6 New Adventure Cruises That Will Change What You Think About Cruising

From the depths of the Amazon to the crystal clear waters of the Seychelles, these voyages promise epic journeys in some of the most beautiful corners of the world.

By Phoebe Neuman

Cruises can sometimes get a bad rap. And while the stigma of superficial, booze-and-buffet trips that barely scratch the surface of their ports of call might be deserved for some of the megaships plying the Caribbean, it is decidedly not the case with the new cruises highlighted here. From an Amazonian adventure aboard a 12-cabin floating luxury hotel to a golf course–hopping voyage on a superyacht, each of these new journeys will have you itching to set sail.

andBeyond Galapagos Explorer

The brand-new andBeyond Galapagos Explorer is the ideal way to experience the delicate, breathtakingly beautiful ecosystems of Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands. Carrying just 12 guests and two guides, the exclusive 124-foot yacht offers two seven-night cruises through the islands. The eastern itinerary includes stops at the iconic Kicker Rock just off of San Cristóbal Island (pictured above) and an opportunity to spot the critically endangered waved albatross in Gardner Bay on Española Island. The western itinerary explores the geographic center of the Galápagos Islands, including Sombrero Chino and Santa Fé Island, where you’ll get up close and personal with the rare Santa Fé land iguana.

On both voyages, expect once-in-a-lifetime land and sea adventures, such as snorkeling in pristine waters teeming with rare fish, hiking through untouched landscapes to spot some of the rarest wildlife in the world, and stopping at landmarks like the Charles Darwin Research Station, located on Santa Cruz Island. You’ll also get a chance to experience andBeyond’s brand of laid-back, eco-conscious luxury, thanks to generously appointed guest rooms, gourmet dining experiences, and personalized service.

Ponant’s Winter St. Lawrence River Cruise

Canada’s Far North is probably not the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about a wintertime cruise—in fact, the ruggedly beautiful region is all but unreachable by non-locals from December through February. But Ponant’s new expedition cruise, setting sail in January 2025, is about to change that.

The brand-new Le Commandant Charcot, billed as the world’s first luxury icebreaker, will take 245 guests deep into forests, waterways, and indigenous communities that line the St. Lawrence River during a time of year when no other ships navigate its waters. The 12-night journey will give you plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of Saint Pierre Island and the surrounding area. You’ll kayak through sweeping fjords, snowshoe and dogsled (or, for the particularly brave, skijor, which involves being pulled on skis by a dog or horse) through beautiful boreal forests, and get to know the wonderfully warm culture of the Innu and Mi’kmaq peoples who call this region home.

Back onboard Le Commandant Charcot, guests can warm up without missing a moment of the stunning scenery with a dip in the blue lagoon—the outdoor heated pool at the stern—or settle into a heated spot around the firepit to watch ice flows and snowcapped forests glide by.

Aqua Expeditions Seychelles & Tanzania

One of the biggest upsides of more intimate cruises is their ability to sail into destinations that are too small to accommodate more traditional cruise ships. Case in point: Aqua Expeditions’ new Seychelles and Tanzania cruises, which will sail to some of the most remote islands on Earth. Slated to begin sailing in December 2025, the four new expeditions (ranging from five to 14 nights) will take guests on a tour of the Seychelles’ inner and outer islands, respectively, as well as to the tiny archipelagos that dot the coast of Tanzania.

Based aboard the new superyacht, guests can expect to spend their days swimming in the unbelievably blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the famous Aldabra Atoll. Considered the Galápagos of Africa, the region is home to 150,000 giant tortoises, as well as vibrant flora, fauna, and marine life. Come nightfall, the boat’s ample deck space will allow for some of the best stargazing in the world.

Windstar Marquesas & Society Islands

In French Polynesia, islands like Bora-Bora and Mooréa are firmly on the island-hopping circuit, but honeymooners don’t typically make it out to the Marquesas—the newly minted UNESCO World Heritage Site located 900 miles northeast of the Society Islands. But for those looking to experience the pristine beauty of the South Pacific, Windstar’s Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas cruise may be just the way to do it.

The 14-night expedition goes far beyond the typical Tahitian cruise. You’ll start sailing your way out toward the Marquesas, with a stop along the way in Fakarava Lagoon, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teeming with rainbow-bright coral gardens and schools of fish. Once in the Marquesas, you’ll make stops at Hiva Oa (where artist Paul Gauguin made his home among lush jungles and towering tiki sculptures), Fatu Hiva, and Nuku Hiva before circling back toward the Society Islands. Even there, you’ll get to experience destinations like Bora-Bora in whole new ways—think exclusive dinners on a private motu, chances to swim with playful manta rays, and treks to the three highest peaks in the archipelago.

Abercrombie & Kent Peruvian Amazon Riverboat

We’d be willing to bet that most Full-Time Travel readers count the Amazon as one of the destinations on their bucket lists. But exploring the depths of Amazonia can prove challenging for even the most experienced travelers. Happily, Abercrombie & Kent’s first riverboat in Latin America is opening up new possibilities along the world’s most legendary river.

The new Pure Amazon, which is scheduled to make its first sailing in June 2025, is less of a cruise ship and more of a floating boutique hotel. The boat features just 12 spacious cabins—each boasting handcrafted furnishings and decor made by local artisans using locally sourced materials, and floor-to-ceiling windows—indoor and outdoor lounges from which you can watch the glassy black waters of the Amazon rush by, and even a wellness room where you can soothe sore muscles with a post-hike massage.

A&K’s three-, four-, and seven-night expeditions will take you into the heart of the Amazon in Peru, with immersive cultural experiences in remote communities and small-boat safaris to spot some of the region’s most iconic wildlife—sloths, monkeys, piranhas, and rare pink river dolphins included.

Expedition Experience’s Fiddles and Sticks

Themed cruises are often the domain of megaships—and can run the gamut from wholesome to wild—but Expedition Experience’s new Canada’s East Coast - Fiddles and Sticks sailing is a decidedly sophisticated take on the trend. Designed with golfers in mind, the eight-night cruise will set out from Sydney, Nova Scotia, in July 2025, and will hit five of Canada’s best golf courses, including the Links at Crowbush Cove on Prince Edward Island, Fox Harb’r Golf Course in Nova Scotia, and the historic Highlands Links in Cape Breton.

In addition to getting in plenty of swings, the 36 guests aboard the MS Klara (a three-mast expedition sailing vessel) will experience the beauty of Canada’s rugged east coast with excursions that will take them from charming windswept towns to colonial-era fortresses and one of the world’s largest puffin colonies.