Alternative Cruises for Canadians Avoiding the U.S.

Written By lorraine simpson

1. Canada & Domestic Options

St. Lawrence & Ottawa River

  • St. Lawrence Cruise Lines (Canada): Heritage-style, small-ship cruising entirely within Canada

  • Le Boat (Canada/Europe): Self-drive boating vacations in Ontario’s Rideau Canal – no experience or license needed

2. Europe – Easy Direct Access from Canadian Airports

France, Germany, Austria, Portugal

  • CroisiEurope (France): Budget-friendly river cruises (Seine, Rhine, Danube, Douro)

  • Amadeus River Cruises / Lüftner (Austria): Classic European elegance with international clientele

  • Scenic River Cruises (Australia): All-inclusive 5-star river cruises across Europe

  • Emerald Cruises – River (Australia): Stylish, more affordable sister line to Scenic

Greece & Eastern Mediterranean

  • Celestyal Cruises (Greece): Greek-owned cruises with immersive Greek Isles itineraries

  • Variety Cruises (Greece): Small-ship yacht cruises (50–70 guests) in Greece, Seychelles, and West Africa

Croatia

  • Yacht Charters in Croatia:

    • Crewed and bareboat charters: Explore Dubrovnik, Split, and over 1,000 islands

    • Gulet Cruises: Traditional sailing vessels for groups or private hire

  • Emerald Yacht Cruises (Australia): Luxury yacht cruising along the Dalmatian Coast

3. Northern Europe, UK & the Arctic

Norway

  • Hurtigruten Expeditions (Norway): Arctic and fjord exploration with hybrid ships

  • Havila Voyages (Norway): All-electric ships on the scenic Bergen to Kirkenes route

UK & Scotland

  • Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (UK): Traditional cruising from Liverpool or Southampton

  • Saga Cruises (UK): All-inclusive luxury for the 50+ traveler

  • Hebridean Island Cruises (UK): Boutique cruising in the Scottish Isles

  • Swan Hellenic (UK/Cyprus): Modern expedition cruises with cultural enrichment (Antarctica, Med, Arctic)

4. Southeast Asia & the Amazon

Vietnam, Cambodia, India

  • Pandaw Cruises (UK/Asia): Boutique expedition-style river cruises on the Mekong, Irrawaddy, and Ganges

  • Emerald Cruises – Mekong (Australia): All-suite luxury ship with included excursions

Amazon & Galápagos

  • Aqua Expeditions (Singapore/Peru): Ultra-luxury small ships in Peru’s Amazon, Mekong River, and Galápagos

  • Scenic Eclipse (Australia): Expedition yacht with submarines and helicopters — offers South America sailings

5. South Pacific & Exotic Islands

Fiji

  • Blue Lagoon Cruises (Fiji): Small-ship island-hopping in the Yasawa Islands, Fijian-owned

French Polynesia

  • Ponant (France): Small-ship luxury in Polynesia and the South Pacific

  • Paul Gauguin Cruises (now part of Ponant): Culturally immersive luxury sailings in Tahiti and Bora Bora

6. Mediterranean & Red Sea

  • Emerald Azzurra & Sakara (Australia): Luxury yacht cruises to the French Riviera, Dalmatian Coast, Egypt, and Jordan

  • Scenic Eclipse (Australia): Superyacht luxury with Mediterranean itineraries

BONUS: Unique Small Ships and Tall Ships

  • Star Clippers (Sweden): Romantic tall ship sailing in the Med, Asia, and the Caribbean

  • Sea Cloud Cruises (Germany): Ultra-luxury windjammer sailing vessels in the Med and Caribbean

Closing Tips for Canadians

  • Avoid U.S. Airports: Choose cruises that depart from European, Canadian, or Caribbean ports

  • Direct Flights: Use direct routes from Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver to reach Europe, Croatia, Greece, or Norway

  • Smaller Ships: These provide more flexibility, avoid crowds, and offer richer cultural immersion

lorraine simpson
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