The AFAR Guide to Cruising

Popular cruise ports often get a bad rap. But there are plenty of beautiful and remote seaside locales where the crowds are sparser and the scenery is striking. Travelers with an adventuresome spirit should check out these up-and-coming cruise destinations that aren’t easy to reach by air or land. Find the full list here.

A new generation of cruise ships is making it easier than ever to have extreme adventures without sacrificing extreme comfort. This new class of expedition vessels features suites and spas, as well as skiffs and submarines. You won’t be suffering en route to the polar regions, exotic islands, and other remote wonderlands these ships visit. Read about some of the newest and splashiest expedition ships here.

Forget about piling into a motorcoach to head to a tourist trap for the day. What about a submarine dive into the waters of Antarctica or a helicopter ride to a Michelin-starred restaurant in Provence instead? Cruise lines are seriously upping their game when it comes to the kinds of shore experiences they are offering. You'll find our list of the most over-the-top cruise shore excursions here.

Parents, repeat after us: You don’t have to book your brood onto a big ship in order for the whole fam to have fun (but we also won’t judge you if you do). Small-ship and adventure cruise lines are increasingly welcoming the next generation of travelers for what are bound to be memorable vacations in truly special places like the Galápagos, the Amazon, and Southeast Asia’s Mekong River. See our collection of uncommon kid-friendly cruises here.

Food is a critical piece of any travel story. And it’s no different for cruising. But in the past, the food served on ships didn’t always get the highest marks. We’re here to tell you times have changed. With the help of some star-power chefs, these meals are transforming the cruising culinary scene.

River cruising is a wonderful way to travel—there are few things more therapeutic than gently drifting past some of the world’s most scenic cities and landscapes, with meals and outings all taken care of. But what has been missing was some fun and adventure. Enter U River Cruises, which writer Jeri Clausing recently tested, deeming it one of her all-time favorite travel experiences. Read to find out why.

The Virgin Group has a history of shaking up the industries it enters. Can it do the same for cruising? Read on to find out.