7 Bucket List–Worthy Cruises You Won’t Want to Skip

France’s Canal du Midi connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea, providing miles of opportunities to enjoy idyllic, boat-side views of the prettiest spots in France. For the independent traveler, rent your own boat in Castelnaudary (home to the famous French dish of cassoulet) and navigate to the city of Carcassonne, which is topped with a medieval walled city. This route is a peaceful one—tie up at the side of the canal when you’re done boating for the day, and spend your days wine-tasting and wandering through the South of France.

Related: Around France in 15 Dishes

The remote Haida Gwaii archipelago on Canada’s west coast is full of life—the richness of its nature is matched only by the depth of the history and culture attached to the land. An intimate small ship cruise gives you the chance to spot humpback whales, eagles, bears, and orcas and learn about the cultures of the Indigenous Haida People. Along the shoreline, you’ll spot towering totem poles and the remnants of the villages where the Haida People have lived since time immemorial.

An expedition-style cruise departing from Punta Arenas lets you focus on the dramatic beauty of Antarctica. You’ll sail across the Drake Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, before arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula. Cruises typically take in the South Shetland Islands, providing opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation, including the chance to see whales, penguins, and seals. As you sail, you’ll be surrounded by the deep blue of glacier walls which creak and groan as if they’re alive.

Soak in the sun on this Indian Ocean route which takes you from the big city of Durban to protected and pristine Pomene Bay. The short distance between stops makes this an ideal cruise for those with limited time while departing and returning to Durban adds convenience. On arrival in Pomene, spend time splashing in the clear turquoise water and exploring the coral reefs below the surface which remain in stunning condition thanks to the Pomene Nature Reserve. Make time on either end of the cruise to explore Durban—particularly the peaceful Durban Botanic Gardens and the colorful Victoria Street Market.

Historic Cartagena is worth a few days of exploration. The city’s cobbled streets take you back in time and its brightly colored colonial-era buildings are a photographer's dream. Common routes between these destinations include Curacao (famous for its blue liquor and excellent seafood); St. Lucia (a haven for duty-free shoppers); and Puerto Rico, which boasts stunning rainforests and beaches. Upon arrival in Miami, spend your time lounging on the beaches, reveling in the nightlife, or searching out the hottest new restaurant.

Sail from sunny Cape Town, nicknamed the Rainbow City for its diversity and joyful atmosphere, to St. Helena, a bucolic surprise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Best known as the remote island where the British imprisoned Napoleon Bonaparte, St. Helena is known today for its hikes, friendly locals (nicknamed "Saints"), and resemblance to the English countryside. Visit Jonathan, the 190-year-old tortoise that lives on the front lawn of the governor’s mansion; see the former home of Napoleon; and challenge yourself on the dramatic hike to Lot’s Wife Ponds.

Insider tip: Trips between these ports are often part of longer, round-the-world cruises. But this is a worthwhile leg of the journey to join.

Camp Leakey was established in 1971 as part of an effort to study and protect orangutans. Today, you can learn about conservation efforts and spot orangutans in their natural habitat. River cruises depart from the mouth of the Sekonyer River in Borneo, Indonesia, and spend several days meandering through the thick jungle, stopping at research and feeding stations throughout the park to observe the wildlife. Most people typically rent their own private boat and sleep on the deck protected by canopies erected by the crew. It’s a wholly unique cruise that fully immerses you in the nature of Indonesia.