Pack your binoculars as there's plenty to see on a wildlife cruise - from whales and penguins to rhinos and orang-utan, says EMILY BAMBER

GIANT DRAGONS IN INDONESIA
There can be few more relaxing ways to spend a fortnight than sailing around the paradise islands of Indonesia on a traditional rigged ship, stopping to swim, snorkel or just slumber on the beach.

This voyage with Explore Worldwide (0844 499 0901/www.explore.co.uk) sails from Bali around Lombok, Sumbawa and Flores following old trade routes. Despite the temptation to laze about adventure awaits ashore. Hunt for Komodo dragons, a variety of giant lizard, on tiny Komodo island or search for wild boar, monkeys and flame-coloured birds.

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The traditional native design ship, a pinisi schooner, has en suite cabins, spacious dining area and bar. It even has telescopes and all fishing gear and kayaks are provided.

An eight-night East Indies Seatrek cruise from £2,370pp (two sharing), including an additional four nights B&B at the two-star Swastika Bungalows, Bali and return flights from Heathrow to Bali. Departs March 20, 2011.

WHALES IN ALASKA
Nothing can prepare you for Alaska's beauty. With its towering mountains, glaciers and wildlife it is just breathtaking. Spot humpback whales alongside your ship and the odd grizzly bear roaming the shores.

Most ships sail through Canada's Inside Passage before heading up to the cruise highlight Glacier Bay National Park.

Take wildlife-tours from remote towns such as Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan and on this Holland America Line (0845 351 0557/www.hollandamerica.co.uk) cruise transfer to a smaller craft to enter Tracy Arm fjord where eagles soar above glaciers.

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There are also four days at sea to enjoy premium dining, extensive facilities and a stunning collection of antiques and artwork on board MS Zuiderdam.

A seven-night Alaska cruise from £1,598pp (two sharing), including one additional night at the four-star Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver, room only and return flights from Heathrow to Vancouver. Departs May 13, 2011.

CREATURES OF THE GALAPAGOS
Stepping on to a Galapagos beach you may find a welcoming committee of sunbathing sea lions, iguanas eyeing you from a rock or blue-footed boobies nesting on coastal paths. The islands, 600 miles west of Ecuador, still draw specialist researchers fascinated by the variety of species there.

In addition to types of sea lion there are turtles, giant tortoises, lizards and endless varieties of birds. This cruise on National Geographic Journeys' (0800 988 5175/www.ngjourneys.co.uk) ship Endeavour is also manned by experts who accompany you on excursions. The 96-passenger ship carries snorkelling gear, kayaks and a glass-bottom boat for its adventurous clientele.

A seven-night Unique Galapagos cruise from £3,998pp (two sharing), including return flights from Heathrow, internal flights to Ecuador and one additional night at the four-star Hilton Colon in Guayaquil, B&B.
Departs December 10, 2010.

ORANG-UTAN IN BORNEO
Orang-utan have hovered near extinction for decades here but at Nyaru Metang they are cared for and returned to the wild. Three days in Borneo is the highlight of this wildlife adventure with Swan Hellenic (0844 871 4603/ www.swanhellenic.com).

As well as cuddling orang-utan orphans at the sanctuary you can visit rainforest teeming with hundreds of species of birds and exotically named mammals such as pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinos, clouded leopards and sun bears.

If you're very lucky you might spot a bay cat, it's reddish-brown with a thick dark tail and is so rare it was only caught on camera for the first time in 1998. On board the tastefully decorated MV Minerva is an expansive teak promenade deck, perfect for getting your binoculars out. The cruise also calls at the Philippines with an overnight stay in Manila, ending in Hong Kong.

A 15-night South China Sea cruise from £3,235pp (two sharing), including return flights from Heathrow or Gatwick to Singapore. Departs January 16, 2011.

PENGUINS IN ANTARCTICA
Accessed by a two-day crossing from the southern tip of Argentina, Antarctica is possibly the ultimate expedition cruise. It rewards visitors with pristine fjords and ice formations as big as cathedrals as well as awe-inspiring mountains.

Wildlife thrives here and from the deck expect to see fur and elephant seals, whales and huge colonies of emperor penguins.

You will sail through a channel of icebergs in Lemaire Passage and into Whalers Bay.

Once ashore follow marked paths to see wildlife, dip in volcano-warmed pools and visit research stations. On board Hurtigruten's (0208 846 2666/www.hurtigruten.co.uk) purpose-built MS Fram, experts give lectures about the wildlife and there are glass-walled observation areas.

The ship's interior makes good use of wool, leather and oak creating a real Nordic feel and works by Greenlandic artists are displayed throughout the ship.

A nine-night Antarctic Discovery cruise from £5,153pp (two sharing), including return flights from Heathrow to Buenos Aires.

Departs January 9, 2011.