Which Cruise Fits You Best?

The most unforgettable cruises do more than just transport travelers across the water; they foster connections with the cultures and communities that make each destination unique. In this collection of cruise inspirations, we highlight itineraries featuring luxury small ships, expedition vessels, and riverboats that guide travelers into enriching experiences, including cultural interactions, culinary adventures, outdoor escapades, and moments to simply appreciate the world's most stunning landscapes.—Billie Cohen

Adventurous Cruises for Thrill Seekers

1. Antarctica

While kayaking in a secluded bay, I was greeted by a pod of six humpback whales, and I felt fortunate to be traveling with Aurora Expeditions. This Australian company is dedicated to preserving Antarctica’s delicate ecosystem while embracing adventure without compromising comfort. Their new vessel, the 132-passenger Sylvia Earle, operates with climate neutrality and includes an onboard citizen-science center, allowing guests to participate in research on polar plankton, local geology, and more. During our 23-day voyage titled “Antarctica Complete,” we stopped at South Georgia Island to witness king penguins vying for space alongside massive elephant seals, and explored the Falklands, a birdwatcher's paradise.—Sebastian Modak

For the complete story by Sebastian Modak, read Thinking About a Trip to Antarctica? This Cruise Is Spot On.

2. Under the Antarctic Ocean

Many have walked alongside penguins on the shores of Antarctica in recent years, but few have glimpsed the marine life just below the surface. Enter luxury provider Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, offering passengers on its new discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse, the opportunity for submarine excursions in Antarctica’s coastal waters—the first luxury expedition ship to do so. Guests can opt for a 20- or 40-minute dive, which might reveal the occasional diving penguin or seal.

3. Southern Africa

On Natural Habitat Adventures’s “Southern Africa Riverboat SDinogoi,” travelers engage in wildlife observation from both land and water. This 11-day, small-group journey includes three days aboard a riverboat, motorboat excursions on the Chobe River, game drives in Hwange National Park, a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls, and interactions with local communities.

4. Australia

In the summer of 2024, Seabourn will commence cruises to the remote Kimberley region aboard its Seabourn Pursuit, featuring 132 all-veranda, all-oceanfront suites. Excursions will include Zodiac rides to observe sharks and rays, helicopter flights to the stunning waterfalls of Mitchell Plateau, and visits to the remarkable rock formations of the Bungle Bungle Range.

5. Peru

Departing from Nauta in northeastern Peru, Aqua Expeditions’ new 20-suite Aqua Nera takes guests deep into the Peruvian Amazon for three, four, or seven-night journeys. The rainforest offers countless opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and wildlife spotting on guided excursions led by four experienced guides. A fleet of all-terrain bikes is also available for additional adventures.

6. Fiji

On Lindblad’s “Rites and Relics” cruise, guests can stroll along a black-sand beach, explore a WWII shipwreck while diving, or hike through Fiji’s Bouma National Heritage Park to discover waterfalls, volcanic pools, and vibrant parrots. On other days, they can witness—and even partake in—traditional Fijian firewalking and sample kava prepared by local islanders for special occasions.

7. Oceania

Avalon Waterways’ “Active & Discovery” river cruises offer a unique blend of relaxation along Europe’s historic waterways and the thrill of adventurous activities. On the nine-day Lower Danube cruise, activities include hiking in Djerdap National Park and biking through the charming port city of Vidin, Bulgaria. Meanwhile, on the eight-day Moselle cruise through Germany, guests can paddle canoes on the Moselle River, trek to Landshut Castle in Bernkastel-Kues, or ride an open-air cable car over Rüdesheim followed by a hike through picturesque vineyards. Each Avalon ship provides complimentary bikes, and an onboard Adventure Host leads fitness classes and offers equipment like Fitbit trackers and yoga mats.

Cruises for Those Seeking Cultural Connection

1. The Rhine River

What sets AmaWaterways apart from the multitude of Rhine River cruises is its focus on wellness and active excursions. While it’s well-known that river cruise passengers are often older, this line caters to those eager to begin their day with energetic bike rides and conclude with wine tastings beside picturesque vineyards. Each ship is equipped with a wellness instructor who arranges daily activities such as yoga, cardio workouts, and dance classes. Passengers can also borrow bikes at no cost for land exploration. AmaWaterways provides a variety of shore excursions, from a leisurely cable car ride over vineyards to invigorating hikes in the Black Forest. The cruise line’s seven-night “Captivating Rhine” journey is no exception, sailing from Amsterdam to Basel on the new 156-passenger AmaLucia, which features a spa, a walking track, two restaurants, and complimentary beer and wine.—Mae Hamilton

For the complete story from Mae Hamilton, read This Rhine River Cruise Took My Breath Away. But Not in the Way I Expected.

2. France

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours offers an 11-day “Spectacular South of France” itinerary on the Saône and Rhône rivers, featuring activities like truffle hunting, wine tasting, and a cooking demonstration at a three-star Michelin restaurant. The highlight, or the pièce de résistance, is the opportunity to meet the owners of a family-run olive farm, tour their estate, and participate in a hands-on cooking class to learn their family recipes. Onboard the 149-guest Scenic Sapphire, the final night of the journey is marked by inviting a local pâtissier aboard for a special celebration.

3. Madagascar

On Ponant’s “Adventure in Madagascar” journey, travelers discover endemic species and engage with the locals of the region. Key experiences include spotting lemurs and visiting the Vezo people, known as some of the last “sea nomads” on Earth. This 15-night expedition cruise calls at the Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Réunion.

4. The Gulf States

Windstar’s “Sparkling Sand & Cities of the Persian Gulf” cruise spans 10 days in the area. Guests can enjoy comfort aboard the all-suite Star Legend, which has recently renovated to include two new dining options. Shore excursions feature a visit to a 7th-century monastery in the UAE and a bustling souk in Bahrain. Fans of Formula 1 can opt for the Prix du Monde add-on in Abu Dhabi, which provides premium seats and insights from F1 broadcaster Bob Varsha.

5. United States

Viking’s “Grand Mississippi Voyage” offers a relaxing 22-day journey from the delta of New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota. The Viking Mississippi, accommodating 386 guests, features modern staterooms and spacious public areas, with excursions that include Cajun culinary experiences and Civil War battlefield explorations.

6. Canada

Focused exclusively on British Columbia and Alaska, Maple Leaf Adventures operates three unique vessels: a 119-year-old schooner from Vancouver (accommodating eight guests), a 111-year-old tugboat from Victoria (12 guests), and a catamaran (24 guests). Each itinerary is designed to connect travelers with the region's water, wildlife, and cultural traditions, while fostering connections with the crew, most of whom are local coastal residents. Destinations encompass Haida Gwaii, the Great Bear Rainforest, Vancouver Island, and Desolation Sound, with all trips adhering to the regulations of the First Nations whose territories they traverse. Additionally, Maple Leaf collaborates with these Nations for cultural experiences, such as having a Haida elder storyteller as part of the crew on all Haida Gwaii journeys.

Cruises for Those Seeking Relaxation

1. The Gálapagos Islands

Aboard the luxurious, 100-passenger Silver Origin from Silversea Cruises, every suite features ocean-view showers, ensuring that no breathtaking moment of the Galápagos Islands goes unseen. The ship also includes spacious walk-in closets, designer bathrobes, and fair-trade chocolates sourced from the Ecuadoran Andes. A dedicated butler is available to serve cappuccinos or expertly crafted martinis, and to ensure your wet bathing suit is laundered by the next day. The ship's anchorless technology allows it to hover above the seafloor when at rest, a sustainable feature introduced by Celebrity Cruises in the Galápagos in 2019. Once anchored, guests can embark on Zodiacs for onshore adventures, such as strolling among thousands of mating iguanas or hiking to stunning volcanic vistas. After a day of exploration, enjoying a glass of bubbly in the hot tub is a delightful touch, but the true standout feature of Silver Origin is its exceptional 1:10 guide-to-guest ratio, which Silversea claims is unmatched in the Galápagos. —Fran Golden

For the complete story from Fran Golden, read Dedicated Naturalists Help Guests Reconnect with Nature on a Galapagos Sailing.

2. The Mediterranean & Beyond

In 2024, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will introduce its second ship, Ilma. Promising one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry, this 224-suite vessel features private terraces, outdoor showers, and dedicated concierges. Guests can unwind in a lounge offering cognac and cigars, enjoy classical and jazz performances, attend discussions with local artists and historians, and take part in a children’s program. Its itineraries will include destinations such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, Israel, the Amalfi Coast, and the Greek islands, varying by season.

3. The Danube

Riverside Luxury Cruises debuted its inaugural ship, the Riverside Mozart, in April, setting a new benchmark for ultra-luxury river cruising. With features like walk-in closets and double-vanity bathrooms in every suite, plus dedicated butler service for all cabins, it redefines elegance. Its Danube itineraries, spanning 3 to 14 nights, offer unforgettable experiences, including a behind-the-scenes tour of Vienna’s Spanish Riding School and wine tastings in a Slovakian castle. Guests can tailor their adventures, whether lounging on the deck with a drink or embarking on a thrilling balloon ride over Budapest.

4. Transatlantic

In 2024, Atlas Ocean Voyages will introduce new itineraries for its yachting expedition cruises, featuring transatlantic voyages of 12, 13, or 21 days. This ample duration allows travelers to pamper themselves at the L’Occitane spa and enjoy all-inclusive meals, drinks, and cultural activities.

Cruises for Those Seeking Enrichment and Immersion

1. Greenland

Set to launch in September 2024, Quark Expeditions’ 10-night journey aboard the 199-passenger Ultramarine features two onboard helicopters that will transport guests to secluded glacial lakes and stunning landscapes. Passengers will have the chance to explore a Greenlandic community or experience camping in the pristine wilderness.

2. Colombia

The Magdalena River in Colombia is emerging as a prime destination for river cruises, and AmaWaterways will be the first major cruise line to navigate its waters, starting in November 2024. This eight-day voyage will depart from Cartagena, traveling south to the UNESCO-listed Palenque de San Basilio, the birding-rich Magangué area, and Barranquilla, famed for its lively Carnival festivities.

3. Japan

The two-week “Japan Intensive Voyage” by Azamara encompasses bustling cities like Kobe and Tokyo, as well as smaller ports across the archipelago. Guests can explore the beautiful gardens of Takamatsu and the majestic Shirakami-Sanchi mountains, with excursions offering sake tastings and rejuvenating hot spring experiences.

4. Polynesia

The recently updated luxury cruise ship Paul Gauguin takes travelers to some of Polynesia’s hidden gems. Its seven-night “Tahiti & the Society Islands” itinerary features a visit to the company’s exclusive white-sand beach on Bora Bora and a private islet off Taha’a, as well as a stop at the lesser-known Huahine, renowned for its striking blue-eyed eels and archaeological wonders.

5. Norway and the Arctic

Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Express is not just a cruise; it has been a vital service for the nation’s coastal communities since 1893. This 12-day voyage navigates through stunning fjords, the beautiful Lofoten archipelago, and the Arctic Circle, stopping at 34 towns and villages to provide essential transportation for locals, gather fresh produce, and offer unique excursions for guests.