LIMĂ“N, COSTA RICA
Who wouldn’t love to see a sloth up close?
These cute animals are arguably the top wildlife sighting in Costa Rica, and while some travellers get lucky and see them in the wild, you’ll get a guaranteed audience with these fabulous furries at the Jaguar Rescue Center, a short ride from the port of Limón in the city of Mayagüez. Many of the world’s leading cruise lines dock here, making a visit to the animal refuge an easy half-day treat.
This popular sanctuary is a haven for injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife. Here, visitors can see Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife up close while supporting the country’s conservation efforts. Look out for sleepy sloths, howler monkeys swinging overhead, and colourful toucans and parrots being prepared for release. Every animal is housed in the centre’s emerald-hued rainforest and as you look around, you’ll get to meet knowledgeable guides who will tell you all about the animals you’re meeting.
Apart from experiencing the sheer thrill of seeing sloths at close quarters, it’s also great to know that entrance fees and donations from visitors directly fund medical care, food and rehabilitation programmes for the sanctuary’s animals, meaning your visit actively contributes to saving their lives.
WORDS VICKY MAYER
You can visit the Jaguar Rescue Center on a Holland America Line 11-night Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles cruise, departing 18 October 2026, priced from ÂŁ1,469 per person. Other cruise lines which visit the sanctuary include Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line.
+ Turn to page 24 for more thrilling destinations
LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NORWAY
No amount of photos of the northern lights will prepare you for seeing them live. Swirling high above in a multitude of colours from emerald green to luminous orange, the natural light show’s ghostly appearance is captivating. While onboard sightings are never guaranteed, the likelihood is high, making a winter cruise to Norway an attractive bet.
Cruise ships head to the country’s aurora zone for possible sightings and hotspots include Tromsø, Alta and Narvik. But our favourite spot is the stunning Lofoten Islands, which offer the high probability of seeing this amazing natural phenomena, together with some beautiful coastal scenery.
Lying between latitudes 67° and 68° north, in the auroral oval, where the northern lights appear most frequently and vividly, the Lofoten Islands offer enough darkness and clear nights in winter for excellent viewing. And thanks to the Gulf Stream, the islands have a milder climate than other Arctic regions, which means that you’ll be able to stand outside for longer without freezing.
Whichever destinations you choose to sail to on your northern lights cruise, it pays to look out for itineraries that include an overnight stay or evening port time, so you can maximise the dark hours for viewing. Also look out for itineraries that offer late-night excursions and take you away from urban light pollution.
WORDS VICKY MAYER
You can visit the Lofoten Islands on a Fred Olsen Cruise Lines 10-night In Search of the Northern Lights with Lofoten cruise, departing 21 February 2026, priced from ÂŁ1,260 per person. Other cruise lines which visit the area include Viking and Hurtigruten.
+ Turn to page 68 for more Norwegian inspiration
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
72-passenger ship Variety Voyager
WORDS JANE ARCHER
Discover laid-back sailing at its best on a leisurely Mediterranean cruise onboard
MY DREAM CRUISE
We asked eight top cruise travel agent bosses to choose their bucket-list cruise holidays. From far-flung destinations to animal magic, their choices will inspire you
NORWEGIAN FJORDS
TONY ANDREWS, MD OF CRUISE.CO.UK
“The fjords are a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquillity and cultural discovery. Destinations like Nordfjord and Innvikfjorden are incredible, showcasing nature’s raw power, and in ports like Olden and Stavanger you can immerse yourself in Norway’s heritage and enjoy traditional Scandinavian cuisine. Whether you’re seeking adventure or peaceful reflection, the fjords have it all. Taking a cruise is the perfect way to see this incredible place because you can take in the stunning landscapes from the ship’s panoramic lounges and, when you’re ready to unwind, they’ll be plenty to keep you entertained onboard.”
A seven-night Norwegian fjords cruise round-trip from Southampton on P&O Iona, departing 11 April 2026, is priced from ÂŁ799, including gratuities. cruise.co.uk
This page: Find true serenity on the fjords fringing the Lofoten Islands, where small mountainside towns are mirrored on the water’s surface
WORDS DEBORAH STONE
ANTARCTICA
ROSIE CAIRNS, CEO OF ROL CRUISE
“In an ideal world, I’d love to do a world cruise. Sailing across the globe, and waking up to new horizons every few days is the ultimate way to see the world. But failing that, Antarctica would be my top choice. It’s one of the most pristine, untouched places on Earth and there’s a real sense of magic about it. The landscapes are breathtaking and the wildlife is extraordinary. It’s a place that feels truly remote, almost otherworldly and visiting on a cruise would absolutely be a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list experience.”
A 19-night Iconic Antarctica – The Explorer’s Route cruise, roundtrip from Buenos Aires on MS Roald Amundsen, departing 16 March 2027, is priced from £9,375, including drinks, wifi and polar expedition jacket and backpack. rolcruise.co.uk
This page: Aside from the ethereal calm of this far-flung continent, intrepid voyagers will be rewarded with sightings of playful penguin colonies