Experiences - Specialty Cruises

If you're a seasoned cruiser seeking something beyond the traditional megaship experience, specialty cruise lines offer intimate, immersive, and uniquely tailored voyages. Lines like Sea Cloud Cruises and Star Clippers evoke the golden age of sailing, combining classic tall ships with refined service and exotic itineraries. Expect elegant, wind-powered journeys to lesser-visited ports, where the ship is as much a part of the adventure as the destination.

Windstar Cruises delivers upscale, small-ship experiences with personalized attention and access to tucked-away harbors larger ships can’t reach. With just a few hundred guests on board, you'll enjoy fine dining, outstanding service, and culturally rich shore programs in regions like the Mediterranean, South Pacific, and Central America.

Virgin Voyages brings a fresh, adults-only twist to cruising, blending modern design, elevated dining (no buffets), and a vibrant onboard vibe. It's ideal for cruisers looking for a youthful, boutique hotel feel at sea, complete with flexible itineraries and immersive, longer stays in port.

If you’re eager to explore wild, remote places in-depth, UNCruise Adventures offers expedition-style cruises to places like Alaska, Costa Rica, and the Sea of Cortez. These small ships focus on nature, culture, and active excursions. Think kayaking past glaciers, hiking in rainforest, and close wildlife encounters — all with expert guides and a deeply sustainable ethos.

Each of these lines caters to curious, engaged travelers looking for an authentic experience beyond the usual cruise fare. Whether your passion lies in elegant sailing, off-the-beaten-path discovery, or contemporary luxury, specialty cruises offer fresh and unforgettable ways to rediscover the world by sea.

	Paul Gauguin Cruises offers an intimate and luxurious escape through the enchanting islands of Tahiti and the South Pacific. With its small-ship elegance, attentive service, and all-inclusive experience, the cruise creates a serene and romantic atmosphere perfect for honeymoons or couples’ getaways. Guests are immersed in the vibrant Polynesian culture and breathtaking scenery—turquoise lagoons, lush landscapes, and stunning sunsets. Fine dining, secluded beaches, and overwater bungalows enhance the dreamlike experience. The allure lies in the blend of exotic destinations, personalized service, and an ambiance of timeless romance set against one of the world’s most idyllic backdrops.
	Sea Cloud offers an exciting cruise experience by combining luxurious comfort with the charm of classic sailing. This unique vessel, a fully rigged tall ship, provides an intimate atmosphere with personalized service and a strong focus on elegance and heritage. Guests enjoy gourmet dining, spacious staterooms, and immersive itineraries that explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. The ship's graceful design and traditional sailing operations create a romantic and adventurous ambiance rarely found on modern cruises. Sea Cloud appeals to travelers seeking refined experiences, historical flair, and the thrill of ocean travel under majestic sails, making it a standout in the luxury cruise market.
	Star Clippers offers a unique sailing experience by combining the grandeur of traditional tall ships with modern luxury and comfort. Unlike conventional cruise lines, its fleet consists of authentic, fully-rigged sailing vessels that travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations. Guests enjoy an intimate, relaxed atmosphere with fewer passengers, personalized service, and opportunities to participate in the sailing process. The ships embody maritime heritage while providing amenities like fine dining, comfortable cabins, and water sports activities. Star Clippers appeals to travelers seeking adventure, romance, and a connection to the sea, all while experiencing the elegance and charm of classic clipper ships.
	An UNCruise Adventure offers an immersive, small-ship experience focused on exploration and connection to nature. With fewer than 100 guests, the atmosphere is intimate and personalized. Days are filled with kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife watching in remote destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, or the Galápagos. Expert guides lead educational excursions, offering insights into local ecosystems and cultures. Onboard, the casual environment emphasizes community, with shared meals crafted from fresh, regional ingredients. The absence of large crowds and rigid schedules creates a relaxed yet active journey, perfect for travelers seeking adventure, discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
	Adults return to Virgin Voyages cruises for the upscale, child-free atmosphere, world-class dining with over 20+ eateries, and vibrant, curated entertainment unlike traditional cruises. Stylish ships, inclusive pricing with tips, Wi-Fi, and group workouts create a stress-free, modern experience. The flexible itineraries and focus on wellness, nightlife, and creativity appeal to a younger, adventurous crowd. Personalized service and a strong sense of community enhance the appeal. With unique shore excursions and a fresh take on cruising, Virgin Voyages offers a lifestyle-focused escape that keeps travelers engaged, entertained, and eager to set sail again.
	Cruisers love Windstar Cruises for its intimate, yacht-style experience, personalized service, and access to smaller, less-traveled ports that larger ships can't reach. Both the iconic sailing ships and sleek motorized yachts offer a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere, gourmet dining, and immersive, destination-focused itineraries. The sailing fleet appeals to those seeking traditional nautical charm, while motorized ships offer modern luxury with spacious suites and expanded amenities. Guests appreciate Windstar's attention to detail, authentic cultural experiences, and the feeling of being on a private yacht rather than a mass-market cruise, making each voyage unique, memorable, and tailored to adventurous, curious travelers.