“Active cruising” is a term for a style of cruising that can be defined a couple of ways. In one sense, the term can be applied to a choice made by individual travelers who eat healthy, stay fit and make the most of each port call in the face of hundreds of others enjoying an orgy of fine food and drink and long days at the pool. More and more cruise passengers are opting for this sort of active cruising. The other meaning of the term refers to a type of cruise vacation that, apart from the fact that it is waterborne, does not much resemble the traditional cruise ship experience.

Adventure cruises, also known as expeditions, carry people to the far reaches of the world, places that often can’t be reached without some specialized equipment and some strong desire, such as Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland and other remote outposts, where travelers can see rare sights, exotic wildlife and, occasionally, powerful forces of nature.

A third definition refers to a type of cruise itinerary that is specifically designed for people who travel by doing. For these active and adventurous souls, specialists have created numerous cruise vacations specifically for those seeking a greater physical challenge. These departures feature longer hikes, better biking opportunities, more snorkeling, and more kayaking. These vacations allow cruisers to do the physical activities that make the trip a singular experience.