Adventure Cruising

Adventure cruising has gained popularity among travelers seeking immersive and active experiences in diverse and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Several cruise lines specialize in adventure cruising, offering unique itineraries that focus on exploration, wildlife encounters, and outdoor activities. Here are some notable adventure cruising brands:

  1. Lindblad Expeditions: Lindblad Expeditions specializes in expedition cruises to remote and wild destinations around the world. Partnered with National Geographic, their ships are equipped for exploration, with expert naturalists and photographers on board to enhance the guest experience. Lindblad’s itineraries often focus on wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and adventure activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.
  2. UnCruise Adventures: UnCruise Adventures offers small-ship cruises to adventurous destinations in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, and Central America. With a focus on active exploration and wilderness encounters, UnCruise itineraries feature activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and snorkeling, along with opportunities to interact with local communities and wildlife.
  3. Ponant: While Ponant is known for its luxury cruises, the cruise line also offers expedition voyages to some of the world’s most remote and captivating destinations. With a fleet of small expedition ships, Ponant’s itineraries include polar expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic, as well as cruises to destinations such as the Amazon, the Kimberley region of Australia, and the islands of the South Pacific.
  4. Aurora Expeditions: Aurora Expeditions specializes in small-group expeditions to the polar regions, as well as other remote destinations such as Papua New Guinea, the Russian Far East, and South Georgia Island. Their ships are equipped for active exploration, with Zodiac excursions, wildlife watching opportunities, and expert guides providing insight into each destination’s natural and cultural heritage.
  5. Adventure Canada: Adventure Canada offers expedition cruises to the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Newfoundland and Labrador, and other remote regions of Canada. Their small expedition ships provide access to wilderness areas and cultural sites, with a focus on learning, discovery, and authentic experiences guided by experts in history, culture, and natural science.
Credit: PONANT
  1. Quark Expeditions: Quark Expeditions specializes in polar adventures, offering expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic. Their ice-strengthened ships are equipped for exploring remote regions, with activities such as Zodiac cruising, kayaking, and shore excursions led by experienced guides. Quark’s itineraries provide opportunities for wildlife encounters, scenic exploration, and learning about polar environments.

These adventure cruising brands cater to travelers seeking active and immersive experiences in some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. Whether you’re interested in polar exploration, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or outdoor activities, these cruise lines offer unique and unforgettable adventures.

2024 Luxurious Brands and Ships

The most luxurious brands and ships of 2024!

Credit: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady (Photo: Virgin Voyages)

Cruise Critic has released its  highlighting the best in cruising and cruise travel as selected by Cruise Critic’s international editorial team.

Credit: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady claimed top honors this year as Best New Ship. The line’s first vessel, Scarlet Lady, charmed Cruise Critic’s editors enough that the vessel was awarded Best New Ship in 2021. Now, sister-ship Resilient Lady, which has just arrived Down Under for the season, sweeps to victory for the line once again.

Other winners in the Ocean Cruises category included Disney Cruise Line as Best for Families; Celebrity Cruises for Best Cabins; MSC Cruises for Best Nightlife; Holland America Line for Best Service and Carnival Cruise Line for Best Value for Money.

“This was a banner year for the cruise industry,” said Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic. “On Cruise Critic, we saw demand for cruises surpass pre-pandemic times, and a number of lines reported ships sailing at over 100% capacity. Cruising has always been a high-value vacation, but with costs of land- and air-based travel through the roof, the true value of a cruise really hit home this year.

“The value of a cruise doesn’t stop with mainstream sailings. From the fare inclusions on river and luxury sailings, to those on expedition sailings to farther-flung destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos, you’d be hard-pressed to find a land-based vacation that delivers the experience and value that a cruise offers,” McDaniel said.

Cruise Critic has been releasing its highly anticipated Editors’ Picks Awards for 15 years. This year’s awards are the most thorough to date, naming winners across four key areas – Ocean, River, Luxury and Expedition.

This Year’s Awards Saw the Return of Best Ship Refurbishment

Crew assemble to welcome the first guests onboard Carnival Venezia

Main Atrium on Carnival Venezia (Photo: Adam Coulter)

Cruise Critic also brought back a heralded category in 2023: Best Ship Refurbishment, which went to the gorgeously decorated Carnival Venezia. The former Costa Venezia was refitted prior to entering service with Carnival Cruise Line, leaving it with a fascinating blend of Italian-style interior décor courtesy of the line’s longtime design guru Joe Farcus, along with a blend of Carnival favorites tweaked ever-so slightly.

Port Miami was named best North American Homeport thanks to an abundance of innovation and investment that has come out of the new and improved terminal structure and growing improvements to the passenger experience.

Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editors’ Picks Awards Include New Categories, a Return of Awards for River Cruises

American Serenade docked in Paducah, KY (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

American Serenade docked in Paducah, KY (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editors’ Picks Awards is noteworthy for the return of the River Cruise awards for the first time since the global health pandemic shut down travel three years ago. In that category, river cruising giant Viking took top honors as the Best River Cruise Line, while the Best New River Cruise Ship was awarded, for the first time, to an American river cruise ship – American Cruise Lines’ American Serenade.

Other winners in the River Category included AmaWaterways for Best for Active Cruisers, Avalon for Best Cabins, Riverside for Dining and Tauck for Enrichment.

Silversea Scoops Best Luxury Cruise Line

Silver Nova sails under a blue sky. (Photo: Silversea)

Silver Nova sails under a blue sky. (Photo: Silversea)

In the Luxury Cruise category, Silversea Cruises was named Best Luxury Cruise Line, thanks to its tireless dedication to service, its modern fleet, and continually innovative offerings. Its Silver Nova was Cruise Critic’s pick for Best New Luxury Ship, while Oceania snapped up Best Dining. The luxury category even held a bit of nostalgia, as restarted (and beloved) brand Crystal took two categories: Best Service and Best for Solo Travelers.

Credit: Crystal Cruises

(Credit: Scenic Cruises) 

Finally, the Expedition Cruise market continues to expand and mature at a rapid pace. Some of the most hotly deliberated categories were found here, but Cruise Critic’s editors came to consensus: Scenic Eclipse II was named

Best New Expedition Ship, while QuarkSeabourn, Silversea, Viking and UnCruise Adventures, among others, walked away with honors this year.

One thing that was apparent for the entire editorial team in selecting this year’s winners was how close many of these categories were for the ships and lines in the running. Few were easy choices – and that’s good for cruisers. With cruise lines of all shapes and sizes delivering stellar experiences across the oceans and rivers of the world, it’s never been a better time to take a cruise.

  1. The Full 2023 Cruise Critic Editor’s Picks Awards List
  1. Best New Ship: Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady
  2. Best Ship Refurbishment: Carnival Venezia
  3. Best Cabins: Celebrity Cruises
  4. Best Dining: Virgin Voyages
  5. Best Entertainment: Virgin Voyages
  6. Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line
  7. Best Innovation/Tech: Princess Cruises
  8. Best for LGBTQ+ Travelers: Virgin Voyages
  9. Best Nightlife: MSC Cruises
  10. Best Service: Holland America Line
  11. Best for Solo Travelers: Norwegian Cruise Line
  12. Best Spa: Norwegian Cruise Line
  13. Best Specialty Dining: Norwegian Cruise Line
  14. Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
  15. Best Suite Complex: MSC Cruises
  16. Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise Line
  17. Best App: Royal Caribbean International
  18. Best North American Homeport: Miami
  • Luxury Category
  • Best Luxury Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises
  • Best New Luxury Ship: Silver Nova
  • Best Cabins: Viking Cruises
  • Best Dining: Oceania
  • Best Enrichment: Windstar Cruises
  • Best Itineraries: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Best Service: Crystal
  • Best Shore Excursions: Oceania Cruises
  • Best for Solo Travelers: Crystal
  • Best Spa: Viking Cruises
  • Best Value for Money: Emerald Yacht Cruises
  • Expedition Category
  • Best New Expedition Ship: Scenic Eclipse II
  • Best for Adventure: Quark Expeditions
  • Best Cabins: Seabourn Cruise Line
  • Best Dining: Scenic
  • Best for Light Expedition: Viking Cruises
  • Best for Luxury: Silversea Expeditions
  • Best Science Offerings: Hurtigruten
  • Best Service: Silversea Expeditions
  • Best Spa: Viking Cruises
  • Best Value for Money: Atlas
  • Best in Alaska: UnCruise Adventures
  • Best in Antarctica: Scenic
  • Best in the Arctic: Ponant Cruises
  • Best in the Galapagos: Lindblad Expeditions
  • River Category
  • Best River Cruise Line: Viking Cruises
  • Best New River Cruise Ship: American Cruise Lines’ American Serenade
  • Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
  • Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
  • Best Dining: Riverside Luxury Cruises
  • Best Enrichment: Tauck River Cruising
  • Best for Families: Adventures by Disney/AmaWaterways
  • Best for First-Timers: Viking Cruises
  • Best for Luxury: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
  • Best Service: Viking Cruises
  • Best for Solo Travelers: Avalon Waterways
  • Best Value for Money: Emerald River Cruises

Deal Alert: Avalon Waterways

FREE RIDE SALES EVENT

Free to be. Free to see. Jump ship to the liberating world of Avalon Waterways river cruises.

As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off. With the wind in your hair, whim in your heart and the excursions on your cruising itinerary, the compass is in the palm of your hand to choose any direction you desire. Here’s your window of opportunity on some featured cruise deals and offers!

Long overdue for a trip and open to booking a cruise adventure? Avalon Waterways is enticing travelers to start planning by offering discounts on European cruises. In addition to savings on 2024 cruises, travelers can also get free roundtrip airfare. This sale is an excellent way to save on your travel costs and get your trip plans set well in advance.

There are many benefits to planning your travels ahead of time. You can avoid procrastination and give yourself something to look forward to in the coming months. You may also be able to save on travel costs by planning your trip details now. Avalon Waterways is a company known for its exciting, luxury river cruises. 

Credit: Avalon WaterwaysTo take advantage of this deal, travelers must book a qualifying 2024vcruise. By doing this, you will be able to receive a $250 per person discount on the cruise price. You can also take advantage of free roundtrip airfare for each traveler, which adds more value! This promotion allows you to enjoy a fantastic vacation at a much lower cost.

If you’e wondering where to cruise, you have many options since Avalon Waterways cruises to some of the best cities in Europe.

Here are some qualifying cruises that can be booked with this promotion:

10 Day River Cruise Prague to Remich
16 Day River Cruise Basel to Budapest
14 Day River Cruise London to Prague
19 Day River Cruise Budapest to Amsterdam
10 Day River Cruise Port-Saint-Louis to Paris

Start dreaming up your next European adventure! All of these cruises promise plenty of excitement and fun. This summer promotion is the perfect excuse to think ahead about your next cruise.

Be sure to check the offer details and terms and conditions before making a booking.

Seychelles Ultra Luxury ( Land and Sea)

Experience the Seychelles in Luxury

If you’re in need of a phenomenal island getaway, there’s no better place to head than to the Seychelles islands. You can find plenty of adventure at this fantastic destination, and of course breathtaking scenery everywhere you look. Are you dreaming of an adventurous trip full of luxurious touches? Check out some of our favorite luxury trips to the Seychelles.

Explore our list of 17 cruises

Zanzibar, Aldabra & the treasures of the Indian Ocean-Zanzibar.jpg

Considered to be heaven on earth, the Seychelles archipelago actually contains 115 dots of land, some of which remain totally unspoilt and devoid of human activity. With tropical forests, white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, breathtaking sea beds and giant tortoises, the Seychelles ecosystem delights travellers looking to spend time in the last-remaining earthly paradises.

Seychelles: Jewel of the Indian Ocean

Zanzibar, Aldabra & the treasures of the Indian Ocean-N-2302_Y010418_Aldabra©StudioPONANT-Margot-Sib.jpg

The softness of the trade winds, the turquoise of the ocean, the shimmer of the verdant vegetation… the incredible beauty of the islands in the Indian Ocean is striking. During an all-new 14-day expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, time stands still and, between the island country of Madagascar and the Mascarene Archipelago, nature will plunge you into a dream.

Zanzibar, Aldabra & the treasures of the Indian Ocean-Depositphotos_8545032_l-2015_resize_Assomption.jpg

Create Your Own Luxury Seychelles Adventure

You don’t have to do a guided tour if that’s not your style. If you want to explore on your own, there is plenty of fun to be had on the islands. If you love hiking, be sure to visit Spiagge di Anse Marron to explore the quiet beach and hike the challenging but fun trail. While in the capital of Victoria, head to Morne Seychelles National Park to take in all of the incredible beauty. If you want to do some diving while in Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll is one of the best spots.

Five Reasons to Sail the New Emerald Harmony Along the Mekong River

If you’ve bucket listed the Mekong River, now is the time to make your dreams a reality. Emerald Waterways’ recently launched their brand new Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony and the groundbreaking vessel is sailing the Mekong River.  If you need a little nudge, we are giving you five reasons to check off this bucket list destination on the Emerald Harmony.

Credit: Emerald Waterways

Sail All The Way to Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike most ships plying the Mekong, the sleek and modern Emerald Harmony has been custom designed to cruise into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, offering unique river access to this vibrant and historically significant Vietnamese city. The newly released time-lapse video of the Harmony build highlights the ship’s unique design and beautiful lines.

An Intimate Cruise Experience

A classic combination of authentic Asian style and modern amenities, Emerald Harmony accommodates just 84 guests in 42 cabins for an intimate cruise experience. With 40 crew members—and an excellent guest-to-crew ratio of almost 2:1—guests can expect personalized service and a warm environment onboard.

Two Countries, Endless Opportunities

The Emerald Harmony will sail the mighty Mekong between Vietnam and Cambodia, allowing guests to take in some of the continent’s most revered sights. From the vast Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia to the French Colonial architecture of Ho Chi Minh City, this sailing offers a glimpse at life from a local perspective and an in-depth look at traditional ways of living the people of the Mekong have enjoyed for over a thousand years.

Four Itineraries to Choose From

Options abound for travelers looking to experience the magic of the Mekong River. Those on a shorter timeline can book an eight-day sailing between Siem Reap, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with daily excursions aimed at revealing the local culture and history. Those looking for a more in-depth experience can explore the 13-17- and 21-day cruise and land tours, which offer time in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City as well as adding stops in Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An, Vietnam.

Book Now and Save

The inaugural season is almost sold out, but guests who move fast can secure a stateroom. To celebrate the launch, Emerald Waterways is offering a free extension to Sapa or Luang Prabang on all 13-night itineraries, or two flights for the price of one on 17-21 night itineraries. Offer valid on any new Mekong sailings booked between August 9 and October 31, 2019.

Credit: Emerald Waterways

In addition to the five reasons above, Emerald Waterways’ boasts an incredibly inclusive pricing plan. Cruise fares include all transfers; all port charges; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited specialty tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; complimentary Wi-Fi on board the ship; most shore excursions as well as all onboard and excursion gratuities. 

5 of the Best Holiday Cruises

Hopping aboard a cruise can make for an incredible way to celebrate the holiday season. No matter which holiday you plan to celebrate while on vacation, there’s likely a cruise option for you. You’ll want to make sure that you book a great cruise so you can enjoy time away from work and everyday life. Check out our favorite holiday cruises.

Uniworld Classic Christmas Markets

Credit: Shutterstock

Europe is lovely during the winter months, and many top destinations have Christmas markets that worth making the trip for. Uniworld’s Classic Christmas Markets cruise is an 8-day holiday adventure. You’ll make your way from Frankfurt to Nuremberg, and you’ll check out the best Christmas markets along the way. Get ready to enjoy the cobbled streets, wintery weather, and savory treats.

Family Holiday Fun with Disney Cruise Line

A Disney Cruise Line trip is a great option for families with kids. Their Very Merrytime Cruises are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. This cruise heads to various locations, depending on the itinerary booked — Nassau, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel are some examples. Families can expect to enjoy exclusive holiday-themed fun like story time with Mrs. Claus, gingerbread house building, and of course character meet and greets. There is holiday fun for all ages. Disney is well known for extra magical touches, and that’s true for their cruise experiences, too.

Credit: Shutterstock

Blissful Holidays with Oceania Cruises

Why not celebrate the Holiday season and a brand New Year while on a cruise? The Oceania Cruises Blissful Holidays cruise is your best choice! You’ll leave from Miami and make your way throughout the Caribbean as you celebrate the holiday season. Port highlights include Oranjestad, Aruba, Bridgetown, Barbados, Castries, St. Lucia, and St. John’s, Antigua. Take your winter break to the next level and soak up the sun and sand on this adventure.

Have a Happy Hannukah with Holland America Line

Holland America Line has several incredible holiday cruise options, but we suggest the 14-Day Australia and New Zealand Holiday cruise. You’ll get to visit some of the most incredible destinations — like Wellington, Port Authur, and Sydney. In addition, when you choose to cruise over the holiday season, you can enjoy Hannukah activities and celebrations. There will be candle lighting each night, and rabbi-led services during your cruise.

No Snow and All Sun in Hawaii with Norweigan Cruise Line

For many, the holiday season means cold, snowy weather. Perhaps you want to escape that and spend your holiday in paradise. You can do that when you book a Norweigan Cruise Line Christmas cruise. We recommend the 7-Day Hawaii, Round-trip Honolulu experience. You’ll see some of the very best of the Hawaiian islands while celebrating the holiday season without all the snow! Don’t worry — festive activities and events will be happening while you’re aboard the ship.

Take advantage of extra time off during the holiday season and book an unforgettable cruise experience.

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