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While cruise ships sail to lots of wonderful places around the world, there are a handful that offer itineraries that are more unusual and out-of-the-way than most.  These are the hidden gems of cruising that not only provide an opportunity to see something off the beaten track, but usually at attractive rates. For example:

1. Trans-Atlantic Northern Route

Most trans-Atlantic cruises typically call in the Med, the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, and sometimes Bermuda, but a handful each year sail via out-the-way places like Iceland, Greenland, the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands, the British Isles and Newfoundland, Canada. These cruises are usually very-well priced, and offer a rare but fascinating itinerary that would be prohibitively expensive if done by air and hotel. Princess has some great deals on this route in the fall.

2. Land of the Midnight Sun

Only a handful of ships sail to the top of Norway and through her majestic fjords, but it’s a breathtaking itinerary that will provide a life-time of wonderful memories. On this cruise, which the Lonely Planet guides describe as “the world’s most beautiful voyage,” you’ll get a taste of Lapland, be able to watch the midnight sun, and enjoy lots of spectacular scenery. Check out some of the itineraries from Cunard and Hurtigruten.

3. Around the Horn

The voyage around Cape Horn between Valparaiso, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina is loaded with beautiful scenery and wildlife. Whether it’s the amazing volcanoes and glaciers of Patagonia, the penguins of Otway Sound, the sea wolves of the Beagle Channel, or the rocky outcrop called Cape Horn, there’s something spectacular to see at every turn.  Princess, Holland America, RCI, Crystal and Regent have some great voyages to choose from. 

4. South Pacific

The Hawaiian and Society Islands of the South Pacific are filled with soaring peaks, lush valleys and spectacular coast lines. Whether it’s a pristine lagoon surrounding Bora Bora, or a lava flow cascading down the side of a mountain on the Big Island of Hawaii, this is nature at its best. There are currently some great deals on both itineraries, and this is the final year for Regent’s Paul Gauguin in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. Princess offers a great return voyage to Hawaii from Los Angeles.

5.  Panama Canal with a Latin twist

Many cruise lines offer full and partial transits of the Big Ditch, but only a handful do it by sailing between Florida and the west coast of South America. The advantage of the latter is that in addition to a bunch of Caribbean ports, you usually get to call at several Latin ports including Valparaiso and Lima. You may also be able to arrange a pre or post cruise excursion to see the “Lost City of the Incas” at Machu Picchu. Check out the discounted fare from luxury line Crystal on a cruise that departs January 8, 2010 from Valparaiso.

6. Galapagos Islands

Whether it’s the extravagant colony of Frigate birds on North Seymour, or the blue-footed boobies, sea lions or red marine iguanas of the five million year old Espanola Island, the wildlife of the Galapagos are unlike any other in the world. Celebrity’s Expedition is offering some great deals.

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