7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026
7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Norwegian Dawn 21-Night Cape Town to Port Louis Safari Cruise Starts at $2,499 in January 2025
Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Dawn is scheduled to offer a 21-night adventure from Cape Town to Port Louis in January 2025. Starting at $2,499, this voyage is touted as a safari cruise, which hints at wildlife encounters and excursions into the African wilderness. The cruise will hit on a number of West African ports like Senegal and the Ivory Coast, offering a chance to see a variety of African wildlife like rhinos, elephants and lions. You can also anticipate onshore activities, with game drives in Hluhluwe Game Reserve potentially being a highlight. While the 21-night trip is a major draw, the Dawn has a set of cruises that vary in length – from 11 nights up to the full 21-night journey. It's important to note that Norwegian Cruise Line is promoting this route and several other African cruises as one of the major differentiators in their fleet's offering. There seems to be a growing emphasis on the African continent in their overall route plans. Beyond the 21-night Cape Town to Port Louis itinerary, the line also appears to be heavily emphasizing the popular Cape Town to Mauritius route with multiple cruises slated for this run on both the Dawn and sister ship Sky. It remains to be seen how this strategy will play out in the long term, especially given the still relatively recent addition of longer itineraries to Africa in the Norwegian Cruise Line's programming.
A 21-night voyage aboard the Norwegian Dawn from Cape Town to Port Louis, starting at $2,499 in January 2025, offers a compelling African adventure. This particular itinerary is one of many options for exploring the region on the Norwegian Dawn during 2025, with cruises ranging from 11 to 21 nights.
The cruise itself includes stops at multiple ports along Western Africa's coast, like Senegal and Ivory Coast, in addition to significant African destinations. A fascinating aspect of the journey is a possible visit to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, located about an hour from Richards Bay, which offers visitors the chance to engage in classic African wildlife encounters such as game drives. The focus on wildlife encounters is strong with this itinerary highlighting the potential to observe a variety of wildlife, including white rhinos, elephants, cheetahs, lions, and zebras.
Interestingly, Norwegian Cruise Line has expressed that they provide the broadest spectrum of African cruise itineraries among the major cruise lines, with plans to operate a total of 13 sailings in 2025. A popular sailing for this cruise line is the journey between Cape Town and Mauritius, utilizing both the Norwegian Dawn and the Norwegian Sky.
The company also offers shorter itineraries, such as a 12-night cruise starting in Port Louis, Mauritius, allowing travelers to focus on Africa and South Africa. Furthermore, travelers can embark on this adventure from different locations, including Cape Town, Port Louis, and Doha, demonstrating the growing interest in cruising in the African region. It will be interesting to observe the trajectory of the popularity of these cruise routes over the coming years, and whether the airline industry adapts its routes to match the increasing travel demand.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Norwegian Dawn 21-Night Cape Town to Port Louis Safari Cruise Starts at $2,499 in January 2025
- 7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Madagascar and Mozambique Channel Wildlife Spotting on Holland America Zaandam February 2025
- 7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Regent Seven Seas Navigator 23-Night Cape Town Round Trip with Anderson Cooper in March 2025
- 7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Small Ship Adventure through Aldabra Atoll on Ponant Le Jacques Cartier April 2025
- 7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Seabourn Sojourn Wildlife Photography Cruise Along the East African Coast May 2025
- 7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Crystal Symphony Madagascar and Reunion Island Nature Cruise June 2025
- 7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Silversea Silver Spirit Tanzania and Seychelles Wildlife Expedition October 2025
7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Madagascar and Mozambique Channel Wildlife Spotting on Holland America Zaandam February 2025
In February 2025, the Holland America Zaandam sets sail on a 27-night journey from Miami, making its way through the Mozambique Channel and into Madagascar. This particular itinerary is a bit of a rarity, as it prioritizes wildlife encounters and explores 16 unique ports across Madagascar and the surrounding area. It's a lengthy trip, but with highlights including Andohahela National Park and Lokaro Beach, it appears to offer more than just a standard cruise experience.
The focus on wildlife encounters is evident, with the itinerary highlighting sites like Andohahela National Park, known for its lemurs and unique birds. The more remote Lokaro Beach, accessible only by 4x4, adds a sense of adventure. The Zaandam itself is an interesting vessel, one of Holland America's R-class ships, hinting at a specific level of comfort and service. It seems like Holland America is doubling down on this region as several cruises are planned for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, suggesting that there's a growing interest in the area for both wildlife and the unique cultural experience the islands offer.
The question remains if the interest in Madagascar will grow for these voyages, and the route, will ultimately prove to be popular with a large audience. We'll have to wait and see how it all plays out, but based on past cruise offerings by Holland America, it's plausible that this particular journey may cater to a very specific segment of the market who are not merely seeking sun and beaches.
The Holland America Zaandam's February 2025 cruise, departing from Miami, is a 27-night journey encompassing 16 port destinations. A significant portion of this voyage is devoted to exploring the Mozambique Channel and Madagascar, focusing on wildlife encounters.
One of the major draws is Andohahela National Park in Madagascar, known for its extensive diversity of lemurs—a unique primate group that has evolved in isolation on the island, representing about 20% of all primate species globally. The national park also has a rich variety of rare endemic bird species. The cruise itinerary intriguingly features Lokaro Beach, a remote destination accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles, which provides a singular beach experience as part of the route.
The Zaandam, one of Holland America Line's R-class ships, first set sail in May 2000. The cruise itself is a curated itinerary emphasizing wildlife sightings as it travels from Cape Town to Madagascar across 2025 and 2026. This particular route includes exploring various regions of Madagascar, including Nosy Be, a volcanic island within the Mozambique Channel. The cruise line is expected to offer several other itineraries between 2024 and 2026 that will highlight different wildlife-focused explorations.
Historically, Holland America Line has offered other wildlife-centric cruises, including a 17-night tour of East Africa and Madagascar highlighting the natural world of the region. The Zaandam, the name of the ship, is linked to the Dutch town of Zaandam, highlighting its connection to maritime history. This link could serve as a reminder of the historic role of Dutch shipping in this area.
Interestingly, the area the cruise will cover offers a variety of opportunities for travelers interested in marine life. The Mozambique Channel itself is a unique marine ecosystem with a variety of fish and whale species and acts as a vital breeding ground for many types of fish. The mixing of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans in the Channel creates unusual weather conditions that affect marine migration patterns, making the area rich for bird watchers as well. Further, Madagascar's habitats, from its forests to its more arid regions, support many endemic species, including the elusive fossa, a top predator. These unusual ecological environments and the diverse wildlife, including a large portion of the world's chameleon population, are primarily found in protected areas. It's possible that the onboard dining on the Zaandam could feature the local Malagasy cuisine, incorporating the flavors of Madagascar's unique animal and plant life into its menu.
From a more technical perspective, understanding the engineering of ocean currents and how they distribute nutrients in the Mozambique Channel is central to understanding the dynamic marine ecosystem. This unique ecosystem is an important factor in supporting wildlife and a key component of attracting cruise passengers interested in witnessing marine and animal life up close.
7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Regent Seven Seas Navigator 23-Night Cape Town Round Trip with Anderson Cooper in March 2025
In March 2025, the Regent Seven Seas Navigator will set sail on a unique 23-night journey, circling back to Cape Town. This voyage, featuring the presence of Anderson Cooper, will provide a luxury cruise experience with a particular focus on wildlife. The 490-passenger, 33,000-ton Navigator will cater to those looking for a more intimate and exclusive cruise experience while showcasing the beautiful natural world of Southern Africa and Madagascar. Expect an emphasis on upscale, all-suite accommodations and a modern ship design. The Navigator's role in this cruise is part of a larger set of itineraries offered between 2025 and 2026, demonstrating a noticeable rise in interest for African cruises. It remains to be seen how this increased focus on exploring Africa's unique ecosystems and rich cultural heritage will impact the popularity of these voyages for both Regent Seven Seas and the cruise industry in general. The Navigator's approach seems to successfully combine a taste for exploration with a strong desire for top-tier luxury.
Regent Seven Seas Navigator's 23-night Cape Town round trip in March 2025 stands out due to its inclusion of journalist Anderson Cooper. This voyage, part of a broader set of African itineraries running through 2026, promises a luxurious all-inclusive experience. The 33,000-ton, 490-passenger Navigator is geared toward high-end travel, featuring all-suite accommodations. The design emphasizes a contemporary aesthetic, providing a polished setting for the journey.
It's fascinating that the Navigator will also sail on a 25-night Barcelona to Cape Town itinerary starting in October 2025, indicating that the line views the African route as potentially profitable. The cruise is likely to incorporate various ports and regions, emphasizing both cultural experiences and wildlife encounters. This highlights the evolving demand for these types of African cruises and destinations, suggesting that travelers have a growing interest in the rich tapestry of wildlife and culture found throughout the African continent. It will be interesting to see if this trend develops.
In addition to the African itineraries, the cruise line is expected to feature explorations in India, Southeast Asia, and Australia throughout 2025 and 2026, demonstrating a broader strategy to offer cruises through these regions, too. While a 23-night trip might not appeal to everyone, there are alternative sailings, which makes it more likely to capture different customer segments. We can expect a blend of onshore excursions focused on specific local areas and opportunities to visit places like Madagascar or other significant ports along the way. It will be interesting to see if the success of this type of cruise will lead to further expansion of similar cruise offerings to other parts of the world.
7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Small Ship Adventure through Aldabra Atoll on Ponant Le Jacques Cartier April 2025
In April 2025, a small ship adventure aboard Ponant's Le Jacques Cartier promises a unique journey through Aldabra Atoll, a jewel of the Seychelles. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remote atoll boasts untouched landscapes and is a haven for wildlife. Expect to encounter large populations of giant tortoises and a wide array of endemic bird species while cruising through emerald lagoons and past small coral islands. This expedition is part of a broader itinerary spanning Cape Town to Madagascar, emphasizing wildlife encounters and a connection with the environment.
Le Jacques Cartier, one of Ponant's Explorer series, is built with eco-friendly technology, a testament to the company's focus on responsible travel. The ship's design emphasizes both luxury and sustainability, offering amenities like a spa, fitness center and cutting-edge audiovisual equipment. It's evident that the cruise industry is increasingly focused on the unique biodiversity of the African continent, particularly in remote locations like the Aldabra Atoll. While this cruise certainly caters to those seeking luxury and immersion in nature, it's a sign of a broader shift towards travel that balances incredible experiences with a reduced ecological footprint. Whether this approach will become more widespread across the broader cruise industry is still uncertain, however.
The Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Seychelles, offers an extraordinary glimpse into a nearly untouched natural world. This remote atoll, consisting of four main coral islands encircling an emerald lagoon, is a haven for a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the largest known population of giant tortoises—over 100,000 individuals. Its unique location and isolation in the Indian Ocean have shaped a remarkable ecosystem, with a high number of endemic species not found anywhere else.
The geological history of Aldabra, born from isolation, makes it susceptible to both powerful tropical storms and the rising sea level, impacts that inevitably shape the habitats and biodiversity that reside within the atoll. Ponant's Le Jacques Cartier, the sixth ship in their EXPLORERS series, is designed for expedition cruising in the tropics. Its engineering features environmentally-friendly technology which allows for careful navigation through the shallow waters surrounding the atoll, minimizing disturbances to the delicate ecosystem.
The marine biodiversity around Aldabra is remarkable with over 400 species of fish and diverse marine mammals, including dolphins, which frequently visit the waters. The ecological processes and evolutionary pathways present within the atoll are of immense interest to researchers, with Aldabra serving as a crucial location for scientific exploration, particularly in coral reef studies that offer valuable insight into climate change and adaptation within marine life.
While Aldabra is remote, reaching the atoll is somewhat easier today than in the past. Many visitors start with a flight to Victoria, Seychelles, with several airlines like Air Seychelles offering connections from significant international hubs. Once there, the experience aboard Le Jacques Cartier becomes the central element of the journey. The ship’s amenities create a luxurious, small-ship feel, and they facilitate personalized excursions that guide visitors through the stunning landscapes and provide opportunities for in-depth exploration of the islands.
The Ponant culinary team makes the best of their local surroundings. They've incorporated the Seychelles' regional cuisine into their menu, adding a new flavor profile that blends elements of indigenous tastes and classic French gastronomic traditions. This, along with the opportunity to encounter the Aldabra giant tortoises, the fascinating white-throated rail, and the endemic Aldabra banded snail, highlight the exceptional wildlife focus of the Aldabra itinerary. It's a glimpse into a pristine environment, with experiences that offer a sense of adventure and a greater understanding of the dynamic natural world found within the Indian Ocean. It's this ability to offer insight into such a unique natural environment, while providing an elevated level of travel experience, that makes this itinerary a fascinating choice for 2025.
7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Seabourn Sojourn Wildlife Photography Cruise Along the East African Coast May 2025
Seabourn's Sojourn is slated to host a wildlife photography-focused cruise along the East African coast in May 2025. This cruise is part of a larger collection of itineraries aimed at wildlife enthusiasts exploring the African continent, with the route spanning destinations across the region. The cruise itself centers around wildlife photography, with onboard workshops likely to enhance the experience for travelers interested in honing their skills while surrounded by stunning scenery.
The Sojourn, a luxury vessel launched in 2010, provides a comfortable setting with generous suites, including verandas, catering to those seeking an elevated travel experience. While the cruise primarily revolves around Eastern African wildlife encounters, it could include explorations of archaeological sites and time in other scenic locations.
The emphasis on wildlife photography and the luxury cruise elements suggest the itinerary caters to a niche travel market, though one that's showing signs of growth. With interest in specialized, nature-based cruises increasing, this voyage stands out as potentially attractive to discerning travelers seeking a unique and immersive African experience. However, it remains to be seen whether Seabourn will succeed in attracting enough customers to make it a sustainable addition to its cruise schedule.
Seabourn Sojourn's planned Wildlife Photography Cruise along East Africa's coast in May 2025 offers a unique lens for exploring the region's natural diversity. While the cruise itself focuses on luxury, it presents some interesting angles for keen photographers.
One intriguing aspect is the potential to capture images of various birds, including the African fish eagle, which is known for its powerful calls and presence near the coastline during the excursions. Given its prevalence and distinctive sounds, it could be a compelling subject for bird enthusiasts. The Mozambique Channel, which borders this area, hosts a huge variety of fish and coral species, offering an abundance of opportunities for underwater photography during snorkeling trips. This might appeal to photographers who want to capture the complex underwater world found along the East African coast.
Another compelling element of this time frame is the presence of migratory birds. May sees the arrival of species such as the white-throated bee-eater which could present attractive photo opportunities. A visit to historic towns like Lamu, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, could provide an intriguing backdrop to capture scenes that blend the historical architecture of Swahili culture with the surrounding wildlife.
There is a possibility that the culinary aspects of this trip might feature local flavors and traditional cooking techniques that use locally sourced ingredients. This could be a useful photographic angle for those interested in documenting culinary and food-related aspects of the region.
While not directly part of the cruise route, the nearby Socotra Archipelago's extraordinary biodiversity, especially its unique "Dragon Blood Trees," undoubtedly impacts the local ecosystems. Its unusual plant life represents a compelling visual component that highlights the biodiversity found in the area. Furthermore, the cruise might provide the chance to observe endemic wildlife, like the critically endangered Tana River mangabey monkey. These animals are known for their intricate social interactions, which could make them fascinating subjects for wildlife photographers.
Another technical consideration is the exceptional dark skies present along the coastline during the trip. The region's clear skies, particularly around the New Moon phase, provide a unique setting for night sky astrophotography, highlighting the beauty of the Southern Hemisphere's celestial events.
Local East African cuisine is often shaped by traditional ecological knowledge, meaning that understanding the use of native ingredients could reveal fascinating connections between local culinary practices and the area's biodiversity. This suggests that the trip might potentially offer opportunities to document local culinary practices and link them to the unique environment, creating photography that blends gastronomy and ecological awareness. It's also worth considering that the time period could possibly coincide with local cultural festivals, which would provide the chance to capture unique images that combine the vibrant tapestry of human culture with the wildlife-focused goals of the journey.
Ultimately, the Seabourn Sojourn's cruise offers a diverse tapestry for photography, moving beyond purely aesthetic considerations to explore unique ecological relationships that inform the natural environment, as well as the cultural and culinary practices that are shaped by those factors. Whether this trip lives up to its promises will likely depend on the quality and variety of the excursions and the ability to encounter wildlife in a meaningful way.
7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Crystal Symphony Madagascar and Reunion Island Nature Cruise June 2025
Crystal Cruises' Crystal Symphony will be sailing on a Madagascar and Reunion Island Nature Cruise in June 2025. This particular cruise is one of seven specially designed itineraries by Crystal Cruises, focusing on providing travelers with chances to encounter diverse wildlife. The luxury ship, the Crystal Symphony, has recently been updated and provides travelers with a range of amenities like expansive suites and high-end dining options. The goal here is to provide travelers with an elevated experience that emphasizes the natural beauty of the islands and the wider Indian Ocean. The itinerary covers a variety of locations beyond just Madagascar and Reunion Island, including the Mediterranean and other parts of Africa, providing a nice mix of cultural and wildlife-focused stops. The overall focus on the itinerary is toward immersive experiences, as the cruise industry tries to innovate and offer experiences that stand out.
The Crystal Symphony's Madagascar and Reunion Island Nature Cruise scheduled for June 2025 presents a fascinating opportunity to explore a unique part of the world. Madagascar's isolation for over 165 million years has resulted in an incredibly diverse ecosystem, with roughly 100 lemur species found nowhere else on the planet. This evolutionary haven features about 90% of its animal and plant life being unique to the island. One interesting geological aspect to consider is the formation of the Tsingy de Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking limestone karst formations.
Interestingly, getting to Madagascar and Reunion Island has become somewhat easier over the past year or so. Air Austral and Air Mauritius have expanded their flight routes to these islands, opening up access to this unique cruise. In terms of cuisine, the blend of French, African, and Asian cooking styles results in a vibrant dining scene where dishes often feature locally sourced ingredients like zebu cattle and, of course, vanilla, for which Madagascar is well known.
The marine ecosystems surrounding Madagascar are also quite significant. The coral reefs and the Mozambique Channel are both recognized as major hotspots of biodiversity and provide habitats for a massive array of fish and other marine life. The channel's unique location where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet creates some unusual weather patterns which influence the behavior of many marine species.
Madagascar's diverse population and cultural heritage adds to its appeal. The island nation features over 18 distinct ethnic groups, the result of a historical mix of African and Austronesian influences. This blend is evident in the island's languages, traditions, and festive events, which could contribute to a deeper cultural understanding during the cruise.
There's a growing trend towards luxury cruise offerings in Africa, and Madagascar is seen as a key part of this trend. Projections indicate more high-end cruise options focused on wildlife encounters will materialize in the coming years. The capital city, Antananarivo, is also improving its infrastructure with hopes of attracting more tourists, which could enhance the overall experience for cruise passengers before and after the cruise.
Finally, it's worth noting that June is right at the beginning of humpback whale migration season. It is quite possible that cruise passengers might have the chance to see these majestic animals as they journey to warmer waters, adding an exceptional layer to the overall wildlife experience offered by the cruise. It seems that this particular Crystal Symphony itinerary is quite well timed to capture the best of what Madagascar offers.
7 Exclusive Africa Cruise Itineraries Offering Wildlife Encounters from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2025-2026 - Silversea Silver Spirit Tanzania and Seychelles Wildlife Expedition October 2025
Silversea's Silver Spirit will offer a Tanzania and Seychelles Wildlife Expedition in October 2025, as part of a set of unique African cruise itineraries. This cruise aims to provide an experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing and focuses on immersive wildlife encounters. The cruise itinerary is structured to allow travelers to experience the diverse ecosystems and unique animals of the region, especially through the use of smaller Zodiac boats to access remote wildlife locations.
The Silver Spirit itself is known for its spaciousness and luxurious features, meaning the level of comfort and service on this trip will be above average. This particular itinerary is meant to appeal to travelers seeking to delve deeper into Africa's diverse landscapes and animal populations, while also enjoying the luxury and comfort found on high-end cruise ships.
It seems the cruise industry is shifting its focus to Africa, creating more specialized cruises that are not just for beachgoers but for those interested in the continent's rich tapestry of animal life and habitats. It's quite plausible that in the coming years, cruises similar to this one will continue to grow in popularity, suggesting the desire for these types of specialized experiences is expanding among travelers.
Silversea's Silver Spirit is offering a Tanzania and Seychelles Wildlife Expedition in October 2025, which seems like an interesting itinerary among the seven exclusive Africa cruise offerings they've planned for 2025-2026. This specific expedition combines two very different ecosystems, the savannas of Tanzania and the unique marine environment surrounding the Seychelles, promising a variety of wildlife viewing experiences.
Tanzania is famous for its wildlife, and this cruise could potentially offer chances to witness the Great Migration, a truly remarkable spectacle of nature where millions of wildebeest and zebras roam across the landscape. It's worth noting that this occurs on a yearly basis, and whether this will align with the cruise schedule could be a factor in the planning process. Additionally, Tanzania is home to other notable wildlife areas, such as the Selous Game Reserve. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site with a wide range of species including elephants, lions and other animals, and this trip may potentially focus on these spots.
The Seychelles, on the other hand, offers an entirely different landscape with many unique and endemic species. Around 50% of the bird species found there are only present in this archipelago, making it quite a noteworthy destination for birders. It will be interesting to see what types of excursions the cruise line has planned for these unique islands, especially considering the marine environment of this region. There are over 400 species of fish in these waters, so snorkeling and diving would likely be popular options.
From a luxury perspective, the Silver Spirit itself has undergone a significant renovation and is part of Silversea's fleet known for comfortable accommodations and amenities. Expect spacious suites, perhaps with private balconies, which would offer great views of the coastline and surrounding landscape. It seems like a focus on higher-end travel and luxury is an important aspect of this cruise, as it typically is for Silversea. It remains to be seen how well this itinerary attracts passengers in a still relatively niche travel segment, but it may be an indication of a trend.
On the cultural side, the cruise could potentially include encounters with the local Maasai communities in Tanzania. It will be intriguing to see if they provide excursions and cultural activities that allow interaction with the local population. This is especially important in a region with significant cultural variety.
The culinary aspect of the cruise might include Seychellois cuisine, which draws from several influences, including African, French, Indian, and Chinese traditions. We can expect an emphasis on seafood and tropical fruit.
From a traveler's perspective, one interesting point is that October is typically a busy time in terms of flights to both Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and the Seychelles. Airlines usually offer more flights to these regions during this season, which could lead to more affordable fares for connecting flights.
In summary, the Silver Spirit Tanzania and Seychelles Wildlife Expedition in October 2025 could potentially be a fascinating journey for travelers seeking a combination of luxurious amenities, high-quality wildlife viewing opportunities and perhaps some culturally focused experiences. Whether the combined experience lives up to the promises of the brochure is of course something that needs to be confirmed once the cruise is completed. It's worth watching how this niche part of the travel industry develops in the coming years.