Cruises are a great way to see the world and meet people you may never have met otherwise. Unfortunately, many cruises can be so exorbitantly priced that they are far out of the reach of many people, particularly during a recession. If you have dreamed of taking a cruise, but think that it’s simply too expensive, read on! Here are three fantastic, unique cruises that won’t break the bank:

1. Western Coves Adventure Cruise

Starting Price: Around $250 per person/per day

This cruise through the Western Coves of southeast Alaska will take you to the best remote areas, allowing you to explore on your own or as a group. Cruise along the edges of the Tongass National Forest and keep your eye open for Orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, seals and dolphins. Leave the ship by foot and watch out for black and brown bears, mountain goats and moose!

Onboard, indulge yourself with a spa treatment, relax in the sauna or hot tub and enjoy an amazing meal prepared by executive chefs. You won’t stop at ports of call like the average tourist, but along the Alaskan coast where you can hike, cave, fish, paddle board and even kayak. This amazing cruise is unlike other you will take in your lifetime.

2. Amazon Riverboat Cruise

Starting Price: Around $300 per person/per day

Riverboat cruising is becoming more and more popular among both those new to cruising and those experienced cruisers looking for something different. This six night trip will take you from Inquitos to Lima, aboard a riverboat, experiencing the Amazon in an up-close and personal way. Naturalist guides lead the cruises, pointing out amazing scenery and telling enchanting stories of the Amazon that once was.

Highlights of this wonderful cruise include the chance to see pink dolphins at play in the river, meals prepared with foods fresh from the Amazon jungle, a trip across the canopy walkway, exploration of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve and a chance to interact with local peoples. Nowhere else in the world will you get a chance to fish for piranha, visit a shaman or see beautiful giant water lilies; an Amazon River cruise may be just the vacation you’ve been looking for.

Galapagos Small Boat Holidays

Starting Price: Around $300 per person/per day

A tour through the Galapagos Islands aboard The Darwin is perfect if you are looking for a small, cozy ship that is more about the experience than five-star rooms. Naturalist guides will give you a tour of the various waters and islands of the Galapagos, giving you a chance to hike, swim and explore to your heart’s content. Expect to see amazing animals and beautiful foliage throughout your trip.

Galapagos is home to rock iguanas, cacti, tropical birds and amazing natural wonders. Snorkel and hike your way through the islands, learning about the animals and plants that have inhabited the area for hundreds of years. Be sure to pack a reliable camera as you will have hundreds of photo opportunities.

Cruising doesn’t have to be expensive to be amazing. Just look at these three examples of budget-friendly cruises packed full of adventure. If you’ve thought of taking a cruise but have thought it was simply too expensive; think again! You can see fabulous parts of the world for the same price of a domestic vacation.

Sheila Barnett writes on personal finance and travel budgeting for financialcalculator.org, a site with just about every possible financial calculator online for investments, loans, net worth — including a credit card calculator and even one that figures out your savings from quitting smoking.