Cruise Passenger’s 100 Best Cruises in the World

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Our Top 100 Cruises presented with My Cruises

Cruise Passenger has assembled a panel of experts – you’ll recognise them, they are all regular writers for these pages. Between them, they have clocked up hundreds of itineraries on every ship and line around the world. They have produced a fascinating – and at times, eclectic! – list. We think it will provide you with endless inspiration.

I’ve been privileged to sail a few cruises myself, and the variety of journeys available aboard so many different ships never fails to surprise and delight me. I used to fend off questions about my favourites with the old joke: “What’s my favourite cruise? My last cruise!” But it was in talking to you, our loyal readers, that I came to realise the importance of this question. Choosing a cruise isn’t easy. So much choice makes it harder. And for all of us, a holiday is an important event.

My advice: make a note of what’s important to you (and your travelling companions) on a vacation. Do you like to relax or engage in lots of activities? Is gourmet dining your thing? And what about destinations: are you a history buff, a wild adventurer or more of a lounge lizard? There are cruise lines that will make some or all of these wishes come true in the following pages.

And if you are still in doubt, go and talk to a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) trained travel agent. They really know their ships and itineraries, and they understand how important finding the right ship and itinerary is for all cruisers. We’re sure you will have your own personal favourites, and we’d love to hear about them. Send us your comments on cruisepassenger.com.au. Our collection in this special magazine covers everything from family and budget to boutique and yachts, so there is something for every budget and taste.

We’ve partnered with My Cruises, Australia’s best purveyors of cruise holidays. The CLIA-accredited team at My Cruises has expertise and experience, and has helped thousands of Australians and New Zealanders find their perfect itinerary.

We would like to thank you for your trust over the past 25 years. We’ve enjoyed meeting and, on occasion, sailing with you. We have some exciting things in store for 2026. So here’s to the next quarter century of cruising.

Peter Lynch, Publisher.

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Best Family Cruises

Curated by Tiana Templeman

Family cruising is about finding the perfect balance between “me time” and “we time.” These itineraries offer the best waterslides, kids’ clubs, and multi-generational fun.

1. Royal Caribbean: Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day

• Ship: Icon of the Seas
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Vibe: The world’s largest ship is a floating resort with 20 decks, 7 pools, and 6 waterslides. It’s the ultimate thrill-seeker’s playground.
• Highlight: A stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.

Departing from Miami, Florida, Icon of the Seas sails to Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas, San Juan in Puerto Rico and the Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Aimed squarely at families and active travellers, the ship has 20 decks, 2805 staterooms, 20 restaurants, seven pools, six waterslides and a huge waterpark. There are also 40 dining and entertainment venues and eight separate neighbourhoods dedicated to thrills and good times on a grand scale. Think of it as a family-friendly floating resort that’s guaranteed to keep you and your kids entertained with loads of things to see, eat and do.

Head to royalcaribbean.com for more info.

2. MSC Cruises: Mediterranean

• Ship: MSC World Europa
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Vibe: An LNG-powered giant featuring the “Venom Drop”—an 11-deck dry slide.
• Highlight: Exploring historic ports like Naples and Valletta while the kids enjoy the massive onboard waterpark.

Step aboard one of the world’s biggest ships, MSC World Europa, for an LNG-powered adventure featuring the Venom Drop at The Spiral, an 11-deck stainless steel slide coiling through the ship’s core, and a brewery serving beers made with desalinated seawater (you may need one after that slide). A seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise features a week of swimming, café dining and glamour at ports like Naples, Messina, Valetta and Marseille. This ship also features the MSC Yacht Club, a ship-within-a-ship offering private restaurants, pools, and lounges that welcome families. This cruise is a round-trip from Barcelona.

Head to msccruises.com.au for more info.

3. Carnival Cruise Line: Southeast Asia

• Ship: Carnival Encounter
• Duration: 13 Days (Brisbane to Singapore)
• The Vibe: The best of both worlds—Australian style cruising with Asian destinations.
• Highlight: Two fun-filled days in Bali (Lombok and Denpasar) and the EDGE Adventure Park for older kids.

Can’t decide whether to cruise in Australia or Asia? Visit both in the one trip! A cruise from Brisbane to Singapore on Carnival Encounter balances relaxing sea days with two days of fun in the sun at Bali’s Lombok and Denpasar before crossing the Equator and arriving in Singapore. This ship also caters to every family member, from parents who enjoy relaxing at the adults-only pool to trivia-loving grandparents and kids who want to amp up the fun with ziplining and kids’ clubs. If you’re travelling with older children, an unlimited pass for the EDGE Adventure Park offers great value and gets them outdoors and having fun.

For more information go to carnival.com.au

4. Royal Caribbean: New Zealand Adventure

• Ship: Anthem of the Seas
• Duration: 13 Days (Round-trip Sydney)
• The Vibe: Packed with activities like bumper cars, roller skating, and the iFly skydiving simulator.
• Highlight: Sailing through the breathtaking Milford Sound and visiting the Wētā Workshop in Wellington.

It’s all aboard in Sydney for a roundtrip Kiwi adventure on Anthem of the Seas. Inside you’ll find the SeaPlex, a multi-purpose activities venue that has everything from bumper cars to roller skating and big-screen video game challenges (even better, all of these are free). Out on deck there’s the FlowRider surf simulator, North Star viewing capsule and iFly virtual skydiving. On shore, you can cruise through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ in the Bay of Islands, hit the town in Auckland, watch the skies for albatross in Dunedin, visit the Wētā Workshop in Wellington, and more – not least, sailing through Milford Sound for some jaw-dropping sightseeing.

For more info, head to royalcaribbean.com

5. Norwegian Cruise Line: Greek Isles

• Ship: Norwegian Viva
• Duration: 10 Days
• The Vibe: NCL’s newest ship features a 10-storey dry slide and a multi-level racetrack.
• Highlight: Visiting Santorini and Mykonos with plenty of adrenaline options onboard for teens.

If you’re tossing up between a beach holiday and exploring some of Europe’s best cities, Norwegian Viva, NCL’s newest ship, has voyages around the Greek Islands that offer both. Catering to all ages and tastes, there’s an abundance of entertainment on Norwegian Viva, including Broadway-style performances and live music, plus a multi-level racetrack and an adrenaline-charged 10-storey-high dry slide called The Drop. If you want to scare yourself silly and enjoy a little friendly competition with your kids, The Rush’s duelling racing slides are for you. This cruise leaves from Istanbul and stops in the likes of Mykonos and Santorini before sailing on to Athens, Croatia, Montenegro and Venice.

Head to ncl.com for more info.

6. MSC Cruises: Caribbean & Antilles

• Ship: MSC World America
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Vibe: Features the longest zipline at sea and a secret speakeasy for the adults.
• Highlight: Snorkelling at the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.

Board MSC World America and challenge each other to try the 11-storey dry slide, giant swing over the edge of the ship, the high ropes course and the longest zipline at sea, before sailing south to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Then, enjoy some well-earned relaxation at MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. Go snorkelling at Bimini Beach or Lighthouse Bay, then grab a cocktail and stargaze from a sun lounger before the ship returns to Miami. Add 20 different bars (including a secret speakeasy), adults-only areas, and dining venues serving everything from sushi to steak, Mediterranean-inspired meals and more, and you have the perfect family holiday for the young and young-at-heart.

For more info, head to msccruises.com.au

7. Royal Caribbean: Tokyo to Singapore

• Ship: Navigator of the Seas
• Duration: 13 Days
• The Vibe: A journey through Japan with extensive kids’ facilities covering 1,500 sqm.
• Highlight: A late-night stay in Hong Kong and snorkelling in Okinawa.

Royal Caribbean: Tokyo to Singapore Cruise (13 days) The kids’ facilities on Navigator of the Seas cover almost 1500 square metres and the fun doesn’t stop there. When you sail from Tokyo to Singapore there are plenty of sea days too, so you can boogie board and hang ten on the FlowRider surf simulator, hit a hole-in-one at the nine-hole miniature golf course, go ice-skating, and reach new heights on the rock-climbing wall. You’ll also get to see Japan, with highlights including the beautiful city of Osaka, plus Kyoto, Nagoya, Ishigaki and Okinawa, where you can swim, snorkel or kayak in the East China Sea. The ship docks in Hong Kong from 8am to midnight, giving you time to explore by day and into the night, before sailing on to Singapore.

8. Disney Cruise Line: Sydney to Hobart

• Ship: Disney Wonder
• Duration: Various (Jan 2026 season)
• The Vibe: Magic at sea with Mickey, Minnie, and Broadway-style shows.
• Highlight: Fireworks at sea and the “Twist ‘n’ Spout” water slide.

If you want to sail on Disney Wonder, you’ll need to get in quick as this is the ship’s final Australian season. In January 2026, there are sailings from Sydney to Hobart and back that maximise your Disney magic. With larger-than-average staterooms, kids’ clubs, deck parties and fireworks at sea, you and your kids will love this ship. You’ll get to hang out with your favourite Disney characters, enjoy themed dining and catch the ship’s spectacular Broadway-style shows. Or have some splashtastic fun on the double-looping Twist ‘n’ Spout water slide. For little ones under three, Dory’s Reef offers safe and gentle water play. Other cruises are available out of Melbourne and there’s even a three-night Sydney-Sydney cruise that’s all about being on the ship.

9. Norwegian Cruise Line: Bermuda from New York

• Ship: Norwegian Aqua
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Vibe: Features the “Aqua Slidecoaster”—a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide.
• Highlight: Three days docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda for extensive exploration.

When you sail on Norwegian Aqua to Bermuda, there isn’t just plenty to do on shore. With the fastest slides at sea, a speedway in the middle of the ocean, and the Aqua Slidecoaster which uses the same launch technology as a regular rollercoaster, there are thrills galore on board, too. For something a little less heart-pumping, you can enjoy live music,
a comedy club, and the headliner show, Revolution: A Celebration of Prince. Pop-up events throughout the ship keep things fresh, and top deck sports tournaments attract guests of all ages and are a great way to make new friends. This itinerary gives you time to enjoy the ship on four days at sea, and docks for three days in the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, for beach time, snorkelling, sightseeing and shopping.

10. Carnival Cruise Line: Fiji & South Pacific

• Ship: Carnival Encounter / Splendor
• Duration: 12 Days (Brisbane Roundtrip)
• The Vibe: Relaxed Aussie cruising with the famous “Green Thunder” slide.
• Highlight: Visits to Fiji and Vanuatu with plenty of sea days to enjoy the pools.

This Carnival cruise has everything your family needs and more, including a couple of sea days for soaking up the sun on the pool deck on the way to and from the South Pacific. If you’re travelling with tots, children as young as two can participate in the onboard kids’ club. Your children will love The Pantry buffet, which has dishes to tempt even the fussiest eaters, followed by a slice of cake or a jelly cup for dessert. There are excursions for all ages too, from glass bottom boat rides to see tropical fish to guided snorkelling tours for older kids and their parents. This itinerary departs from Brisbane and takes you to Fiji and Vanuatu, with six fun days at sea.

11. Disney Cruise Line: Western Caribbean

• Ship: Disney Destiny
• Duration: 5 Days
• The Vibe: Heroes and Villains theme on Disney’s newest ship.
• Highlight: A stop at Disney Castaway Cay and a Lion King-themed restaurant.

Discover the magic of Disney onboard the line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny, on a five-night roundtrip cruise from Fort Lauderdale. After spending a day at sea and getting your photo taken with the Black Panther statue in the Grand Hall and Disney’s heroes and villains at free meet-and-greets, you’ll call in at Cozumel in Mexico and have an action-packed day of fun at Disney’s own island, Disney Castaway Cay, before the ship returns to port. On board, you can look forward to shows and themed dining venues, including a Lion King restaurant.

12. Norwegian Cruise Line: Mexican Riviera

• Ship: Norwegian Encore
• Duration: 7 Days (Round-trip LA)
• The Vibe: Go-karts, laser tag, and stunning Pacific sunsets.
• Highlight: A trifecta of ports: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.

Departing Los Angeles on Norwegian Encore, this roundtrip Mexican Riviera cruise features a trifecta of popular ports like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. In between swimming at the beach, strolling cobblestone streets and shopping for crafts, there are three sea days to enjoy all this mega ship offers (you’ll need every one of them!). Think go-karts on the top deck, a laser tag challenge, Broadway-style shows, a waterslide that zips you over the ship’s side, and more!

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Best Premium Cruises

Curated by Sue Wallace

For those who want refined dining, fewer waterslides, and deeper destination immersion without the ultra-luxury price tag.

13. Princess Cruises: World Cruise

• Ship: Crown Princess
• Duration: 114 Days
• The Itinerary: A bucket-list voyage visiting 43 ports across the globe, from Casablanca to Easter Island.

Expect bucket list destinations and dynamic dining adventures on this extensive 114-day world cruise visiting 43 ports around the world. From exotic Casablanca in Morocco and La Coruna in Spain to Iceland’s majestic fjords, vibrant New York, and the mysteries of Easter Island, this cruise has it all. Crown Princess showcases an impressive three-storey piazza and a 24-hour International Cafe. Reserve Collection Dining has a private entrance to an exclusive area in the main dining room, plus there’s Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and eclectic bars. The sumptuous Princess Theatre presents dazzling stage shows.

14. Royal Caribbean: Singapore to Tokyo

• Ship: Navigator of the Seas
• Duration: 13 Days
• The Itinerary: A “Taste of Asia” featuring Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. Don’t miss the robot bartenders at the Bionic Bar.

Royal Caribbean has a range of 3-5-night and 7-12-night cruises to China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Thailand. For a taste of a few destinations, as well as the time to enjoy some days at sea, the 12-night Singapore to Tokyo cruise aboard Navigator of the Seas is an easy choice. Departing from Singapore, you’ll sail to Hong Kong, Taiwan and three ports in Japan before making your way to Tokyo. During the six days you’ll spend at sea, check out the robot making cocktails in the Bionic Bar, try the surfing simulator and indulge in a spa treatment or two. Stay in luxurious suite accommodation, or save on a budget-friendly interior room.

15. Princess Cruises: Mediterranean with Italy & Croatia

• Ship: Enchanted Princess
• Duration: 10 Days
• The Itinerary: A culture-heavy trip from Rome visiting Corfu, Split, and Kotor.

The Mediterranean’s rich bounty is the star of this cruise, featuring treasured antiquities, impressive art and picture-perfect islands. Departing from Rome, highlights include Corfu and Crete in Greece, Split in Croatia, Valetta in Malta and Bar, Montenegro – delivering an enviable mix of history, gorgeous scenery and delicious food. Explore cobblestoned towns, take in a cooking demo or simply relax on the beach. There’s plenty to do aboard the Enchanted Princess, from dining options galore to theatre shows, outdoor movies, an adults-only retreat with bar and pool, and family-friendly pools and activities.

16. Norwegian Cruise Line: South Pacific

• Ship: Norwegian Spirit
• Duration: 11 Days
• The Itinerary: A foodie’s delight, stopping in Nouméa for French pastries and Lifou for snorkelling.

This treasure-laden cruise from Sydney to Fiji makes its first stop in foodie haven Nouméa, where you can indulge in French cheese, fresh seafood and pastries – and give your high school French a workout. In secluded Lifou, throw yourself into the turquoise water to snorkel over coral reefs teeming with marine life. The protected waters around tiny Mystery Island in Vanuatu offer another chance to commune with marine life, while natural hot springs and lush rainforests await on an eco-tour in Savusavu, Fiji. Between ports, enjoy life aboard Norwegian Spirit. Unwind on the pool deck, take in a show, or dine in one of the specialty restaurants on board.

17. Holland America Line: Legendary Australia Circumnavigation

• Ship: MS Noordam
• Duration: 35 Days
• The Itinerary: The ultimate lap of Australia, including stops in Papua New Guinea and Kangaroo Island.

Break out the Hawaiian shirts for a cruise on Pride of America, the only ship sailing year-round from Honolulu. It explores four islands in seven days with visits to five ports – the perfect way to discover the charm of Hawaii. Ports include Kahului Maui, Hilo Hawaii, Kona Hawaii and Nawiliwili Kaua’i, where you can do everything from surfing lessons to hiking in a rainforest. On board, sipping a Mai Tai at the Waikiki Bar, soaking up pool views and relaxing at the award-winning Mandara Spa are must-dos. The ship caters for 2180 passengers with dining options including the fun Cadillac Diner for burgers and milkshakes. Speciality restaurants include Cagney’s Steakhouse and Moderno Churrascaria.

18. Norwegian Cruise Line: Hawaii Inter-island

• Ship: Pride of America
• Duration: 7 Days
• The Itinerary: The only ship sailing year-round from Honolulu, offering 100 hours of port time across four islands.

Break out the Hawaiian shirts for a cruise on Pride of America, the only ship sailing year-round from Honolulu. It explores four islands in seven days with visits to five ports – the perfect way to discover the charm of Hawaii. Ports include Kahului Maui, Hilo Hawaii, Kona Hawaii and Nawiliwili Kaua’i, where you can do everything from surfing lessons to hiking in a rainforest. On board, sipping a Mai Tai at the Waikiki Bar, soaking up pool views and relaxing at the award-winning Mandara Spa are must-dos. The ship caters for 2180 passengers with dining options including the fun Cadillac Diner for burgers and milkshakes. Speciality restaurants include Cagney’s Steakhouse and Moderno Churrascaria.

19. Holland America Line: Circle Japan

• Ship: Westerdam
• Duration: 14 Days
• The Itinerary: A deep dive into Japan (9 ports) plus a visit to Busan, South Korea. Features the “Morimoto by Sea” dining experience.

The delights of Japan, ranging from bustling bright cities to rural vistas and centuries-old castles, feature on this cruise. It stops at nine ports, including Kobe, Kochi, Hakata, Kanazawa, Sakata, Osaka, Hiroshima and Aomori and also ventures to Busan, the largest port in South Korea. The Westerdam has great dining options, including the Morimoto by Sea pop-up experience created by Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The Lido Market offers a wide selection of international dishes, or dine poolside on gourmet hotdogs and burgers you just might come home raving about. Don’t worry about the calories, there’s pickleball and an extensive fitness centre on board.

20. Azamara Cruises: Tokyo to Vancouver

• Ship: Azamara Pursuit
• Duration: 39 Days
• The Itinerary: A grand voyage crossing the Pacific, blending the temples of Japan with the wild nature of Alaska.

With three overnight stays and dockings of 10-plus hours at eight of the ports on this intriguing itinerary, there’s plenty of time to explore. You’ll stop at some of the more fascinating ports of Japan (Hiroshima, Mt Fuji and Takamatsu among them) and overnight in Busan, South Korea, before returning to Tokyo. From there, you’ll enjoy some relaxing days at sea, while your ship, Azamara Pursuit, makes the journey over to Alaska. While sake tasting, temple visits and walking tours abound in Japan, outdoor pursuits and wildlife encounters are what it’s all about in Alaska. Activities range from mild to strenuous, ensuring everyone can get out and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

21. Viking: Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes

• Ship: Viking Mars/Venus
• Duration: 13 Days
• The Itinerary: A Nordic showstopper visiting Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland.

Want to experience the magic of Nordic countries? This cruise from Bergen to Reykjavik is a showstopper. Ports include Norway’s Flam, home to the world-renowned Flam Railway, while Alesund is a fascinating blend of coastal splendour. The small town of Geiranger is known for its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, and the cruise also visits Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. Iceland’s Seydisfjordur and Akureyri, nicknamed the Capital of the North, and ĺsafjordur, along with the charming Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city, are all fascinating ports of call. Your voyage on Viking Mira includes onboard historian-led lectures to really bring the destinations to life.

22. Azamara Cruises: Alaska Cruisetour

• Ship: Azamara Pursuit
• Duration: 12 Days
• The Itinerary: A unique cruise-rail combo including a journey through the Canadian Rockies.

This unique cruise-rail combo will take you from the fjords and glacial landscapes of Whittier, Alaska, to some of the most scenic ports on the Alaskan coastline – Valdez, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Klawock, a hidden gem. Outdoor adventures and wildlife experiences abound, and there are opportunities to learn about indigenous culture. You can do as much or as little as you like on board the mid-sized Azamara Pursuit, with shows, spa treatments and a variety of dining options. The last three ports are in Canada, and you can then join a five-night post-cruise journey by rail through the Canadian Rockies from Vancouver to Calgary.

23. Celebrity Cruises: Norwegian Fjords

• Ship: Celebrity Apex
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Itinerary: Round-trip from Southampton visiting the stunning Geiranger Fjord and Flam.

A seven-night roundtrip from Southampton visits some of Norway’s most stunning ports and fjords. At Stavanger, you can do an easy hike to Pulpit Rock and Flam, nestled in a tributary of the world’s longest and deepest fjord – Geiranger Fjord is protected by massive, snow-capped mountains on either side. The rugged landscape of Haugesund, with its history of Viking kings and chieftains, will leave you in awe. Celebrity Apex, which can carry up to 2910 passengers, features two-storey, martini-shaped hot tubs, special brews at Craft Social and amazing dining at Fine Cut Steakhouse and seafood restaurant, Raw. Staterooms range from cost-effective to lavish, most with their own verandas.

24. Virgin Voyages: Greek Island Glow

• Ship: Resilient Lady
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Itinerary: An adults-only, party-friendly voyage with a late-night stay in Mykonos.

The Greek Islands are glamorous and seductive, and Virgin Voyages knows how best to show them off. The seven-night, adults-only, roundtrip Greek cruises leave from the bustling port of Piraeus in Athens. Stops include Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum and Mykonos, with its alluring windmills and fun beach clubs. The ship docks for 24 hours in Mykonos, leaving time to explore by day and party in the evening. Upbeat Resilient Lady is all about entertainment, with eye-popping performances. You won’t find buffets or vast dining halls on this ship, but there are 20-plus dining options including cool and casual Razzle Dazzle, innovative Test Kitchen and Mediterranean-inspired The Dock. Accommodation is nothing short of swish.

25. Celebrity Cruises: Patagonia & Argentina

• Ship: Celebrity Equinox
• Duration: 15 Days
• The Itinerary: South American immersion featuring Buenos Aires, Uruguay, and penguin spotting in the Falklands.

South America is a fabulous cruising destination, offering everything from cosmopolitan cities to wildlife sanctuaries, sun-drenched beaches and snow-capped mountains. After joining Celebrity Equinox in Buenos Aires, you’ll stop at Montevido in Uruguay for wine tasting or a bike tour, before making your way to the Falkland Islands to visit the penguins. In Chile, visit rugged Cape Horn and beautiful Punta Arenas, then spend the day in Argentina’s Puerto Madryn – be sure to book an excursion out to Península Valdés to see sea elephants, whales and penguins. Dining is special on the Celebrity Equinox, with chef Daniel Boulud creating signature dishes at Luminae and craft beer and comfort food at Craft Social. 

26. Viking: Southeast Asia & Hong Kong

• Ship: Viking Venus
• Duration: 15 Days
• The Itinerary: From Bangkok to Hong Kong, exploring Vietnam and Cambodia’s UNESCO sites.

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Hong Kong are all included on this exceptional itinerary, and you’ll get there in comfort on board Viking Venus, which accommodates 930 guests. Asia’s top UNESCO World Heritage sites, rich architecture, magnificent temples and ancient gardens are all showcased on this voyage. Departing from Bangkok, meet monks and visit a local fishing village in Cambodia’s Sihanoukville, explore markets and history in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, and admire breathtaking vistas in Hue (Chan May) and Halong Bay, before disembarking in Hong Kong. The onboard Nordic Spa includes sauna, pool and ice bucket circuits as well as fabulous treatments.

27. Celebrity Cruises: New Zealand

• Ship: Celebrity Edge
• Duration: 13 Days
• The Itinerary: The modern “Magic Carpet” ship sails the dramatic Milford, Doubtful, and Dusky Sounds.

Spectacular scenery is the star of the show on this trip from Sydney to see the highlights of New Zealand. After two days at sea, prepare to have your mind blown as you sail into the narrow fjords of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage area. Surrounded by towering cliffs and lush mountain terrain, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. You’ll sail through more spectacular scenery the same day as your ship, Celebrity Edge, continues on through Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound. Other ports include historic Dunedin, Christchurch, Tauranga, Auckland and the beautiful Bay of Islands, before you enjoy some easy days at sea on the way back to Sydney. 

28. Virgin Voyages: San Juan & Dominican Dreams

• Ship: Resilient Lady
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Itinerary: Caribbean cool featuring the exclusive Beach Club at Bimini.

If you fancy lounging on a sun-drenched island, sipping cocktails and eating great food, the exclusive Bahamas Beach Club at Bimini is for you. Before you get there though, you’ll sail from Miami on the Resilient Lady to Puerto Rico’s San Juan and Puerto Plata for beaches, shopping and history. Your next stop is Bimini, and your private island Virgin Voyages experience starts the minute you set foot off the ship. Think white-sandy beaches and turquoise waters where you can swim with stingrays, scuba dive through coral reefs and snorkel around a shipwreck. When it’s time to kick back at the Beach Club, you can float around the lagoon-style pool, stretch out in a hammock, have a massage, and dig into Bahamian-inspired dishes.

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Best Luxury Cruises

Small is beautiful. These yachts and sailing ships can slip into tiny harbours that the big ships can’t reach.

Curated by Louise Goldsbury

29. Regent Seven Seas: Around the World

• Ship: Seven Seas Splendor
• Duration: 141 Days
• The Experience: The ultimate inclusive voyage. 2028 is seeing a “Legends of the Pacific” route from LA to Sydney and beyond.

Considered the most inclusive luxury line, Regent is the ultimate choice for cruising around the world. Every drink, meal, excursion, butler service, valet laundry service, gratuities and even a pre-cruise night in a hotel is covered. The next two world cruises are sold out, but the latest exciting release is the 140-night Legends of the Pacific voyage, departing January 2028. Seven Seas Splendor ventures from LA to Hawaii, a dozen South Pacific islands, Australia and New Zealand, then onward to Asia and Alaska. Shorter segments can be joined in Sydney or Melbourne. Fares range from $150,000 to $1.6 million per person twin-share for the Regent Suite, but that’s already been booked.

30. Oceania Cruises: South Pacific Islands

• Ship: Oceania Regatta
• Duration: 24 Days
• The Experience: A foodie-focused voyage from Papeete to Bali on a ship small enough for intimate harbours.

Not only does Oceania have beautiful mid-size ships, it offers more flexible options for the South Pacific. Cruises depart from Sydney and Perth, or you can fly straight into the action to start your island-hopping from Bali, Papeete, Honolulu or Lautoka. This means you can take a longer voyage from Australia with lots of sea days or choose an itinerary that is more focused on your preferred countries like this one, which sails from Papeete to Bali. With 670 passengers and 400 crew, Oceania Regatta is small enough to slip into small harbours but large enough to have a decent range of activities, bars and restaurants.

31. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Rome to Monte Carlo

• Ship: Evrima
• Duration: 9 Days
• The Experience: A wonderful Mediterranean experience on a yacht ship

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection delivers a glamorous sailing experience in the Mediterranean, with time to explore some charming ports including Livorno, Portofino and Cannes. As a hybrid of ultra-luxury cruising and yachting, Ritz-Carlton is renowned for its personalised attention from crew, particularly the ‘suite ambassadors’. Life aboard feels like a private resort with impeccable service, spacious suites, rejuvenating spa treatments and world-class cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chefs. The excursions aren’t bad either.

32. Oceania Cruises: Sydney to Sydney

• Ship: Oceania Riviera
• Duration: 13 Days
• The Experience: An elegant East Coast Australia cruise with an overnight in Cairns.

Oceania combines small-ship intimacy with excellent dining and elegant decor. The 1250-passenger Oceania Riviera explores Australia at a leisurely pace. Roundtrip from Sydney, the 12-night east coast cruise includes five sea days, a tropical stop at Airlie Beach for ocean-loving tours to the Whitsundays, Whitehaven or the Great Barrier Reef, and an overnight stay in Cairns. Snorkel and dive to your heart’s content or admire the colourful reef fish and coral gardens on a ride in a semi-submersible.

33. Ponant: Australia’s Iconic Kimberley

• Ship: Le Jacques Cartier / Le Soléal
• Duration: 11 Days
• The Experience: French luxury meets the rugged Australian outback.

The Kimberley is an Australian must-do. Every day brings a spectacular natural wonder, from King George Falls to the dramatic tides of Montgomery Reef.
Fly over the Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu National Park) or see the Buccaneer Archipelago from a vintage Grumman Mallard amphibious plane. After rock art walks and Zodiac outings, relax aboard Ponant’s luxurious Le Jacques Cartier or Le Soléal. An 11-day expedition covers all the best highlights between Broome and Darwin.

34. Oceania Cruises: Asia to Antiquity Passage

• Ship: Oceania Vista
• Duration: 37 Days
• The Experience: A hybrid of superyacht and cruise ship, sailing Rome to Monte Carlo.

This Singapore-to-Athens odyssey aboard the Oceania Vista traces ancient spice routes via Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, five ports in the Middle East and four ports in Egypt, before finishing in the Mediterranean with Cyprus, Turkey and Greece. Overnight calls include Mumbai and Luxor, plus late-night stays in Dubai and Aqaba, Jordan. Such an eclectic mix captures the joy of discovering new cultures and landscapes, tied together in one trip. A two-day transit of the Suez Canal is the icing on this cross-continental cake.

35. Cunard: Baltic Gems

• Ship: Queen Anne
• Duration: 10 Days
• The Experience: Sailing the brand new Queen Anne to Copenhagen, Tallinn, and Helsinki.

The Baltic is Europe’s underrated region, where cosmopolitan and cultural cities are so easily reached by sea. Danish delights include Copenhagen and the arts hub of Aarhus. Wander around the medieval fairytale towns of Vesby, Sweden and Tallin, Estonia, before exploring the urban-meets-seaside charm of Helsinki, Finland. These cities are very walkable, so it’s fun to wander aimlessly and stumble into shops, bars, cafes, churches, museums and markets. You’ll be sailing aboard the new Queen Anne, which manages to preserve the iconic British line’s legacy with a contemporary touch.

36. Silversea: Africa’s West Coast

• Ship: Silver Dawn
• Duration: 19 Days
• The Experience: A rare route from Cape Town to Dakar, visiting Namibia and Ghana.

Navigating eight countries along Africa’s western coastline, Silver Dawn links deserts, lagoons, nature reserves, historical sites and bustling cities. This thrilling itinerary is enhanced by overnight stays in Cape Town and Namibia’s Walvis Bay, famous for its flamingos and other birdlife. Cross the equator to Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Gambia, and feel the rhythm of lively Senegal. Every stop is a surprise. For travellers seeking to understand African heritage in supreme comfort, Silversea provides both depth and indulgence with effortless grace.

37. Cunard: Transatlantic Crossing

• Ship: Queen Mary 2
• Duration: 7 Days
• The Experience: The world’s only true ocean liner crossing. A rite of passage for any serious traveller.

Crossing the Atlantic from Southampton to New York is an iconic voyage. There’s something mysterious and indulgent about boarding a ship for a week with no ports of call, especially when it’s the legendary Queen Mary 2. The world’s only true ocean liner regularly operates this rite of passage for traditional cruise devotees. Take the chance to travel back to the golden age of cruising by indulging in the refined routines of afternoon tea, ballroom dancing and gala nights. It’s not stuffy or formal, though – friendly crew and guests, fun times in the Golden Lion pub and a great line-up of speakers guarantee a positive onboard experience.

38. Regent Seven Seas: Barcelona to Rome

• Ship: Seven Seas Grandeur
• Duration: 10 Days
• The Experience: A “floating work of art” sailing the Med—timed for the 2027 solar eclipse.

Seven Seas Grandeur is a beautiful ship to sail on. Designed as a floating work of art, it features museum-quality collections (even a Fabergé egg), palatial suites, glitzy restaurants, crystal staircases and more than 500 chandeliers. Enjoy sunset dinners on the outdoor deck as you sail around Europe, stopping at a masterful pick of coastal icons: Alicante (Spain), Valletta (Malta), Catania and Alerno (Italy) and Livorno (Tuscany). The July 29, 2027, departure coincides with a total solar eclipse at sea and unlimited shore excursions are included.

39. Crystal Cruises: African Wellness Retreat

• Ship: Crystal Symphony
• Duration: 12 Days
• The Experience: A wellness-themed cruise from Tema to Cape Town with Nobu dining onboard.

Crystal Symphony has made an exciting return to the Indian Ocean, exploring its magnificent wildlife and vibrant coastal culture. The little-visited twin-island nation of São Tomé Príncipe is known as the African Galápagos for good reason – almost 200 endemic species call the islands home – while shore excursions in Angola reveal the harsh desert landscapes of Namibe and rich heritage of Luanda. Flamingos, salt pans and giant sand dunes await in Namibia, and then it’s on to Cape Town. On sea days, enjoy sophisticated hospitality, butler service and gourmet dining, including the only Nobu restaurant at sea. Crystal’s Wellness Retreat cruises feature expert practitioners, themed excursions, fitness sessions and healthy menus.

40. Seabourn: North American Foliage

• Ship: Seabourn Sojourn
• Duration: 12 Days
• The Experience: Leaf-peeping luxury from Montreal to New York during autumn.

Every autumn, the leafy landscape between Canada and New England ignites in a brilliant blaze of crimson and gold. A sail-away you’ll long remember is Montreal to Quebec City along the forest-lined St Lawrence River – riverside views of the countryside on an ocean cruise is a rare treat. Scenic cruising in Saguenay Fjord leads to historic Halifax, Nova Scotia. The 458-guest Seabourn Sojourn then threads between tiny isles into Portland, Maine, followed by Newport, Rhode Island, before arriving in New York. The reverse direction takes a slightly different route that is just as stunning, sailing past the Manhattan skyline and then through Cape Cod Canal to Boston.

41. Crystal Cruises: Solar Eclipse in Europe

• Ship: Crystal Serenity
• Duration: 12 Days
• The Experience: A voyage timed perfectly to view the 2026 total solar eclipse off the coast of Spain.

One of travel’s rarest alignments is a luxury cruise timed with a celestial wonder. Departing August 3, 2026 from Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) to Lisbon, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity will follow the optimal viewing path to witness a total solar eclipse off the northwest coast of Spain on August 12. More than a moment, it’s a cosmic celebration, accompanied by NASA astronaut Dr Jeffrey Hoffman and other guest speakers. Along the way, do a pinxto bar crawl in San Sebastián, feast on seafood in Gijón, sample Portuguese port in Porto, and visit UNESCO-listed Mont-Saint-Michel in Saint Malo, France.

42. Silversea: Australia & New Zealand

• Ship: Silver Moon
• Duration: 14 Days
• The Experience: Features the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) culinary program, diving deep into local food culture.

Silversea has three ships in local waters this summer, elevating the classic antipodean route. The line’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program is its distinctive feature, revealing the soul of each place through its food and drinks. Hosted culinary experiences extend ashore, from foraging with local chefs to private tours of family-run wineries. The 596-passenger Silver Moon is a lovely size for New Zealand. In Dunedin, a recommended shore excursion is Otago Peninsula to spot albatross, yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions in the wild. You’ll also love the gentle sail through the majestic Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

43. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Caribbean Dream

• Ship: Evrima
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Experience: Yachting style in the Grenadines with a marina platform for direct ocean access.

Ritz-Carlton’s bespoke approach extends to the Caribbean, which is best enjoyed in yacht style and scale. Aboard Evrima, which carries 298 guests, you’ll stop off in Bequia and Canouan in the Grenadines, where an exclusive beachfront resort offers you the chance to kayak and swim with sea turtles. The beaches and ornate architecture of Martinique await, along with the rainforest and hidden waterfalls of Guadeloupe and St. Lucia. In some of these idyllic locations, spend your days swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding from the yacht’s marina platform. 

44. Regent Seven Seas: Asia in Luxury

• Ship: Seven Seas Explorer
• Duration: 17 Days
• The Experience: Bangkok to Tokyo with overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka.

Asian sailings weave the scenery, history, culture and cuisine of contrasting countries into one easy holiday. The enigma of China, the energy of Japan, temples of Thailand and markets of Vietnam are among the highlights. Regent’s Bangkok to Tokyo itinerary includes overnight calls in Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Osaka so you can truly immerse yourself in the destination and soak up the evening atmosphere. Complimentary shore excursions make all the difference, as this captivating continent deserves to be discovered with local guides.

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Best Expedition Cruises

Curated by Lucy Jones

Expedition cruising is the fastest-growing sector in travel. These small, tough ships take you to the ends of the Earth—from the poles to the jungle.

45. Scenic: Top End & Kimberley

• Ship: Scenic Eclipse II
• Duration: 11 Days
• Why Go: “The Discovery Yacht” features two helicopters and a submersible for the ultimate view of the falls.

When Scenic introduced its first ocean-going Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse, in 2019, it promised to bring new levels of luxury to the expedition scene. And with 114 balcony suites (all with butler service), 10 dining venues, a sprawling spa, dedicated yoga and Pilates studio, two onboard helicopters, and an eight-person submersible, it certainly delivers. It’s one of the most luxurious ways to see the Kimberley, with 11-day voyages sailing between Darwin and Broome. Led by award-winning wilderness guide Mike Cusack and a 15-person team of experts, you’ll be deeply immersed in the magic of this ancient land.

46. HX Expeditions: Circumnavigating Svalbard

• Ship: MS Spitsbergen
• Duration: 14 Days
• Why Go: Authentic polar exploration with a focus on citizen science and polar bear spotting.

With its state-of-the-art onboard Science Centres and opportunities for guests to participate in citizen science projects, HX Expeditions is as close as a cruise passenger can get to an authentic expedition voyage. With high-tech ships purpose built for polar conditions and a passionate team of naturalists, historians and guides, HX’s Arctic itineraries are fascinating voyages of discovery. On a Svalbard cruise, majestic landscapes and wildlife spotting combine with collecting real-time data on marine mammals, phytoplankton and flora, helping to preserve this fragile environment for future generations.

47. Scenic: Antarctica’s Ross Sea

• Ship: Scenic Eclipse
• Duration: 24 Days
• Why Go: Visit the remote Ross Sea and Mawson’s Huts, accessible only by the most capable polar ships.

More than 70 expedition ships visit Antarctica each season, but just a handful make the journey to the remote Ross Sea off the east coast of the peninsula. Only ships with a Polar Class ice-strengthened hull, like Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, can reach this most isolated corner of the planet. These journeys follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers and are led by modern-day polar icons. You’ll be awed by dramatic ice formations, spectacular wildlife and moving fragments of Antarctic history, like Mawson’s Huts, which have stood at Cape Denison for more than a century. With two helicopters on board, you can visit distant sites accessible only by air and where your average cruiser cannot go.

48. Silversea: Antarctica Fly-Cruise

• Ship: Silver Endeavour
• Duration: 6 Days
• Why Go: Skip the rough Drake Passage by flying straight to King George Island.

Even the most seasoned expedition cruiser might be reaching for the sea sickness bags on the notorious Drake Passage. This wild strip of ocean between South America and Antarctica is one of the roughest on the planet, with waves regularly reaching as high as 15 metres. A Silversea fly-cruise voyage can take you neatly to King Georges Island by charter flight, hopping over the most troublesome part of the journey in just two hours. Then you’ll board a luxurious Ice Class expedition ship to explore the Antarctic Pensinsula and South Shetland Islands, with daily excursions and wildlife sightings.

49. Ponant: The Northwest Passage

• Ship: Le Commandant Charcot / L’Austral
• Duration: 20 Days
• Why Go: Traverse the legendary route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific through the Canadian Arctic.

The fabled Northwest Passage stretches for almost 1500 kilometres across the Canadian Arctic, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Explorers searched for a navigable path through it for more than 500 years until Roald Amundsen finally made it in 1906. Today, you’ll have a much more comfortable journey along this mythical route. Ponant’s luxurious L’Austral carries 264 passengers in the line’s elegant French style on this 20-day round-trip voyage from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Spot polar bears on the icy shore and look for the elusive narwhal – more than 75 per cent of the world’s population lives here.

50. HX Expeditions: South Georgia & Antarctica

• Ship: MS Fram
• Duration: 23 Days
• Why Go: South Georgia is the “Serengeti of the Southern Ocean”—expect king penguins by the thousands.

Celebrated French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the ‘aquarium of the world’. This pristine patch of ocean off the coast of Baja California in Mexico offers spectacular wildlife spotting, with abundant grey, blue, fin and humpback whales in the aquamarine waters. Above, the skies are filled with seabirds, and bobcats, iguanas, mule deer and bighorn sheep live in the lush green forests ashore. Cruising on Ponant’s Le Bellot, you’ll snorkel or dive over technicolour reefs, paddle through calm seas and relax on golden beaches. This expedition voyage runs in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, highlighting a commitment to ecotourism and conservation in action.

51. Viking: North American Great Lakes

• Ship: Viking Octantis / Polaris
• Duration: 15 Days
• Why Go: “The other expedition destination”—explore Niagara Falls and the granite islands of Georgian Bay.

Celebrated French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the ‘aquarium of the world’. This pristine patch of ocean off the coast of Baja California in Mexico offers spectacular wildlife spotting, with abundant grey, blue, fin and humpback whales in the aquamarine waters. Above, the skies are filled with seabirds, and bobcats, iguanas, mule deer and bighorn sheep live in the lush green forests ashore. Cruising on Ponant’s Le Bellot, you’ll snorkel or dive over technicolour reefs, paddle through calm seas and relax on golden beaches. This expedition voyage runs in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, highlighting a commitment to ecotourism and conservation in action.

52. Aurora Expeditions: Patagonia & Chilean Fjords

• Ship: Greg Mortimer / Sylvia Earle
• Duration: 15 Days
• Why Go: Wild, windswept landscapes, glaciers, and jagged peaks at the tip of South America

Wrapping around the southern tip of South America, the wild and windswept landscapes of Patagonia are home to jagged peaks, impossibly blue lakes and some of the world’s largest glaciers. This Aurora Expeditions voyage will take you from the tip of the continent at Cape Horn through Glacier Alley in the Beagle Channel and into the Francisco Coloane National Park. Days are spent on kayaks or Zodiacs, spotting whales, seabirds and penguins. In the narrow waterways of the Chilean Fjords, the wild weather – with near constant wind and the possibility of snow year-round – brings an added layer of exhilaration.

53. Celebrity Cruises: Galápagos Outer Loop

• Ship: Celebrity Flora
• Duration: 8 Days
• Why Go: A purpose-built mega-yacht for the Galápagos with all-suite accommodations.

One of the most luxurious ships to cruise the Galápagos, the 100-passenger Celebrity Flora brings together an expedition spirit with many big-ship luxuries. Designed specifically for this region and with a special ‘outward facing’ concept, the destination is the star at every turn. Enjoy features you won’t find on other Galápagos vessels, including oversized suites, infinite verandas, dynamic positioning system and sleek common areas. Discover these spectacularly diverse islands – a place that Charles Darwin called ‘the land that time forgot’ – with expert guides, passionate scientists, top-of-the-line expedition equipment and, above all, a true sense of adventure.

54. Ponant: Baja California & Sea of Cortez

• Ship: Le Bellot
• Duration: 11 Days
• Why Go: Jacques Cousteau called this the “Aquarium of the World.” Swim with sea lions and spot blue whales.

Celebrated French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the ‘aquarium of the world’. This pristine patch of ocean off the coast of Baja California in Mexico offers spectacular wildlife spotting, with abundant grey, blue, fin and humpback whales in the aquamarine waters. Above, the skies are filled with seabirds, and bobcats, iguanas, mule deer and bighorn sheep live in the lush green forests ashore. Cruising on Ponant’s Le Bellot, you’ll snorkel or dive over technicolour reefs, paddle through calm seas and relax on golden beaches. This expedition voyage runs in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, highlighting a commitment to ecotourism and conservation in action.

55. UnCruise Adventures: Untamed Alaska

• Ship: Various Small Ships
• Duration: 8 Days
• Why Go: No ports, just nature. Bushwhacking and kayaking away from the big cruise crowds.

In peak season, the ports of Alaska can be crowded with megaliners disgorging thousands of passengers. Carrying just 60-80 passengers, UnCruise Adventures’ small ships will take you places other vessels can’t go and put you firmly in the middle of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes. Spend days kayaking alongside brown bears, bushwacking to the foot of mighty glaciers and exploring ancient volcanic lava fields. There are even dedicated family departures so you can share the magic with the youngest cruisers in your tribe.

56. Heritage Expeditions: Japan’s Cherry Blossoms

• Ship: Heritage Adventurer
• Duration: 12 Days
• Why Go: Circumnavigate Japan during Sakura season on a 140-passenger expedition ship.

More than 60 million people visit Japan each year to see the iconic cherry blossoms. A cruise is a unique way to take part in the ancient tradition of ‘hanami’ while exploring the captivating ports of Japan’s islands. On the 140-passenger Heritage Adventurer you’ll discover The Land of the Rising Sun’s buzzing port cities and ancient seafaring routes at every turn. This itinerary starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka, stopping at Busan in South Korea along the way – a history-rich city also known for its cherry blossoms.

57. Aurora Expeditions: Jewels of the Arctic

• Ship: Greg Mortimer
• Duration: 15 Days
• Why Go: Carbon-neutral cruising to Greenland and Svalbard on a ship with a revolutionary X-Bow for stability.

A Certified B Corp company, Aurora Expeditions is completely carbon neutral and operates ships with the latest in eco-friendly tech. The custom-designed X-Bow on their three small expedition ships makes for smoother, more stable cruising – even in the rough waters of the Arctic. This itinerary takes you to Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard in search of polar bears, orcas and, in winter, the elusive Northern Lights. Epic scenery is a given. Aurora is also committed to working with native communities on culturally appropriate experiences.

58. Heritage Expeditions: Subantarctic Islands

• Ship: Heritage Adventurer
• Duration: 8 Days
• Why Go: Depart from New Zealand to see the “Galápagos of the South”—the Snares, Auckland, and Campbell Islands.

Traditionally, you’d have to depart from South America to reach the southernmost corners of the world. Heritage Expeditions is one of the few lines that departs from the Antipodes, sailing from the southern edge of New Zealand into the frozen islands that lie below it. Likened to the Galápagos Islands, the windswept outcrops of the Subantarctic Islands are little-visited and bursting with wildlife. Penguins, albatross, seabirds, elephant seals and many more threatened species await in these dramatic ports. Don’t forget your camera – this is a destination that photographers dream about.

59. Quark Expeditions: Iceland Circumnavigation

• Ship: Ultramarine
• Duration: 12 Days
• Why Go: Use the ship’s two helicopters to fly over Iceland’s volcanoes and glaciers.

If you’ve ever wanted to go to Iceland, why follow the well-touristed driving route when you can explore the whole island nation from a comfortable base on board a ship? Accommodating 199 passengers, Ultramarine is equipped with two helicopters to whisk you away to the more remote parts of Iceland, along with an internal Zodiac hangar that allows for spontaneous off-ship adventures and up-close wildlife, glacier and iceberg encounters. Departing from Reykjavík, this roundtrip itinerary takes you flightseeing over incredible landscapes Zodiacs can’t reach, along with tours by road and Zodiac to fjords, fishing villages, lava fields and some of the most photographed locations in Iceland.

60. Coral Expeditions: Tasmanian Coastal Discovery

• Ship: Coral Discoverer
• Duration: 11 Days
• Why Go: An intimate look at Tasmania’s rugged coast, hiking verdant valleys and sipping local wines.

Australia’s island state clings to the very edge of the known world, where the Southern, Indian and Pacific oceans collide. Rugged mountain ranges meet soaring ocean cliffs above powder-white crescent beaches, all surrounded by perpetually wild seas. The 72-passenger Coral Discoverer tackles these treacherous waters, staffed solely by an Australian and New Zealand crew, and giving you an intimate introduction to the rugged Apple Isle. You’ll hike verdant valleys, sip wine from boutique vineyards, spot wombats and seals at play on remote outcrops, and learn about the fascinating – and often tragic – colonial history of this wild place.

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Best River Cruises

Curated by Jane Archer

River cruising allows you to dock right in the heart of the city. From the classic Danube to the wild Amazon, these are the best inland waterways to sail.

61. AmaWaterways: Wonders of Colombia

• River: Magdalena River
• Duration: 8 Days
• Why it’s unique: A brand new destination for river cruising. Explore colonial towns and wildlife in Colombia.

If you think you’ve cruised every river, it’s time to add AmaWaterways’ new journey on the Magdalena River in Columbia between Cartagena and Barranquilla to your to-do list. No one else sails here so these cruises are unique. They are also amazing, serving up history, wildlife and culture as you adventure deep into parts of Columbia few visitors see. AmaWaterways hosts an exclusive mardi gras in carnival-loving Barranquilla on every cruise.

62. Travelmarvel: Douro Discovery

• River: Douro (Portugal)
• Duration: 8 Days
• Why it’s unique: Sail through steep terraced vineyards and enjoy plenty of Port wine tasting.

A visit to a local winery in Northern Portugal is one of many tours Travelmarvel includes on its Douro Discovery cruise on Estrela, a new river ship with décor that reflects the colours of the landscape. You’ll watch flamenco dancers in Spain, hike down a stunning baroque staircase and learn the art of port tasting. While you’ll no doubt master a few words of Portuguese on the way, perfeita (perfect) is the only one you really need
to know.

63. APT: Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights

• River: Mekong
• Duration: 13 Days
• Why it’s unique: Sunrise over Angkor Wat and a thrilling motorbike tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

A motorbike tour of Ho Chi Minh City may not be at the top of your excursion list, but it should be – what a buzz! Luckily, your bike comes with a driver adept at navigating the city’s crazy traffic. While this will be a highlight of your Mekong cruise on Mekong Serenity, bookended by hotels in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City, there are plenty of others. You’ll see the sun rise over Angkor Wat temple, be blessed by monks, and ride around in rickshaws and cyclos. Thrilling doesn’t even come close.

64. AmaWaterways: Rhine & Moselle Fairytales

• River: Rhine/Moselle
• Duration: 12 Days
• Why it’s unique: Visits the fairytale half-timbered villages of Cochem and Bernkastell.

The Moselle is surrounded by rolling hills carpeted with vineyards as far as the eye can see and, here and there, a ruined castle or picturesque village. The 11-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel with AmaWaterways includes a three-day journey along the Moselle, with calls into the former Roman city of Trier and the charming towns of Bernkastel and Cochem, both with a maze of medieval streets and an abundance of beautiful, half-timbered houses.

65. Viking: Pharaohs & Pyramids

• River: Nile
• Duration: 12 Days
• Why it’s unique: Exclusive access to Egyptian tombs and a pre-cruise tour of Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey).

If a journey through ancient Egypt on one of Viking’s growing fleet of Scandi-designed Nile river ships doesn’t do it for you, how about channelling your inner Downton Abbey on a pre-cruise tour that visits Highclere House, home of the fictional Crawley family and the real-life Earls of Carnarvon? On the land tour you’ll see Egyptian treasures on a private visit to the British Museum; on the cruise, included trips to temples and tombs, pyramids and markets showcase Egypt past and present.

River cruise on the nile with Viking and visit the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (aka GEM)

66. Abercrombie & Kent: Machu Picchu & The Amazon

• River: Amazon (Peru)
• Duration: 11 Days
• Why it’s unique: A boutique river ship (only 22 guests) combined with a land tour of Machu Picchu.

The wows keep coming on this cruise-and-stay holiday. If it’s not for A&K Sanctuary’s stunning river ship Pure Amazon, a luxury haven that holds a mere 22 passengers, it’ll be for an amazing cruise that ventures into a wildlife wonderland that’s home to birds, spider-monkeys, sloths, ferocious piranhas, shy pink dolphins and more. Pairing the cruise with a tour to Sacred Valley and a chance to see sunrise over Machu Picchu? Well, that is Pure A&K genius.

67. AmaWaterways: Rivers & Rails of Africa

• River: Chobe/Zambezi
• Duration: 13 Days
• Why it’s unique: A safari on water aboard the Zambezi Queen, spotting elephants from your balcony.

It’s not every day you spot elephants from your river boat – unless you’re on an AmaWaterways’ voyage on the Zambezi River in Africa, that is. You’ll be in the heart of the wildlife action with boat and jeep safaris each day and have dinner to the sound of roaring lions. The four-night cruise is on the lovely Zambezi Queen, which only holds 28 passengers and is paired with everything from journeys on one of Rovos Rail’s luxurious trains to hotel stays in Cape Town and Victoria Falls.

68. Abercrombie & Kent: Danube (Budapest to Prague)

• River: Danube
• Duration: 11 Days
• Why it’s unique: Ultra-luxe cruising on the Amadeus Amara with exclusive chef-led tastings.

Ten nights and five countries await on this fabulous A&K trip. It starts in Budapest, ends with two nights in Prague and includes a chef-led tasting dinner on the luxurious new river ship Amadeus Amara. You’ll learn to make strudel, be wined and dined in the beautiful Wachau Valley, see the tomb of the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1914 sparked World War II, and attend a concert in the house where Mozart lived and worked. And then come home for a holiday!

69. Avalon Waterways: Bonjour Bordeaux

• River: Garonne/Dordogne
• Duration: 8 Days
• Why it’s unique: A wine-lover’s dream with daily tastings in Saint-Émilion and Médoc.

Bordeaux is one of the most beautiful cities in France so having lots of time there is one of the big attractions of this Avalon Waterways cruise. The other is the almost daily (included) wine tastings in the vineyards in the Medoc and dreamy Saint Emilion. When you’re not on the tipple, there are guided bike rides, trips to castles and fortresses and a tour of Bordeaux.

70. Viking: Mississippi River Odyssey

• River: Mississippi
• Duration: 22 Days
• Why it’s unique: A deep dive into American history, from New Orleans jazz to Mark Twain’s Hannibal.

America’s longest river is yours to discover on this amazing journey through US history with Viking. The cruise is from New Orleans to St Paul and dips into everything from plantation history to the American Civil War on visits to great houses, battlefields, swamps teeming with alligators and Mark Twain’s childhood home. The blues awaits on a trip to BB King museum. More of an Elvis fan? Graceland, the Memphis home of the King, has your name on it.

71. APT: Magnificent Europe

• River: Rhine/Main/Danube
• Duration: 15 Days
• Why it’s unique: The classic Amsterdam to Budapest route on the new ship APT Ostara.

APT’s cruise between Amsterdam in Holland to Budapest in Hungary truly is a magnificent journey through Europe with something new to discover every day on included tours to spectacular cities, historic towns, picture-postcard villages, wineries and more. The icing on the cake? Doing it on APT Ostara. This fabulous new river ship brings great service and superb cuisine to the mix. Just remember to leave the diet at home.

72. Viking: London, Paris & D-Day

• River: Seine
• Duration: 12 Days
• Why it’s unique: Combines London, Paris, and the emotional D-Day beaches in Normandy.

An excursion to France’s D-Day landing beaches is always a highlight when sailing the Seine, but why just settle for that when Viking offers a unique cruise-and-stay holiday that starts with four nights in London and included tours to Churchill’s War Rooms and Bletchley Park, home of the World War II code breakers. On the cruise, there’s an included tour of Paris, an excursion to the beautiful garden that inspired impressionist painter Monet, and a day of D-Day memories on a trip to the Normandy coast.

73. Avalon Waterways: Mekong Discovery

• River: Mekong
• Duration: 8 Days
• Why it’s unique: Eliminates the long road transfer to Siem Reap, sailing directly between Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh.

Ever wondered how the Vietnamese make their conical hats or what a water blessing is? All is revealed on Avalon Waterway’s exciting Mekong cruise that starts or ends in Ho Chi Minh or Phnom Penh, cutting out the long road transfer to Siem Reap needed on most itineraries. You’ll also learn the art of cotton weaving, ride an ox cart, visit local markets and – if you dare – try KFC, Cambodian-style. Hint: Fried crickets may be involved.

74. Scenic: Windmills, Tulips & Belgium

• River: Dutch Waterways
• Duration: 11 Days
• Why it’s unique: A springtime special featuring Keukenhof Gardens and Belgian chocolate.

Belgium is king when it comes to beer and chocolate, so there are no prizes for guessing what’s to love about this cruise, which navigates the canals and waterways that criss-cross the Netherlands and Belgium and adds three nights in Bruges at the end. The good news is that the beer and chocolate tastings are included, along with Dutch cheeses and oysters from the North Sea. Better still, it departs in April, when the tulips in The Netherlands’ Keukenhof Gardens will be in full bloom.

75. Tauck: The Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam

• River: Rhine
• Duration: 8 Days
• Why it’s unique: Tauck’s high-end, all-inclusive nature—they even give you lunch money for onshore exploration.

Falling in love with Tauck is almost a given. Along with huge suites and just 130 passengers on your river ship, you’ll have four cruise and tour directors looking after you. They even hand out lunch money on full-day tours (all included). Your itinerary  includes everything from a dip in thermal baths in Baden-Baden to e-biking through French vineyards, a canal boat ride in Utrecht and an exclusive castle dinner.

76. Scenic: Rhine Christmas Markets

• River: Rhine
• Duration: 8 Days
• Why it’s unique: The ultimate festive cruise with gingerbread, glühwein, and a private palace concert.

With their twinkling lights, aromas of gingerbread, hot chestnuts, sausages sizzling on open fires and gluhwein (warm mulled wine), nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit quite like Germany’s festive markets. And nothing says luxury quite like Scenic’s stylish river ships and all-inclusive prices. Put the two together, add in a trip to a palace for a private – and complimentary – classical concert, and you’ll see why the line’s festive cruises from Amsterdam to Basel have become such a guest favourite.

77. Tauck: Rendezvous on the Seine

• River: Seine
• Duration: 10 Days
• Why it’s unique: Includes a private dinner at a castle and spacious suites on the new ship Serene.

This Tauck cruise is not only a great itinerary with lots included – sightseeing in Paris, excursions to the stunning palace of Versailles, Calvados tastings, trips to the D-Day landing beaches – but from April 2026 you can sail on Serene, a new river ship specially built to cruise the Seine. It holds just 124 passengers, has 20 of Tauck’s trademark spacious suites with two French balconies, and a wellness retreat where you can work out, get a massage or just chill out after a day’s sightseeing.

78. Uniworld: Venice & The Balkans

• River: Po (Italy) + Rail
• Duration: 20 Days
• Why it’s unique: Combines a Venice cruise with a luxury train journey to Istanbul.

Exploring Venice on Uniworld’s river ship Venezia is brilliant enough, but why stop there? The line has made the best even better by sandwiching the cruise between a few nights in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and a train trip through the Balkans to Istanbul on the luxurious Golden Eagle Danube Express. What a journey through history this is, visiting Sarajevo and Mostar, the Serbian capital of Belgrade, the charming town of Plovdiv in Bulgaria, and more. Two nights in lively Istanbul round off the adventure.

79. Aqua Expeditions: Amazon River

• River: Amazon (Peru)
• Duration: 8 Days
• Why it’s unique: Design-led luxury on the Aqua Nera with cuisine by a celebrity Peruvian chef.

With its beautiful all-suite accommodation and cuisine created by celebrated Peruvian kitchen supremo Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, aka the ‘jungle chef’, it’s tempting never to leave Aqua Expeditions’ luxurious Aqua Nera as it navigates the waterways of the remote Peruvian Amazon, but look what you’d be missing. Wildlife-spotting, hiking and kayaking trips through the jungle, meetings with indigenous communities, skiff (small boats) expeditions after dark in search of nocturnal critters and more. Adventures don’t get much wilder than this one.

80. Uniworld: India’s Golden Triangle

• River: Ganges
• Duration: 13 Days
• Why it’s unique: A sensory overload visiting the Taj Mahal and remote villages along the sacred Ganges.

If you’re looking for remote, you’ve come to the right place. Not the Golden Triangle bit – Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra and Jaipur are buzzing with locals and tourists, and Kolkata, where this cruise with Uniworld  starts and ends, is a lively place – but on the river cruise you’ll visit remote places, see centuries-old temples and mosques and find yourself something of a novelty. Don’t be surprised when you’re asked to pose for a photo. Just delightful.

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Best Boutique & Yacht Cruises

Small is beautiful. These yachts and sailing ships can slip into tiny harbours that the big ships can’t reach.

Curated by Sue Bryant

81. Ponant: Sublime Seychelles

• Ship: Spirit of Ponant (Catamaran)
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Vibe: An intimate 12-passenger catamaran charter experience.

Ponant’s luxurious catamaran Spirit of Ponant only takes 12 but there’s masses of deck space, including the oversized bowsprit net, the perfect place from which to spot dolphins and sea turtles. You can jump straight off the water sports platform into the warm sea, too. This itinerary offers a leisurely sail around the main island of Mahé and its teeming reefs, green mangroves and granite rock formations so beautiful you’ll recognise them from hundreds of travel posters.

82. Paul Gauguin Cruises: South Pacific

• Ship: Le Paul Gauguin
• Duration: 7–14 Days
• The Vibe: The gold standard for Tahiti cruising, featuring onboard Tahitian storytellers.

A voyage through the islands of the South Pacific on the 330-passenger Le Paul Gauguin is a deliciously gentle way to explore French Polynesia. As you sail from the dazzling aquamarine sea and bone-white sands of Bora Bora to the jagged emerald peaks of Tahiti, this is slow travel at its best. On board, Tahitian entertainers bring a sense of connection with the islands through their storytelling, handicraft sessions, songs and dances. You can even get a Polynesian tattoo – a temporary one – for the Polynesian cultural theme night, a guest favourite.

83. Star Clippers: Malta & Spain

• Ship: Star Clipper
• Duration: 10 Days
• The Vibe: Authentic sailing on a four-masted tall ship. You can even climb the mast to the crow’s nest.

There’s arguably no more romantic way to sail the Mediterranean than on a square-rigged, four-masted barquentine, as the 166-passenger Star Clipper is technically known. You don’t need to sail the ship, of course – the burly crew does that – but you’ll spend many happy days basking in the bowsprit nets, shimmying up the mast to the crow’s nest and playing deck games at the al fresco Tropical Bar. Itineraries are not generally the out-and-back loop kind, so you could combine, say, Malaga to Valletta with Valletta to Athens for a longer Mediterranean immersion.

84. Windstar Cruises: Culinary France

• Ship: Various
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Vibe: A foodie voyage from Rouen to Bordeaux, shopping at markets with the ship’s chef.

If you’re going to pick a food-themed cruise, France seems the obvious place. This voyage is a sensory feast, with chances to taste cider in Brittany, join a chef at home in Normandy for a hands-on cooking class, sample oysters in St-Malo, and buy fine wines in Bordeaux. It’s packed with foodie experiences, from a chef-hosted dinner to two cooking demos on board. For many, a highlight is a trip to a local market to go shopping with the chef. The scenery along the way is pretty gorgeous too, from the exquisite fishing village of Honfleur – inspiration to many of the great impressionists – to the lush, rolling vineyards around Bordeaux.

85. Celestyal: Iconic Arabia

• Ship: Celestyal Journey
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Vibe: An affordable way to see expensive cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

The beauty of a cruise with Celestyal in the Middle East is that it’s a genuinely affordable way to travel. Hotels in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha can be wildly expensive, not to mention the cost of dining out, so a floating hotel, Celestyal Journey, is the answer. This is also an effortless way to destination-hop – and for Australians, it’s an easy stopover to break up the journey to or from Europe. The Falcon Hospital in Abu Dhabi is a joy, as is the beautiful Louvre. Buy timed tickets for sunset at the top of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and spend time exploring the souk in Old Dubai. Make time for a 4WD dune bashing safari in the desert; it’s a thrill like no other.

86. Scenic: French Polynesia & Marquesas

• Ship: Scenic Eclipse II
• Duration: 20 Days
• The Vibe: Ultra-luxury discovery of the remote Marquesas Islands.

Cross the Pacific Ocean from Tahiti to Panama the easy way on the all-inclusive Scenic Eclipse II. Departing from Papeete in Tahiti, the ship makes some glorious stops in the Society and Marquesas Islands, where you’ll have time to discover villages, archaelogical sites, rainforests and picture-perfect lagoons. Then, unwind in style on your at-sea days en route to Costa Rica and Panama City. The Scenic Eclipse II carries 228 guests, has an onboard spa and offers multiple dining options.

87. SeaDream Yacht Club: Norwegian Fjords

• Ship: SeaDream II
• Duration: 7 Days
• The Vibe: “It’s yachting, not cruising.” A rare deployment for SeaDream in Norway.

SeaDream Yacht Club’s tiny 110-passenger superyachts usually cruise the warmer waters of the Med and Caribbean, but when the company announced a season in its native Norway, sales went wild in the domestic Norwegian market. Perhaps the fine dining and open bar played their part. Either way, you’ll need to get in early. These small ships are perfect for gliding along silent fjords, where ribbon-like waterfalls tumble over vertiginous rock faces. And despite the brisk temperature of the sea, the crew will still inflate the giant slide that extends from the aft pool deck; think of it as a sub-polar plunge. 

88. Windstar Cruises: Dreams of Tahiti

• Ship: Star Breeze
• Duration: 7 Days
• The Vibe: Cultural immersion, including a chance to plant your own coral in a nursery.

Windstar’s 312-passenger Star Breeze, which spends all year in French Polynesia, is a head-on rival to Le Paul Gauguin, offering a luxurious, laid-back, small-ship vibe with a focus on cultural immersion. There are multiple opportunities to go diving, for all experience levels. A partnership with local sustainability initiative Coral Gardeners gives guests a chance to plant their own coral in an underwater nursery, while entertainment on board includes dance workshops and performances, language lessons and crafts. Australians should find the new Basil + Bamboo restaurant on board to their tastes; it’s a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavours.

89. Celestyal: Heavenly Adriatic

• Ship: Celestyal Journey
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Vibe: Island hopping in Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy. Don’t miss the oysters in Ston.

A cruise is arguably the most blissful and easiest way to explore Croatia’s island-specked coast. Walled Dubrovnik is the superstar port here, of course, but here’s a tip; if you love shellfish, once you’ve strolled the ramparts, head to nearby Ston, famed for its oyster farming and walls far longer than those of Dubrovnik; it’s one of Croatia’s most underrated spots. Dubrovnik is the northernmost port on this itinerary on Celestyal Journey, which also calls at Kotor, just across the border in Montenegro, Corfu, Katakolon, Kefalonia and Bari in Italy, gateway to the fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello.

90. SeaDream Yacht Club: Northern Europe

• Ship: SeaDream II
• Duration: 12 Days
• The Vibe: A unique route transiting the Kiel Canal and visiting tiny Swedish islands.

Think you know northern Europe? A springtime meander that traces the coast of the continent from Bordeaux to Oslo on the tiny SeaDream II could make you think again. You’ll visit remote Belle Île off the coast of Brittany and the French fishing town of Douarnenez, France, on the mouth of the Pouldavid River. Hike on the tiny, car-free Channel Island of Sark, shop for diamonds in Antwerp and marvel at the edgy architecture in buzzing Rotterdam. Transit the Kiel Canal and spend a day at pretty Lysekil in Sweden, a town perched on startling red granite rocks. Remote as these places might seem, access for Australians is easy; Bordeaux is just over two hours from Paris on the high-speed TGV train.

91. Vietnam treat

• Heritage Line: Halong Bay
• Duration: 3 Days

Vietnam’s dramatic Halong Bay is way too beautiful to speed through. While most big-ship itineraries give you a day here, Heritage Line’s 12-passenger Violet, on which every suite has a spa pool, stays for two nights. Sheer-sided karst towers are scattered across the bay like emeralds, each one draped in lush rainforest, while caves drip with stalactites. There are floating villages and pearl farms to explore, and on board, a masterclass in Vietnamese cooking and a chance to fish for squid with the crew by night. The real joy, though, is being in this magical place once the day trippers have left and having it all to yourself as the rising sun warms the limestone towers with golden light.

92. Greek immersion

• Azamara: Greece Intensive
• Duration: 12 Days

This July 2026 cruise on board Azamara Onward combines big-hitters like Santorini with lesser-known spots. Syro is all grand mansions in bold colours and authentic food. Unpretentious Paros is all whitewashed Cycladian charm, while Rhodes Town offers the chance to learn about the spectacular wealth of the Knights of St. John. Patmos is famed for its 11th-century monastery but the fashion and homeware shops in tiny Skala, the port, should not escape your attention.

93. Star Clippers: Atlantic Crossing

• Ship: Royal Clipper
• Duration: 17 Days
• The Vibe: A swashbuckling adventure under full sail from Barbados to Lisbon.

An Atlantic crossing on the 227-passenger Royal Clipper, the world’s largest square rigger, is a real swashbuckling adventure. There’s only one stop on the voyage from Barbados to Lisbon – Ponta Delgada in the Azores. This means you’ll have day after day to commune with the ocean, keep an eye out for dolphins, check out the spa, which is located below water level, and climb the mast to the first crow’s nest. Weather permitting, the big bowsprit nets are the place to be, gazing up at the sky or down at the waves. The 134-metre Royal Clipper has three small swimming pools, an elegantly appointed dining room with a no-tie dress code, a lounge and piano bar.  No sailing experience is necessary – although by the time you arrive in Lisbon, you should know a thing or two about setting the sails and navigating by the stars.

94. Golfing in Scotland

• Ship: Azamara Quest
• Duration: 11 Days
• The Vibe: Late nights in port allow you to experience Greek nightlife in Syros and Paros.

Golfers will love this cruise on Azamara Quest from Dublin to Edinburgh (departing July 28, 2026), for many reasons. For a start, there’s a chance to tee off at epic courses like Royal County Down, Royal Dornoch and Kingsbarns, as well as the Ailsa at Turnberry and the PGA Centenary Gleneagles. What’s more, you’ll be in Liverpool for an overnight to coincide with the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, with a chance to catch all the action. For non-golfers, the itinerary includes the verdant Isle of Man, Belfast, for the spectacular Titanic Belfast, and two nights in beautiful Edinburgh. The nine-deck Azamara Quest is compact and stylish, and carries 700 guests.

95. Scenic: Grand Voyage (Auckland to Barcelona)

• Ship: Scenic Eclipse
• Duration: 73 Days
• The Vibe: An epic repositioning voyage crossing the Pacific and Atlantic via the Panama Canal.

This epic 72-night journey on the all-inclusive Scenic Eclipse takes you from Auckland across the South Pacific to Panama City, calling at dreamy islands including Bora Bora, with its shimmering lagoon, and craggy Hiva Oa in the Marquesas, all sparkling black sand beaches and captivating archaeological sites. Scenic Eclipse then transits the spectacular Panama Canal – be on deck for the whole of this – before a leisurely meander around the Caribbean. There are long, relaxing days at sea as the ship sets out across the Atlantic, stopping at the Canary Islands before heading to Morocco, Algeria and Spain; Seville is a highlight here as Scenic Eclipse is small enough to sail right into the city centre along the Guadalquivir river.

96. Aqua Expeditions: East Indonesia

• Ship: Aqua Blu
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Vibe: Exploring the pristine reefs of Raja Ampat on a long-range expedition yacht.

A seascape dotted with hundreds of jungly karst outcrops, Raja Ampat has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. The underwater world here is just jaw-dropping. One moment you’ll be drift snorkelling over black-tipped reef sharks and the next, suspended in the  clear water over enormous, gliding manta rays. Aqua Expeditions’ Aqua Blu is the poshest vessel to explore these waters, and the fresh, creative food is so good you’ll be begging for the recipes at the end of the voyage. Getting to this remote corner of Western Papua is relatively easy for Australians; you can combine it with a few days in Bali and then fly in via Sorong.

97. Emerald Cruises: Croatia by Superyacht

• Ship: Emerald Azzurra / Sakara
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Vibe: Sleek superyacht styling with a swim platform for dipping into the Adriatic.

Emerald Cruises: Croatian Coast (8 days) Emerald’s sleek superyachts always attract an appreciative crowd in the busy ports along Croatia’s coast – you’ll feel like a million dollars walking up the gangway in places like Split and Zadar. In pretty Korcula, climb up the bell tower in the old city to admire ‘your’ yacht from a distance before basking in the infinity pool back on board. Another bonus of these beautifully designed ships is the swim platform. Diving off the back into the crystal-clear Adriatic is a superyacht dream.

98. Dreamy Tahiti

• Ship: Aranui 5
• Duration: 12 Days
• The Vibe: A unique half-cruise, half-cargo ship supplying the remote islands of French Polynesia.

The part-cargo, part-cruise ship Aranui 5 may look unusual – as well as adventurous passengers, it carries trucks, fishing equipment and livestock – but it plays an essential role in connecting the Tuamotus, the Society Islands and the Marquesas. And while the crew loads and unloads in each dreamy port, you’re free to explore beaches, hiking trails and markets. On board, expect cultural immersion from Polynesian dance lessons to cooking classes. There’s even a tattoo studio. What’s interesting about Aranui is the diversity of the passengers; while the moneyed might stretch to the presidential suite, there’s also an eight-bunk dormitory, making this a great way to see the islands on a budget.

99. Cruise the Red Sea

• Ship: Emerald Azzurra
• Duration: 11 Days
• The Vibe: Visiting Saudi Arabia and Jordan (Petra) on a luxury yacht.

A handful of cruise lines are calling in at Saudi ports now that the Kingdom is more visitor-friendly. Emerald’s Red Sea voyages certainly satisfy the cultural bucket list; you can tick off wonders like the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo (if you arrive a day early), the ancient Nabatean city of Petra and the Al-Balad, the historic, UNESCO-protected heart of Jeddah, all in one voyage. For scuba divers, Yanbu in Saudi Arabia is said to be one of the world’s best locations thanks to the kaleidoscopic reefs and sheer diversity of species. 

100. Ponant: St Tropez & Beyond

• Ship: Le Ponant
• Duration: 8 Days
• The Vibe: The world’s only Relais & Châteaux sailing ship, perfect for the French Riviera.

French-owned Ponant certainly has a diverse range of ships, from sleek expedition vessels to the ultra-luxe icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot. It also has a tiny yacht, the three-masted Le Ponant, which has recently undergone a top-to-bottom refit. Le Ponant has a claim to fame, too; it’s the world’s only sailing ship to be affiliated with the prestigious Relais & Chateaux chain, so expect top-notch food. The itineraries are tempting; Le Ponant’s tiny size means it can glide unobtrusively into A-list favourites like St. Tropez, Cannes and Portofino.

Want to learn more about the Top 100 Best Cruise Ships? Read our insert on ISSUU here.

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