A Six Star cruise is certainly a great way to explore some of the world’s most exotic destinations, and the luxury lines pride themselves on offering itineraries which bring you the very best of each port of call you visit. For the wildlife lover especially, Six Star cruises are a great way to experience a whole host of natural wonders, both in their natural habitat and in any number of wildlife parks, nature reserves and animal sanctuaries which all play an important role in the conservation of many rare and endangered species.
So, if you’ve set your mind on a luxury cruise and an encounter with wildlife is on the agenda, here’s a look at some of the most popular exotic destinations and the kinds of creatures you can expect to find there.
Galapagos Islands
No other destination really says ‘exotic animals’ like the Galapagos Islands. Lying in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, they belong to the country of Ecuador and boast a huge number of species which can found nowhere else on Earth. Many of these species were famously studied by Charles Darwin and played a role in his writings on the theory of evolution and they’ve enthralled scientists and casual visitors alike ever since.
The growth of the cruise market has in turn seen a growth in opportunity for cruisers to experience the unique wildlife for themselves, with lines such as Crystal Cruises and Silversea offering Galapagos itineraries, the latter launching a brand-new vessel dedicated to exploring the archipelago’s wonders.
What you can see
A huge amount of unique species. On land, the famous Giant Tortoise and Land Iguanas, as well as Lava Lizards and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The surrounding ocean is home to Green Sea Turtles, the Galapagos Fur Seals and Sea Lions and a number of Rays. The islands are especially popular with birds, and as well as such native species as Blue-footed Boobies, Galapagos Mockingbirds and Galapagos Penguins, there are around 29 species of migratory birds you may catch sight of too.
Alaska
The USA’s northernmost and largest state is an area of stunning natural beauty, and because around half of its residents live in its largest city Anchorage and it’s the country’s least populated state, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore and see for yourself the region’s stunning wildlife in a truly natural setting.
What you can see
A number of iconic Arctic species. You’ll likely have to partake in an expedition cruise to see the region’s mightiest denizen, the awesome polar bear, but sailing across the oceans from one port to the next, you’ll have the chance to see Gray Whale in their natural habitat, sea lions and perhaps a hump back or an Orca or two. There’s also the chance to see puffins and maybe even the odd Bald Eagle.
Antarctica
The other polar end of the earth offers an abundance of icy wonders, too. In fact, 98 per cent of it is covered with ice which is an average of a mile thick. It’s the coldest and windiest place on Earth, which is perhaps why it’s long presented such a challenge for some of history’s most famous explorers. These days, the going’s a little easier thanks to luxury lines such as Seabourn and Azamara offering memorable explorations of the region, which typically begin in the altogether more favourable climes of Argentina and Chile.
What you can see
Iconic ice giants like majestic King Penguins as well as Gentoo and Magellanic penguins. There’s also the chance to see Elephant Seals, Minke Whales and Black-Browed Albatross, too.
The Amazon River
Brazil’s Amazon River passes through the Amazon basin, an area of immense natural beauty and home to some truly spectacular wildlife – one third of all the world’s species live there. Because luxury ships are generally a smaller, many luxury lines including Oceania cruises and Azamara Club Cruises offer itineraries which travel the world’s second longest river and some of its smaller ports of call, allowing for some great opportunities for wildlife-spotting.
What you can see
Mammals such as the beautiful Amazon River Dolphin, also known as the Pink Dolphin, the giant otter and a number of turtle species. However, the river’s perhaps best known for its well-over 2,000 species of fish, including the Pirarucu the world’s largest freshwater fish, and of course, the famous piranha.
Africa
This huge continent, of course, boasts some of the world’s most iconic species of wildlife and though many dwell deep inland in their natural habitat, Africa’s still a very popular destination for luxury cruises, as a number of itineraries call at ports which offer excursions and adventures in nearby game reserves, wildlife parks and gardens.
What you can see
Elephants, flamingos, leopards, gazelles, antelopes, zebras and perhaps surprisingly, seals and penguins, too, if you visit a park or wildlife sanctuary on the more southern coast.
Asia
This huge eastern continent is always a popular choice for luxury cruises, and one of the world’s most ecologically diverse. Depending on which countries your itinerary takes you to, you’ll have the chance to meet some of nature’s most memorable creatures. One great place to visit for wildlife lovers and if your itinerary begins or ends in Singapore is the city’s Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal zoo which houses 120 species, where animals are made visible by use of artificial light which resembles moonlight.
What you can see
Malayan Tigers, Giant Pandas, Chengdu Pandas, Proboscis monkeys, tapir, to name but a few.
Australia and New Zealand
The Earth’s most remote continent, Australasia is home to some of the world’s most memorable creatures and a huge number of indigenous species. Though cruising around the coastal highlights of Australia and New Zealand will put you into contact with some of the region’s marine life, trips to nearby wildlife sanctuaries can also introduce you to the continents iconic inland inhabitants.
What you can see
Kangaroos, Koala Bears, Tasmanian Devils, New Zealand Fur Seals, Royal Albatross, Yellow-eyed Penguins.
No matter where you go, you’ll certainly have fun ticking these animals off your ‘wildlife too see’ list but above all, remember that no sightings of a particular animal in its natural habitat are guaranteed by the cruise line you travel with, unless of course you’re visiting a specific wildlife park or sanctuary as part of your shore excursion experience.
By Simon Brotherton
Google