When you think about cruising, what images pop into your mind? Do you dream of crystal clear waters and gentle salt breezes? Or, do you imagine arriving in exotic ports and sampling local cuisine at a leisurely pace?

Adventure Cruises Are Something Else Entirely

There is nothing wrong with either of these concepts, but, as my recent interviewee, Jane Archer, explains, relaxing cruises are definitely not the only option available to older women. For women who want a little more action, adventure cruises offer an exciting alternative to sun-bathing and wine tasting.

Honestly, I was so excited to have the opportunity to interview Jane. As a cruise journalist for the Daily Telegraph, she knows more than most about how to get the most from your next adventure on the open seas. She explains that cruising does not have to be boring.

I hope that you enjoy my interview with Jane Archer. Please make sure that you add your questions for Jane in the comments section at the end of this article.

Experience Adventurous Antarctica

Jane says crossing Drake Passage is a spiritual experience for many people. There is something about the color and shape of the ice all around you that awakens your spirit.

If you do decide to take a cruise in Antarctica, Jane recommends looking for a boat that carries no more than 300 people. The only way to go ashore in this part of the world is on a small inflatable Zodiac. So, you don’t want to be waiting for hours in either direction.

Personally, I would love to take a cruise to Antarctica. The nature is primal and painfully beautiful. At the same time, this kind of trip is not for everyone. As Jane points out, it won’t involve afternoon tea. You probably won’t have too many opportunities to wear your cocktail dress either. It’s definitely an option for adventurous women!

Check out these Antarctica cruise offers by Holland America, Silversea, Exodus, National Geographic Expeditions, Crystal Cruises.

Go Crazy for the Galapagos Islands

Penguins and icebergs are fine, but, what if you want an adventure in a warmer part of the world? Jane says that the Galapagos Island may be a fantastic option. Like Antarctica, they offer nature in its raw form. There are plenty of opportunities to connect with your inner-adventurer as you sail past awe-inspiring vistas and encounter strange creatures.

According to Jane, many of the local animals are completely unafraid of humans. This offers the opportunity for amazing close encounters. If you have a soft spot for seals, iguanas and giant turtles, you really can’t beat a cruise to the Galapagos Islands!

Of course, part of the benefit of taking this kind of cruise is that you get to meet other people who share your sense of adventure.

The only real downside is that these cruises tend to be on the pricy end of the spectrum. So, you may find yourself saving for your dream trip for a while. From what I can tell, it will be absolutely worth the wait!

Explore these Galapagos Islands cruise offers from Silversea, Celebrity Cruises. Metropolitan Touring, National Geographic Expeditions.

Make Over Your Soul on a Mekong River Cruise

In our interview, Jane reminds us that adventure holidays do not have to involve bungee jumping or hand gliding. You can still see exotic locations and rediscover yourself in relative luxury, if that’s what you want. A great example of this is the Mekong River Cruise.

The Mekong River cruise starts in Cambodia and joins the Mekong River at Phnom Penh. It passes by Angkor Wat as the river weaves past tiny villages. According to Jane, this is an experience that you won’t get anywhere else in the world.

Check out these Mekong River cruise offers by Viking Cruises, Uniworld, Avalon Waterways, Aqua Expeditions, Pandaw, Vantage Adventures.

Get Active on a Ganges River Cruise

When we filmed our interview, Jane had just returned from a cruise on the Ganges River in India. Lucky here! Like the Mekong River cruise, traveling on the Ganges isn’t about stretching yourself physically. It is about stretching yourself emotionally and spiritually. It is an adventure of the mind.

According to Jane, this particular cruise is famous for creating memories that last a lifetime. Along the way, you will experience the local culture in a way that few other journeys can provide.

Check out these Ganges River cruise offers from Uniworld, APT, Vantage Adventures.

I hope that you enjoyed my chat with Jane Archer. You can read more about her adventures on her page on the Daily Telegraph.

What was the most adventurous trip that you ever took? What did you learn from it? Please join the conversation.