A Variety of Destinations Offered by Orient Lines

Orient Lines offers a variety of destinations including Europe, South America, and the Mediterranean as well as Trans Atlantic trips. Passengers travel on a mid-sized vessels with a wide selection of shore excursions. Each cruise features guest lecturers who are experts in the region through which the vessel is traveling. (Some travelers actually pick their Orient Line cruise according to the speakers rather than the destination.)

Star Clippers take passengers back to 19th century ocean travel on state of the art "tall ships." With accommodations for 227 passengers, itineraries include voyages to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Far East. Although these ships have engines and can call upon them in an emergency, these trips are about returning to the days when the sound of the sea and the flap of the sails promised new discoveries just over the horizon.

In a similar vein, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises are also sailing jaunts on tall ships but with a complete absence of luxury. These trips are all about adventure at sea. Passengers help to crew the ship and don't need to worry about packing much more than shorts and t-shirts. (A fair amount of physical fitness is required to participate in a "barefoot" cruise. Make sure you understand exactly what will be required of you before you sign on.)

Finally, the largest river cruise company, Viking River Cruises, carries passengers through the rivers of Europe, Russia and even China on comfortable vessels with excellent accommodations and dining. The boats visit at least one port a day. In between stops they travel at a leisurely pace that allows passengers to soak up all the beauty of the surrounding region. (Given the slow pace, day excursions are plentiful and many boats even have bicycles passengers can borrow for a ride along the shore.)

Because specialty cruises are so unique, it's important to do your research and choose wisely. Visit the Internet sites of given companies or ask your travel agent for brochures and other literature and information. If you want to enjoy a vacation that is different from your typical cruise ship joyride, then go for a specialty cruise. It can be one from Viking river cruises or from Windstar cruises. Either way, the important thing is that the cruise that you choose is compatible with your tastes and sense of adventure.