Specialty Windstar Cruises

Specialty cruises are designed with specific niche markets in mind. Windstar cruises offer several itineraries in this genre as does Viking River Cruises, Star Clippers, Windjammer Cruises and Cruise West among others. Their packages give passengers an experience far different from that offered by the major cruise lines.

What Are Specialty Cruises?

What makes a specialty cruise different from a "typical" cruise is the fact that the itineraries focus on one region or on one goal. For instance whereas a typical cruise might pass by a known wine region, a specific wine cruise will lay out an itinerary filled with visits to vineyards and ample opportunities to sample and to purchase their wares. Many cruises go through Alaskan waters, but a whale-watching cruise will proceed at a pace and in a direction guaranteed to give passengers close up experiences with the massive creatures.

The singular focus of these excursions means you will most likely be with people of similar tastes and interests. Many passengers make lasting friendships on such voyages and at the very least report enjoying being with like-minded people. The cruise directors and onboard tour guides are also knowledgeable experts and you will undoubtedly emerge from the experience with new information and a broadened perspective.

Which Are The Most Popular Destinations For Specialty Cruises?

Cruise West was established more than 50 years ago and since then has offered travel experiences to specialty destinations throughout the world. Their itineraries focus on wildlife, history and geography aboard relatively small vessels capable of going into waters far too shallow for larger cruise ships. Destinations include Alaska, the South Atlantic Coast, the Northeast, the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Panama, Grand Asia and Japan, Mexico's Sea of Cortez and the South Pacific. Prices vary according to the length of the cruise, the destination, and the level of accommodation chosen. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company takes passengers into the American heartland aboard one of three historic paddle-wheelers, the American Queen, the Delta Queen or the Mississippi Queen. Overnight excursions travel the major navigable rivers of the United States (such as the Mississippi and the Missouri) and along the Atlantic Coast. Paddle steamers played a large role in the early commercial history of the United States so these cruises are especially popular with history buffs. Windstar cruises motto is "180° From Ordinary." The company makes good use of the sentiment, placing passengers on luxurious sailing ships. Windstar cruises travel through the Mediterranean and the Caribbean as well as to the Greek and Turkish Isles. Trans-Atlantic trips and excursions in Northern Europe are also available.

Continue to: A Variety of Destinations Offered by Orient Lines