Top 5 Hot Springs Cruises: Relaxing Sailing Tours Review

Isn’t there something truly special, almost magical, about relaxing in warm, bubbling waters while maybe, just maybe, floating on a ship? That seems to be what these hot springs cruises are offering – and they’re getting to be pretty well known, these floating spas. If you ask me, after traveling quite a bit, that the promise of soothing geothermal waters mixed with fantastic views is certainly worth looking into. Let’s take a closer look at a couple, actually a top 5 if you will, that seem really interesting!

1. Geothermal Getaway in the Alaskan Inside Passage

Okay, so maybe Alaska doesn’t exactly scream “tropical vacation,” right? Yet, trust me, there’s something seriously special about it. Some folks don’t understand the sheer beauty of the Inside Passage, with all of its glaciers, forests, and tiny little coastal towns. So, add some geothermal hot springs to the equation? You might have something truly unforgettable. What is so impressive to me, is that a couple of cruise operators feature itineraries that take you to these pretty hard-to-reach hot springs. How cool is that? These spots offer a bit of relaxation, maybe even rejuvenation, while being surrounded by like, seriously unbelievable scenery. Very few get to witness this, and like your average travelers love being unique and special!

Typically, these trips aren’t about massive, mega-ships with water slides. That is to say, they’re more your small, that is cozier, expedition-style ships. Which is just, just what you need, to honestly navigate these narrower waterways and get you super close to the action, right? As I was saying, you might get the opportunity to soak in hot springs like Goddard Hot Springs near Sitka, or even Tenakee Hot Springs, that are known for its super, almost unreal, mineral waters. Keep in mind that many excursions are built to maximize your experience, like whale watching and glacier viewing while you’re, well, you know, taking it easy. Read our full review: Alaskan Inside Passage Hot Springs Cruise Full Review and Details

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2. Hot Springs & Fjords Sailing Tour of Norway

Alright, when most people think about Norway, do they even consider the possibility of hot springs? You would not guess. But, yes indeed! As a matter of fact, a couple of carefully planned sailing tours combine the unbelievable beauty of Norwegian fjords with geothermal springs. It might feel quite adventurous! As I was saying, picture this: one minute you are seeing towering cliffs and like, really, really clear waters from the deck of a sailboat, and the next you are steeping yourself in hot springs.

Very few cruises focus on seeing places, that is like small coastal towns. How nice does that sound, eh? You know, cruises that these massive ships might have trouble reaching. Typically these springs aren’t the result of volcanic action (since there isn’t much of that) but it’s heat deep from in earth. That is to say, this creates waters rich in like, so many different minerals. By the way, these tours could possibly add hiking and kayaking. Pretty good for a more in depth experience, I suppose. In addition, that might just include opportunities to just get off the boat and soak in like, some remote, soothing locations! Very few get this treatment, you know?

Read our full review: Norway Hot Springs Fjords Sailing Tour Full Review and Details

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3. Mediterranean Hot Springs & Thermal Bath Cruise

Let’s be honest; the Mediterranean isn’t like the first place you think of when talking thermal baths. What a shock? But, it is just so awesome that many different spots around Greece and Italy and stuff, feature unbelievable mineral springs. You’re probably like, “Hmm, so they DO!” It’s nice that a couple of cruise options now are designed to mix seeing historic places with like, maybe an interest to just, kick back.

You might find yourself traveling to spots close to volcanic locations like Ischia (near Naples) or maybe even the Greek islands. A few springs feature natural warmth because of this, and folks have known for many centuries about them. This actually promotes healthy joints. In that case, your itinerary might just allow you to experience both ancient spots (ruins and cool historic places and stuff) in addition to just a bit of rejuvenation time at spas. Also, a dip is likely to get you to meet people; pretty nice, I would suggest! Pretty cool that it allows for just something refreshing beyond just a run-of-the-mill cruise!

Read our full review: Mediterranean Hot Springs Thermal Bath Cruise Full Review and Details

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4. Japan’s Onsen Hopping Cruise

Alright, it is pretty difficult to think about Japan without thinking, “Onsen.” Doesn’t it just, kinda, fit so naturally, right? These trips can totally take you to many various coastal towns, some a little far from city areas. The itinerary could very likely include traditional Ryokans or Onsen towns. Ryokans are like, your classic spots, so they give an honest cultural encounter that any traveler would just love. Pretty immersive, when I stop to think about it.

In some respects, many of those Japanese cruise lines now offer routes centered mainly around experiencing regional differences in Onsen culture and hot springs quality. That is, you would be traveling from destination to destination by a boat. Pretty luxurious, don’t you suppose? This, I might say, is something for true onsen lovers; but, don’t take my word for it! So many travelers say it is an awesome way to find several onsen in just one vacation.

Read our full review: Japan Onsen Hopping Cruise Full Review and Details

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5. New Zealand Hot Water Beach Sailing Adventure

You want an unbelievable blend? You might like hot springs, beaches, in addition to sailing! So this one is almost special! Now, New Zealand actually delivers it with, Hot Water Beach – the one that almost has geothermically heated water under the beach sand. This allows for many cruises, particularly in smaller ships. If you happen to visit you will visit the coast that gives the visitor the freedom to, seriously, dig their own personal spa! The way this looks, almost unbelievable to see in videos, almost magical I feel. Seriously, just a magical location.

Trips like this might be closer to multi-day sailing excursions. As a matter of fact, a smaller vessel is likely to access a lot more different bays and coasts, particularly spots where the beach meets geothermal action. While a soak on Hot Water Beach is definitely very original, the cruises can additionally provide possibilities to see locations like The Coromandel. The Coromandel includes like, unbelievably beautiful beaches in addition to scenic parks.

Read our full review: New Zealand Hot Water Beach Sailing Adventure Full Review and Details

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