What kind of cruiser are you?

Thinking of taking your first cruise? Well over a million Australians are already converted. 

There are plenty of benefits to cruising, and what was once thought of as a holiday for either the newly wed, or nearly dead couldn’t be further from this. 

Are you looking for a great value holiday with meals, accommodation, entertainment and transport included? Or perhaps you’re travelling with your mum and dad, as well as your kids? Maybe you’d love to spend your time exploring the ancient tombs of Egypt or the storied castles of Europe? 

Perhaps your style is a bit more glamorous, and you prefer high-end hotels, fine wines and gourmet dining. 

Or maybe, you might be looking for your next big adventure. Whatever your style of travel is, cruising might be right for you. Find out what type of cruiser you are and plan your holiday accordingly! 

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The Budget Cruiser

What they say: “If you don’t want to pay for that shore excursion, I found a great local operator.”

What they never say: “I’m annoyed I left my booking too late and now I’ve paid too much.”

We’re always hearing that cruising is great value. Once you’re on board, you don’t need to spend another cent if you don’t want to. And the deals! You’re practically making money by travelling. Enter the Budget Cruiser, a savvy traveller who knows the value of a dollar and loves to make every single one work hard for them.

The Budget Cruiser isn’t necessarily cheap. They just take pride in knowing they have snagged the best price possible and then, once on board, they are getting the most they can out of that fare. The Budget Cruiser may be happy to stay in an entry-level cabin and then use their extra funds to splash out on specialty restaurants or adventurous shore excursions. 

It’s easy to make friends with the Budget Cruiser. Start chatting to them over dinner and they’ll soon share their tips and tricks for saving money, eager to sign up some new recruits to their signature method of saving. The ‘price match guarantee’ is one of their favourites. If the cruise line lowers the fare after they’ve booked, all the Budget Cruiser has to do is call and the line will make it right in the form of onboard credit, an upgrade or credit towards a future cruise. They will also have lots of good info on the best value time to cruise in lots of destinations – never do the Mediterranean in August, only in April.

They are happy to move between cruise lines, prioritising a great deal over staying loyal. However, you can be sure that they’re a member of every loyalty club, which could be giving them free access to perks that you’re still paying for. So don’t be surprised if you see them at a cocktail reception with the captain.

Why cruising is your holiday answer to the cost of living crisis

When Australian families are feeling the pinch, holidays are still the one thing that we consider as a non-negotiable. And cruising is the best value type of holiday that checks the boxes. Find out what’s included in your cruise. 

Food & beverage

Eating out is one of the fastest ways to blow the holiday budget. On a cruise, there are always multiple complimentary restaurants, from stylish sit-down to casual snacks available around the clock. 

In the main dining room, à la carte meals are often served on white tablecloths by smartly dressed waiters. Sumptuous three-course dinners featuring steak, seafood, pasta and decadent desserts are included in the price. 

Then there’s the buffet. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, there’s food from around the world and you can go back as many times as you like. Most ships will have a handful of other complimentary options, like a 24-hour café, burger joint or casual bistro. 

If they want to try some of the specialty restaurants, these have an additional cost of anywhere from $40 to $100 per person. But the Budget Cruiser knows there’s also a deal to be had here too. Cruise lines will often send pre-departure emails with special offers or packages for specialty dining, and last-minute discounts may be available on embarkation day.

Beverages are one of the biggest costs on a cruise, especially alcohol. If the Budget Cruiser wants to have a few cocktails, a drinks package is the best value. Some lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, offer a drinks package as a bonus inclusion when booking – keep your eyes peeled.

Accommodation

For some Budget Cruisers, the cabin is just a place to shower and lay your head. They’re happy to take the entry-level room, drop their suitcase and enjoy everything else the ship has to offer. Port-heavy itineraries also mean they’ll spend minimal time in the cabin. That doesn’t mean they won’t be comfortable and lines are paying more attention to their best-value rooms.

Plush beds, well-equipped bathrooms and all the amenities you’ll find in the higher categories are standard across cabins on budget-friendly ships. Clever design and foldaway furniture make for more space than it might seem at first glance. When the Budget Cruiser needs some fresh air, the expansive public areas are just a short stroll away. 

The Budget Cruiser also knows all the tips and tricks for scoring a free or heavily discounted upgrade. That could mean booking a ‘guarantee cabin’ where the line can upgrade them for free, or placing a bid through programs like Royal Caribbean’s RoyalUp and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Upgrade Advantage. 

Shore excursions

There’s no getting around it – shore excursions can be expensive. On contemporary and premium cruise lines, they aren’t included in the fare and some can cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily, there are plenty of other ways to explore that won’t break the bank. The Budget Cruiser always does research before they sail, seeking out things like free walking tours or websites that offer discounted entry to attractions.

Explore the city on foot or by public transport. Visit galleries and museums that have free or cheap entry. Find a leafy park or local beach. 

If they really want to take a tour, the Budget Cruiser may want to find an independent company that has a cheaper option. By booking directly with a local operator, they can save as much as 50 per cent. 

But beware – if you’re on an excursion that’s been booked independently and are running late, the ship won’t wait for you. Everyone has seen the videos of people running down the pier as their ship sails off without them. Obviously, this is best avoided.

Onboard amenities

On a budget-friendly ship, there are so many free things to do. Swimming pools, hot tubs and waterslides are a great place to start. On a warm water cruise, the Budget Cruiser will spend a lot of time here. Big ships will have multiple pools – Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas has a whopping 19! There will be fun and noisy kids’ pools, relaxing adults-only pools, pools with swim-up bars, heated indoor pools and infinity pools with ocean views. Bliss.

If they want to stay active, sports courts, minigolf, rock climbing walls, ropes courses and the fitness centre are free. On Royal Caribbean ships, the FlowRider surf simulator is free to use – and it’s also great entertainment to watch. Princess Cruises screens Movies Under the Stars with cosy blankets and free popcorn.

After the sun sets, the Budget Cruiser can enjoy Broadway-style productions, live music, comedy, karaoke, game shows and much more. 

Where they like to go

Excluding destinations that are always wildly expensive – like Antarctica, the Kimberley and the Galápagos Islands – nowhere is truly out of reach for the Budget Cruiser. It’s all about knowing when to go and when to book. That often means the Budget Cruiser is cruising a destination in the off season and avoiding school holidays. They also know the power of earlybird deals or a last-minute bargain. Securing $1 deposits gives them more time to save.

For Australian cruisers, local destinations are always going to be the cheapest. Factoring in an international airfare can more than double the price of a cruise. However, if they’re happy to fly there are always great deals to be found on Caribbean cruises out of Florida. The Mediterranean in shoulder season can also be surprisingly affordable.

Staying local, they can depart from Sydney or Brisbane to sail along the east coast of Australia, enjoying some fun in the sun in Queensland or travelling further south for the wineries in South Australia. Lead-in fares for these cruises on lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival can be as low as $150 per person per day.

The South Pacific is a great value destination that doesn’t require a flight. As an added bonus, these tropical island paradises are also cheap. Budget-friendly cruises here can be less than $100 per person per day.

New Zealand is also popular with the wallet-conscious cruiser. Many cruises will make a loop from Australian ports, but even if a one-way flight is needed it won’t break the bank. The Australian dollar is strong against the Kiwi. And savvy Budget Cruisers can score deals to NZ from as low as $250 per person per day. 

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The Family Cruiser

What they say: “Have you seen Jackson? He’s off with his new friends again.”

What they never say: “Next year we’re going to a resort on our own.”

For many people, the idea of being trapped on a cruise ship with multiple generations of their family is akin to a nightmare. But for others, two weeks of floating familial bliss is a dream. Meet The Squad – they’re excited, they’re noisy and there’s a lot of them. 

They could range in age from one to 100. Young families tagging along with grandma and grandpa, cool aunts and uncles organising a reunion, teens who think they’re too old for family holidays agreeing to one last hurrah. Often, they’ll go all out and get matching t-shirts made, printed with things like ‘Baz’s Big 50th’ or ‘The Smiths do the South Pacific’. You may think these are tacky, but they serve a dual purpose. The Squad can easily spot each other when on the ship and you can easily avoid them.

Families are one of the biggest demographics for cruising and it’s easy to see why. Where else can you find a place that offers something for every age group, from kids’ clubs to nightclubs and a rousing game of bingo? 

You don’t need to find multiple taxis to get everyone to dinner or even agree on the same restaurant. The little ones can eat early in the buffet, teens can grab a burger by the pool, and the grown-ups can relax over sushi and cocktails. The Squad knows this and it’s why they love to cruise together. Just ask them, they’ll tell you…

Even though The Squad travels together frequently, it doesn’t mean they always get along. You’re just as likely to spot them yelling at an unruly child to get out of the pool or rolling their eyes when dad insists on one more round of karaoke. Because isn’t that the true meaning of family? You have to love them even when they drive you mad.

Travelling with the squad is now considered cool

Multigenerational cruising is one of the big trends for 2026, with families wanting to celebrate ‘togetherness’ and milestone experiences. So, is the squad life right for your family?

Food & beverage

Anyone who has ever spent $18 on a plate of chicken nuggets only for the child to then refuse to eat them will understand the unique challenges of eating out with the family. At sea, The Squad has no such problems. 

On board their favourite family-friendly ships, multiple restaurants will be included in the fare. They can choose from the main restaurant, the relaxed buffet and casual dining options like burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, and pizza. On large ships from Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean, there will be up to eight complimentary options. There are even fun features like self-serve ice cream available around the clock.

If The Squad wants to splash out, specialty dining options come at an additional charge, usually around $40-$60 per person. For that, you can dine on fine French cuisine, succulent steaks, innovative Asian and even meals from celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver or Luke Mangan. And because every family knows that spending time apart is as important as spending time together, The Squad may choose to leave the kids behind for this meal.

Accommodation

From budget-friendly bunk beds to sprawling suites complete with slides and music-playing rainbow stairs (yes, really), The Squad is spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. The grandparents may like to treat themselves to one of the exclusive ‘ship within a ship’ areas you’ll find on Princess and NCL.

The cheapest option is always going to be an interior cabin with pull-down bunks or sofa beds. These can sleep up to six people, though it will be a tight fit. Interconnecting cabins are great for families with older kids. Parents can have their own space but are just on the other side of the shared door for peace of mind.

If money is no object, family suites might even give The Squad more space than they have at home. On Royal Caribbean, the Ultimate Family Townhouse has the slide and musical staircase, plus a movie room, karaoke and table tennis spread across three levels. Combine the Iconic Suite and the Royal Suite on Celebrity Cruises to create an epic suite that sleeps 10.

Luxury-loving families aren’t left behind. During its 2025 refurbishment, m/s Paul Gaugin added eight new interconnecting rooms, perfect for The Squad that likes to travel in style.

Shore excursions

Even off the ship, The Squad continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Often, they are happy to explore independently, walking through the markets, hopping on public transport, visiting museums or splashing on the beach. If they want an organised shore excursion, there are lots of options that will work across the generations.

Animals are always a good choice, so The Squad would enjoy meeting sled dogs in Alaska or swimming with the pigs in the Bahamas. Cooking classes are a fun way to learn more about local culture. An adventurous excursion will thrill the whole family with ziplines, white water rafting, horse riding and quad bike tours. If they’d prefer to chill, just take the group to
the beach, grab some snorkels and make a
day of it. 

Onboard amenities

If you had to describe The Squad’s ideal ship in one word, it would be ‘more’. More swimming pools, more games, more entertainment, more everything. They want something for every age group, things they can do together or separately, and to be able to drop the kids off at kids’ club when needed.

Everybody loves a swimming pool. The Squad likes to arrive early, securing deckchairs for every member in close proximity to the water and the bar. They’ll send the kids off to the splashpad, waterpark or waterslides, then settle in for a relaxing afternoon. 

On large ships from lines like NCL, MSC Cruises, Carnival and Royal Caribbean, cruisers can ride rollercoasters, learn to surf or skydive, climb rock walls, go ice skating, drive bumper cars or zoom around on go-karts on the top deck. 

The more sedate members of The Squad can spend some time in the spa, join a game of trivia or bingo, or read a book in the library. 

At the end of the day, the whole gang can come together to watch a musical, listen to a live band or join in a fun, interactive game show.

Where they like to go

The Squad falls broadly into two categories. Those who want to stay close to home, because the thought of trying to get everyone on a plane to an international departure point is too much to bear. And those who are happy to move mountains – or cross continents – for a voyage that will go down in family history. It is very important that The Squad understands which type they are before they book tickets.

In the first group, local cruises that hop along the Australian coastline or across to New Zealand and the South Pacific are ideal. The Squad can stay together or split up at each port to relax on the beach, visit galleries and museums, hit the shops, go wine tasting and much more.  

If they’re looking for a quick break (or can only stand to spend three nights surrounded by their beloved family) The Squad is also a big fan of the cruise to nowhere. Hop on at your local cruise port, enjoy all the facilities on board and then disembark a few days later.

Enthusiastic Squads who want to tackle an international cruise have a huge range of options. Princess Cruises, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and MSC even have private islands here, bringing the ship’s vibe, adventure experiences and inclusions (like meals) on shore. The picture-perfect islands of Tahiti are another appealing option for The Squad with money to burn. The luxurious boutique ship
m/s Paul Gaugin specialises in this remote tropical paradise with itineraries that make for unforgettable adventures.

Everybody loves the Mediterranean. Its intoxicating mix of ancient ruins, modern cultural institutions, buzzing beach clubs and famous food appeal to every member of The Squad. The grandparents can also share their tales of backpacking through Europe in the 1970s, in case anyone hasn’t heard them yet.

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The Luxury Cruiser

What they say: “I don’t think you can call it a pillow menu when there are only four options.”

What they never say: “Don’t be silly, of course I’m happy to carry my own bag.”

You may first recognise the Luxury Cruiser by their distinctive greeting cry: “Darling – I haven’t seen you since St Tropez last summer!” or possibly, “I can’t believe we missed you in Aspen over Christmas!”. This is a crowd that travels a lot and travels loudly. They are always on the hunt for the latest and greatest, a ship that no one else in their tennis club has been on or a destination so hot that even the likes of George Clooney has to go on the waitlist.

A Luxury Cruiser is pampered at every turn. They expect to be greeted by the Captain when they first step onboard, to find a glass of champagne or a cold towel within reach whenever they should require it, and for a personal butler to be on hand to grant their every wish and desire.

The Luxury Cruiser isn’t shy about flaunting their wealth. Look out for matching sets of luggage (Rimowa, Globe Trotter and Carl Friedrik are popular choices) and a wardrobe purchased just for this voyage. Big labels, big hats and even bigger sunglasses.

In contrast, when it comes to the ships, smaller is better. No 4000-person megaliners for the LC.
They want to capture the superyacht vibe and are happy to pay superyacht prices. Capacity can range from 1200 guests with Oceania Cruises to around 600 on Crystal Cruises and all the way down to 228 on Scenic’s Scenic Eclipse. 

That means these ships are small enough to feel exclusive yet large enough to guarantee all the facilities a luxury cruiser might need – like multiple restaurants, a huge spa and a Broadway-calibre theatre. Throw in a flotilla of water toys, a submarine and a couple of helicopters, and now you’re really ready to cruise.

Welcome to a world where nothing is too much trouble

Luxury cruising has surged in popularity recently for a few clear reasons. Firstly,  there is a growing consumer appetite for high-end, experiential travel. According to a 2025 overview of luxury cruise trends, bookings across all sectors of cruising “surpassed even the heights reached in pre-pandemic 2019”.

Demand is no longer only from traditional older ‘cruisers’ – younger generations and first-time passengers (including Gen X, Millennials and even younger adults) are increasingly drawn to cruising.

The ‘luxury fleet’ has more than tripled since 2010 — from 28 ships to 97 vessels in 2024. This growth gives passengers more choice and lets cruise lines differentiate themselves, offering everything from intimate ‘boutique’ voyages to grand, ultra-luxury expeditions.

Here’s what life is like on board.

Food & beverage

Luxury Cruisers expect the kind of food, service and atmosphere that you would find at the world’s top restaurants, all brought to them seamlessly in the middle of the South Pacific or at the edge of the Antarctic Peninsula. 

There will be multiple restaurants on board, serving cuisine from around the globe. Forget set dining times – they will enjoy an intimate and exclusive atmosphere every time. Unique touches like live teppanyaki stations, chef’s tables inside the kitchen or Crêpe Suzette flamed tableside make every meal memorable. The Luxury Cruiser also likes to be able to eat whenever the mood strikes them. Room service at 2am or a private breakfast on their balcony with 10 minutes’ notice is all par for the course.

Luxury cruise lines aren’t afraid to bring in the big guns to woo their guests. Crystal Cruises has a partnership with Massimiliano Alajmo, the youngest chef to ever be awarded three Michelin stars. Oceania Cruises works with culinary legend Jacques Pépin. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has two Michelin-starred chefs on deck – Sven Elverfeld and Fabio Trabocchi.

Lining up to serve your own scrambled eggs from the buffet? Quelle horreur! While some luxury ships do have buffets, they are a cut above – think dishes prepared to order at chef stations or being served by white-gloved waiters.

Accommodation

At the end of each day, the Luxury Cruiser will return to a stateroom or suite that has all the comforts of a five-star hotel. Cabins will be oversized and most will have a private veranda. Expect supremely comfortable beds, high thread count sheets, plush bathrobes and high-end products in the marble bathrooms. When it comes to décor, the Luxury Cruiser will enjoy elegant furnishings, fine art and lush fabrics.

As they move up the scale towards the top-of-the-line suites, the opulence knows no bounds. Suites can be more than twice the size of a family home in Sydney and split over two levels. They’ll have multiple balconies – at least one with a hot tub – dining tables that seat a dozen and walk-in wardrobes. Everything from the lighting to music, blinds and communication can be activated with the touch of a button. And once they’re staying in a suite, there’s no need to unpack their own suitcases, make their own dinner reservations or fluff their own pillows. Butler service is non-negotiable.

On Regent Seven Seas’ new Seven Seas Prestige, launching in late 2026, the Skyview Regent Suite promises a baby grand piano, private gym, yoga space, massage room and sauna. For $40,000 a night, this is next-level luxury cruising.

Shore excursions

An after-hours tour of the Louvre? A private cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef? Stand-up paddleboarding amongst Antarctic icebergs? These are just part of a regular day ashore on a luxury cruise. Most lines include all shore excursions in the fare and have many to choose from. They focus on small-group or private experiences, taking the Luxury Cruiser places the regular traveller can’t go. That could mean closing a cathedral for a classical concert or meeting a farmer in the remote fjords of Norway to learn about their daily life. 

There’s also room for something a little flashier. Zip around the Italian countryside in a Ferrari, then sit down to lunch at a luxe little cucina that’s a favourite of Sir Paul McCartney. Explore a Caribbean coral reef by mini submarine, like the ones you’ll find on Scenic and Seabourn ships. Board a helicopter to admire Alaska’s Denali Glacier or the waterfalls of the Kimberley from above.

Onboard amenities

With a cruise, it’s about the journey rather than the destination. As such, the Luxury Cruiser expects that they should be indulged, entertained and delighted for every moment of their voyage. 

Wellness is very important to Luxury Cruisers. That means they’ll need multiple swimming pools and a state-of-the-art fitness area. Expansive spas offer everything from saunas and steam rooms to salt therapy lounges,
snow rooms and monsoon showers.  

Grown-up toys abound. Helicopters and submarines are the two big-ticket items, followed by Zodiacs, jet skis, Sea Bobs, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. 

When it comes to entertainment, the Luxury Cruiser will have been to many shows on Broadway and the West End, so they have very high standards. As well as slick productions in glamorous theatres, they get to enjoy one-of-a-kind moments like opera on the helipad.

Where they like to go

When money is no object, the world is your oyster. Nowhere is off the map for the Luxury Cruiser as long as they can get there without sacrificing any creature comforts.

The Mediterranean is the obvious place to start. Long lunches in Taormina, cocktails in Santorini – it really is the place to live la dolce vita. Explore the Amalfi Coast on Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima or Ilma or island hop through Greece on Crystal Serenity.

Antarctica is also on every Luxury Cruiser’s bucket list. Scenic Eclipse is one of the few true ultra-luxury vessels with a Polar Class 6 rating, meaning it can take on an expedition voyage without a hiccup. Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s first luxury icebreaker, and its strengthened hull can smash through ice up to three metres thick. Meanwhile, upstairs in the bar, passengers will only notice a few ripples in their martini.

And, of course, the pinnacle of luxury is the World Cruise. Where else can you step away from the mundanity of everyday life for up to six months as you sail leisurely between the most beautiful places on the planet? In 2026, Oceania Vista will depart from Miami for a 180-day circumnavigation of the globe, calling at more than 100 ports across six continents.

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The River Cruiser

What they say: “If we get up early enough we can do the castle tour, then hop on the e-bikes and be back in time for the wine tasting.”

What they never say: “I just love to spend a day on board with nothing to do.”

In the middle of a Transatlantic crossing, cruise ships will be approximately 2400 kilometres from any major land mass. That translates to around three days of sailing. This fact gives the Land Lover the heebie jeebies. They are passionate cruisers and are happiest when on the water – they just prefer that it’s fresh and that the river bank remains within sight at all times.

River cruising is a relatively new entrant into the global travel market. Ocean cruising dates back to the mid 19th century, but river cruises began as a trickle in the 1960s and only reached a wave in the 1990s. Today, it’s one of the fastest growing sectors in travel with hundreds of ships cruising rivers across the globe from the Danube to the Mekong Delta. The average age of a river passenger is coming down, luxury is going up and even families are being encouraged to get on board.

Narrow channels, shallow water and low bridges restrict the design and size of river ships, so they appear mostly identical. In Europe they carry 100 to 200 passengers. In places like Southeast Asia and South America, it could be as few as 20. Onboard amenities are also kept to a minimum. 

The experienced RC knows that these journeys are not about the ship, they are about the destination. In fact, it’s rare to have a full day on board without visiting a port. These river aficionados are excited to arrive at a new port each morning, eager to disembark and discover everything it has to offer.

Though some people may think the RC boring (and perhaps a few of them are), many are always searching for the next river to cruise. From the isolated Upper Mekong to China’s famed Yangtze and the unexplored Magdalena River in Colombia, there’s a whole world of water waiting for them to discover.

Swap the ocean ships for smaller vessels and more port calls

Younger cruisers, a higher demand for immersive and themed trips, coupled with new destinations is the driving force behind the increase in popularity of river cruising. As travellers look for better value, direct flights and package inclusions, river cruising has become
an attractive holiday option. 

River cruising now goes beyond Europe with plenty of lines now cruising the Nile River in Egypt, the Mekong in Southeast Asia and even the Magdalena River in Colombia.  

If these things pique your interest, take a look at what’s on board to see if you’re a River Cruiser.

Food & beverage

Food is a highlight on any river cruise and the River Cruiser always travels with their stretchiest trousers. With fewer passengers and less time between destinations, the chefs can focus on regional specialties and bespoke menus. Fresh produce can be brought on board at every stop – the River Cruiser can even join the chefs as they scour the local market.

Most ships will have one main restaurant, which is often a buffet for breakfast and lunch with à la carte at dinner. There will be casual cafes or lounges, and possibly a specialty option like a chef’s table or degustation restaurant. APT’s new Solara and Ostara ships have six restaurants on board, including one that lifts up on hydraulics. When Celebrity launches its first river ships in 2027, there will also be six restaurants, including the only 24/7 dining spot on the European waterways. 

The Land Lover knows it’s just not a proper meal without a glass of something good. River cruises are much more inclusive than ocean when it comes to beverages. All will include local beer, wine and soft drink at meals, as well as special cocktail or happy hours. More upmarket lines, like Scenic, APT, Uniworld, Tauck and Celebrity River Cruises have free-flowing drinks around the clock. Cheers!

Accommodation

Given the uniformity of river ships, cabins also follow a similar pattern. You won’t find the oversized suites with multiple bedrooms that are on ocean ships. River cabins can start at a decidedly cosy 14 square metres and go up to around 30 square metres. With these tight dimensions, it’s all about thoughtful design and maximising the views. 

The River Cruiser won’t even consider a cabin without a balcony, be it French or open-air. One of the great joys of a river cruise is watching the rice paddies of the Mekong or the ornate spires of the Hungarian Parliament Building slip by just past your bed. Avalon Waterways has some of the best cabins going – the Panorama Suites have huge floor-to-ceiling windows that turn the whole room into an indoor-outdoor space. They also have the bed facing the window, so the River Cruiser doesn’t need to put on pants to take it all in.

Luxury lines like Scenic and Uniworld even have butler service, meaning the Land Lover can be relaxing on the Sun Deck while someone else unpacks their suitcase.

Shore excursions

The River Cruiser likes to have a plan for every day. They are not one to waste precious time on shore due to a lack of organisation. If it’s your first river cruise, expect to be quizzed about the upcoming day over dinner – and you’d better have an answer ready.

One shore excursion per day will be included in the river cruise fare and there’s a huge range to choose from themed around history, culture, food and wine, active exploration, and more. The River Cruiser could be wandering through an ancient castle one day, cycling along the river the next and then taking a hands-on cooking class. There’s a real focus on engaging with local people, visiting small villages or dining in the homes of welcoming families. 

Onboard amenities

While the best part of any river cruise is getting off, that doesn’t mean that experienced cruisers don’t also want to enjoy their ship. The Sun Deck is always a popular spot. Taking up the top deck of the ship, it may have a hot tub or plunge pool, walking track, sun loungers and even a mini-golf course. Some lines serve meals up here with pop-up restaurants or fun barbecue nights.

There will be a small fitness centre and fitness classes, often held on the Sun Deck. The Land Lover always enjoys starting the day with tai chi in view of a medieval castle. A massage room will provide basic services or you can request a treatment in your cabin. Scenic’s luxurious Space-Ships have a special salt therapy lounge where you can soothe aches and pains on heated reclining chairs. At night, the River Cruiser will enjoy live entertainment, which often features local entertainers brought on board to share part of their cultural heritage.

Where they like to go

The River Cruiser has obviously done Europe. Many times. It’s the centre of the river cruising world. Land tour brand Trafalgar will launch its first river cruises in Europe in 2026 with purpose-built ships to follow in 2028. 

The most popular routes are the classic Amsterdam to Budapest itinerary along the Danube and the Rhine River between Amsterdam and Europe. 

They can also venture deeper into Eastern Europe, sip wine through Bordeaux or soak up the sun along Portugal’s Douro River, the latest river cruise darling.

Egypt has been a popular river cruise destination for more than a century. Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile in 1935, and the River Cruiser secretly dreams of the chance to solve a murder mystery on board. Viking, Uniworld, AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways all sail here year-round.

Further afield, river cruising begins to blend with expedition cruising on the remote waterways of Southeast Asia. Along the Mekong, which flows through Vietnam and Cambodia, smaller vessels navigate the wide brown river and its tributaries, visiting floating markets, fishing villages and elaborate temples. 

South America is the new frontier for river cruising. Go deep along the Amazon River to encounter exotic wildlife, spectacular rainforest and Indigenous communities. AmaWaterways has recently launched two ships on Colombia’s Magdalena River, making it the only international line to cruise there. 

Collaborating with Colombian partners, it’ an incredible example of sustainable tourism in action and could serve as a blueprint for how we think about new destinations in the future.

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The Adventure Cruiser

What they say:“Some people say it’s tough to snowshoe across the Arctic Circle, but I quite enjoyed it.”

What they never say: “I might just spend today relaxing in the thermal suite.”

People who say cruising is boring just aren’t doing it right. So says the Adventure Cruiser, known to their friends as the Wannabe Ernest Shackleton. They like to travel in a more elevated style than The Boss (a nickname Shackleton was given by his crew for his strong leadership skills) but aren’t afraid to rough it
where necessary.

It’s important to differentiate between the genuine Adventure Cruiser and what we’re calling The Pretender. Yes, the Adventure Cruiser will be decked out in all the branded gear, but it will show signs of genuine wear. The Patagonia insignia has all but worn off their top-of-the-line jacket. By contrast, The Pretender looks like as though they have just stepped out of the store. You can still see the crisply folded lines on their new snow pants and they don’t even know how to pronounce Ushuaia (Ush-way-a). 

The Adventure Cruiser knows to keep things small. True expedition ships only carry a few hundred passengers. This is essential when they want to snorkel on tiny islands in Raja Ampat or land on the Antarctic Peninsula (when only 100 people can go ashore at one time). It makes for a relaxed atmosphere on board and intimate shore excursions.

For the majority of their cruise, the Adventure Cruiser is always itching to get off. There are exciting places  to be explored by Zodiac, kayak, helicopter and submersible. They want to be immersed in the local culture, climb to the top of the highest peak, and spot polar bears or sloths or orcas.

The Adventure Cruiser is also happy to splash some cash – travelling to these isolated destinations is never cheap and there’s an inherent commitment to responsible travel that can bump up the price. In the end, it’s a small sum to pay to experience moments of pure magic.

Exploring the most remote parts of the world is an enriching experience

Adventure cruising might be cold explorations into the depths of Antarctica or journeys into the warm wildlife filled regions of the Galapagos. 

Not only are there options to explore more destinations than ever before, but the ships have improved drastically. Venture on to find out what you’ll experience as an Adventure Cruiser.

Food & beverage

Did you know almost every polar explorer ate their sled dogs?  Fortunately, husky won’t be on the menu. Expedition cruise lines have reinvented onboard dining in the past 20 years. Instead of the meagre rations you would find on the adventure ships of old, now you can expect white-gloved fine dining, chic sushi bars, French bistros and much more. 

On Scenic Eclipse, an ultra-luxury Polar Class 6 yacht, there are up to 10 dining options including round-the-clock room service. Ponant works with Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse to create haute couture cuisine aboard Le Commandant Charcot.

Most expedition cruises are all-inclusive, so there’s no additional charge for dining in specialty restaurants or alcohol. Perfect for toasting an adventurous day on shore with a top-shelf whiskey.

Accommodation

When Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten first began taking passengers in 1896, accommodations were basic. From 2026, its offshoot expedition line HX will feature a replica of that original cabin on their ship Fridtjof Nansen. Think lots of wood, bunk beds, a flickering stove and a toilet that wouldn’t be out of place at a campsite.

Adventure Cruisers today enjoy king-size beds, private verandas, marble bathrooms and butler service. These modern ships are floating luxury hotels, taking intrepid travellers to the most remote corners of the globe with 1200 thread count sheets and super-fast Wi-Fi. There will be champagne or the Adventure Cruiser’s favourite tipple in the complimentary mini-bar, a pillow menu for the perfect night’s sleep and high-tech connectivity in every corner. Expedition elements like Swarovski binoculars let every guest get a close-up view of the marvels outside their window.

Looking to live large? This new class of luxury expedition vessel offers suites with up to 200sqm of space, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, full dining rooms, kitchens and wet bars, and even a private Jacuzzi on the terrace. 

Shore excursions

With expedition ships cruising to the polar regions, remote corners of Asia or Central America, along the Kimberly coast, into icy Alaska and through the wildlife wonderland of the Galápagos Islands, there is plenty of adventure out there.

With an expedition cruise, shore excursions will usually be included in the fare. That’s because they recognise that it’s a holistic experience, where the cruisers are here to experience the destination in all its rough and ready glory before returning to their comfortable vessel. An expedition vessel will have a fleet of Zodiacs, plus kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Scenic and Quark Expeditions have helicopters on board for flightseeing or accessing remote destinations, while Scenic and Seabourn have custom submersibles that can take guests to explore shipwrecks and reefs below the surface. 

These excursions will immerse the Adventure Cruiser in both nature and culture. It could be trekking to the rim of a volcano or diving with stingless jellyfish in a pristine lake. Strap on snowshoes to cross glittering white plains in Antarctica or the Arctic. For the Adventure Cruiser, every day has the potential to tick something off the bucket list.

Onboard amenities

The Adventure Cruiser cares not for waterslides. Or rollercoasters or ice-skating rinks or sky diving simulators. They expect stylish accommodation and elegant public spaces but know that the bells and whistles of your average megaliner don’t make sense on an expedition ship.

There will always be a swimming pool – hopefully adjusted to meet the unique climates of expedition destinations. There will be hot tubs to warm up in and sun loungers where they can sit back and spot whales or seabirds.

Libraries, games rooms and observation lounges ensure the Adventure Cruiser can focus on learning as well as leisure. Genuine scientific discovery is often a part of these cruises and many ships have dedicated discovery centres. 

The expert expedition team is also a key selling point. Made up of skilled biologists, botanists, glaciologists, archaeologists and many other niche sciences, they will share their passion for the world, elevating every excursion, and promising a genuine commitment to sustainability and conservation.

Where they like to go

The Adventure Cruiser is always asking – where next? Expedition cruises take them to the farthest corners of the globe, places so far off the map that the only way to get there is by sea.

Antarctica is top of the list for the Adventure Cruiser and every expedition line will go there. It’s a wildlife wonderland with spectacular landscapes and a whole host of exciting shore excursions. Don’t like the thought of the vomit-inducing Drake Passage? Cruise with Silversea and fly over that troublesome stretch of water in just a couple of hours. The ultimate cheat code. 

In 2026, the line will open a hotel exclusively for their guests in Puerto Williams. It will also be the southernmost hotel in the world.

Arctic cruises can visit the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, northern Canada, Iceland and Greenland. 

As well as icebergs, polar bears and puffins, these cruises also promise cultural encounters with isolated Indigenous communities.

There are warm water destinations across the globe that promise the same level of discovery and delight – the Galápagos Islands, Central America, Indonesia and the Kimberley in northwest Australia to name a few. Here, the Adventure Cruiser will snorkel on pristine coral reefs, hike through lush jungle, visit traditional villages, and watch Komodo dragons. 

Africa is also a new hotspot for the Adventure Cruiser who has been everywhere – Ponant and Silversea have itineraries that visit the West African coast and the tropical islands off the east coast of the continent.

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