Backroads Launches New Ocean and River Cruise Adventure Trips for 2019 and 2020

Featuring Biking, Hiking and More, New Trips Explore Popular Destinations like Japan, Iceland, the Dalmatian Coast, New Zealand and the Baltic Sea
January 30, 2019
Berkeley, CA

Berkeley, CA (January 30, 2019) Backroads, the leader in active and adventure travel, today announced new active Ocean and River Cruise Adventure Trips to destinations spanning the globe from Alaska to New Zealand, including Antarctica, Iceland, Japan, the Dalmatian Coast and the Baltic Sea. Over the next two years, Backroads will roll out more than 250 Ocean and River Cruise Adventure departures, along with additional Full Ship Celebration departures on the Danube and Portugal’s Douro River.

Backroads pioneered the concept of “Active Cruises,” an exciting new mode of ship-based adventure travel, with the launch of Active River Cruises in 2015. Guests live aboard the ship at night and spend the days actively exploring a region, going at their own pace and connecting with locals in a way no other cruise experience offers. By sailing on small ships, guests access remote ports for unique immersive experiences in the surrounding areas. On board, travelers enjoy private cocktail and wine tastings, delicious dining with wine included, full access to ship amenities and personalized service from the ship crew and Backroads Trip Leaders.

Backroads has teamed up with the best small luxury ship purveyors – AmaWaterways, Ponant and KleinTours – to deliver genuine and one-of-a-kind journeys and experiences.

“There is something very special about exploring a region by both water and land,” said Backroads President and Founder, Tom Hale. “When we first launched our Active River Cruises I could never have imagined their popularity with Backroads guests. This year we’re rolling out some fabulous small ship ocean cruises, so Backroads guests can enjoy all the amenities on the ships, while exploring the nooks and crannies of popular destinations across the world.”

Small Ship Ocean Cruises

In 2018, Backroads debuted its first small ship Ocean Cruise Tour to Iceland with 100% of guests rating those trips 10 out of 10. The company is now introducing more ship-based active adventures in the Baltics, Venice to Croatia, New Zealand, Antarctica, Japan and the Galápagos in 2019 and 2020.

Backroads’ intimate ocean cruises offer thoroughly planned active trips with unparalleled ship- and land-based support. On the ship, Backroads staffs multiple Trip Leaders, plus activity guides and dedicated vehicle support onshore, so guests are supported to explore as they wish. Backroads guests can enjoy Full Ship Celebration departures on the Danube and Portugal’s Douro Rivers, meaning all guests aboard the ship will be Backroads travelers. It’s a unique opportunity to share a common interest in exploring the world actively. All equipment and activities are included in the trip price.

A pioneer in active and adventure travel, Backroads celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2019. Backroads was founded on the principles of creating extraordinary experiences for its guests, being the most guest-focused travel company on the planet and incorporating the highest quality possible into the philosophy and fabric of the company.

Backroads Active Ocean Cruises

  • Alaska Multi-Adventure (launching in 2020)
  • Antarctica Multi-Adventure
  • Baltic Sea Biking
  • Galápagos Multi-Adventure
  • Iceland Walking & Hiking
  • Japan Walking & Hiking
  • New Zealand Multi-Adventure
  • Venice to Croatia Biking
  • Backroads Active River Cruises
  • Danube River Biking + Full Ship Celebration
  • Douro River Biking, Walking & Hiking + Full Ship Celebration
  • Galápagos, Andes & Amazon Walking & Hiking
  • Rhine River Biking
  • Seine River Biking

For a complete listing of new Backroads Ocean and River Cruise Adventure tours and more information, visit https://www.backroads.com/award-winning-tours/cruises or call 1-800-462-2848.

About Backroads: Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time.

Backroads Media Contact: Liz Einbinder | Liz_Einbinder@Backroads.com | 510-292-2753