Epic Journeys by Water
Some bucket-list trips are about the journey itself: a lagoon in the South Pacific, a glacier face in Alaska, a river through Egypt.
Get free cruise quotes »Bora Bora and French Polynesia
The overwater bungalow was popularized in French Polynesia, and nowhere does it better than Bora Bora, where a turquoise lagoon wraps around the jagged peak of Mount Otemanu. Days are spent snorkeling with rays and reef sharks, lagoon picnics on a motu and sunsets from your deck.
Most visitors fly into Papeete on Tahiti and connect to Bora Bora, often adding Moorea. Compare Bora Bora and Tahiti hotels, or see the islands by small ship with South Pacific Cruising and Plan It South Pacific.
Alaska’s Glaciers and the Inside Passage
An Alaska cruise brings you face to face with tidewater glaciers in places such as Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm, with whales, bald eagles and frontier towns like Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan along the way. Add a land tour to Denali for the full experience. See Cruising Alaska and Juneau hotels.
Norway’s Fjords
Sheer cliffs, waterfalls and tiny farms clinging to green slopes make the Norwegian fjords one of the most spectacular cruising grounds in the world. Summer brings the midnight sun; winter sailings along the coast bring the Northern Lights. Start in Bergen and see Cruising Scandinavia.
A Nile River Cruise
Floating between Luxor and Aswan past palm-lined banks and temples is the timeless way to see ancient Egypt. Most cruises last three to seven nights, with guided visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Kom Ombo. See Nile River Boat Cruises and Aswan hotels.
Through the Panama Canal
Watching a ship rise through the locks and cross Gatún Lake between two oceans is an engineering marvel travelers never forget. Full transits often form part of cruises between Florida and California. See Panama Canal Cruising.
Epic Journeys FAQ
When is the best time for Bora Bora?
May to October is the drier, less humid season. November to April is warmer and wetter, with occasional storms, but often better value.
When can you cruise Alaska?
Cruises run from about May to September. May and September are usually cheaper; June to August bring the warmest weather and longest days.
How long is a Panama Canal cruise?
Full transits between the Atlantic and Pacific often take about two weeks; partial transits from the Caribbean enter the canal and return in a day as part of a shorter cruise.
Get quotes for your bucket-list cruise
Expedition ships fill early, especially in peak season. Cruise specialists can compare ships, cabins and departure dates for you — free, through the Official Cruise Directory.
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