Five Unusual Cruise Vacations

Dec. 27, 2010— -- When it comes to cruise vacations, one thing is clear: the cruise industry has truly found a niche in offering a variety of unconventional experiences. You won't believe the curious vacations available! From the North Pole to southern blues jazz, here are our top five picks for unusual cruise vacations!

#1 -- The North Pole: Fancy a trek to the North Pole? If so, consider the North Pole Expedition cruise which departs from Helsinki, Finland and takes as its course the Arctic Ocean en route to one of the "last ecologically intact wilderness sanctuaries on our planet."

A cruise for the true adventurer, an excursion through the polar ice cap is truly an experience of a lifetime -- and ticket prices begin at $19,200 per passenger (with a down-filled parka included for good measure.) Expedition Cruises has been specializing in Russian Arctic excursions since 2001 and provides a premier cruise experience on its ship -- considered the "the largest and most modern nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world."

Before you book your ticket, be sure to look into securing a Russian visa, as the ship is property of the Russian Federation and cruises in its territory.

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#2 -- Crafting: Are yarn, knitting needles, and spinning wheels with a healthy dose of creativity more your thing? CraftCruises offers cruises with global itineraries which offer the opportunity to indulge in crafting activities such as knitting, beading, spinning, needlepoint, and more.

Quality instructors offer single classes or intensive schedules which give you the opportunity to hone your skills at your own pace in a relaxing environment. Whether your destination is Hawaii, Norway, Bermuda, or China, going on one of these unique cruises will ensure that you bring home a great souvenir.