The World's Best Adventure Cruises

Would-be cruisers more interested in wildlife encounters and exploring abandoned islands than joining Lido deck conga lines or getting dressed for formal nights would do well to look beyond the usual ports of call. Small-boat cruises offer truly luxurious expeditions to far-flung frontiers, providing travelers with perhaps their only chance to explore remote islands and frozen shores. And they don't skimp on luxury either. Here are the most exciting itineraries on Earth — because ocean-going should be about adventure — not drifting.