When one thinks of a luxury cruise, it’s tempting to picture warm beaches and seas, exotic locations for which all you need to pack are shorts and sandals.

A cruise is typically believed to take in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, leading to lazy days around sun-soaked streets and warm, balmy evenings on the deck enjoying nice food and great company. It’s an endearing image and, naturally, one that appeals, but not all cruises fit that mold.

There are cruises that take in spots in the northern hemisphere that might not lead to a suntan, but that are still great experiences, with locations that you’ll visit once, but that will create lifelong memories. If you want to go on a cruise somewhere a little different, then these four popular northern hemisphere locations might just appeal to you. All form part of an exciting cruise itinerary.

China

China might not seem a classic destination for a cruise, but both Uniworld and Holland America Line offer popular journeys to the Far East. China boasts a culture that is many millennia old, and cruises there take in locations such as Tianjin (Beijing) and Dalian.

Dalian has a mild climate and beaches but also plays a huge role in the history of modern China, drawing not only on Western influences but also Russian. Its role in modern China saw it named one of China’s best tourist cities in 2007, with four distinct districts to visit. The only issue with a cruise stop here is a day might not be enough!

Canada

Sometimes, the best experiences are right on our doorstep, and US cruise fans might well be tempted to take one of the Explora Journeys cruises that travel to Canada, such as the Quebecois Culture, Canadian Fjords, and New Amsterdam trip. On board, you’ll be living in the lap of luxury, with curated shopping experiences and fine dining. When you dock in Harve Saint Pierre, you’ll be transported back to nature, visiting the Mingan Archipelago National Park.

Indeed, the contrast between onboard luxury and the rugged Canadian coast accentuates the experience, allowing you to fully immerse in the splendor of nature whilst off the ship, but ensure you’re recharged in sufficient comfort for Charlottetown and Halifax on subsequent days.

Norway

A cruise on the Norwegian Fjords could soon be a rare thing indeed, as steps are taken to preserve the area, so you’ll need to be quick if you’re to visit this spectacular location. Many cruise liners take trips down the fjords, with Explora and Viking Journeys being two that have such experiences. As with the Canada trips, there’s a sharp contrast between the opulence on board a liner, and the natural world you visit when you step onto land.

The Geirangerfjord, the Aurlandsfjord, the Nærøyfjord, and the Lysefjord are just four of the stunning locations created by natural glaciers over 2.5 million years ago. It’s rather humbling as you admire their majesty, but also comforting knowing there’s a high-quality restaurant waiting for you as soon as you’re back on deck!

Scotland

Scotland is a land of tartan, rugged mountains, and, as it turns out, great cruise destinations. Whether the northerly port of Aberdeen, freshly revamped and visited by the AIDAaura, or the cosmopolitan capital Edinburgh, Scotland is saturated with great places which welcome cruise ships.

The real interest perhaps comes from the islands of Orkney and Shetland, challenging outposts that otherwise cannot practically be visited for short stays. Lerwick on Shetland is a popular cruise destination, a quaint fishing town with 7,000 inhabitants, but a regular port of call for some luxurious ships. A cruise is perhaps the only way you can enjoy a spa in the morning, Lerwick in the afternoon, and a meal seeking out the Northern Lights by night.

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