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The trio of dolphins frolicking in and out of the cruise ship’s wake, their bodies glistening in sunshine, hooked me on cruising. For all my anticipation, standing on deck in the pine-scented breeze as Holland America Line’s MS Noordam navigated through the Inside Passage en route to Alaska, I was smitten by the coastal beauty, sights of eagles nesting in trees, wide-winged hawks diving for prey and fat bears scouring the water’s edge for fish. Since then, I’ve explored the world from Arctic and Alaska cruises to Oceania and Antarctic cruises, as well as on Asian and Caribbean cruises.
Reminiscing over 85 cruises since that first 1992 jaunt to Alaska, I recall my most memorable for distinguishing the destinations with immersive excursions that showcased local nature and culture. These are the best cruise lines that I highly recommend for outstanding itineraries and guided cultural and adventure excursions beyond the ordinary.
Alaska with Holland America Line
Holland America Line’s fleet of gracious, family-friendly cruise ships offer varied itineraries to Alaska with myriad adventure options. Scenic highlights on the popular seven-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise on Koningsdam, looping from Vancouver in August 2025, includes cruising to Dawes Glacier, and through Tracy Arm Inlet to Sawyer Glacier. Calls at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan allow chances for hiking to Mendenhall Glacier, sea kayaking near glaciers or coves thriving with seals and wildlife, flightseeing over the Misty Fiords, a whale-watching expedition, exploring the Tongass Rainforest, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Native Village, and a breathtaking ride on the White Pass & Yukon Steam Train above the tree line.
Antarctica with Silversea Cruises
Falling in love with Antarctica on Silversea’s luxurious Silver Endeavour expedition across the Antarctic Circle was simply natural. Every day brought stunning sights, thrilling adventures and wildlife encounters. Cruising through otherworldly seascapes, by snowy mountains gleaming white against blue skies, floating icebergs high as towers, harbours framed by glaciers that calve with thunderous booms, and pods of whales who seemingly escort the ship. Venturing twice daily by Zodiac or kayak safari to see seals and seabirds clustered near ice floes, before stepping on different areas of the White Continent, among colonies of playful penguins. Then warming up in the hot tub and indoor pool, before educational briefings by expert scientists. Silversea offers an Antarctica six-day cruise on the PC6, ICE-1A-Class polar-rated Silver Endeavour, looping from King George Island in October 2025.
The Caribbean with Oceania Cruises
Access to some of the Caribbean’s lushest islands, exclusive beach resorts and pristine beaches make Oceania’s 11-day Idyllic West Indies itinerary in February 2025 divine. Looping from Miami, this cruise brims with Caribbean joys — including snorkelling or diving in crystalline waters, kayaking or sailing around quiet coves, exploring rainforests teeming with unique flora and fauna via cycling tours or aerial tram, distillery rum tastings, golfing and deep sea fishing — plus Oceania Cruise’s signature events, including culinary classes with famed local chefs. Colourful ports include Gustavia on the French island of St. Barts; Castries on St. Lucia, distinctive for its two volcanic Piton spires; St. George’s on the “spice island” Grenada; Bridgetown, Barbados, home to the stalactites and stalagmites of Harrison’s Cave; Roseau, Dominica, known for its unspoiled rainforest and geothermal hot springs; and the historic harbour of St. John’s, Antigua.
Transatlantic cruise with Cunard
Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic crossing is a leisurely chance to relive the 1940s golden era of cruising when royalty, statesmen and celebrities crossed the Atlantic on Cunard’s original Queen Mary as a rite of passage. The seven-night Dance the Atlantic crossingfrom New York to Southampton in August 2025 celebrates the art of dance, from classic to contemporary, with performances by the English National Ballet, and interactive workshops with dancers and choreographers. Queen Mary 2’s amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor basketball and pickleball court, golf net, two-storey spa and fitness centre, plus an animal kennel, as well as a grand ballroom where musicians serenade traditional British afternoon tea. Queen Mary 2’s wide range of accommodations allows guests to choose from ultra-luxurious balcony suites to economical inside rooms.
Indonesia to China with Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas Mariner’s enthralling 18-night itinerary from Bali to Hong Kong in April 2025 includes overnight stays in prime ports, maximizing chances to savour the best of Asia’s diverse cultures, cuisines, temple architecture and exotic landscapes, as well as mingle with locals. The elegant Regent Mariner visits Bali en route to Surabaya. The route continues to Singapore, with a beach day at Thailand’s Ko Samui Island and Bangkok. Calls in Vietnam include Ho Chi Minh City, a day at Nha Trang seaside resort and a cruise through spectacular Ha Long Bay — its waters dotted with towering rock formations — en route to Hanoi. The dazzling approach to Hong Kong sparks anticipation for a last overnight in Asia.
Australia and New Zealand with Silversea Cruises
Like no place else on earth, the distinctive landscapes, flora, fauna and Indigenous cultures of Australia and New Zealand grab your heart and soul on Silversea’s luxurious Silver Muse 14-day, intensive New Zealand-Australia cruise from Auckland to Sydney. The excellent itinerary hits must-see spots on New Zealand’s North and South islands, as well as Tasmania and Sydney, Australia. Along the way, guests enjoy immersive experiences with Indigenous Australian and Maori cultures, visit vineyards and wineries and participate in Silversea’s signature S.A.L.T. culinary programs.New Zealand highlights include Tauranga for Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland, Bay of Plenty water sports, Wellington, renowned for the Te Papa Tonarewa Museum and Lord of the Rings film locations, Christchurch, gateway to hiking and river adventures and cruising through Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. Unique wildlife encounters and overland treks highlight Tasmania’s ports — Hobart, Port Arthur and Burnie, known for spectacular Cradle Mountain — before the Silver Muse cruises to a scenic arrival at Sydney Harbour.
Spain to Ireland with Seabourn Cruises
“Tantalizing” best describes Seabourn Venture’s 18-day Riviera Rendezvous: Andalusian Nights & Vineyards cruisefor its luxurious jaunt through prime ports in Spain, Morocco, Portugal and France en route to Dublin, Ireland. Besides being a gastronomic and oenophile’s dream for the fragrant local cuisines, wines, Port, Champagne and Whiskey, this cruise provides historic cultural contexts with tours focused on Christian, Muslim and Jewish heritage. Seabourn Venture sails from Barcelona to lively Sete, France, then Spain’s Menorca Island, followed by coastal Motril for access to the Moorish city of Grenada, before heading to Tangier, Morocco. Overnighting in Lisbon offers visits to Cascais and Sintra. Gijón, Spain, accesses Oviedo’s ancient hub of Christianity. France’s Hendaye port accesses Biarritz and traditional Basque villages. An overnight in Bordeaux allows guest to visit the 13th century village of Saint Emilion and attend Seabourn’s signature exclusive dinner at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Estate. In Ireland, Cobh Port accesses Cork, known for Blarney Castle and the Old Jameson Distillery. Guests overnight in Dublin on board before disembarking.
Greece and Turkey with Crystal Cruises
Every port on Crystal Symphony’s splendid nine-night Europe & Mediterranean cruise from Piraeus, the port for Athens, to Thessaloniki mingles Greece’s archeological treasures, and heritage sites of Christianity and Judaism with sun-kissed days for adventure or sublime lounging. This July 2025 cruise includes a rare overnight at Kusadasi, Turkey, site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Greek island sites include Crete’s Minoan Palace of Knossos; Santorini’s white buildings and Thira mountaintop ruins; Rhode’s Acropolis; Patmos’ Cave of Apocalypse where John the Apostle received visions; Thessaloniki’s Archeological Park of Dion at Mount Olympus, and a Jewish heritage tour. This cruise is a gastronomic delight for tastings of local olive oils and wines, plus vineyard visits and culinary classes with local chefs.
England to Denmark with Atlas Ocean Voyages
The incomparable thrill of sailing under London’s Tower Bridge on the River Thames is accessible only to small ships. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ eight-night Palaces & Monuments cultural expedition cruise from London to Copenhagen aboard the luxe 198-passenger World Voyager yacht provides mind-awakening views of significant natural, cultural and art masterpieces of England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and Denmark. As the harbours of Baltic countries are historically marked by ancient Viking-era fortresses and medieval architecture, it’s worth being on deck for the scenic approaches and departures. This June 2026 expedition offers a wide range of active activities as well as sumptuous opportunities to taste traditional and continental cuisines.
After years of marvellous cruises, I’m always ready for another venture at sea. When people ask where I would like to cruise next, I think of circumnavigating Japan, where unique ports of call have become recently accessible for immersive inland excursions.
Bon voyage!