Hidden gems: 3 lesser-known cruise destinations

Icons like Dubrovnik and Venice are up there with the most visited (and sought-after) cruise destinations. But what about those lesser-known gems? In this post, we spotlight some of the more under-the-radar ports of call you can discover with Saga. Featuring expertly planned independent adventures and escorted holidays in a like-minded group...

Experience the wonders of one of the world’s most scenic cruising routes

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the wilds of Alaska, there’s a fantastic 500-mile cruise route in our independent Tailor-Made range that allows you to do just that.

Setting sail from Vancouver, you’ll glide past endless ice-carved inlets and uninhabited islands fringed by forests of pine and spruce. Whales, seals, and dolphins have all been known to make an appearance as well as wild deer, bald eagles and even bears.

Glacier Bay, Alaska

After navigating Alaska’s Inside Passage, the ship docks at the towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. These ports of call are where you’ll disembark and discover Native American and gold rush-era heritage as well as some of the finest hot smoked salmon rolls this side of Oslo.

Once the cruise is underway again, it enters a world of snow and ice within the shimmering realm of Glacier Bay. This is the definition of a scenic cruise destination with icebergs, fjords, and moss-shrouded forests begging to be viewed through binoculars from outside on deck.

And if you’re still hungry for more ice action, there’s still the ancient glaciers of College Fjord to look forward to before disembarking in Denwali National Park and flying home from Anchorage.

Find out more about the Alaska cruise with Glacier Bay and Denali National Park

Set sail for Croatia’s lesser-known northern islands

Although the Croatian coastline is already awash with cruise ships, set sail to the north of the Dalmatian coast city of Zadar and you’ll find the Kvarner Islands slightly more under the radar. This is where you can embark on an eight-day cruise with four different overnight destinations.

After initially anchoring on the Opatija Riviera – between Zadar and Pula – you’ll depart for the island of Cres – one of the largest, but least developed, Croatian islands. Its dense forests and isolated hilltop villages are surrounded by olive groves. Step ashore and explore ancient excavations and keep an eye out for rare griffin vultures overhead.

Zadar archipelago

Skirting the western coast of Cres takes you south to Susak – a tiny, inhabited island that’s encircled by golden sandy beaches. It’s the perfect place for a picnic before reboarding the ship and heading eastwards to Lošinj. Here, the main harbour town of Mali Lošinj makes a sheltered spot to spend the night with pastel-painted façades and Venetian-style buildings reflecting in crystal clear shallows. This was once a wellness retreat for the Habsburg Royal Family, and a visit to the walled Garden of Fine Scents explains more about the island’s healing properties and natural charm.

From Lošinj, the voyage continues south to the pretty little island of Ilovik before you head north to Rab, one of the best-known islands in the Kvarner archipelago. Rab’s an excellent setting to enjoy an extended stay with an ancient walled town, complete with Byzantine churches and elegant Italian-era architecture, red-roofed villages and forest-covered hillsides.

The final island on this unusual Adriatic cruise is Krk. It’s here you’ll be treated to a tour of the fortified old town as well as enjoying a visit to Vrbnik – one of Croatia’s most picturesque villages. Vrbnik is also home to a family-run wine estate where the white grape variety, Žlahtina, is exclusively grown – great news for souvenir hunters looking for a bottle or two to take home.

Find out more about the Croatian Island Explorer cruise.

Discover the delights of Komodo National Park onboard a traditional wooden Pinisi sailing ship

If you’re looking for a cruise on a smaller scale and an exotic escape, you won’t go far wrong with our nine-day SeaTrek with Whale Sharks, Corals & Dragons cruise – another getaway in our Tailor-Made Travel collection.

Setting sail from Flores, Indonesia on a traditional wooden Pinisi ship – equipped with all the latest tech, safety gear, and snorkelling equipment – this cruise winds its way around some of the 29 islands of the national park on the hunt for whale sharks, coral reefs, and Komodo dragons. What better way to explore uninhabited islands and wake up alongside magical pink beaches with barely another soul in sight?

SeaTrek Katharina, a traditional wooden Pinisi ship

Starting from the island of Flores, the route is as unique as the experience with volcanic hiking trails, SUP boarding in sunken crater lakes, and ranger-led dragon watching all part and parcel of a nine-day adventure. You’ll also be given the opportunity to meet local villagers on Moyo Island and learn what it takes to make a large wooden vessel similar to the craft that you’ve been sailing in.

Find out more our SeaTrek with Whale Sharks, Corals & Dragons cruise.

Feeling inspired? Explore the full holidays range here, including Cruise & Tour and Cruise & Stay options.