Imagine gliding through the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, waking up in a different picturesque port every day. You sip your morning coffee on the balcony as a gentle sea breeze carries the aroma of the ocean. Each day, a new adventure, a new city to explore, and stories to bring home. For seasoned cruisers – or those seeking something other than the usual Caribbean or Alaskan routes – we’ve discovered seven unique cruise itineraries that will make your heart skip a beat – and your friends envious of your newfound travel plans.
NOTE: The pricing below was at the time we were putting together this post. They are subject to go higher or lower. Make sure to check out our video where we show you how to get the best prices on your next cruise.
7 Unique Cruise Itineraries
We’ve done 45 cruises and counting, on 16 different lines, with another 10 currently booked. As nomads, we regularly use cruises as transportation to get from one place to another – in style but also cost-effective. We even got married on a cruise, way back in 1997. We look at a LOT of itineraries and they start to look the same after a while, but every now and then we see one that’s really special. Here are 7 truly unique cruise itineraries for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Let’s dive in!
🏛 Mediterranean Marvels: Greece, Italy, and Croatia
Princess Cruises | Sapphire Princess
14-Day Voyage | March 22, 2025
Starts and Ends in Rome, Italy
What Makes it Special: Stops in Kotor, Montenegro; Sarande, Albania; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Corfu, Greece
Starting and ending in the eternal city of Rome, this Princess cruise takes you on a 14-day Mediterranean journey by combining two 7-day cruises. This itinerary is an affordable gem, cost-efficient at just $150 per person per day. You can visit historical and scenic spots like the island of Corfu in Greece, the walled city of Dubrovnik in Croatia, the beautiful beach town of Sarande in Albania, and the stunning port city of Kotor in Montenegro. Two stops in Naples let you spend one day at Pompeii exploring the ruins and another day on the island of Capri.
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🦁 Hidden Gems of Africa: Mauritius, Seychelles, and Madagascar
Azamara Cruises | Azamara Journey
16-Night Voyage | January 4, 2026
Starts and Ends in Port Louis, Mauritius
What Makes it Special: Stops in Madagascar, the Seychelles, Kenya and Tanzania
Azamara’s 16-night cruise starting and ending in Mauritius (a direct flight from Paris) presents a unique allure with calls at two of Madagascar’s pristine beaches as well as the exotic island of Mayotte, which most people have probably never heard of. A stop in Kenya allows you to spend a day on a safari excursion while a stop in Tanzania on the island of Zanzibar lets you explore Stone Town and the island. In addition to unique cruise destinations, this sailing offers enticing inclusions like gourmet dining and a hefty amount of shore excursion credits, making it worth every penny.
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🏖 Islands of the Mediterranean
Azamara Cruises | Azamara Journey
10-Night Voyage | September 29, 2025
Starts: Barcelona, Spain | Ends: Nice, France
What Makes it Special: Focuses on less-visited islands, like Sardinia, Corsica, Menorca, and Malta, plus Tunisia
For those who love the Mediterranean but crave a different flavor, Azamara’s Islands of the Mediterranean cruise is the perfect choice. Starting from vibrant Barcelona and ending in charming Nice, this 10-night journey covers Mallorca, Menorca, Corsica, Sicily, Malta, Capri and two stops in Sardinia. Expect some less-traveled paths, like the intriguing country of Tunisia in northern Africa.
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🎡 The Luxury Escape: North Atlantic Adventure – Iceland to Scotland
Oceania Cruises | Oceania Sirena
14-Day Voyage | August 11, 2025
Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland | Ends: Edinburgh, Scotland
What Makes It Special: Stops in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Scotland
Oceania Cruises offers a luxurious 14-day voyage from Reykjavik, Iceland to Edinburgh, Scotland. Priced at $397 per person per day, this cruise includes upscale features like unlimited Wi-Fi, gourmet specialty dining, and up to $800 in shore excursion credits. The journey encompasses the dramatic landscapes of Iceland (with two ports) and Greenland (with three stops), plus a stop in the Faroe Islands and three stops in Scotland.
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🕌 Middle Eastern Wonders and Beyond
NCL | Norwegian Dawn
14-Day Voyage | December 22, 2024
Starts: Doha, Qatar | Ends: Port Louis, Mauritius
What Makes It Special: Three countries in the United Arab Emirates (while avoiding the Red Sea), plus Seychelles, Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius
Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a unique mix of the Middle East and African islands. Kick off in Doha, Qatar, and then luxuriate in magnificent Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Then sail south to Africa and enjoy delightful surprises like the exotic Seychelles Islands and the culturally rich Reunion Island. This cruise offers a blend of urban and natural explorations. Doha is easy to get to via Qatar Airways, while Mauritius is a direct flight from Paris.
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🍁 Classic Canada and New England
Princess Cruises | Majestic Princess
10-Day Voyage | August 30, 2025
Starts: Boston, MA | Ends: Québec City, Québec, Canada
What Makes It Special:
For those Americans wanting to stay closer to home, the 10-day Classic Canada and New England cruise by Princess Cruises is a must. Starting in Boston and ending in charming Québec City, this trip unravels the historical charm of Portland, Maine and the beauty of Saint John, Newfoundland; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in Canada. End by sailing up the St. Lawrence River. Each port offers a unique piece of the puzzle, making up North American history and culture.
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🍣 Japan Intensive: Sea of Japan and Hokkaido
Princess Cruises | Diamond Princess
19-Day Voyage | July 1, 2025
Starts and Ends in Tokyo (Yokohama)
What Makes It Special: Japan-intensive, with 12 ports plus 2 in South Korea
Princess Cruises’ 19-day Japan-intensive itinerary epitomizes immersive travel. With 12 different ports in Japan plus two additional stops in South Korea, this cruise provides a deep cultural dive unparalleled in the cruise industry. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, this journey is perfect for those exploring Japan comprehensively.
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Each of these itineraries offers something unique that isn’t typically found in standard cruise packages. Whether it’s the price, the exotic destinations, or the luxurious inclusions, there’s a perfect cruise waiting for every type of traveler.
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More Tips for Maximizing Your Unique Cruise Experience
Looking for more ways to enhance your cruise vacation? Here are some tips to make the most of your time at sea and explore unique destinations:
Book Your Next Adventure Onboard
One of our top tips is to book your next cruise while you’re still sailing. Why? Cruise lines often offer exclusive benefits and deals when you book onboard, and you’ll have access to a range of extras. In our experience, we’ve enjoyed added perks and savings by booking this way, and it’s an excellent opportunity to plan your next adventure. At the same time, the excitement of cruising is still fresh.
Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
Loyalty has its perks! Many cruise lines offer loyalty programs that reward you for your repeat business. These programs can unlock various benefits, including discounts, free nights, onboard credits, and exclusive experiences. For example, we sailed with Azamara Cruises and earned status-matching benefits, which gave us six free nights on our next cruise. So, if you find a cruise line you love, it’s worth sticking with them and reaping the rewards.
Explore Beyond the Popular Ports
While iconic destinations have their appeal, venture to lesser-known ports and embrace the off-the-beaten-path experiences. These hidden gems often offer unique cultural insights, fewer crowds, and a more intimate exploration of the region. Our itineraries include stops like Menorca, Sardinia, and Capri, which provide a fresh perspective beyond the typical cruise routes.
Extend Your Vacation with Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays
To truly immerse yourself in the destinations you visit, consider extending your vacation beyond the cruise with pre- and post-cruise stays. This allows you to explore embarkation and disembarkation cities more intimately and discover hidden gems beyond the tourist trail. For example, we recommend spending a few days in Québec City before returning home or arriving early in Barcelona to fully experience this vibrant city.
