Best Cruises for Nature Lovers

Spot some wildlife on your next cruise!

Aside from the obvious reasons for booking a cruise such as seeing multiple destinations on one trip and getting great value for money with all your meals and entertainment included, cruise itineraries often stop at the best holiday destinations for spotting wildlife as well. If you are an avid bird spotter, snorkelling enthusiast, or budding wildlife photographer these cruises could be for you.

Borneo, Malaysia – Orangutans

Orangutan means ‘man of the forest’ in the local Malay language. These critically endangered apes call the forests of Borneo and Sumatra home. The best place to visit them while in port is the 280-acre Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. At the park, you can also see rhinos, tigers, and pygmy elephants. Cruise lines that stop in Borneo’s Kota Kinabalu include Azamara, Oceana, Princess, Costa, and Cunard.

Alaska, USA – Bears

In Alaska, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that you might see more animals than people on your cruise. From brown bears and black bears (most active in spring and summer) to moose, mountain goats, sea otters, wolves, seals, and sea lines. Plus, over 300 species of bird including bald eagles, puffins, and the red-tailed hawk. To see schools of salmon leaping impressively up waterfalls, cruise between July and September. Humpback, killer, and beluga whales can be seen migrating along the coast between May and September. There are plenty of cruise lines to choose from when visiting Alaska from mega-ships, to luxury small ships, and adventure-ready expedition ships. Ask your My Cruises expert to help you find the perfect ship!

Komodo Island, Indonesia – Komodo Dragons

Komodo Island is a unique destination where you feel as if you have travelled back in time. Explore the national parks and meet the prehistoric beasts the island is named for, the Komodo dragon. Several cruise lines offer itineraries which stop in Komodo, including P&O, Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Oceania, Regent, NCL, Cruise & Maritime, Seabourn, Silversea, Carnival and Azamara.

Yasawa Islands, Fiji – Manta Rays

Blue Lagoon offer three, four, or seven-day cruises through the Yasawa Islands where you can meet local people, experience local culture, and visit pristine and secluded bays throughout the islands. There will be plenty of opportunity for snorkelling with the colourful reef fish, and if you are lucky sharks and manta rays too (May-October).

Milford Sound, New Zealand – Penguins

Milford Sound is world renowned for its epic waterfalls, impressive cliff faces, and lush greenery. While cruising you can often spot penguins between July and November, and fur seals too! Cruise lines that sail in the Milford Sound include Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, NCL, Azamara, and P&O.

Hawaii, USA – Turtles

A seven-day Hawaiian cruise around the four largest islands in Hawaii with NCL gives you the best chance of getting up close with a sea turtle. Best seen while snorkelling or surfing, you might also be lucky enough to see dolphins and whales as well!