Top Trends in Cruising: From Expeditions to Themed Ships

Cruising has come a long way since the days of mediocre buffets and stodgy entertainment. Gone are the days with one crowded pool and limited food options. Now, passengers can take cooking classes from famous chefs or learn about climate issues in Antarctica. Cruise lines have reimagined the on-board experience — and passengers are loving it. 

2024 is on track to be the busiest cruise year on record according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), proving that cruisers are into the array of options. 

Read on to find out about the biggest trends, plus get inspiration on the destinations that are topping the booking charts. Then, ¨connect with me to be matched with your ideal ship.

Luxe newcomers are hitting the scene

This year has seen the most luxury cruise ships ever produced. According to Cruise Industry News, eight of the 14 new ships built this year are labeled as luxury brands. This trend is fueled by cruise travelers’ desire for luxe experiences at sea.

Luxury ships due in 2024 include Viking Vela and Explora II, both on the larger side with room for almost 1,000 guests. Ritz-Carlton’s Ilma welcomes about 450 passengers and will boast five restaurants, a wine vault and a spa. Rounding out the new luxe offerings is Silver Ray, which is Silversea’s 728-passenger vessel.

Future ships to look out for include the iconic Four Seasons brand, which plans on launching the Four Seasons I in 2026. The 95 staterooms range from an impressive 473 square feet to a multi-level 5,057-square-foot suite complete with three bedrooms, a kitchen and a private outdoor deck.

Also expected in 2026, Orient Express Silenseas is touted as the largest sailing ship. The impressive vessel is designed with 53 suites, two swimming pools and an amphitheater for live shows. Bearing the name of the legendary luxury train line, the 722-foot sailing ship has three sails and will be equipped with innovative technology.

The cruise-curious and solo travelers are becoming cruise loyalists

Not only is the luxury cruise industry booming, but there are lots of first-time cruisers. The popularity of multi-generational cruises means the younger generations are getting a taste of cruise-focused travel and are becoming cruise converts. 

According to the CLIA, the number of new-to-cruise passengers is increasing, with 27% of cruisers over the past two years being new to cruising.

Solo travelers are also getting some attention. While it used to be that a solo traveler paid a supplement for taking up a double cabin, now cruise lines are offering a limited number of single-occupant cabins. Royal Caribbean has solo cabins on both Quantum-class and Oasis-class ships, and other cruise lines catering to single travelers include Norwegian, Holland America and Cunard. 

Expedition cruise bookings are soaring 

Image courtesy of Andrew Peacock for Lindblad Expeditions

Expedition cruising has been the fastest-growing type of cruise in recent years (according to CLIA), and Lindblad and Hurtigruten are leading the pack.

For those unfamiliar with this type of travel, expedition cruising is a unique form of travel that combines adventure, exploration and education, often in remote and pristine destinations. Expedition cruises are typically on smaller ships, which is a win for the environment (due to less fuel and a lower carbon footprint). It also lends itself to perks for travelers, since smaller ships can dock in more off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

Expedition cruises typically have an emphasis on nature and wildlife, and environmental education and consciousness is prioritized wherever possible. From braving the Drake Passage to photographing blue-footed boobies, bookings to places like Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands are on the rise.

A favorite with clients, family-run Lindblad partners with National Geographic for their excursions. Imagine paddling below towering blue glaciers, photographing adorable penguins or learning about giant tortoises — all of this (and more) is possible on trips across the globe. 

Based in Canada, Quark Expeditions goes all in on polar adventures, focusing only on Arctic and Antarctic voyages. These trips take off-the-beaten-path to the extreme, pairing voyages with off-ship adventures like helicopter rides, Zodiac tours and tundra hikes.

Another expedition expert is Norway’s Hurtigruten, offering incredible voyages with a focus on connecting passengers to the local communities. With Hurtigruten Expeditions, not only do you get to see the famous fjords, but stops along Norway’s coast introduces you to fishing villages, pairing excursions with immersion so you’ll learn about the area’s history and culture. 

Sustainably minded cruising

Cruises and sustainability are admittedly two words that have not traditionally paired together. But with advancements in more fuel-efficient ships as well as a focus on supporting locals with onshore experiences, sustainability is moving more and more to the forefront of the conversation around cruising. 

From an environmental standpoint, cruise lines are stepping up with new eco-friendly initiatives. Certain cruise lines are incorporating innovative solutions for cleaner operations, including reduced plastic use and net-zero emissions pledges (as well as investments into advancing more eco-friendly fuel options… or in Hurtigruten’s case, a completely fuel-free ship by 2030).

Of course, impact goes beyond earth-friendly activities, and the pioneers in the sustainability space are also prioritizing support for local communities (an initiative that has traditionally not been prioritized in the cruise space… Cruises are well-known for contributing to overtourism and economic leakage). 

French operator Ponant Cruises specializes in adventure cruising, taking guests to environmentally sensitive regions like Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords. The group was the first cruise line to earn a Green Globe certification for all of its ships, and has committed to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. Green Globe is aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria for sustainable travel, an organization that is recognized as the global leader in sustainable travel accreditation. 

Another cruise partner prioritizing eco-friendly practices is Explora Journeys. Known mainly for its European itineraries, Explora is a newly launched (2023) luxury line from the MSC Group based in Switzerland. On board, Explora has eliminated single-use plastics and partners with the MSC Foundation to direct funds to support local communities (education, emergency relief and conservation).

I can help you find the perfect environmentally conscious cruise line for your travel style, and of course, for your pre- or post-cruise stays, connect with me to find your ideal eco-friendly hotel.

Themed cruises

Finding your people has never been easier on today’s cruise ships, especially with themed sailings. Whether belting out your favorite song with a shipful of Swifties on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas or celebrating Pride month on a Celebrity Cruises ship with thousands of new friends, themed voyages are on the rise. 

Ship takeover themes include famous chefs, music genres and even motorcycle rallies. Some trips are organized by groups and hosted on the ships, like Comic-Con’s takeover of Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas — a long weekend trip from Tampa to Cozumel in February 2025.

And other themed itineraries are organized by the cruise line (sans takeover), like Crystal Serenity’s trips between New York City and Quebec City that spotlight guest celebrities. In October, a food-focused journey means passengers can get their fill of gourmet flavors with culinary personality Jon Ashton, and a second sailing will focus on Broadway, with Rachel York (City of Angels, Les Misérables, Victor/Victoria, Head Over Heels) aboard.

Trending destinations

While the Caribbean will always have a place on the top-booked cruise destinations, there are new trends that indicate travelers want to pair bucket-list destinations with their cruises.

Japan is top of the list for newly popular destinations, and there’s been a lot of interest in other Asian destinations.

In Europe, travelers are booking everything from Norway to Greece. The Norwegian Fjords (especially popular for multi-generational groups) are a great spot for those who want spectacular scenery, plus the Northern Lights if you time it right. And always a favorite, Mediterranean cruises focusing on the Greek Islands and Italy are prime choices for sun-soaked fun paired with historic stops.

Where do you want to set sail? Connect with me, and I can help you book a cruise that’s just right for you.