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10 Bucket List Experiences for the Well-Traveled Explorer

Nothing inspires new adventures or fresh perspectives like a new year. Our expertly crafted itineraries are designed to immerse intrepid travelers in remote parts of our fascinating planet. As you plan for future voyages, consider checking off some of these unforgettable bucket-list experiences, from sailing among epic ice and rare wildlife in the legendary Northwest Passage to swimming in an otherworldly grotto on a pristine Polynesian island.

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Sail the Storied Northwest Passage

Venture in the wake of the legendary explorers who came before, encountering rare wildlife and epic icescapes in the Northwest Passage. Sail well above 80° north and witness mythic creatures like polar bears, walruses, or maybe even narwhals as you glide between glittering icebergs in Greenland, Canada, and the high Arctic.

See Northwest Passage: Greenland to Alaska >

Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Go on a Penguin Safari in the Subantarctic Isles

Sail south to the wildly beautiful subantarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia, where you can spot up to 8 of the world’s 18 penguin species,  including king penguins, endemic royal penguins, and even rare yellow-eyed penguins. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site, the remote and rugged isles that make up this fascinating region are home to millions of penguins and an absolute must-see for wildlife lovers.

See Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Isles >

Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Swim in an Otherworldly Grotto

With a flashlight in hand, explore a series of intricate underground limestone caves that support an uplifted coral atoll, one of the most unique landforms in all of the Pacific. Float past a multitude of incredible stalagmites as you enjoy the stillness of the grotto.

See Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring the Society & Tuamotu Islands >

Photo: Alan Chung

Fly the Drake Passage to Antarctica

Discover the wonder of the world’s last great wilderness in less time on our new Antarctica Direct voyages which fly over the Drake Passage either one way or both directions. With these flexible options, you can discover all of the highlights of the White Continent without sacrificing the extra time. Fly the Drake Passage with the pioneers of Antarctica exploration and experience the otherworldly realm of sculpted ice and abundant wildlife.

See Antactica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage


Courtesy: DAP Airlines

Marvel at Norway’s Bird-Filled Bear Island

Explore this remote Arctic isle that teems with an unbelievable number of seabirds who flock there to nest and feed in the summer months. On a thrilling Zodiac ride, cruise along the towering, angular cliffs formed over millions of years and through breathtaking caves and passages.

See Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard >
See Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard and the Northern Fjords >

Photo: Michael S. Nolan

Discover Egypt’s Greatest Antiquities

Sail the fabled Nile River as you explore gems of antiquity dating back 5,000 years. Walk through the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground for Egypt’s greatest pharaohs including King Tut, marvel at the pyramids of Giza, and stand beneath giant sandstone cliffs at the Temple of Hatshepsut.

See Egypt Itineraries >

Photo: Michael S. Nolan

Experience World-Class Wine Regions with Top Experts

Navigate the cerulean seas of the Mediterranean or the winding Columbia and Snake Rivers as you taste your way through these fertile regions. On our immersive new journeys with Food & Wine, savor the flavors of a curated menu of world-class wines and delectable pairings of these two areas while discovering rich history and thriving farmlands and vineyards.

See Mediterranean Aboard National Geographic Orion itineraries >
See Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History >

Take a 4x4 Super Jeep Ride into Iceland’s Mountains

Hop in a super jeep able to navigate rough terrain with ease and head deep into the coastal mountains of East Iceland to explore remote nature and hidden waterfalls. Stepping out to walk along wildflower-trimmed trails, you’ll have incredible views of the majestic fjords below all to yourself.

See Iceland Itineraries >

Main image, king penguins on Macquarie Island, Australia: Ralph Lee Hopkins