Sometimes, you can only really get to know a destination by exploring from the water as well as on land. It’s a chance to see things from a fresh perspective and reach otherwise inaccessible corners. We also know it’s not just where you cruise, but how you cruise that’s important. That’s why we’ve carefully chosen intimate ships with high levels of service shaped around you. Each offers expedition-style experiences you can only have on the water, led by expert guides who’ll help you discover the landscapes, wildlife, culture, and history of your destination first-hand.
Our specialists can weave a cruise into your wider trip, helping you choose the right ship and route for you. You might sail past Egypt’s tombs and temples aboard an Art-Deco-style riverboat, venture out to Australia’s far-flung Whitsunday Islands on a luxurious, all-frills ship, or spot Antarctica’s penguins, seals, and humpback whales from the deck of an expedition vessel.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our destination specialists
Our style of cruising — partnering with smaller ships that offer expert-led experiences — leads to a more personal and revealing journey. You might have the chance to snorkel near marine iguanas in the Galapagos, sip water melted from an ancient iceberg in the polar regions, or meet the people who live beside Kerala’s backwaters as you explore aboard a simple rice barge.
We’ve carefully chosen a range of vessels, from expedition cruise ships to restored riverboats, all focusing on excellent guiding, the best routes, and thoughtful facilities while you’re onboard. It means we can create a trip that blends the best experiences on land and from the water, crafted by our specialists to show your destination in a new light.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a cruise: which route will be the most rewarding? Which ship ticks every box? Which activities best match your interests? That’s where our specialists can help. They’ve undertaken their own voyages, from Vietnam’s Halong Bay to the iceberg-strewn waters of Antarctica, testing out different routes and a variety of vessels that help you explore in comfort.
It means they can use their first-hand knowledge to suggest the best options for you, based on what you want to see and experience. They’ll then arrange all the logistics, building your cruise into a wider, meaningful journey that will help you appreciate your destination from all angles.
Cruising in Thailand
Travelling by river in Southeast Asia on board boats brimming with character and charm is one of the best ways to view cities like Bangkok, the myriad of ancient temples, as well as traditional villages and culture in general. Our specialists describe some of their favourite trips.
Your guide to choosing an Alaska cruise
An Alaska cruise combines convenience with front-row seats to many of the state’s most impressive sights, from glaciers to wildlife. Whether you choose a classic cruise or an intimate expedition cruise depends on your own personal travel preferences.
Myanmar by boat: a river cruising guide
From the deck of a boat view Myanmar's traditional waterborne ways of life, which have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Spend time in Yangon and Mandalay and visit the famous temples of Bagan.
Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt
A Nile cruise is the classic way of exploring Egypt. Drift down the Nile in a comfortable cruise boat, making stops to visit Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs. Egypt specialist Steve outlines how you can make the most of your cruise.
Indochina cruises
Southeast Asia specialist Mark shares his cruising in Indochina highlights. Picking his favourite ways to travel down the Mekong through Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as taking in the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, and the local culture and landscapes along the Red River and on Lake Tonle Sap.
Cruising in Indonesia
Indonesia specialist, Rael shares his choice of boats for an Indonesia cruise, his favourite places to spot orangutan on a river cruise through the Tanjung Puting National Park, what you can expect to see when snorkelling, and where to spot Komodo dragons.
To help you choose your ideal cruise, we've refined our options into four categories, each offering the very best, whether you're after a culture-led river cruise or remote sail in luxury.
These ships take you into untamed landscapes, often far from human habitation. Sail Alaska's Inside Passage or look out for polar bears on arctic sea ice — experiences often only possible by ship. On-board facilities are comfortable, but the focus is on exploring these otherworldly environments in a myriad of ways.
A spacious cabin with a view and gourmet food — this isn't unusual cruise territory. Real luxury comes with the exclusivity of the best facilities and service on small-occupancy ships which take this to the next level. Think personal butlers and exclusive moorings, like Sydney Harbour at new year.
Voyage along inland waterways and you'll be treated to an ever-changing landscape of river life, from grazing cattle to waterside towns. These are journeys that focus on culture, giving you the opportunity to learn about the communities and wildlife that call these waterways home.
On an adventure cruise your method of travel is part of the thrill. From cargo vessel to sailing yacht, you'll island-hop, snorkel and dive little-visited places only small vessels can reach. The day's activities might be guided by reports of a nearby wildlife sighting or the lure of an uninhabited island.
On a Celebrity Cruises ship, you’ll travel the world while enjoying the height of style, comfort, and service throughout your journey.
Quark Expeditions explore the polar regions differently from everyone else, setting foot where few ever will, and doing what few ever dream.
A cruise means many things to many people but we feel that Silversea’s small ship cruises personify the true meaning of comfort and intimacy.
