resource, community, and travel center for specialty cruises. We hope you enjoy your journey through this web site.

Top▲Featured Cruise The latest SHOWCASE cruise

Galapagos Islands

San Cristobal Island to San Cristobal Island | January to December | 9 Nights

On the Evolution (Motor Vessel) | Operated by International Expeditions

On the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most interesting and accessible wildlife anywhere. During our intimate Galapagos Islands Tour, you’ll find yourself just inches away from giant tortoises, comical blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, iguanas and many other animals,…

Top▲Theme Cruise The latest exciting Theme Cruise

Splendors of Egypt & the Nile

Luxor to Luxor | September to May | 11 Nights

On the River Tosca (Motor Ship (Riverboat)) | Operated by Uniworld River Cruises

Experience amazing Egypt onboard the all-suite River Tosca. For eight splendor-filled days, Uniworld takes you to the Nile’s most fascinating sites in style. Spend time exploring breathtaking Karnak Temple—the largest temple complex ever constructed—with its avenues of sphinxes and halls of gigantic temples. Visit…

Top▲Uncommon Journey A unique journey for the discerning traveler

Egyptian Brilliance

Experience this amazing country in ultra-luxurious style. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you to the Nile’s most fascinating sites. Spend a day exploring breathtaking Karnak—the largest temple complex ever constructed. Visit Hathor, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, and the Valley of the Kings,…

Luxor

Aside from visiting the pyramids near Cairo, Luxor and Al Karnak are places not to be missed when in search of ancient Egyptian monuments and artifacts. Luxor is on the southern part of ancient Thebes, Al Karnak on the north. Between the two, visitors can lose themselves for days in the hundreds of temples, chapels,…

Top▲Featured Article Stay informed with our latest SHOWCASE Article

Going to the Galápagos, and Trying to Limit the Footprint

By: Wendy Blake | October 22, 2010

WIND and waves tossed our inflatable dinghy as we circled Champion Islet, a craggy rock in the Pacific Ocean, in search of one of the world’s rarest birds. As the boatman steered the panga in and out of coves, our guide, Ernesto, made a call that was something between a chirp and a shhh. Ten of us intently scanned the…

Barge (European)

A Truly Intimate Experience

Embark on an intimate experience onboard a floating hotel to discover the inner soul of the countryside. Take a barge down the inland waterways of the European countryside with only a handful of other passengers. Experience scenery you will never otherwise see. Authentic towns and countryside with their equally authentic folks. It's a bit like touring on someone's private boat, stopping here and there as the fancy strikes.

History and Antiquity

History Comes Alive with Each Journey

Fascinated with the Civil War? Imagine visiting the historic battle grounds. Love Greek mythology? Then visit the temples and ruins built centuries ago for the Greek gods. The pages of history books jump to life as you explore fascinating historical and archeological sites firsthand. Interesting lectures and…