Top 16 Cruises to Experience in 2025 – Expert Picks

The Nile on Viking Osiris

Viking Osiris is the line’s newest vessel on the Nile, featuring just 41 suites and staterooms, a pool deck, and a stylish Scandinavian design. It sails between Aswan and Luxor, including pre- and post-sail touring in Cairo with its 12-day itineraries.

Alaska on Ocean Victory

The Alaska voyages on Ocean Victory, a fuel-efficient ship from American Queen Voyages, offer adventures such as kayaking past glaciers and observing bald eagles and grizzly bears. The ship, which debuted in 2021, reflects a significant advance in ship design with its cutting-edge X-Bow, which minimizes fuel consumption, and boasts chic suites, many equipped with private verandas.

The Galápagos Islands on Quasar Expeditions’ Evolution

In June, Quasar Expeditions offers a unique Galápagos cruise aboard the 32-passenger Evolution specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorder. A specially tailored seven-night expedition departs on June 24, covering many of the islands’ most notable sites, with programming designed for families with special needs.

Cruising Antarctica on Silver Cloud or Silver Endeavour

Travelers venturing to Antarctica with Silversea can choose to bypass a two-day sail across the often-turbulent Drake Passage. Instead, guests can fly over these waters and board either the 127-suite Silver Cloud or the 100-suite Silver Endeavour to explore the icy coastline comfortably.

The Caribbean, South Pacific, and Australia With Windstar Cruises

Windstar offers a range of 2023 itineraries on the 156-cabin Star Pride and 171-suite Wind Surf, visiting picturesque Caribbean ports such as Jost Van Dyke and Anguilla. Known for its elegant “Star Plus Class” ships and classic vessels adorned with dramatic sails, Windstar also features numerous itineraries along Australia’s coastline and throughout the South Pacific.

Cold-weather Cruises on Le Commandant Charcot

Ponant’s innovative hybrid-electric Le Commandant Charcot operates on low-carbon battery power and liquefied natural gas. Accommodating 245 guests, this trailblazing vessel has already hosted eclipse watchers on Antarctic excursions and sailed to the geographic North Pole, with upcoming adventures planned in Iceland and Svalbard.

Cruises Closer to Home With American Queen Voyages

In 2023, American Queen Voyages will introduce the longest itineraries in its history, featuring two 23-day river journeys along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers aboard the 123-stateroom American Countess. This ship plans to cover over 1,700 miles from Minnesota to the Ohio River and Upper Mississippi River, with more port calls and guided tours than ever.

The South Pacific on Paul Gauguin

The recently refurbished 165-cabin Paul Gauguin explores the Pacific in 2023, offering voyages to the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marquesas, and the Society Islands. The brand, known for its exceptional customer service, was rated as the top small-ship cruise line in the World’s Best Awards 2022 by readers.

Mystery Cruising With Uniworld

Next year, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will introduce two unique nine-night “mystery cruises,” where guests learn of the European destinations only as they embark. Similar trips in 2022 sold out quickly. The June 2023 cruise will start in Amsterdam, while the July 2023 sailing will begin in Nice, France, promising an element of surprise.

Expedition Cruising With Seabourn

Seabourn Venture, the luxury line’s inaugural expedition ship with 132 suites, debuted last summer. It will have itineraries in northern Europe, Japan, the South Pacific, and Antarctica throughout 2023. Seabourn Pursuit, a sister ship to Venture, is set to launch in 2023, complementing Seabourn’s expanding fleet.

Seeing Europe’s Gems by Small Ship

Scheduled to launch in spring 2023, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse II will explore ports from Dublin to Lisbon, along with visits to both polar regions in 2023 and 2024. This innovative vessel, similar in design to Scenic Eclipse, will offer luxurious accommodations featuring butler service and a variety of unique extras, including multiple helicopters and a submarine.

Visiting Wild Places With Fewer Impacts

Aurora Expeditions, with its latest ship Sylvia Earle, ensures its operations are carbon neutral, pledging to offset all emissions. Equipped with a fuel-efficient X-Bow design, this newly launched vessel offers guests exhilarating Antarctic excursions, including opportunities for Zodiac exploration, snowshoeing, scuba diving, and even ice camping when conditions permit.

Solo Cruising With a New Line

Innovative cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers all-inclusive fares on its two 98-suite vessels without charging solo travelers a single supplement. Its second ship, World Traveller, which launched in November 2022, sails nine- to twelve-night round-trips from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica through March 2023 before heading to the Mediterranean, stopping in Spain, France, and Portugal.

The Galápagos Islands on Celebrity Flora

Another ship sailing in the Galápagos is the Celebrity Flora, featuring 50 suites, many with expansive verandas, as well as a stargazing deck and an array of comfortable tenders. Guests can choose from two itineraries, including a seven-night “northern loop” that showcases the volcanic island of Santiago while spotting red-footed Boobies on Genovesa Island, often referred to as Bird Island due to its diverse avian wildlife. The alternative “outer loop” provides ample opportunities for wildlife observation and a visit to the less-frequented Daphne Island.

Doing Wine Country on Seadream II

SeaDream Yacht Club presents two exclusive Wine Voyages in 2023, offering vineyard visits in Greece, Italy, and Spain, accompanied by winemaker-hosted dinners aboard the 112-guest Seadream II. This intimate-ship line continuously garners accolades from iBestTravel readers for exceptional onboard service and meticulously appointed vessels.