Gliding along shimmering waters, exploring hidden coves, and experiencing cultures that unfold like stories — something magical about cruising captures the crux of wanderlust.
As we sail into 2025, the appeal of cruising seems more dynamic than ever, with new trends and exciting itineraries catering to every kind of adventurer. Whether you plan to wander solo, seek unique off-season experiences, or explore the world in style, here’s a look at some of the top cruise trends and options to explore in the coming year.
Sailing Solo
Solo cruising is shaping up to be the go-to travel trend in 2025 for travelers seeking independence, introspection, or simply an adventure tailored to their own pace. Virtuoso’s Luxe Report named solo cruising one of five key trends in the travel sphere for 2025.
Small-ship cruises are particularly appealing for many solo voyagers, offering intimacy and camaraderie without feeling overwhelming. Onboard, you’ll find dedicated hosts and social activities designed to help you connect with fellow passengers when desired and the freedom to simply bask in your solitude.
And here’s the best part — many cruise lines now specifically cater to solo travelers. Think of special deals on solo cabins, shared dining opportunities, and group excursions accompanied by like-minded companions.
I sailed solo with Aqua Expeditions in the Galápagos Islands last spring on its intimate ship Aqua Mare with 14 other passengers and 16 staff. The cruise line has been named the World’s Best River Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure for the second consecutive year and has earned recognition among the top three river cruise lines as part of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards.
PONANT offers a waived solo supplement on nearly 200 voyages across various cabin categories through the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Windstar offers solo travelers a selection of itineraries at a reduced single supplement of just 120 percent.
Leaning Into Off-Season Travel
While summer Mediterranean cruises dominate postcards and Instagram feeds, Windstar leads the charge in a refreshing shift toward off-season travel. Most wanderers picture Europe in the sun-drenched summer months, but this shift opens up a world of quieter, more immersive experiences with fewer crowds.
Windstar’s 2025-2026 itineraries encompass six unique routes, in addition to their Star Collector voyages, which combine multiple itineraries for extended, in-depth adventures.
Why the Mediterranean in winter? Picture Valencia’s cobbled streets without the summer crowds, Crotone’s historical ruins in serene solitude, or the crispy citrus scents of Catania, Sicily—all wrapped in a cozy Mediterranean winter charm. And with airfare prices lower in the off-season, these cruises offer a dreamy yet affordable alternative.
All sailings take place aboard the 312-guest, all-suite Star Legend, which has a minimum of 277 square feet of accommodations—all with ocean views and some with step-out verandas. Sailings depart from Athens, Barcelona, Malaga, Rome, and Venice from November 2025 through March 2026.
And best of all, the Mediterranean remains just as vibrant in winter, if not even more magical.
Expedition Cruising
Ever dreamed of sailing to the Arctic? You’re not alone.
Expedition cruises to remote destinations are now the fastest-growing sector in the cruise industry, according to the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN). Between 2021 and 2023, the market nearly tripled, with 71 percent of expedition cruise lines reporting growth last year—and none experiencing a decline.
British Columbia-based Wells Gray Tours owner Roland Neave has gone three times with Adventure Canada, a company based in Toronto that operates a ship in the Arctic.
“That’s one of my favourite places in the world. My wife and I both like remote, uncrowded places. I love the Northwest Passage and all the history up there.”
Expedition cruises offer the ultimate opportunity for adventure and discovery. Itineraries include visits to remote communities, encounters with rare wildlife, and in-depth cultural experiences. Smaller ships designed for exploration also prioritize sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Already popular in destinations such as Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands, expedition cruising is expected to grow as more travelers seek unique experiences off the beaten path.
Big Ship Amenities, Small Ship Experience
If large cruise ships don’t appeal to you, but your family loves the amenities they offer, MSC’s Yacht Club and Norwegian’s Haven are redefining the “ship-within-a-ship” concept. The guest experience begins before you even step onboard.
An exclusive check-in lounge with champagne welcomes you before joining a private embarkation line to the ship, where a personal butler and a concierge await. Once there, perks include elegant suites with replenished minibars, a private sundeck and pool area, and all-inclusive perks like premium drinks, Wi-Fi, and tailored shore excursions.
“The Haven is lovely, extremely good service,” mentioned Neave.
“Even though there’s a crowd of people all trying to board, you look for the sign that says The Haven, and they escort you to a private lounge, and you get a special line. And you have your own private butler who looks after all your needs.”
MSC Yacht Club is featured in 15 of 23 MSC cruise ships, while a version of The Haven is available on 14 Norwegian vessels. Both brands are expanding their fleets in the coming years, continuing to offer exclusivity within a larger cruise setting. MSC is launching its largest Yacht Club on MSC World America, sailing from Miami to the Caribbean this spring. Expect more cruise lines to follow suit and offer smaller, more exclusive experiences within their larger ships.
Expert Tips
Neave shared some of his tips for getting the most out of your cruise.
When booking, don’t wait until the last minute. “There’s still the mentality out there that if you book at the last minute, you’ll get a deal. And that might be true. A few staterooms might be left on a ship at the last minute. But they’re probably going to be the worst cabins, the ones that are noisy or on the very bottom deck.”
Since Wells Gray Tours is a tour operator, not a travel agent, it doesn’t pick a cruise based on the ship. It picks a cruise based on its route. Most often, those cruise lines are Holland America, Oceania, or Norwegian.
“If you pay more on a ship, you get a lot more perks,” Neave pointed out. “That’s why we always recommend moving up a category.”
Enjoy exclusive perks like skipping the wait for dining room tables, complimentary wine and cheese tastings, unique invitations to select ship events, and reserved seating at the theater.
If you have never been on a cruise ship before, Neave recommends starting with a cruise to Alaska from Vancouver.
“It’s easy to get to, and it’s only one week with terrific scenery. It’s a good introduction to cruising. If you find out you don’t enjoy cruising, then it’s only a week. But you probably had a really good time.”