15 Craziest Cruise Adventures

1. Royal Caribbean International

You'll probably need a month on a Royal Caribbean cruise to make the most of all the adventurous options it offers. The cruise brought the first ever skydiving simulator so you can learn how to practice this extreme sport. A glass wind box, which is 23 ft. tall, acts as the flight chamber. The view and feeling are incredible. You can also surf onboard, climb a 43 ft. high rock climbing wall, get your PADI scuba diving certificate, and zip line. Among the less adventurous experiences are ice skating, bar hopping and clubbing. Yes, all of these adrenaline-pumping activities happen onboard.  

2. Star Clippers Cruises

The company is known for its sailing ships. That means huge masts. Conquer your fear of heights and climb 68 ft. in the air literally to the crow's nest. Some other unconventional activities include deep sea fishing and scuba diving. One of the best parts of the trip is that you get to be a deckhand, take the helm, raise and lower the sails, and take a turn in the watch rotation. The Star Clippers focus on offbeat tours in Europe and the Caribbean.

3. MSC Cruises

Virtual reality became a thing after MSC Cruises included it on its ships. They are famous for their realistic Formula 1 simulator. You literally get in a race car, take the wheel, and drive down a track. You see pretty much nothing but the screen in front of you, which makes you feel as if you really are chasing Lewis Hamilton. MSC Cruises' destinations are ideal places for trekking, snorkeling and kayaking.

4. Un-Cruise Adventures

You probably haven't thought of Alaska as a good destination for snorkeling but the Un-Cruise Adventures may change your mind. You get to explore the wilderness of the colder waters in the state where this typical summer activity is very pleasant with a wetsuit. Tourists' favorite onboard adventure is sleeping on deck under the stars on a Balinese bed. You may have never seen a sky so clear and a view more enchanting. The cruise also offers backcountry treks, glacier hiking and paddleboarding. You get to see bears, sea lions and whales. The Safari Explorer cruise takes you to the cowboy isle of Molokai where night snorkeling is a favorite fun activity.

5. SeaDream Yacht Club

This is your cruise if you're really into jet skiing. Few have this adventure on their lists of activities. Imagine going fast on a jet in the middle of the ocean where the only thing you see for miles is water. The sports platforms also have sailboats and kayaks. This cruise is just like traveling on a yacht. The SeaDream also offers the option of sleeping under the stars. This trip can also be an adventure for your taste buds. It's known for its astounding and diverse cuisine.

6. Aventura Dance Cruise

This is the world's first and largest Latin dance cruise. All you do is party dance – day and night. You also get to take classes with professionals and watch shows while you're taking a break. You get to learn Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Zouk, Kizomba, Reggaeton, Latin Pop, and Merengue. This cruise is a social event more than anything else. It unites dance enthusiasts who want to explore the Caribbean in four days. 

7. Patagonia and Cape Horn Cruises

Ever wondered about the places Charles Darwin visited? Explore the Galapagos Islands. Many companies now offer expeditions there. They call the destination "one of the most prized, heavily researched and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth." On this trip you get to hike throughout Patagonia, sail through the Drake Passage, which is the water between South America's Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. You'll also get the chance to be close to penguins in Antarctica and to plunge into thermally heated springs in the ocean.

8. Hurtigruten Cruises

Cruise between icebergs and Antarctica, pitch a tent on the ice and brave the weather. Want to see the Northern Lights this year? It will be your last chance for a decade. The Hurtigruten's Northern Lights winter voyages are a very popular option to witness the glow of the aurora borealis. Snowmobile safari and dogsledding are popular options too. You can also choose to see polar bears in the North Pole or board the exploration ship to get close to beluga whales, seals, rare birds and reindeer.

9. Norwegian Cruise Line

Who says you get to spend time in an ICE BAR only in the winter? The Norwegian Cruise Line's different ships feature one onboard – the first at sea. Everything is made of ice – the bar, seats, glasses, and the decorations. It's just 17 degrees there but you're drinking – you guessed it – ice cocktails. The ships also offer zip lining. Fly 82 feet across the decks. Other options include riding an underwater scooter and swimming with sea lions.

10. Orion Expeditions

Seeing rare orangutans in their natural habitat are not an everyday experience but you can see them with the Orion Expeditions' Faces in the Forest journey. A 10-night cruise takes you through Australia's Kimberley region. You'll get up close and personal with crocodiles, take expeditions to see stunning waterfalls, and participate in high-speed boat races through unrestrained waters. The company was recently acquired by Lindblad Expeditions. 

11. Lindblad Expeditions

You may want to consider this cruise to explore the Peruvian Amazon. You'll go deep into the jungle to see rare monkey and birds. Kayaking along pink dolphins is also an opportunity. But beware of the anacondas and caimans when you get to the shore. The ships have a lot of kayaks so you can easily get off and access remote areas or snorkel. Some destinations include the chance to do that with hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos, hike the isolated trails of the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, and kayak the coastlines of Baja's Sea of Cortez, which is a UNESCO heritage site.

12. Paul Gauguin Cruises

These cruises are preferred by a lot of newlyweds. The ships sail through French Polynesia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. The trips include a variety of water sports – scuba diving (including a PADI diving certificate), kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding. You also get to swim with sharks or ride an ATV through some challenging terrains.

13. Quark Expeditions

You can kayak with whales and see penguins building their nests. How would you feel if you had to navigate through a maze of icebergs? This cruise will let you know. Plus, you get to see all the Antarctic Peninsula attractions. Do you want to discover the seventh continent and ice break your way through the Antarctic? You can sled over the frozen water (and hope the ice doesn't crack).

14. Zegrahm Expeditions

Zegrahm Expeditions offer memorable adventures for divers and people who love snorkeling. You get to go to the Coral Triangle which has more than 2,000 species of fish. It's a remote location in Micronesia where you get to see how locals live. Many of the ships offer scuba diving. Zegrahm's three-masted sailing vessel is going on an adventure to Cuba in April.

15. Seabourn Cruise Line

This is a relatively small luxury cruise but it has top-notch aft marinas. You get to jump in the ocean straight off the ship. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard and kayak directly off the cruise too. Other adventures include sailing and water skiing.