Forget the Mediterranean and the Bahamas: Sail to new horizons

If you've always liked the idea of a vacation on the open seas, but the Mediterranean and the Bahamas don't strike your fancy, there are several more original cruise destinations to consider. | Abu Dhabi: Since Abu Dhabi's first officially recognized cruise season in 2006/2007, the number of passengers arriving in the UAE capital has increased fivefold. This year, a total of 95 cruise ships with around 200,000 passengers are expected to call at the port. To keep up with growing demand, the city is building a new cruise terminal able to handle up to three ships at once. Due to open in 2016, the new 8,000 square meter complex will include shops, restaurants and other facilities aimed at improving the stopover experience. More information: visitabudhabi.ae/en and www.msccruises.com

Updated on: Nov 12, 2014 3:45 PM IST

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If you've always liked the idea of a vacation on the open seas, but the Mediterranean and the Bahamas don't strike your fancy, there are several more original cruise destinations to consider. | Abu Dhabi: Since Abu Dhabi's first officially recognized cruise season in 2006/2007, the number of passengers arriving in the UAE capital has increased fivefold. This year, a total of 95 cruise ships with around 200,000 passengers are expected to call at the port. To keep up with growing demand, the city is building a new cruise terminal able to handle up to three ships at once. Due to open in 2016, the new 8,000 square meter complex will include shops, restaurants and other facilities aimed at improving the stopover experience. More information: visitabudhabi.ae/en and www.msccruises.com

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AlaskaWith its wide-open spaces and untouched landscapes, the land of the midnight sun is an ideal cruise destination for nature lovers. From May 2015, the French luxury cruise operator Ponant will offer its first Alaskan tours, including themed cruises titled "In the Wake of Pioneers." More information: en.ponant.com

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PatagoniaLocated at the southern tip of South America, on both sides of the border between Argentina and Chile, this region is known for its striking and unusual natural scenery. The Los Glaciares national park is home to the Perito Moreno, one of the largest glaciers in the area. A package from Voile Australe takes tourists past these stunning ice mountains and to the legendary Cape Horn, among other attractions. More information: www.voile-australe.com/en

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ABC IslandsThe islands of the Caribbean have long been popular among cruise goers. For a change from the mainstream, why not head to the less crowded islands of the Lesser Antilles. On Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao -- known as the ABC islands -- pristine beaches and world-renowned coral reefs await travelers. Princess Cruises is among the operators sailing to these destinations during the 2014-2015 season.More information: www.princess.com

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UshuaiaFor a guaranteed change of scenery, vacationers can head to the southernmost city on the planet, Ushuaia. While the destination is not a new one for cruise operators, it tends to feature in increasingly exclusive packages. Costa Cruises sails to the Argentine city as part of its 108-day world tour, among other enticing destinations in Europe, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, India and the Middle East. More information: www.02cruise.com