History & Culture Cruises

Cruises can often be a wonderful way to embark on a history-intensive journey. Whether it’s a history-themed cruise or a destination-focused voyage, you’re certain to learn something new.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the history and culture of your chosen destination is to embark on a history-themed shore excursion. Whether it's a historic site or a museum filled with tales as old as time, your knowledgeable tour guide will wow you with fascinating tidbits of information. Discover the Colosseum in Rome, explore the Acropolis of Athens or marvel at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. The learning doesn’t stop when you step back on board - enriching lectures with special guests (many of which are historians, knowledgeable about their chosen topic) await.

Where can you sail on a history & culture cruise?

Two million bodies dancing together to a hypnotic samba beat, rainbow-hued costumes that boggle the senses, ornate floats that took months to prepare - all for five days of joyous abandon. Rio Carnival is an experience like no other. Since 1723, Rio de Janeiro has exploded into a life-affirming celebration in the days leading up to lent. And you can be at the heart of it, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

For a different kind of celebration, see in the New Year the Chinese way. A huge ceremonial dragon, adorned in spectacular robes dances as it enters to a backdrop of clattering percussion. Revellers banish bad luck and wish one another good fortune for the coming year. Everywhere you look, houses are adorned with scarlet draps to engage ancient gods and bring about wealth and longevity. While on your cruise to China, enjoy the tranquility and ancient spectacle of the Great Wall of China. With sections dating back to the 7th-century BC, the Great Wall extends for more than 13,000 miles. As one of the most remarkable structures in the world it is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty.

Which cruise lines offer history & culture cruises?

Lots of destination-focused cruise lines call on regions with fascinating historical sites. Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage. The cruise line promotes sustainable tourism at World Heritage sites around the world while supporting UNESCO’s mission to identify, safeguard and promote unique cultural and natural heritage around the world deemed to possess outstanding universal value for all humankind. Crystal Cruises unearth history and culture on their range of sailings, from India to Greece. While Emerald Cruises, Scenic River Cruises and Uniworld River Cruises enable you to get to the heart of many historical hotspots with their incredible range of European river cruises.