Top cruise destinations and major routes

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Cruise travel has evolved considerably beyond its traditional demographic and now encompasses everything from large resort ships carrying thousands of passengers to small expedition vessels carrying fewer than a hundred into wilderness destinations inaccessible by any other means. The appeal of unpacking once while covering significant geographic ground remains the format's core practical advantage, with itinerary variety, onboard amenity and destination access varying enormously across the spectrum of available products.

Expedition cruising has grown rapidly, with polar routes, remote archipelagos and river systems now accessible on purpose-built vessels with onboard naturalist and specialist programmes that justify the journey as much as the destinations themselves. River cruising offers a contrasting experience built around slower movement through inhabited landscapes, with the intimacy of smaller vessels and frequent port stops delivering a fundamentally different rhythm to ocean itineraries.

Overtourism driven by large ship arrivals has become a serious issue at several of the world's most celebrated ports and is visibly affecting the quality of the destination experience for both cruise passengers and independent visitors. Smaller ships consistently deliver better destination access and a more authentic experience at sensitive ports. Booking windows for the most sought-after expedition itineraries open well in advance and the best departures sell out quickly.