A Mediterranean cruise doesn’t have to mean the Riviera coasts. There are fascinating places to visit along the African shore to the south. Smaller ports often have less tourist traffic and serve up new and exotic experiences. Ships may visit Tunisia and Morocco, as well as Corsica, Sardinia, and Malta. Western Mediterranean voyages can include Turkey, Rhodes, Crete, Cyprus, and Egypt

Northern Europe has its own attractions. Cruising the Baltic Sea on a Baltic capitals cruise lets you visit such ports-of-call as Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Estonia; Stockholm, Gdansk, Copenhagen, and Oslo. A Norwegian fjords cruise is a perfect way to see those spectacular fjords. It can be a thrifty alternative for food and lodging in often pricey Scandinavia.

When you think about voyaging in Europe, don’t forget the United Kingdom and Ireland. These islands aren’t of the sun and surf variety, but the cultural experience and shore excursions are fascinating.

Usually, mainstream lines stick to the most popular destinations. More exotic sailings may be offered by the premium and luxury lines. Smaller ships can often visit less common ports than mega-liners, being able to navigate shallower waters and dock at smaller piers.

So get started! Bring your sense of exploration and adventure to your travel agent and find a cruise that everyone hasn’t already done. One that scratches your particular itch.

Then we woke up on the last morning of our African expedition. After game drives and foot treks to see elephants, lions, rhinos, hippos, baboons, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, elands, gazelles, and my favorite giraffes; after bush-hopping in tiny aircraft and drifting in dhows on Lake Tanganyika; after dirt toilets and bucket showers; after wonderful food and drink in exotic settings; after sleeping under mosquito nets while the wildlife prowl outside our camp; after being so well cared for by staff, camp managers, Maasai guards and our wonderful guides, it was time to leave this marvelous land.

We were sad to leave after taking Africa into our hearts, despite the fact that we were heading home again to our more comfortable, yet somehow more ordinary lives. But Cyndi and I promised that we would come back to Africa. Even before we board the jet in Dar-es-Salaam, we begin planning our next trip — in 2010!

If you think you would like to join us for our next African adventure, just call me.