New Small Ship Itineraries from Wilderness Travel Feature River Cruising, Circumnavigation and Sailing Past Icebergs

Known for out-of-the-way itineraries that delve deep into a region’s culture and its cuisine, Wilderness Travel is offering 25 new small ship cruises for 2017. Extremely popular for the adventure travel company since they introduced them several years ago, these cruises bring travelers to remote locations that large ships cannot access, and provide an engaging cultural and wildlife experience. Many of these cruises feature expert lecturers onboard, who share their deep knowledge of the destinations.

While the vessels are not operated by Wilderness Travel, the company selects the best ships on the waterways that match the interests of the company’s clientele. “The ships in our offerings feature fascinating itineraries, and get you there in great comfort,” says Barbara Banks, director of marketing and new trip development for the company. “Many of the itineraries are offered only once, so if a trip piques your interest, book it this year!“

Here are highlights of new and popular small cruise itineraries from Wilderness Travel:

Navigate Icebergs in the Northern Realms

Wilderness Travel is seeing a large uptick in interest and bookings to the Northern Realms and has increased itineraries to this region with four new small ship cruises. With the area’s many icebergs, inlets, fjords and glaciers, travel by boat is the ultimate way to see its striking landscapes. The new 11-day Unexplored Greenland cruise sets passengers aboard Le Boréal, a 132-cabin yacht-like vessel serving French cuisine, to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings in this vast, yet seldom-visited country. Travelers will explore the landscape by Zodiac, cross the Arctic Circle, see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Disko Bay, pass by one of the world’s most active glaciers, visit a research station and spot wildlife like calving whales, musk oxen, narwhals and polar bears. Prices start at $8480 per person double occupancy with one departure on July 31, 2017.

Other new Northern Realm small ship itineraries include:

• Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq - 10 days exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle
• Voyage to the Arctic - 15-day trip from Iceland to Norway
• The Arctic in Focus - 11 days in the Svalbard region of the Arctic
• Circumnavigation of Iceland - 12 days sailing around the country

Expanding Options in River Cruising

With river cruising continuing to grow in popularity, WildernessTravel offers popular trips down the Danube, the Rhine, the Nile and other famous rivers aboard some of the most renowned boats in operation. The ships offer rooftop decks, espresso bars, libraries, elegant dining rooms and a variety of active options for travelers, including bike tours and different levels of walking tours depending on fitness levels. The vessels are able to dock at small towns and villages along the way, which are not accessible to larger boats, and offer authentic connection to the local culture. “It’s an intimate experience of getting to know a country, its culture and your fellow passengers,” says Banks. “River cruising aboard these boats is a really dreamy way to experience old Europe.”

New for 2017 is the Blue Danube Discovery Cruise, which takes guests through some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations in Germany, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic, absorbing the history and culture of each along the way. Cruise past castles, walk through the towns of Vienna, Budapest and Prague, exploring villages by bike and strolling cobblestone streets. Three ships transport guests on Airport Transfers, including the AmaCerto with a glass elevator, sun deck swimming pool, fitness center, spa and beauty salon. Prices start at $2899 per person double occupancy with departures April through October 2017.

Sailing the Ancient Amber Route of the Baltics

The Baltics is another region that continues to have huge appeal for WildernessTravel with its Best of the Baltic cruise a perpetual favorite. The 17-day cruise navigates through 10 countries united by the Baltic Sea, exploring each culture’s individual history, cuisine and architecture. It includes a trip down the Danube, a stop at the largest island in the Baltic, visits to many of the area’s key cities like St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm, as well as exploration of lesser known towns in Latvia, Estonia and Finland. Travelers will sail aboard the Island Sky, a yacht-like vessel with 53 outward-facing suites, a lounge, bar, library and expansive outdoor decks for enjoying the views.

Enjoy Modern Conveniences in Cuba

With Cuba an increasing hot spot that is struggling to provide the capacity for the ever-growing floods of tourists, staying aboard a small ship with fresh food, air conditioning and modern conveniences is a smart alternative for visiting the country. “When traveling aboard the Variety Voyager, a 72-guest motor yacht cruiser, you don’t have to worry about hotels, which may have dropped your reservation. Instead, you get to return to comfortable accommodations with freshly-prepared food each evening and you only have to unpack your bags once,” says Banks. “It’s a unique opportunity to approach the island from the water, and you still get to see all the places you want to experience, have the cultural exchanges and dine at the locally-owned restaurants.”

The company’s 8-day Cuba Cultural Adventure continues to be heavily booked and returns for 2017. The trip explores not just Havana, but sails halfway around the island visiting less frequented stops like Trinidad, Cayo Largo and Isla de la Juventud. Experience the music, architecture, art and daily life of Cubans while enjoying its natural beauty with white sand beaches, crystal blue seas and lost-in-time feeling. The trip also includes informative lectures about Cuba and an opportunity to learn about programs to help endangered species programs. Prices start at $5590 with multiple departures in December 2016 and January and March 2017.

For more information about Wilderness Travel’s small ship cruises or to book a trip, visit www.WildernessTravel.com or call 800-368-2794.