Going on a luxury trip requires quite a hefty budget, especially if you’re traveling to a new and exciting destination that has been on your bucket list for so long.

There’s something romantic about Venice or the stunning views of the Northern Lights in Scandinavia. Taking a cruise to one of these will most certainly make up for the best journey of your life. And since trips such exotic and remote cruise destinations tend to sell out fast, it’s recommended that you book the trip well in advance; moreover, the sooner, the better.

While a cruise trip might not fit every traveler’s expectations, it’s still an adventure you’ll remember forever. Cruise itineraries and ships come in all sizes and shapes, so do your research and choose the best fit. 

This article will discover the best under-the-radar cruise destinations perfect for a luxury trip. Let’s begin!

Indonesia

Indonesia is home to more than 18,000 stunning islands, beaches, cultural heritage, and rich biodiversity. It’s one of the most popular places for watersport activities like surfing, diving, and snorkeling.

Indonesia is also known for its spirituality and yoga retreat centers that have enlightened millions of tourists worldwide.

You can book a private charter cruise and explore some of the most remote islands, watch the wildlife in Borneo, where the biodiversity is at its finest, or observe the big mammals like the clouded leopard, bearded pig, and proboscis monkey.

Furthermore, going on an island-hopping adventure is like a paradise on Earth. You will explore many islands in a short period. Fun fact to remember – if you are to visit the Indonesian islands, you will need more than 49 years to visit them all! With an island-hopping tour, you’ll see the highlights and visit the best tourist locations.

If you want to consider something completely different though why not check out this up-to-date guide on Kota Kinabalu island hopping.

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Galapagos

Galapagos is another under-the-radar destination that’s perfect for a cruise trip. It’s where Charles Darwin laid out the foundations of the theory of evolution in his masterpiece “The Origin of the Species”.

This is an archipelago where nature and the people have forged a unique relationship and have thrived for years in unique environments. Its uniqueness can be seen in wildlife evolution, which has evolved with little to no human contact over the centuries.

Galapagos is famous for its wildlife, stunning landscapes, and endemic marine life. The islands are the home of marine iguanas, sea lions, stingrays, green sea turtles, and tropical fish. It’s also a paradise for bird-watchers from around the world since it’s the home to more Ethan 200 species that inhabit the islands.

Tonga

Tonga is known for its unspoiled natural environment, phenomenal beaches, pristine waters, and picture-perfect landscapes. Tonga is located in the South Pacific and can be accessed through Fiji or New Zealand. It’s one of the most remote locations on Earth, and the traveling might take a while. However, it’s worth every penny!

This island doesn’t get crowded since it’s one of the under-the-radar destinations, so you can easily navigate your itinerary. Tonga’s fame is in the humpback whales and other wild animals that can be seen throughout the year.

Although Tonga has a tropical climate, it doesn’t get too hot and sticky like on the other islands. There are often cool breezes, so you can enjoy your vacation even if you visit the island in the peak season.

Puglia

Puglia is a charming, unique, and diverse destination, rich in gorgeous cities, towns, vibrant villages, and breathtaking rocky cliffs. The town of Polignano a Mare is located on a rocky cliff near Monopoli, over the Adriatic Sea.

And since we all know that Italian cuisine is remarkable and something out-of-this-world, the food in Puglia is also tasty and incredible. The bread and pasta are their gastronomical highlights; also, it’s worth trying traditional dishes like “fornello pronto” or fried panzerotti.

If you’re more into exploring the destination’s natural beauty, you can go beyond the beautiful beaches. Make sure to visit the longest cave network in Italy, Grotte di Castellana, the Tremiti Archipelago, take a tour of the Alta Murgia National Park, or visit the charming villages.

Copyright: Kirsten Velghe on Unsplash I License: CC0 Public  Domain

Colombia

Colombia, or more specifically Valle de Cocora is one of the most enchanting places that make a perfect cruise trip. The green region is full of coffee farms that are open to visitors. The country is bursting with culture, vibrant cities, and beautiful villages.

Once you travel to Colombia, it’s worth visiting Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, and Cali. Of course, if the itinerary allows you to organize day trips and explore the country further.

The Takeaway

The takeaway from this article is that there are plenty of beautiful destinations that can be visited on a cruise trip; you just need to choose the one based on your preferences and set out on an unforgettable journey.