The secret cruises you need to know about

Although they’re still considered a luxury travel option by some, cruises have seen a bit of a makeover in recent times. Take note adventurers and hipster holidaymakers; cruises now have plenty of Generation X and forward-thinking travel experts taking their helm.

secret cruises

From secret island ports to awe-striking mountain backdrops in secret Scandinavian destinations, there are many cruises that make the most of lesser-used places. Read on to find out four of the best secret cruises you need to know about in this collaboration post.

1. Hvar, Croatia

hvar croatia cruise
Photo by Daria Andraczko on Unsplash

Thanks to Game of Thrones, most visitors to Croatia tend to travel to the majestic Dubrovnik or Split. However there’s a stunning, yet lesser visited cruise port on the remarkable island of Hvar.

With miles of untouched and unspoilt Mediterranean beaches, Hvar is much quieter than other locations in this region, and not only boasts beautiful beaches but has gorgeous hills, pine forests and lavender fields too.

Ideal for those looking for a slightly cheaper location, Hvar is known for its stunning catholic churches and cathedrals, the bustling St. Stephen’s Square and the Pakleni Islands off Hvar’s shores. It’s the perfect choice for travellers looking to explore a historic town and Baltic nature.

2. Nevis, Caribbean

nevis caribbean cruise
Photo by Cédric Frixon on Unsplash

At first glance, you may think that a cruise in the Caribbean can’t be secret. However, Nevis is a surprisingly lesser-known spot that is perfect for anyone looking to take a unique voyage.

Nevis is a small island and volcano that has a population of just 11,000 people. The small town can be explored in an hour and is a picturesque sight with balconied Georgian buildings lining the streets. An island tour will take you to see old sugar plantations, as well as thriving rainforest and a museum dedicated to Horatio Nelson, the infamous admiral.

Visitors to the island can also witness the 3,200ft Nevis Peak and potentially active volcano, which can be hiked in around three hours. It’s an excellent location for any keen adventurers and fitness enthusiasts, with a swim route from Nevis to St Kitts (it has an annual event too), as well as shore and rainforest excursions available for all fitness levels.

3. Broome, Australia

Photo by Ben Carless on Unsplash

If you’re an adrenaline junkie or nature lover who prefers an active holiday, Broome the perfect cruise location for you.

Glamping in the wilderness, hiking and riding camels along Cable Beach are everyday things to do here, while visitors can soak up and learn about Broome’s aboriginal culture and incredible origins and rich cultural history.

A popular location for filmmakers, Broome features some of the world’s most incredible scenery. When there is low tide, dinosaur tracks emerge from the beach’s red rocks, and you can walk alongside them. Perhaps even more impressive is the ‘staircase to the moon’ phenomenon, a remarkable natural marvel that takes place when a full moon rises over the exposed mudflats at low tide. This is an incredible thing to witness, creating an illusion of a staircase leading up to the sky. As well as this, travellers can head to the nearby Kimberly to see the only horizontal waterfalls in the world.

White water rafting, climbing, hiking and water sports are wonderful things to do when visiting Broome. What makes this location particularly special is the number of smaller cruises that are available, creating a more intimate experience.

4. Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Nizhny Novgorod Russia cruise
Photo by Valeriy Kryukov on Unsplash

Did you know that Russia is actually one of our favourite cruise locations?

This destination is best suited to those who love city breaks and exploring local culture, as Nizhny Novgorod is, in fact, an important city that resides in the Volga River, Western Russia.

It’s 16th-century Kremlin is surrounded by 13 fortified towers, giving it a particularly impressive reputation. Beautiful Russian architecture creates a majestic backdrop to a now, thriving and modern city that is steeped in history, yet has carved a truly modern space.

Art, museums and galleries are essential activities to do while visiting the city. Perhaps most impressive is Nizhny Novgorod’s State Art Museum, which is housed in a grand building within the Kremlin. Here, you can view fantastic Russian and European paintings as well as a collection of icons.

Among Nizhny Novgorod’s claims to fame is the highest cable car in Europe. If you’re looking for something a little more novelty, you can visit one of the world’s coolest McDonald’s, which is perhaps an architect’s dream with its completely circular design. We hope this has given you some ideas. But if you need some more inspiration for visiting secret and quirky places, read the Secret Traveller’s pick of the weirdest countries in the world.

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Laura
Laura

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food.
Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados
Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

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