Ready to chart your course for an unforgettable 2025? Whether you’re dreaming of gliding down the Danube, chasing glaciers in Greenland, or partying it up on a Virgin Voyages ship, we’ve rounded up the most enticing cruise experiences for the year ahead. From luxury mega-liners to intimate expedition vessels, there’s a perfect voyage for every kind of traveler. Let’s dive into the destinations, onboard perks, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures waiting for you on the water.
DISCOVER THE DANUBE
Photo: Emerald Cruises
There is perhaps no better-loved destination for river cruise fans than the iconic Danube and no better way to experience it than on Emerald Cruises’ “Danube Delights River Cruise,” a journey through the heart of Europe. This eight-day voyage connects four countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary – with stops at medieval castles in Regensburg, strolls through Vienna’s imperial grandeur and Bratislava’s charming Old Town. In Budapest, you’ll enjoy one of the most breathtaking cityscapes on the river while on an evening cruise along the lighted shoreline. Emerald’s state-of-the-art vessels feature spacious suites and offer gourmet dining, extensive wellness facilities and a variety of enrichment programs. From complimentary excursions to curated EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE programs, the cruise experience is enriched at every turn.
SPLENDOUR ON ICE
Photo: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
@Regent Seven Seas Cruises
One of the most exceptional Regent Seven Seas Cruises itineraries for 2025 is the 10-night Arctic cruise aboard the Seven Seas Grandeur, departing Reykjavik on July 17, 2025, for an exploration of the pristine wilderness of Iceland and Greenland. Immersing you in striking views of glaciers, fjords and northern wildlife, as well as a rich cultural history, this cruise itinerary will be extraordinary. Combine that with Regent’s renowned service and personalized luxury on an opulent ship featuring spacious, elegantly appointed suites, all with private balconies, world-class dining and specialty restaurants serving gourmet cuisine crafted by expert chefs. With a staff to guest ratio of nearly one to one, you’ll have endless attention, as well as free, unlimited shore excursions, premium beverages, Wi-Fi and gratuities all included. This might just be the cruise of your dreams.
CRUISE COOL
@Virgin Voyages
Join the cool crowd aboard an adults-only Virgin Voyages ship – the vibe makes you feel like you’re in a chic, floating nightclub where the Champagne never stops flowing. Virgin’s ships are named Brilliant Lady, Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, and they live up to their names, offering things few other ships do, such as tattoo parlours, drag brunches and yoga on a rooftop. Buffets have been replaced with gourmet spreads and a panoply of great restaurants beckon – like Razzle Dazzle, where vegetarian choices are front and centre and meat is simply an afterthought. Virgin is also a leader in the eco-responsible cruising class; ships feature cutting-edge green technology and absolutely no single-use plastics. We recommend its “Greek Island Glow” itinerary with stops in Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos. Opa!
A WEEK OF LUXURY
MSC’s super-luxe sisters, Explora I and Explora II, are setting new standards for indulgence afloat. Choose any one of Explora Journeys’ Mediterranean or Caribbean itineraries and you’ll enjoy the same understated elegance in the spacious staterooms and top quality cuisine in the carefully curated collection of onboard dining establishments. Take a hands-on cooking lesson in the beautifully equipped Chef ’s Kitchen, enjoy a selection of stimulating shore excursions, catch great cabaret performances in the relaxed Explora Lounge each evening, meet for a nightcap at the Lobby bar (fullon hotel vibes) or the Whisky bar or simply gaze at the stars from your balcony. There are absolutely no inside staterooms because each of their 900 guests deserves an ocean view.
Related: Is MSC Yacht Club Worth It? A First-Class Cruise Experience on MSC Meraviglia
INNOVATION ON THE SEAS
Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean
Like cities on the ocean that can accommodate more than 7,500 guests, Royal Caribbean International ships feature everything from full-scale water parks and zip lines to Broadway-calibre shows. Want to learn to surf while you sail? Try the FlowRider. And don’t miss the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest waterslide at sea. Fine wine tastings and quiet solariums balance out the splashy fun. Book the “Ultimate Caribbean Cruise” that sails from Miami for seven nights, stopping at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and, of course, Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Or book a suite on their newest ship, Star of the Seas, set to launch in the summer of 2025.
AN EDGY APPROACH TO ALASKA
@celebritycruises
@celebritycruises
If you’ve never sailed the coast of Alaska, make that your 2025 adventure – and do it aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge departing from Vancouver and sailing through the Inside Passage to Juneau and Ketchikan. You’ll spot humpback whales, feel your heart stop as you watch calving glaciers and maybe even enjoy a no-snow dog-sledding excursion. Celebrity’s Edge-class ships are all about the details, including Michelin-starred chefs, “flair-tenders” who turn bars into juggling exhibitions, state-of-the-art spas and a touch of whimsy with their Lawn Club (a real grass deck where you can picnic).
FIND THE MAGIC ON DISNEY
@disneycruiseline
Bursting with enough Disney details to keep every kid enchanted, Disney Cruise Line’s ships are nonetheless chill enough to please even those without offspring, who will love the adults-only pool area, excellent restaurants and quiet bars. While you’re at it, cruise somewhere fabulous. The “South Pacific Explorer” is a 10-night sailing on Disney Treasure that visits Tahiti, Bora Bora and Fiji. A tropical paradise vibe and Disney’s exceptional attention to detail will equal unforgettable family memories.
FOODIES AHOY!
@OceaniaCruises
@OceaniaCruises
If you’re a foodie, consider Oceania Cruises for 2025. Their “Baltic Bliss” itinerary is a 12-day cruise departing from Stockholm and visiting Copenhagen, Tallinn and St. Petersburg. Book your stateroom and prepare to indulge in local delicacies like Danish pastries and Russian caviar – all while soaking up the region’s rich history. On sea days, you can take a class in their state-of-theart culinary school or maybe enjoy a madly indulgent seven-course tasting menu. For those who appreciate great service, fine wine and exquisite dining, Oceania ticks all the boxes.
Related: Sailing in Style: A Foodie’s Love Affair with Oceania Cruises’ New Vista cruise
UNWIND WITH UNCRUISE
The Sea of Cortez is a haven for sea life, including the playful and curious sea lions that call these waters home.
Sea of Cortez. @Uncruise
Finally, for all those looking for something entirely different, we recommend an UnCruise adventure. With back-tobasics expedition-style ships that typically accommodate fewer than 100 guests in basic but comfortable cabins, UnCruise sailings specialize in parts of the globe you might not otherwise visit, accompanied by a small staff and crew of well-travelled guides and experts. The feeling aboard an UnCruise ship is relaxed and informal but very stimulating as you spend every day learning something different and discovering something new. Our recommendation? “In Steinbeck’s Wake” a 10-day adventure cruise in the Sea of Cortez that includes snorkelling with sea lion pups, whale watching, kayaking, horseback riding and more. uncruise.com
