These fascinating remote islands are best visited by cruise ship, says Natalie Marsh
Not every stop on a cruise itinerary is a buzzing city or vibrant port town. And for some people, getting as far away as possible is an appealing alternative to contending with crowds. Lucky, then, a cruise can also offer passengers an unparalleled opportunity to access some of the most far-flung destinations on the planet, whether that’s a tropical archipelago located in the middle of the Pacific or a polar island rarely frequented by tourists. Here is our pick of eight of the best remote islands you can visit on a cruise itinerary.
1. Uncover the culture of the Cook Islands
Not many locations in the world are more remote than the islands of the South Pacific, and the Cook Islands, with a population of less than 18,000, are a secluded haven. They’re often featured on cruise itineraries yet they’re hundreds of miles away from their nearest neighbours.
A stop here is a chance to experience the rich Polynesian culture: pay a visit to the islands’ sacred sites, see authentic artwork and exhibitions and sample local dishes.
Book it: The Cook Islands are a stop on Holland America Line’s 50‑Day Tales of the South Pacific cruise, which departs September 28 and costs from £13,998 for two people sharing an inside stateroom, including three shore excursions, a speciality dining experience, drinks and Wi-Fi.
hollandamerica.com
2. Experience the diversity of the Azores
Although they’re part of Portugal, it’s easy to forget – as the Azores are 950 miles from the mainland. Each of the destination’s nine major islands is different to the next. São Miguel Island, for example, is home to the capital Ponta Delgada, while Pico Island is known for its winemaking industry, where grapes are cultivated in unique ways in its vineyards.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis sails to Ponta Delgada, as well as Praia da Vitoria on Terceira Island, which has a historical quarter and some beautiful beaches to relax on, before heading on to Horta on Faial Island, renowned as a top yachting spot. A variety of species of whales can be found in the waters of the Azores, particularly between April and October, and visitors flock here for a chance to spot them breach.
Book it: Fred Olsen’s 11-night Scenic Islands of the Azores itinerary costs from £1,599, departing Liverpool on October 17.
fredolsencruises.com
3. Dive under the surface in Bermuda
Pink sandy beaches, vast underground caves and abundant nature reserves are among the attractions passengers can expect to see on an excursion in Bermuda. It’s an excellent spot for diving too, with hundreds of shipwrecks across the seabed.
The island lies more than 600 miles from the US mainland and farther still from the Caribbean islands. Cruise ships dock right by the Royal Naval Dockyard in the west of the island. The port was built at the end of the 18th century and has some interesting landmarks and colonial architecture.
Book it: Royal Caribbean International offers a five-night Bermuda cruise from £458 per person, based on two sharing an interior stateroom, departing October 8 from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.
myclubroyal.co.uk
4. Venture out to Easter Island
The giant stone-carved statues, also known as moai, are the most recognisable hallmarks of Easter Island. There are more than 1,000 dotted across the island, built and carved by native islanders, Rapa Nui, hundreds of years ago.
Visitors can learn more about this civilisation at the Rapa Nui Museum in the main town of Hanga Roa, which is also home to some of the best places to watch the sunset over the Pacific, with the striking moai in the foreground. Azamara’s Onward stops here for two days as part of its 16-night Pacific Mysteries Voyage itinerary.
Book it: Azamara’s Pacific Mysteries Voyage departs from Lima in Peru on January 18, 2024, and costs from £2,919 per person, including drinks and tips.
clubazamara.co.uk
5. Discover the wonderland of Svalbard
Svalbard is a wild tundra, with 24 hours of sun in the summer months and spectacular northern lights displays throughout the winter, thanks to its location in the Arctic Circle. Wildlife viewing is a priority on an expedition cruise to this remote Norwegian archipelago, as polar bears, walruses, reindeer and more are among the inhabitants that visitors can expect to see.
Zodiacs carry passengers onto the icy terrain where they can explore on foot. There are many places to stop around Spitsbergen, the largest island in Svalbard, including the coal-mining town of Longyearbyen, from where Quark Expeditions’ ship Ultramarine departs.
Book it: Quark Expeditions’ 10-day Intro to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard itinerary starts from $7,495, departing on May 8.
quarkexpeditions.com
6. See the penguins of South Georgia
Intimate wildlife encounters are one of the biggest selling points of an expedition cruise, and not many places come close to South Georgia. Penguins reside here in their millions and being able to walk close to them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Aurora Expeditions has a 19-day South Georgia & Antarctica Odyssey Expedition, four days of which are dedicated to exploring this extraordinary and remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean. The ship also sails through fjords and around bays, providing views of the incredible scenery that’s unlike anywhere else.
Book it: Aurora Expeditions’ 19-day South Georgia & Antarctica Odyssey sailing costs from £14,430 per person, based on two sharing a stateroom, departing on October 21. There are also departures in December this year and January and March 2023.
auroraexpeditions.co.uk
7. Bathe in the tropics of French Polynesia
Rather than recommending a voyage across the Pacific Ocean, suggest a cruise that starts and ends in French Polynesia instead to enable customers to really get under the skin of this far-flung destination. A round-trip sailing from Tahiti will give passengers the chance to visit multiple islands, including Bora Bora and Huahine, exploring some of their significant sites, such as Huahine’s temples, and to see blue‑eyed eels, which are considered sacred.
The island of Moorea is a geographical marvel with majestic mountains towering above strikingly blue waters. Each island also has idyllic snorkelling spots offering the chance to get up close to marine life.
Book it: Variety Cruises offers a seven-night Tahiti and the Pearls of French Polynesia cruise from £1,870 plus £214 port charges, departing August 5, 2022.
varietycruises.co.uk
8. Walk on the islands of Antarctica
Antarctica is indisputably one of the most remote regions in the world, but conditions often dictate which of its islands a ship can stop at. Half Moon Island, near the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, is a crescent-shaped isle stretching just over a mile in length and home to seals and penguins.
Farther south, jagged ice caps and mountains are key features of Petermann Island, while sailing into the nearby Neko Harbour on the peninsula showcases stunning views of the incredible glacial terrain.
Book it: Viking Cruises offers a 13-day Antarctic Explorer cruise for £12,995 per person for a November departure in a Nordic Balcony stateroom, including flights, all onboard meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, gratuities and Wi-Fi.
viking.com
Ask the expert
“After two years of restrictions, we are seeing travellers determined to fulfil their dreams and book bucket-list holidays. As exotic destinations such as the South Pacific reopen, our guests are responding to the allure of taking a ‘life‑enhancing’ holiday, experiencing lots of places in one, perfectly planned longer holiday.
“The South Pacific Islands, including American Samoa, Fiji, the Cook Islands, and French Polynesia, are tranquil and unspoilt destinations, with welcoming communities and myriad cultures to explore. These destinations are perfect for nature lovers, photographers or travellers celebrating a special occasion, all of whom will also enjoy leisurely overnight stops in Honolulu, Vaitape and Papeete providing a more in‑depth experience.”
Louise Ferreira, reservations concierge, Holland America Line
PICTURES: Shutterstock/AsiaTravel, f11photo, Romiana Lee; David Merron; Michael Baynes Photography; Mark Fitz
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