Top 5: Immersive 2020 Cruises

While you could take a traditional cruise that allows you to just lie back in the sun and sip on cocktails while cruising from beach to beach, you could also opt for a more immersive experience. More cruises than ever allow travelers to explore each stop on their itinerary on a deeper level, with can’t-miss dining, drinking, historical and cultural experiences. Here are five cruising options to consider.

Scenic Luxury Antarctica Cruise

Travel on Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours’ new ship, Scenic Eclipse, to Antarctica. The cruise takes travelers through the Weddell Sea, where they can spot Emperor Penguins. The small ship boasts its own submarine, which dives down 466 feet to show guests coral, jellyfish, octopus, penguins and seals from a new perspective.

AdventureSmith Explorations Land of the Spirit Bear Cruise

In Alaska and Canada, board the National Geographic Venture with AdventureSmith Explorations to explore the Great Bear Rainforest, where the Kermode bear, or Spirit Bear, lives. This North American black bear variant is only found one place in the world. Other wildlife to look out for include grizzlies, mountain goats, grey wolves, killer whales and more.

Scenic Luxury Middle Eastern Cruise

Get an in-depth look at Egyptian history and culture when you travel aboard Sanctuary Sun Boat III with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. The new Wonders of the Nile itinerary takes place over 12 days, with stops in Cairo, Giza, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Highlights include visits to pyramids, temples, villages and more, with can’t-find-anywhere-else experiences like hot air balloon rides and a Galabeyya party.

Ponant Wild Affairs in the Baltic Sea

If you prefer politics and history to ancient cultures and wildlife, the new itinerary from Ponant called World Affairs in the Baltic Sea might be up your alley. The sailing is hosted by the former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, Admiral James Stavridis; a former ambassador to Russia and president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, William Burns; and analyst and journalist Robin Wright. The cruise begins in Stockholm and ends in Copenhagen and includes two days in Moscow.

Ponant Beethoven’s Birthday

Celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a special cruise from Ponant. Travelers take to northern Europe for classical music performances, onboard concerts and visits to acclaimed museums, such as the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark.