Feb. 17--Depending on your outlook on life, being stranded on a tropical island might sound dreadful or delightful. Regardless, the story of Robinson Crusoe and his island adventures has captivated readers for nearly 300 years. Adventure Life offers the chance to experience a contemporary, civilized version of Crusoe's story with a four-day stay on Robinson Crusoe Island, about 360 miles off the coast of Chile. Your first major activity will be a 4 1/2 -hour trek up to Selkirk Viewpoint, named for Alexander Selkirk, the real-life inspiration for the fictional Crusoe. You'll also be able to wander around the village of San Juan Bautista, the island's only settlement. Other activities include sailing around the island and snorkeling or scuba diving. There's also a horseback jaunt to the Plazoleta del Yunque, the highest point on the island. The cost of the trip is $3,680 per person, double occupancy, which includes round-trip air from Santiago, Chile, to the island, lodging, meals and four days of guided service. International air to Santiago is extra. Info: 800-344-6118, http://tinyurl.com/h4qf5lt
Single supplement cast away
Single travelers looking for a financial break will appreciate the deal on select AmaWaterways cruises from Untours Ventures. The single supplement is waived on D and E Class cabins, which are the line's lowest-priced. AmaWaterways is notable for offering free wine and beer with meals, free Internet, free shore excursions and bicycles for exploring in port. Cruises range from as low as $1,499 per person for a seven-night Tulip Time itinerary that explores Holland and Belgium to a 13-night Stars of South Africa cruise that starts at $10,695. Also offered are a variety of seven- and 14-night European itineraries. Bookings through Untours Ventures includes an onboard credit. Info: http://tinyurl.com/go4t56y
These cruisers aren't losers
CruiseCritic.com recently released its 2016 Cruisers' Choice Awards, based on reviews on its site from cruises taken last year. Awards were doled out in 12 categories, including Best Overall, Best for Dining, Best for Value and Best for First-Timers. Within most categories are sub-categories for large, mid-sized and small ships. Ranked Best Overall in the large-ship category is the Disney Dream (Disney also took second place with its Fantasy ship). Holland America's Maasdam was selected as the top mid-sized ship, and the Celebrity Xpedition was No. 1 for small ships. Three of Holland America's ships cracked the Top 10 in mid-sized. For those pondering their first cruise, the Viking Star holds the top spot, though Norwegian Cruise Line dominates with five ships in the rankings. See all the rankings at http://tinyurl.com/gtrbujh.
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
