For us, the real joy of cruising lies in getting out on the water and seeing things from a new perspective or reaching otherwise inaccessible places. Travel by river, lake or sea can sometimes provide the only route into little-visited regions, from the Red River Delta in Vietnam to Australia’s farthest-flung Whitsundays Islands. It can also allow you to observe floating markets, temples, and wildlife, such as orangutans in Borneo or Antarctic penguins.
Cruising offers the chance to avoid typically hectic road journeys and travel in a far more leisurely way, navigating you to sights and giving you a more authentic taste of local life. We’ve carefully chosen a range of vessels, from expedition cruise ships to restored riverboats, all focusing on excellent guiding, quality cabins and the best routings. Our experienced specialists can help you choose the best cruise vacation for you, whether you’re a regular cruiser or a first-time passenger.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our destination specialists
Our style of cruising — partnering with smaller ships that offer expert-led experiences — leads to a more personal and revealing journey. You might have the chance to snorkel near marine iguanas in the Galapagos, sip water melted from an ancient iceberg in the polar regions, or meet the people who live beside Kerala’s backwaters as you explore aboard a simple rice barge.
We’ve carefully chosen a range of vessels, from expedition cruise ships to restored riverboats, all focusing on excellent guiding, the best routes, and thoughtful facilities while you’re onboard. It means we can create a trip that blends the best experiences on land and from the water, crafted by our specialists to show your destination in a new light.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a cruise: which route will be the most rewarding? Which ship ticks every box? Which activities best match your interests? That’s where our specialists can help. They’ve undertaken their own voyages, from Vietnam’s Halong Bay to the iceberg-strewn waters of Antarctica, testing out different routes and a variety of vessels that help you explore in comfort.
It means they can use their first-hand knowledge to suggest the best options for you, based on what you want to see and experience. They’ll then arrange all the logistics, building your cruise into a wider, meaningful journey that will help you appreciate your destination from all angles.
Myanmar by boat: a river cruising guide
From the deck of a boat view Myanmar's traditional waterborne ways of life, which have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Spend time in Yangon and Mandalay and visit the famous temples of Bagan.
Cruising in Thailand
Traveling by river in Southeast Asia on board boats brimming with character and charm is one of the best ways to view cities like Bangkok, the myriad of ancient temples, as well as traditional villages and culture in general. Our specialists describe some of their favorite trips.
A guide to Vietnam & Cambodia riverboat tours
Southeast Asia specialist Tom explains why traveling along the Mekong River is an ideal way to visit Vietnam and Cambodia in a single trip. Giving you time to take in floating villages and markets, the temples of Angkor, as well as Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
Indochina cruises
Southeast Asia specialist Mark shares his cruising in Indochina highlights. Picking his favorite ways to travel down the Mekong through Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as taking in the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, and the local culture and landscapes along the Red River and on Lake Tonle Sap.
River cruises in India
Take in the history, wildlife and culture of northeast India on a river cruise. Our India specialist Sarah shares some of her favorite things to see and do while cruising along the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Hugli rivers.
Cruising in Indonesia
Indonesia specialist, Rael shares his choice of boats for an Indonesia cruise, his favorite places to spot orangutan on a river cruise through the Tanjung Puting National Park, what you can expect to see when snorkeling, and where to spot Komodo dragons.
To help you choose your ideal cruise, we've refined our options into four categories, each offering the very best, whether you're after a culture-led river cruise or remote sail in luxury.
These ships take you into untamed landscapes, often far from human habitation. Sail Alaska's Inside Passage or look out for polar bears on arctic sea ice — experiences often only possible by ship. On-board facilities are comfortable, but the focus is on exploring these otherworldly environments in a myriad of ways.
A spacious cabin with a view and gourmet food — this isn't unusual cruise territory. Real luxury comes with the exclusivity of the best facilities and service on small-occupancy ships which take this to the next level. Think personal butlers and exclusive moorings, like Sydney Harbour at new year.
Voyage along inland waterways and you'll be treated to an ever-changing landscape of river life, from grazing cattle to waterside towns. These are journeys that focus on culture, giving you the opportunity to learn about the communities and wildlife that call these waterways home.
On an adventure cruise your method of travel is part of the thrill. From cargo vessel to sailing yacht, you'll island-hop, snorkel and dive little-visited places only small vessels can reach. The day's activities might be guided by reports of a nearby wildlife sighting or the lure of an uninhabited island.
On a Celebrity Cruises ship, you’ll travel the world while enjoying the height of style, comfort, and service throughout your journey.
Quark Expeditions explore the polar regions differently from everyone else, setting foot where few ever will, and doing what few ever dream.
A cruise means many things to many people but we feel that Silversea’s small ship cruises personify the true meaning of comfort and intimacy.
