Cruises aren’t what they used to be anymore. There was a time when they were solely filled with retirees and large families, dipping their toes in the odd land excursion but still spending the majority of the trip by buffet stations and bingo halls on deck. In today’s post-pandemic era, however, cruises are skewing younger. Millennials have decided to swap the stresses and expense of land travel for all-inclusive expeditions by ship, and itineraries have adapted to their needs with more adventurous excursions, culture brought on board, and sails off the beaten seas. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned cruiser looking to try something new, here are six cruises to take in 2024 (and beyond) and how they’ll challenge you to savor more of what the world has to offer.
CroisiEurope: Southern Africa Safari Cruise
Photo: Courtesy of CroisiEurope
Brace yourselves, this one is action-packed. The tour starts in Johannesburg, where you’ll visit the Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela’s former home before an overnight in a five-star hotel. Then a land safari experience begins. Guests spend three nights at CroisiEurope’s own safari lodge in Namibia, where each day a guide will navigate the small group out to National Parks in Botswana in search of Africa’s teeming wildlife. Take a private plane to your ship on day five, when the water safari takes place on Lake Kariba. Here, hippos, elephants, and crocodiles surface. The tour culminates with a flight out to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and an overnight in a glorious safari lodge where warthog and deer dine right beside your balcony.
Best Part: Considering the number of countries and activities planned this is an exceptional value cruise. The logistics are tough even for the most seasoned of travelers to do themselves.
Best Sight: Chobe National Park. You’ve come to see animals, and there are plenty of them here.
Best For: Wildlife lovers who want to check off multiple countries.
Uniworld: India’s Golden Triangle and Sacred Ganges Cruise
Photo: Courtesy of Uniworld/Flickr
Boutique river cruise line Uniworld’s New Delhi to Kolkata route is the perfect way for couples to romance in India. The tour kicks off in Delhi, with an overnight in Agra to experience the Taj Mahal both at sunrise and at sunset. Travel from here to the pink city of Jaipur, and up until now you’re led by a team via land and base at the five-star Oberoi hotel collection. It’s on day six that you fly to Kolkata and board the Ganges Voyager II ship. Onboard, travel to villages lining the sacred Ganges river including Kalna, Murshidabad, Mayapur, and Chandannagar. On sail, sample authentic Bengali cuisine, watch cultural dance performances, and get your own sari or turban fitted. Every day, there’s yoga and wellness classes are available. Namaste.
Best Part: The ship has just 28 suites and a high staff-to-client ratio so the boutique service is impeccable.
Best Sight: The Taj Mahal and the offbeat villages you’ll wander through. Many villagers have never seen a tourist so expect to pose for mutual selfies.
Best For: Couples seeking culture.
Celebrity Cruises: Iceland and Scotland Cruise
Photo: Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
There’s a colossal sight every day aboard Celebrity Apex, whose smart outward-facing design allows guests to feel even closer to the sea and fjords than ever before. Middle East travelers can take a direct flight to London as the point of embarkation is Southampton, an easy train ride away. Stops include Glasgow and Kirkwall, Scotland; and Iceland’s scenic destinations of Akureyri, Isafjordur, and of course, the capital Reykjavik. You’ll explore picturesque towns, landscapes, and fjords, so hiking boots and cycle gear will be put to good use. There are thundering waterfalls, gurgling lava fields, and snow-capped mountains too, plus, a chance to discover folk culture. En route back, opt for an excursion to Stonehenge, the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe.
Best Part: The dining options are fantastic, with dishes designed by Michelin-starred chefs
Best Sight: Kayaking through Iceland’s magnificent fjords, you’ll get up close to hard-to-reach nature.
Best For: Soaking up the views. You get open-air access to the sea at the push of a button from any stateroom. Outdoor enthusiasts are in their element.
Virgin Voyages: Greek Island Glow Cruise
Island hop across the Aegean Sea, Virgin Voyages’ 10-night sailing departs from Athens and makes daily stops on the region’s dreamiest islands. On water really is the best way to shuffle between them. Wander Santorini’s pretty white and blue domed buildings, snorkel the turquoise waters of Dubrovnik, and party in Mykonos, where the ship docks overnight so there’s no curfew to rush back for. On other nights, invite new pals for drinks in your suite: the ship has Mega Rock Star Quarters that come with a bottomless in-room bar and access to Richard’s Rooftop, a member’s only hideout. The round-trip starts and ends in Athens, an easy direct flight from DXB.
Best Part: Virgin Voyages is adults-only, making it a top choice for millennial travelers (who rave about the on-board entertainment).
Best Sight: Sunsets from Ammoudi Bay, Santorini, a true reward after e-biking across the island.
Best For: Balanced adults. This is a detox-to-retox situation, where you’ll find vegan restaurants and HIIT classes, balanced out with nightclubs and cocktail sessions.
Royal Caribbean: South America and Antarctica Cruise
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Though better known for Caribbean sails aboard the biggest ship on the sea, and their adults-only Hideaway Beach, Royal Caribbean has the ultimate bucket list adventure up its sleeve: a trip to Antarctica. The 18-night cruise starts in Buenos Aires, Argentina, reaching Gerlache Strait, Antarctica on Day 10. Here, you’ll spot humpback whales and penguins against a backdrop of towering glaciers. The Schollaert Channel, Antarctica is a chance to get close to icebergs, many of which crackle at Anvers Island. On the journey back, you’ll make multiple stops along Argentina and Chile, ending at Valparaiso where a deserved glass of local wine awaits.
Best Part: With prices starting at 9,300 AED, Antarctica is more affordable than most would assume. Factor in multiple countries, room and board for 18 nights and it’s almost a steal.
Best Sight: The roaring seals of Elephant Island. They’re said to be the loudest and biggest of the species.
Best For: Anyone wanting to conquer the world’s least visited continent.
Windstar: Emirates, Qatar, and the Span of Oman Cruise
Photo: Courtesy of Windstar
Adventure begins at home, so depart from Dubai aboard a Winstar boutique cruise. Your luxurious small ship sets sail from Port Rashid onto Abu Dhabi with visits to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Museum, then onto Sir Bani Yas for a safari. Feast at Michelin-starred restaurants in Doha, venture to a Bedouin village from Khasab, and end the trip at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest in Oman.
Best Part: Windstar’s fleet of boutique ships is all-suite, meaning luxe for all. The Star Legend is small enough to get into narrow waterways meaning you’re off the beaten routes of the big cruises.
Best Sight: The safari at Sir Bani Yas gives anything in Southern Africa a run for its money.
Best For: Those who want to avoid a long-haul flight.
