Cruising is the fastest growing sector of the travel industry, and while Canterbury has perhaps been a little slow to embrace the cruising revolution over the last few decades, we’re catching up very fast now! Discover Travel is a leading cruise specialist in Canterbury with 3 accredited Cruise Specialists and we are a strong supporter of the cruise industry.
We separate Cruising into 4 distinctly different categories:
Ocean Cruising – this is typically a holiday on a ship (usually mid to large size) and can often be seen as a floating resort with lots of choice for restaurants, bars and entertainment.
Small Ship Cruising – a popular alternative to Ocean Cruising for our clients, particularly in Europe. This is about the destination and getting off the beaten track.
River Cruising – hugely popular in Europe with Asia and South America now offering fascinating itineraries.
Expedition Cruising – this is all about the destination (the ship just allows you to get there). Ian has a very strong background in Expedition Cruising with Antarctica and the Arctic but this style has extended into some fascinating destinations around the world.
This short video provides an overview of Crystal Cruises.
Related experiences
Viking Homelands
Tour scenic fjords, towns & cities Sail the clear waters of Scandinavia and the Baltic on this 15-day cruise. Enjoy overnights in cosmopolitan Stockholm, majestic St. Petersburg and scenic Bergen, and explore charming historic city centers in Tallinn and Gdańsk. … Continue reading
Dreams of Tahiti Solo Travellers Tour
01-10 August 2019 – Bookings are now open A graceful sailing yacht is the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. The trade winds fill the sails as you visit one legendary island after another, allowing you time … Continue reading
Luxury Nile Steam Cruise
Join the gorgeous steam cruise, the SS Misr, as she sails between Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt. Originally built by the British Royal Navy in 1918 and later converted into a luxury Nile steamer for King Farouk, the SS … Continue reading
Panama Discovery Cruise
Panama is so much more than the Canal. It is a country of incredible diversity of wildlife, cultures and landscape. Pass through the locks of the Panama Canal, snorkel in clear warm waters and visit and indigenous tribal group. On … Continue reading
Avalon Active Discovery on the Rhone
Your Active Discovery Cruise is waiting to take you on a French river cruise like never before. You’ll enjoy the magnificent and romantic scenery and sights, as well as the opportunity to enjoy activities that speak to your passions and … Continue reading
Wildlife and Forests of Alaska
Discover Alaska’s stunning landscapes and the incredible wildlife they contain. Board Le Soléal for a 13-day expedition cruise from Seward to Vancouver, for a journey to the heart of wild and unspoiled natural environments. In Prince William Sound, in the … Continue reading
Imperial Waterways of Russia
Discover the passion and grandeur of Russian history, art and culture as you cruise its beautiful waterways. From the glittering metropolises of St. Petersburg and Moscow to the timeless towns along the Golden Ring, you’ll experience Russia in all its … Continue reading
Egypt and Jordan
Experience the blend of the best of Roman, Egyptian and Nabatean civilisations in this journey through Egypt and Jordan. Be met prior to immigration by your local representative who will assist you with fast-tracked visa and customs clearance. Begin in Cairo … Continue reading
Road to Zanzibar & Spice Islands Sailing Adventure
See the best of Tanzania on a combined overland and sailing adventure. From the Usambara Mountains to the blue waters of the Zanzibar archipelago, discover the remarkable diversity of Tanzania’s landscape on this wide-ranging tour. Kicking off in neighbouring Kenya, … Continue reading
Cruising Croatia’s Central Coast
Live the Dalmatian dream on this 8-day adventure cruise along the breathtaking Croatian coast. Join Peregrine on a new round-trip adventure cruise from Split, taking in the small villages, Dalmatian lifestyle, winding streams and crisp blue waters that make this … Continue reading
Discover Avalon Active Cruising
Active Cruising is fast becoming the emerging new River Cruise trend! This new and exciting way of river cruising allows you to actively discover well-known and off-the-beaten-path treasures along the Rhone, Danube or Rhine. At each stop, you choose your activity—get … Continue reading
Champagne and The Great War cruise
A Cruise From Epernay To Paris Cruise the Marne Canal on a boutique hotel barge and visit the famous Champagne Tourist Route, the battlefields of the Marne, the Museum of the Great War and a tour of Les Invalides in … Continue reading
Croatian Islands Sailing
Cruise across azure seas as a motor yacht takes you to Croatia’s remotest islands – the naturally beautiful gems of the Adriatic. Explore hidden coves, relax on near-deserted beaches and indulge in rich local wines and produce. Itinerary Day 1 … Continue reading
Active Discovery on the Rhine
A new and exciting way to river cruise and to actively discover well-known and off-the-beaten-path treasures along the Rhine. At each stop, you choose your activity—get some exercise with an active outing, discover a fascinating but perhaps lesser-known site, or … Continue reading
The Seine Experience
U by Uniworld is a new take on experiential travel, with cruises designed for those with a passion for exploring and a taste for authentic adventures. Travel should be relaxing, exhilarating, convenient and tailored to your interests — all at … Continue reading
Australian Food and Wine Experience
Departing 28 January 2019 During this food and wine themed cruise discover the treasures of the Coral Sea. A 12-day expedition cruise, for travellers in search of preserved islands and turquoise lagoons. Your journey aboard Le Lapérouse will begin in … Continue reading
Galápagos — West & Central Islands aboard the Monserrat
On this cruise you’ll view the Galápagos from the deck of the comfortable Monserrat as she cuts through blue waters bound for another island paradise loaded with natural splendour. You’ll get up-close and personal with aquatic wildlife like sea lions … Continue reading
Spirit of the Rockies
Spirit of the Rockies with Gold Leaf upgrade & Alaska Cruise extension (veranda cabin) Begin your holiday in Vancouver, board the Rocky Mountaineer train and head for historic Kamloops, spend two nights in Banff. En-route to Lake Louise, enjoy a … Continue reading
Ultimate Glacier and Fjord Adventure
Immense forces of nature buffer Alaska from outside influences. It is a world where ravens, eagles, bears and salmon still exercise eminent domain. Where a mile-long glacier shimmers under a timeless sky. Rustic villages dot the landscape, providing you a … Continue reading
Galápagos Islands aboard the Monserrat
There’s simply no better place to appreciate the magic of this precious little blue planet of ours than the Galápagos Islands. Join us aboard the roomy Monserrat for a mind-expanding cruising adventure through the archipelago’s central, southern and eastern islands. … Continue reading
Adriatic Small Ship Cruising
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on board as you discover the Dalmatian Coast visiting the many islands, villages and beaches. CRUISE ITINERARY Day 1: Split – Makarska Departure from Split harbour towards Makarska at 13:00h. Cruise along the Dalmatian coast whilst … Continue reading
Frozen Frontier
Starting from Ushuaia, the world’s most southerly city, set sail across the infamous Drake Passage to the wild and untamed Frozen Frontier of Antarctica. Breathtaking scenery awaits you – snow-capped mountain ranges, ice-filled channels, immense yet beautifully-shaped icebergs and spectacular … Continue reading
Shackleton’s Antarctica
In this exclusive charter, unique to Chimu Adventures, we will be trailing in the wake of the legendary polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who led three expeditions to the Antarctic and has become well known for his formidable rescue effort … Continue reading
Voyage of the Midnight Sun and North Cape
Vikings once sailed these fingers of sea on the way to foreign lands. Today, these traces of indigo between emerald slopes belong to you. On board, partake of delicious cuisine and relax in your elegantly appointed stateroom. Itinerary Days 1-2 … Continue reading
Baltic Adventure
Get ready for summer in Northern Europe, when the sun shines well into the evening, lighting up extended stays in St. Petersburg, Stockholm and Copenhagen. Itinerary Day 1 From Copenhagen cruise to Kiel (Hamburg), gateway to lovely Lübeck. Days 2-3 … Continue reading
Porto, the Douro Valley and Salamanca
Discover World Heritage sites, extraordinary culture and tempting gastronomy on this special cruise. Explore Porto, a city between vineyards and the sea, Vila Real and the beautiful gardens of Solar de Mateus, Salamanca and its radiant beauty, the Porto wine … Continue reading
Provence Bike & Boat
Cycle through a revolving landscape from the wilderness of the Camargue where wild horses roam, to scenes of picturesque Provençal villages and vineyards that inspired Van Gogh and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean. The Camargue is rich in wildlife … Continue reading
Amsterdam to Bruges by bike and barge
The highlights of Holland and Belgium are uncovered on this unique cycling tour of the lowlands and North Sea coast. Beginning in Amsterdam, visit Gouda which is well known for its cheese and then cycle to the world famous windmills … Continue reading
Waterways of the Tsars
Explore the real Russia On this 13-day itinerary, you’ll tour iconic landmarks such as Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square, and Catherine Palace and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But you’ll also experience the other side of Russia: quaint Golden Ring … Continue reading
Best of the Med’
Includes economy class airfares ex Auckland, departs 30 July 2019 Buried Roman cities, teetering coastal villages, Venetian palaces, awe-inspiring art and sun-kissed beaches – the Mediterranean will delight and enchant, leaving you wanting more! On this journey stay on the … Continue reading
Antarctic Express – Fly the Drake (Sea Adventurer)
Fly across the Drake Passage to South Shetland and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula This journey takes you to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations: Antarctica. Skip the often turbulent Drake Passage with return flights from Punta Arenas … Continue reading
Falkland Islands & South Georgia (Ocean Endeavour)
See the best of Antarctica’s wildlife and landscapes on this extended voyage This extended expedition encompasses the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, the remote Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and the extraordinary beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll experience a great … Continue reading
Pyramids, Mummies & Pharaohs
Discover the history and mythology of Egypt as you explore Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and the Nile 2018 departures: 6 May 2018; 9 September 2018; 7 October 2018; maximum group size of 12 Contact us for 2019 dates and availability. If … Continue reading
Upper Egypt & The Nile
A perfect small group & family friendly itinerary to discover Egypt with unforgettable sightseeing in Cairo followed by an idyllic four night Nile cruise from which to savour the atmosphere of Luxor with its majestic temples and experience the unique relaxing ambiance … Continue reading
Jewels of the Nile
One of Ancient Kingdoms most popular Egyptian holidays, combining a fabulous Nile cruise with time to explore Cairo’s many highlights including the Pyramids and Cairo Museum. Ancient Kingdoms offers you Egypt in all its glory, from the golden treasures of … Continue reading
Dreams of Tahiti
A graceful sailing yacht is the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. The trade winds fill the sails as you visit one legendary island after another, allowing you time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, meander … Continue reading
Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands & South Georgia
In Ian’s view this is the greatest cruise journey in the world. Spectacular glacial scenery, an almost surreal profusion of wildlife and a real sense of adventure. Using Zodiacs you will go ashore at least twice a day to experience … Continue reading
Classic Antarctica
This Antarctic travel journey is the classic itinerary to the beautiful Antarctic Peninsula. It delivers everything you want: the huge tabular icebergs, hillsides covered with Gentoo, Adelie or Chinstrap penguins, whales and abundant marine life, a passage through the famed … Continue reading
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Islands
Departure: Monday 23 October 2017 / Tuesday 23 October 2018 Challenge. Desolation. Unlimited wonder. It’s not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world … Continue reading
Croatia Bike & Sail
Cycle and Cruise to explore the charming islands of Southern Dalmatia. This unique Bike and Boat guided trip captures the highlights with an ideal balance of activity, culture and relaxation. Experience the beautiful island of Korcula with its picturesque old … Continue reading
Delights of Andalusia
A voyage along two outstanding rivers: The Guadalquivir and the Guadiana. Discover the enchantment of Seville, the history of Cadiz, and explore Tangiers or the Rock of Gibraltar, before taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Algarve. Experience the traditions … Continue reading
Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches
Combine time in France’s marvelous capital with discoveries of quaint towns along the Seine and in the picturesque Normandy region. Embark in Paris, sailing to Vernon, for a choice of guided visits to either Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny … Continue reading
Magnificent Europe – Amsterdam to Budapest River Cruise
See the highlights of Central Europe on this enchanting cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest. Guided sightseeing in each city shows you the highlights, with an authentic baking demonstration in Miltenberg,beer tasting in Nuremberg, and inside visits of Würzburg’s Residenz, Regensburg’s … Continue reading
Spitsbergen Explorer
If there is such a thing as a “classic Arctic” expedition, this is it. You’ll get all the best of Spitsbergen, by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some outlying northern areas home to polar bears … Continue reading
Dreams of Tahiti – Solo Travellers Tour
01-10 August 2019 – Bookings are now open A graceful sailing yacht is the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. The trade winds fill the sails as you visit one legendary island after another, allowing you time … Continue reading
Experience Uniworld on a solo adventure
Uniworld’s meticulously planned cruises are ideally suited for those who prefer to adventure on their own. On selected 2018 cruises the the Single Supplement has been waived or reduced! Whether you’re a first-time solo flyer or a veteran, a Uniworld … Continue reading
Dreams of Tahiti
A graceful sailing yacht is the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. The trade winds fill the sails as you visit one legendary island after another, allowing you time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, meander … Continue reading