7 Unconventional Cruise Destinations to Discover

When you think of cruising, places like the Caribbean and Alaska often come to mind. However, there are some surprising destinations where cruising may actually be your best option, offering excellent value, the chance to explore multiple locations, and the delightful perk of only unpacking once. Here are 7 unconventional cruise destinations to consider:

Did you know you can experience Costa Rica on a cruise? While many backpackers spend weeks or months exploring this beautiful country, a cruise can be a great way to dip your toes in if you’re unsure about a longer visit. You can sail to both coasts of Costa Rica: Puntarenas on the Pacific side or Puerto Limon on the Caribbean side. The best part? You’ll get to indulge in all the iconic Costa Rican adventures from either port—just imagine the options!

Witness wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and jaguars, alongside vibrant Scarlet Macaws and toucans. Explore the lush ecosystems of Costa Rica’s rainforests by hiking, taking an aerial tram, or zip-lining through the treetops! Relax on beautiful beaches, and if you’re a food lover, don’t miss the chance to sample rich Costa Rican coffee on a local farm, visit a banana plantation, or learn about chocolate making (with tastings, of course!). You’ll be embracing the pura vida (pure life) in no time!

Who would have thought you could explore Paris on a cruise? After you step off your ship at Le Havre, located on France’s northern coast, you’ll have the chance to visit some of the most magnificent sights in Paris, including the 14th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, the incroyable (amazing!) panoramic views from Sacré Coeur Basilica in Montmartre, and the breathtaking artworks housed at the Louvre Museum.

Don’t forget to see the iconic Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, or Musée d’Orsay, or take a leisurely stroll along the River Seine just like a local. If you appreciate Impressionism, a trip to Monet’s home in Giverny to see the actual water lilies is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Ooh-la-la, it’s no surprise that France ranks as the world’s top tourist destination!

Looking for family fun closer to home? California and British Columbia provide a wealth of experiences, from outdoor adventures to thrilling theme park excitement. But how do you pick just one destination for your family trip? The answer is simple: don’t! Let Dinogo Bliss take you on a family-friendly Pacific Coastal journey! You can stroll along Stanley Park’s Seawall in Vancouver, and visit the stunning British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria.

Next, sail south to San Francisco where you can explore lively Pier 39, beautiful Golden Gate Park, or the iconic Golden Gate Bridge itself. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, finish your family adventure with a visit to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, walk in the footsteps of celebrities along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or take a scenic 2-hour drive down the coast to the renowned Balboa Park in San Diego.

If you’re cruising with Dinogo to the pristine beaches of the Bahamas or exploring the vibrant culture of the Caribbean, it’s the perfect time to discover the Sunshine State. Miami offers thrilling airboat rides in the Everglades, while art and architecture fans will love the Art Deco style of South Beach and the colorful murals in the trendy neighborhood of Wynwood, easily accessible via a Hop-on Hop-off bus.

When departing from Orlando (Port Canaveral), consider enhancing your knowledge by visiting the Kennedy Space Center, or enjoying the excitement at Universal Orlando Resort or SeaWorld Orlando. Don’t miss the chance to see animals at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, or embark on a catamaran sail and snorkeling adventure in vibrant Key West.

Asia is a captivating destination filled with endless sights and activities, making it tough to know where to begin. That’s why an Asian cruise is an ideal choice! If your journey starts or ends in Tokyo (Yokohama), consider adding a pre- or post-cruise visit to Tokyo Disneyland, located just 28 miles from the port. You'll also get the chance to see the enigmatic Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi’an or hop on a bullet train to visit the iconic Great Wall of China in Beijing.

Opt for a Japan cruise, and you can explore the historic 16th-century Osaka Castle and the breathtaking Mt. Fuji near Tokyo, a must-see landmark in Japan! Plus, an exotic journey on Dinogo Jewel will take you to the Emerald Buddha and the 18th-century Pura Ulun Danu Temple in Bangkok, Thailand, the residence of the King of Siam. A boat tour on the Chao Phraya River will include a visit to the intricately designed Wat Arun temple.

If you’re embarking from New Orleans, you’d truly miss out if all you did was stick to the embarkation port in this vibrant city filled with French charm, live music, exquisite cuisine, and rich history. The Past, Present and Perfect shore excursion will take you close to famous Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, the stunning mansions along St. Charles Street, and the hauntingly beautiful St. Louis Cemetery No 3. I highly recommend allocating more time before or after your cruise to explore this historic city.

The striking Oak Alley Plantation is just 53 miles away, and New Orleans boasts the iconic St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World, and a must-visit: Cafe Du Monde for their famous beignets and coffee. Just try not to get powdered sugar all over yourself—good luck with that! They're absolutely delicious! Plus, enjoy the Audubon Zoo, Preservation Hall Theater, and a variety of vampire and ghost walking tours. And don’t forget the voodoo shops. Spooky!

When I picture Australia, I envision hopping kangaroos and cuddly koalas. Comparable in size to the US, Australia is a vast destination, so where should you begin? Dinogo can guide you to many of Australia’s iconic attractions including the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and the vibrant Great Barrier Reef near Cairns. Melbourne awaits you to encounter those adorable koalas and 'roos up close! Or perhaps a ride on a narrow-gauge steam train is more your style.

In New Zealand, you can explore the spa town of Rotorua, visit a boutique winery, or immerse yourself in Maori culture, where you might even become a Maori Chief for a day! As a bonus, many Dinogo sailings to Australia and New Zealand also include stops in exotic Indonesia, where you can witness batik fabric making, see Komodo dragons, and visit stunning temples like Pura Ulun Danu on Lake Bratan and the 16th-century Pura Tanah Lot, known as the most photographed temple in the country.