Cruising has never offered more choice. Beyond the familiar image of large ocean liners sailing between famous ports, there's a whole world of alternative cruise experiences designed around discovery, culture, and immersive travel. Whether you're dreaming of remote polar landscapes, Europe's historic waterways, or hidden coastal harbours that larger ships can't reach, there's a style of cruising to match the way you like to travel. The key is finding the one that's right for you.
Expedition cruising: for travellers who want to explore beyond the ordinary
If your bucket list includes Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos Islands, or Alaska's remote wilderness, expedition cruising could be the perfect fit. These voyages are all about discovery. Rather than focusing on onboard attractions, expedition ships are designed to access some of the most remote and remarkable destinations on the planet. Days are often spent exploring alongside expert guides, with opportunities to spot wildlife, step ashore in places few people ever visit, and learn more about the landscapes around you through lectures and guided excursions.
The experience is often more active than traditional cruising. You might find yourself boarding a Zodiac to reach a remote shoreline, hiking through dramatic scenery, or watching whales and seabirds from the deck. If you value experiences over facilities, expedition cruising offers an unforgettable way to see the world.
River cruising: for culture lovers and curious explorers
Instead of sailing across open oceans, you'll travel through the heart of a destination, often docking directly in cities, towns, and villages. One day you might be exploring medieval castles along the Rhine, the next wandering through vineyard-covered landscapes on the Douro or discovering historic riverside cities along the Danube.
One of the biggest attractions of river cruising is its simplicity. Ships are smaller, distances are shorter, and there's very little time spent sailing. Instead, the focus is firmly on the destinations themselves. Excursions are often included, making it easy to immerse yourself in local culture, history, food, and traditions. For those who enjoy touring holidays but like the convenience of unpacking only once, river cruising strikes a wonderful balance between comfort and exploration.
Small-ship and yacht cruising: for a more intimate experience
Enjoy the idea of ocean cruising but prefer a more boutique feel? Small-ship and yacht cruises offer an appealing alternative. With significantly fewer guests on board, these vessels create a more relaxed and personal atmosphere. Service tends to feel more attentive, while itineraries can include smaller ports, hidden coves, and destinations that larger ships simply can't access.
This style of cruising is particularly popular in places such as the Greek Islands, Croatia, the Mediterranean, French Polynesia, and the Caribbean, where the ability to access smaller harbours can completely transform the experience. Days often feel less structured, with more opportunities to swim directly from the ship, linger longer in picturesque ports, and enjoy a pace that feels closer to private yacht travel than traditional cruising.
Ready to book the perfect cruise for you? Speak to your personal Travel Counsellor today.
A group of Travel Counsellors recently headed to Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line, setting off from Seattle aboard Norwegian Bliss. The trip gave the group a chance to experience the ship and its ports first-hand, picking up ideas and insights to share with customers planning their own cruise. And with Alaska on the bucket list for so many, there was plenty to look forward to once the ship left Seattle behind.
Some holidays are about fitting in as much as possible. Others give you the luxury of taking your time. A voyage along the Atlantic coasts of Spain and France with Cunard offers a little of both: days spent discovering great food, architecture, and historic cities ashore, balanced by unhurried time on board as the scenery changes beyond the ship. In 2027, consider a seven-night voyage from Southampton aboard Queen Anne. You can wake up ready to explore Bilbao, spend the following days discovering Galicia, and finish with a taste of Normandy, without changing hotels or repacking along the way. Two days at sea create a natural pause between these stops, giving you time to enjoy the ship rather than simply moving from one destination to the next.
Cunard’s new voyages for October 2028 to May 2029 bring together winter sun, European city stays, and far-reaching journeys across the world. Guests can mark a milestone at sea on Queen Mary 2, spend an evening in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival with Queen Anne, or join Queen Elizabeth for a 115-night World Voyage. There’s also a 10% Early Booking Saving on eligible bookings made by 30th December 2026.*
Finding your match...
