Four out-of-the-ordinary cruise experiences

THINK cruise holidays are just about sunning yourself and sipping cocktails while sailing the high seas? Not these ones.

A river cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia takes visitors beyond the main tourist centres.

IF you think cruise holidays are just about sunning yourself and sipping cocktails while sailing the high seas, think again.

Be it on rivers less travelled to sail-and-rail combinations, many cruise holiday packages are focusing on seeing off-the-beaten track sights and taking in the local lifestyle.

From visiting a European fairytale castle to supporting children in a Cambodian orphanage; taking in a Bollywood show to wild bear spotting, here’s four cruise itineraries from Travelmarvel that will have you exploring the world beyond the ship’s deck.

News_Image_File: A visit to the town of Wertheim involves coffee and cakes at a local’s home.

Fairytale river adventure:

Set sail on a European river cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest. You’ll have the chance to ride a scenic funicular train to the hilltops in Bonn, Germany, where you’ll enjoy a visit to the majestic 19th-century fairytale-like Drachenburg Castle. In the small town of Wertheim, locals will welcome you to their home to share their way of life over coffee and cakes. In Vilshofen, local residents welcome you to your very own private “Oktoberfest” with folk dancing and of course, local beer.

Details: The 21-day European Gems Paris to Prague tour is priced from $8395 per person. See travelmarvel.com.au

News_Image_File: Children at an orphanage in Siem Reap, Cambodia, welcome visitors.

Cruise through culture in Indo-China:

Sailing through remote villages along the banks of the Mekong River and its tributaries, you’ll see a slice of life that’s untouched by tourism. Inaccessible by most other means of transport, a river cruise allows you to experience the real Vietnam and Cambodia. You’ll have a chance to experience an ox-cart ride, a popular method of transport in rural Cambodia, to the town of Oudong to receive a traditional Buddhist blessing, and to visit to a self-funding grassroots orphanage in Siem Reap.

Details: The 12-day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia tour is priced from $3695 per person. See travelmarvel.com.au

News_Image_File: A Bollywood show at Kingdom of Dreams is a feature of this tour.

Bollywood and beyond:

Combine a land journey that takes in the highlights of India’s golden triangle – New Delhi, Agra’s Taj Mahal and the “Pink City” of Jaipur - with an eight-day river cruise along the lower Ganges to get a broad picture of this captivating country. You’ll experience Bollywood at its finest with a performance at New Delhi’s Kingdom of Dreams, enjoy a taste of India with a Rajasthan cooking class, and take a close-up look at authentic India as you sail along the banks of the lower Ganges.

Details: The 15-day Colours of India tour is priced from $5495 per person. See travelmarvel.com.au

News_Image_File: A Blue River safari lets visitors get up close with wildlife in Canada’s Grizzly Bear Valley.

Walk on the wild side:

For the ultimate nature and wildlife discovery journey, combine a land and rail journey through the Canadian Rockies from Victoria to Vancouver with an Alaska cruise. Take a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, enjoy an unforgettable Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier and wake up to the breathtaking sight Alaskan coastline with an Inside Passage Cruise. You’ll also have the chance to go wild bear spotting on a Blue River safari, enjoy a western-style evening at the Jasper Stables, including a traditional barbecue dinner, and enjoy a touch of luxury with a special stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Details: The 19-day Enchanting Rockies and Alaska Cruise tour is priced from $6995 per person. See travelmarvel.com.au