Cruise: The HOT List

Ready to sail into something spectacular? From next-generation ships and once-in-a-lifetime itineraries to classic journeys making a comeback, this is your guide to what’s new, what’s trending, and what’s topping the popularity charts right now.

Whether you're a river roamer, an expedition enthusiast or just cruise-curious, we've rounded up the hottest new ways to holiday on the water. We’re talking spine-tingly, bucket list-tickingly good. Think aurora-lit Arctic nights, intimate Greek island hopping, African coastal discoveries, and voyages so epic they deserve their own soundtrack.

River cruising isn’t just for European castle-spotting anymore (though we still love that too). New ships from Uniworld, AmaWaterways and Viking are redefining slow travel with smaller, more stylish vessels, boutique dining and deeper immersion into local life. 

Expect vineyard lunches in Portugal’s Douro Valley, Springtime blossoms from your balcony in Northern France or lantern-lit temple strolls along the Mekong.

Adventure cruising is going boldly where few have gone before, and in some serious style. Think state-of-the-art icebreakers venturing deep into Antarctica’s icy wilderness, or boutique vessels exploring the remote beauty of the Kimberley coast. For those drawn to the elusive, now is the time to consider Northwest Passage crossings and Arctic Circle adventures under the Northern Lights.

If you’ve ever dreamed of disappearing for a few months, now’s your time. World cruises, grand voyages and longer immersive itineraries are trending with every type of traveller. You’ll unpack once and visit a dozen countries… all while sampling sashimi in Japan one night and dancing tango in Buenos Aires the next. There are epic itineraries to choose from including Princes Cruises 114-day sailing that takes you all the way from Auckland and Australia to Africa, the Iberian Coast, through to the Mediterranean and Europe. From there discover the Baltic Sea and journey to Iceland and homeward through the Americas, Panama Canal and the South Pacific. It’s called the Golden OE for a reason!

Santorini and Mykonos? Been there. The latest Greek itineraries are all about the under-the-radar islands,  the kind with sleepy tavernas, hidden beaches and no cruise crowds in sight. Windstar, Celestyal and Ponant are leading the charge, offering smaller ships that slip into the dreamy Dodecanese or sun-soaked Ionian like they belong there.

A growing number of cruise lines are charting courses along Africa’s lesser-explored coasts. South Africa to Mozambique, Ghana to Morocco -these routes combine safari-style wildlife encounters with cultural deep dives, local cuisine and incredible ports you won’t find on typical cruise calendars.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, launched in 2024, isn't just a ship… it’s a destination. Currently the world’s largest cruise ship, it boasts eight distinct neighbourhoods, seven pools, and over 40 dining and entertainment venues. With everything from waterslides, zones just for strolling and mooching, and shows with aquatic athletic stunts beneath a towering, shapeshifting waterfall - there’s no way any member of your tribe will ever get bored.

Alaska serves up unfiltered nature with more than 1,000 coastal islands in the Alexander Archipelago, humpback whales breaching out of nowhere, puffins waddling about in ultimate cuteness, seals living their best lives on the ice, and glaciers so majestic they’ll quickly take up all the space on your phone’s photo gallery. This is all about having the space to breathe, disconnect and swap the latest social media drama for icebergs and northern lights - your mental health will thank you.

If the thought of 5000 people on one vessel makes you twitch, that doesn’t mean cruising isn’t for you. There are some seriously cool small-ship options right now – like Windstar’s sleek ‘yachts’, carrying just 148 to 342 guests, or Emerald Cruises’ ultra-modern fleet with space for only 100. Small ship cruises provide access to lesser-known ports and a more relaxed atmosphere, making you feel like you're on your own private yacht.

Cruises can often be about ticking off multiple countries in one go, but there are also options to slow down and explore just one. That’s the magic of a country-intensive itinerary - instead of skimming the surface, you’ll get to dive deep. Azamara’s Temples and Cherry Blossoms voyage is 15 days of soaking up Japan’s culture, cuisine, and coastlines one fascinating port at a time.

If you’ve ever dreamed of disappearing for a few months, now’s your time. World cruises, grand voyages and longer immersive itineraries are trending with every type of traveller. You’ll unpack once and visit a dozen countries… all while sampling sashimi in Japan one night and dancing tango in Buenos Aires the next. Ask us about Princess Cruises’ 114-night journey where you’ll visit 48 destinations across 26 countries. Or Seabourn’s epic voyage to 67 destinations across 19 countries.

Cruising the Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, is having a serious moment. It’s all about sapphire waters, ancient ruins, colourful bazaars and sun-drenched ports like Bodrum, Kusadasi and Marmaris. Expect gulet-style charm (think classic wooden sailing vessels), combined with the ease of small-ship cruising, and fewer crowds than Greece or Croatia. This is all about affordable luxury, epic history and turquoise coves you can swim straight into from the ship.