Say goodbye to the era of one-size-fits-all cruising. Today, the best cruise lines offer more choices than ever—expedition ships that navigate polar ice, river cruises that wind through the European countryside, and mega-ships with 20 restaurants and zip lines that soar above it all.
The most coveted 2027 cruise itineraries book up 12 to 18 months in advance, which means now is the time to start planning. To help narrow down the options, we've curated a handful of advisor-approved sailings for 2027 that speak to specific travel styles—from polar expedition cruises and culturally immersive river voyages to luxury yacht charters and family-friendly mega-ships.
The Adventure Traveler
Expedition ships to remote destinations for the travelers ready to set off on the adventure of a lifetime.
Courtesy of Viking
You're ready to chase the world’s most far-flung coastlines on a journey that is the destination. Expedition cruises bring you closest to unspoiled polar regions and towering fjords, with days built around adrenaline-fueled Zodiac excursions, kayaking through iceberg-dotted channels, and guided glacier hikes led by onboard naturalists. You might spend a morning snowshoeing across the Arctic tundra, afternoons watching penguin colonies waddle along Antarctic shores, and evenings scanning the horizon for the Northern Lights. Ponant, with its French luxury and extensive inclusions, and HX, with a fleet purpose-built for polar and far-flung expedition travel, lead this space.
The Culture-Seeker
Port-intensive and small-ship sailings for travelers who value deeper destination immersion.
Image courtesy of AmaWaterways
As soon as you land in a new destination, you hit the ground running, eager to immerse yourself in the local way of life, rather than admiring it from a tour bus. Small-ship cruising trades the bells and whistles of larger ships for extended port stays, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and enriching onboard lectures that help provide meaningful context to your daily adventures. Your dream excursions might include a private after-hours tour of a centuries-old cathedral, a morning at a local market followed by a cooking class with a regional chef, or a guided walk through a medieval quarter with a historian who wrote the book on it—sometimes literally. Viking, Tauck, and AmaWaterways are three favorites for river and coastal itineraries built around a genuine sense of history and the local culture of each port.
The Culinary Traveler
Food-driven voyages for the travelers who’ll go far for the perfect bite.
Image courtesy of Silversea Cruises
You know a good wine list from a great one, and you’re the one friends call for a restaurant recommendation. At sea, you expect the same discernment with destination-specific menus, chef-led programming, and wine pairings that have transformed dinner time into the evening’s main event. Silversea sets the standard with its Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) program, which weaves local culinary culture into every sailing through market visits, cooking experiences, and menus built around each port of call—all with no surcharge required. Crystal is another standout for its partnership with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and a fully inclusive dining experience that rivals some of the best restaurants on land.
The Family Traveler
All-ages entertainment for travelers who want to bring the whole crew.
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
You’re drawn to great vacations that forgo the heavy lifting. That means dining, entertainment, and kids’ programming are always included and at your family’s fingertips. Days fly by with waterslides and deck parties, scavenger hunts and rock climbing walls, and age-specific kids’ clubs that keep younger guests happily occupied while parents actually relax. Come evening, Broadway-caliber shows bring everyone back together, and midnight buffets have a way of becoming the trip’s most-quoted memory. Disney Cruise Line sets the gold standard in this department, layering character meet-and-greets, themed deck parties, and rotational dining—where your dining room team travels with you each night—into a premium experience wrapped in the brand’s signature charm and impeccable service. Royal Caribbean is a strong choice for families with older kids and teens, with dedicated teen clubs, FlowRider surf simulators, and a programming lineup robust enough to fill every sea day without a single complaint.
The Luxe Traveler
Lush yachts for the traveler who craves journeys as extraordinary as the destination.
Image courtesy of Jack Hardy for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
From the teak floors underfoot and the marble finishes in bathrooms to the menu that was inspired by the morning’s market finds, there’s no detail too small in your eyes. Small-ship luxury sailings deliver an elevated experience at every turn: intimate guest counts, sumptuous suites, and flexible itineraries that find you rested in the world’s most remote and coveted destinations. Four Seasons Yachts, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Orient Express are at the forefront of luxury yacht cruising, each extending their signature land-based hospitality to the open sea.
