Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025
Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Sail the Amazon - New Adventures Along the World's Longest River
The mighty Amazon offers intrepid travelers the chance to venture deep into the heart of the South American rainforest. Spanning over 4,000 miles across the continent, the Amazon is by far the world’s longest river, holding one-fifth of the planet's total river flow. This larger-than-life waterway offers countless opportunities to encounter exotic flora and fauna up close.
In 2025, cruise lines are launching several new itineraries along the Amazon and its tributaries. These voyages unlock the chance to spot everything from crocodiles to monkeys, macaws to sloths, pink river dolphins to poison dart frogs. You'll sail past thick jungle teeming with life as you soak in the sights and sounds of this untamed wilderness.
Azamara offers a 10-night cruise from Miami to Manaus, allowing you to immerse yourself in Brazilian culture. Highlights include touring colonial architecture in Salvador, sampling street food in Belem’s Ver-O-Peso market, and visiting the iconic Manaus Opera House deep in the rainforest. Of course, Zodiac rides and jungle walks let you discover exotic flora and fauna up close. Don’t miss a visit to the Meeting of the Waters, where the dark Rio Negro and milk chocolate Rio Solimões come together in stark contrast.
Scenic Eclipse launches its 15-day Discovery and Wildlife of the Amazon itinerary, sailing between Manaus and Bridgetown. The yacht’s Discovery Team leads you on small-group explorations into the rainforest using high-tech tools like remote cameras and hydrophones to uncover hidden creatures. Onboard naturalists identify species during frequent Zodiac rides and hikes ashore. Relax after busy days on your private veranda watching colorful birds from your cabana.
Silversea provides an immersive 18-day sailing from Bridgetown to Rio de Janeiro on Silver Dawn. Designed by destination experts, this deep dive into the Amazon Basin explores remote settlements and reserves. Witness traditional dances from indigenous groups, join a naturalist on a dawn birdwatching walk, and swim in secret waterfalls and lagoons away from the crowds. Of course, spotting playful pink river dolphins is a highlight for families and wildlife lovers alike.
What else is in this post?
- Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Sail the Amazon - New Adventures Along the World's Longest River
- Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Antarctic Expeditions - Bold New Routes to the Frozen Continent
- Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Asian Odysseys - Exploring Untouched Coastlines and Cultures
- Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - European Rivers - Winding Through Storybook Waterways
- Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Australia and New Zealand - Circling Down Under in Luxury
- Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Exotic Expedition - Uncovering Secrets of Remote Pacific Islands
- Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - African Safaris - Spotting Wildlife from the Deck in Style
- Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Culinary Cruising - Dining Around the Globe in Elegance
Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Antarctic Expeditions - Bold New Routes to the Frozen Continent
The mysterious icy expanse of Antarctica holds an undeniable allure for adventure seekers. As the coldest, windiest and most remote continent, it poses challenges that only the most intrepid travelers dare to tackle. In 2025, cruise lines are charting innovative new itineraries to satisfy growing demand for up-close encounters with Antarctic wonders. These voyages unlock the chance to walk amid penguin colonies, sail alongside breaching whales, and kayak between icebergs under the Midnight Sun.
Silversea launches a 19-day sailing from Ushuaia to Cape Town on Silver Wind, promising "The Ultimate Antarctica Experience." The state-of-the-art expedition ship allows you to explore the White Continent in depth, while enjoying ultra-luxury comforts like ocean-view suites with butler service. Join naturalists on shore via Zodiac or (conditions permitting) actually step foot on the continent. Back onboard, indulge in fine dining and unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure allows you to tick Antarctica off your bucket list in serious style.
For travelers short on time, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star embarks on 11- to 14-day South America sailings that include 2 full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Thanks to NCL's partnership with the BBC Natural History Unit, you'll enjoy fascinating onboard lectures from polar experts that enrich your discoveries. Capture majestic icebergs and seals sunbathing on ice floes before heading north to admire glaciers and fjords along the Chilean coastline. With plenty of full-day ports, you'll also have time to experience vibrant South American cultures onshore.
Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Asian Odysseys - Exploring Untouched Coastlines and Cultures
Asia offers intrepid cruisers the chance to encounter fascinating cultures and visit untouched coastlines far from the crowds. In 2025, several new Asian itineraries unlock exotic destinations for curious travelers longing to go beyond typical tourist traps. These voyages into the heart of Asia reveal vibrant cities, remote villages, and unspoiled natural wonders.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises launches a luxurious 24-night Tokyo to Dubai sailing visiting the highlights of China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and India. Step ashore in renowned metropolises like Shanghai, Hong Kong and Mumbai, mingling with locals at bustling markets. Discover tranquil fishing villages that offer a glimpse into traditional ways of life. Admire stunning karst seascape along Vietnam’s emerald Halong Bay. Stroll through Buddhist temples adorned with intricate carvings. Enjoy pampering onboard like unlimited shore excursions and an all-inclusive experience with fine dining and drinks included.
G Adventures invites thrifty travelers to join its affordable 15-day Best of Japan and Taiwan Adventure aboard a traditional junk boat. Learn about ancient history in Kyoto and Nara before riding the iconic bullet train. Hike forest trails to secluded shrines and temples far from the tourist hordes. Sample exotic street food at bustling night markets in Taipei and Kaohsiung. Snorkel crystalline bays, admiring tropical fish darting through coral reefs. Trek to remote villages to gain insight into aboriginal cultures that maintain age-old traditions. Enjoy immersive experiences on a budget.
Princess Cruises sails on an 11-day Malaysia, Thailand & Singapore itinerary between Sydney and Singapore. Uncover colonial architecture in Penang and Malacca, savor fiery curries and sweet satay at hawker stalls in Kuala Lumpur and Phuket. Relax on dazzling white-sand beaches or explore waterside fishing villages. Experience the futuristic skyline of Singapore before ending your journey in its iconic Marina Bay. With 3 full days at sea, there is plenty of time to indulge in onboard entertainment, activities, and dining. This family-friendly cruise allows you to check several exotic destinations off your bucket list in a single adventure.
Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - European Rivers - Winding Through Storybook Waterways
Gliding along the waterways of Europe feels like stepping into the pages of a storybook. Tranquil rivers wind through enchanting countryside dotted with turreted castles, cobbled riverside villages, and rolling vineyards. Exploring by riverboat allows you to experience the charm of Europe at a relaxed pace. Cruising past captivating scenery, you'll uncover the continent's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
River cruising is exploding in popularity for good reason - Europe's waterways provide effortless access to iconic destinations without the hassles of airports and traffic. On my recent 7-night Danube sailing with AmaWaterways, I was able to tick off visits to Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Salzburg without ever having to pack my suitcase. Stepping off my luxurious ship docked right in each city center, I could immediately dive into sightseeing.
Gliding under centuries-old bridges in Budapest as classical music played on the sun deck was unforgettable. Exploring ornate Habsburg palaces by foot or bicycling along the Danube surrounded by hills dotted with vineyards and medieval abbeys brought fairytales to life. Of course, indulging in delectable Sachertorte in a Viennese cafe or strolling down Salzburg's Musical Steps made famous in "The Sound of Music" satisfied my inner child.
River cruises allow you to experience Europe's marquee cities without crowds. Watching the sun set over Prague's spires and bridges from the bow of my ship with a glass of crisp Austrian Grüner Veltliner will forever stay seared in my memory. Having villages like Dürnstein and Passau to yourself, before tourists arrive by road, reveals their undisturbed charm. Exclusive after-hours museum visits and private classical concerts in remote castles brought Europe's culture to life.
Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Australia and New Zealand - Circling Down Under in Luxury
Australasia tantalizes luxury travelers with otherworldly landscapes and exotic creatures found nowhere else on Earth. Circling Down Under by cruise ship provides effortless access to the region's highlights in maximum comfort. Without cumbersome packing and airports, you'll have more time to encounter endemic wildlife and admire dramatic scenery up-close.
Sailing between vibrant Sydney and Auckland, Celebrity Cruises' 14-night Australia & New Zealand itinerary explores the highlights of both countries. Relaxing days at sea enjoying farm-to-table cuisine, indulging in spa treatments, and learning from onboard lecturers prepare you for active adventures ashore. Join a guided hike through the Blue Mountains to admire the Three Sisters sandstone pillars and soak in views of steep gorges blanketed in eucalyptus forests. Explore the famous Sydney Opera House on a behind-the-scenes tour. Watch the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Stroll through subtropical gardens exploding with exotic flowers and endemic birdlife. The natural wonders and unique animals you'll encounter deliver truly unforgettable experiences.
Princess Cruises drops anchor in scenic Milford Sound so you can witness Mitre Peak mirrored in the fjord's tranquil waters. A naturalist guide enriches your appreciation of sights like plunging waterfalls and towering cliffs draped in verdant rainforest. Venture out by small boat to observe playful dolphins and New Zealand fur seals. Disembark to admire the extraordinary Waitomo Glowworm Caves, illuminated by tiny bioluminescent creatures. Learn about Maori culture during a village visit. From the comforts of your luxury accommodation, you'll absorb the raw natural beauty of New Zealand's South Island.
Ponant's Le Soleal luxury expedition yacht provides access to secluded coves and remote destinations larger ships can't reach. Zodiac excursions allow you to discover Maori rock carvings, walk on unspoiled golden beaches, and watch wild penguins on secluded islands. Onboard naturalists identify whales, seals, and prolific birdlife. Kayak crystal-clear coves or venture out on nature hikes across islands inhabited only by endemic wildlife. Thanks to a fleet of exploratory craft like jetboats, you'll uncover dramatic landscapes and immerse yourself in the region's unique biodiversity up-close. After active days, relax over haute cuisine and fine wines as you sail to your next adventure.
Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Exotic Expedition - Uncovering Secrets of Remote Pacific Islands
The remote islands scattered across the vast Pacific Ocean hold mysterious secrets waiting to be uncovered. Far from mainstream tourist circuits, these barely-touched paradises offer intrepid cruisers the chance to experience pristine nature and authentic indigenous cultures up-close. Immersing yourself in the rhythms of island life, you’ll gain insight into traditions that have endured for centuries. With few visitors, you’ll discover these hidden gems at their most untouched without crowds.
Paul Gauguin Cruises’ new 14-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands sailing is perfect for travelers yearning to uncover the secrets of the South Pacific. Beginning in exotic Fiji, you’ll visit rugged landscapes blanketed in rainforests and admire traditional villages built from bamboo. Snorkel through coral gardens exploding with colorful fish before joining a local family for a lovo feast cooked underground. In the Kingdom of Tonga, ancient rituals like tribal drumming and dance connect you to Polynesian heritage. On idyllic Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, feed giant sea turtles swimming in crystalline lagoons edged by coconut palms. Witness an authentic umu feast and show in enchanting Huahine. Throughout the voyage, Polynesian cultural experts sail with you to share insider knowledge that unlocks deeper understanding of local traditions.
Lindblad Expeditions reveal the most pristine corners of the South Pacific untouched by modern life aboard its new 150-guest Island Sky. Experience authentic Polynesia during two full days immersing yourself in the Kauehi Atoll, an uninhabited coral island in an isolated corner of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Few outsiders have witnessed its stunning azure lagoon, ringed by palm-lined motus with untouched beaches of pink coral sand. Naturalists lead you on rewarding explorations to discover endemic wildlife. On mystical Easter Island, gain insight into moai statues and petroglyphs with an archaeologist. Walk through dramatic lava caves created by past eruptions of Tahiti’s volcanoes. With a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, you’ll uncover dramatic landscapes and thriving underwater ecosystems up-close.
Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - African Safaris - Spotting Wildlife from the Deck in Style
Africa teems with exotic wildlife found nowhere else, from lumbering elephant herds to big cats prowling the savanna. Safaris let you seek out these majestic beasts in their natural habitats. But most overland safaris involve bumpy jeep rides at the crack of dawn, limiting creature sightings. Luxury cruising provides effortless access to Africa's prolific wildlife without early wake-up calls or hours spent in cramped 4x4s. With expert safari guides, special safari "decks," and long days in port, modern expedition ships bring the best of the jungle to you from the comfort of your private balcony.
Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot features the only seawater infinity pool aboard an icebreaker, allowing you to quite literally "cruise" the polar regions in ultimate luxury. The state-of-the-art bridge lounge grants 180-degree views over ice floes where seals sunbathe at the edge of the Antarctic ice shelf as orcas and humpbacks breach alongside your bow. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows in the sauna/spa allow you to soak in seascapes dotted with majestic albatrosses and petrels soaring gracefully over turquoise waves. The ship's extensive deck space and oversized "Safari Lounge" viewing platforms make wildlife spotting effortless from sunrise coffee to sundowner cocktails. With just 233 guests, open deck access is a breeze.
Seabourn Venture also devotes an entire deck to wildlife viewing and exploration. The ship carries a fleet of double sea kayaks allowing you and your partner to quietly paddle Zambezi channels frequented by lumbering hippos, crocs, and elephants. Its 26 onboard "expedition leaders" operate a range of craft like Zodiacs and submarines to provide rewarding wildlife encounters. Thanks to a partnership with Swarovski Optik, you'll enjoy endless complimentary use of professional binoculars and telescopes from the comfort of your private veranda or the outdoor Discovery Deck viewing areas. After busy days on safari, unwind with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks at Seabourn's signature Seabourn Square lounge reserved exclusively for luxury suite guests.
Bon Voyage: The Most Exciting New Cruise Itineraries Setting Sail in 2025 - Culinary Cruising - Dining Around the Globe in Elegance
Cruising offers foodies the ultimate opportunity to indulge in diverse cuisines from across the globe without ever having to pack a suitcase. On a single sailing, you can savor the flavors of far-flung destinations without leaving the comfort of your floating luxury hotel. From street food favorites to Michelin-starred menus crafted with local ingredients, cruise ships unlock a movable feast for curious palates.
AmaWaterways' culinary-themed cruises allow you to experience the regional specialties of Europe's renowned Food and Wine Regions along the Danube and Rhine firsthand. Onboard experts like cookbook authors, celebrities, and certified sommeliers host interactive workshops, tastings, and demonstrations to bring local flavors to life. During port stops, you can visit food markets teeming with seasonal produce or tour vineyards and family-run wineries. Themed excursions unlock exclusive culinary experiences like private dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants or behind-the-scenes peeks into artisanal food production with local producers.
Luxury expedition voyages take the farm-to-table concept to the extreme by sourcing ingredients for haute cuisine right from the sea and remote locales you sail past. Ponant's new seafood restaurant aboard Le Commandant Charcot offers an ever-changing "catch of the day" menu focused on sustainably harvested Arctic and Antarctic seafood. Items like tender snow crab and Chilean sea bass are caught and prepared just hours after being reeled aboard, preserving unmatched freshness and flavor. Relaxing on your private balcony in a cozy robe, you can savor Osetra caviar tasting menus or elegant multi-course French fare paired with fine wine as albatrosses soar gracefully over the ice fields in your wake.
Seabourn's partnership with star chef Thomas Keller brings his signature French-American cuisine to all its ultra-luxury vessels. Menus rotate seasonally to highlight fresh local ingredients sourced from ports of call worldwide. While cruising Australian and New Zealand waters, you can indulge in dishes spotlighting rare Kiwi venison or Queensland Moreton Bay bugs. Sailing the Mediterranean showcases dishes crafted with handmade pasta from Tuscany, octopus fresh from Corfu, and tangy Greek yogurt. Relaxing on your veranda watching waves lap the coastline, you'll feel immersed in each region's flavors and culture.