Cruise travel guides
Cruising offers you the chance to explore a country in a new light, visiting remote regions and journeying at a pace you just can’t replicate any other way. Watching the sun rise over the temples of Bagan from your riverboat on the Mekong gives you a view few visitors see, and if you’ve dreamed of spotting a polar bear in Svalbard, an expedition ship is the only way to do it. Our specialists have plied the waters in a variety of vessels, from yachts in the Caribbean to ships that cruise through Canada’s Northwest Passage. We’ve collected their knowledge in our travel guides, where you’ll find advice ranging from how to choose the best polar cruise to suit your interests to the best Galapagos routings for avid birdwatchers.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our destination specialists on 01993 838 450
Inspiration for your cruise
Our cruise specialists regularly travel to discover new experiences and explore untried areas. They love nothing more than sharing their ideas and experiences to help you plan your ideal cruise holiday. We’ve written these travel guides based on our own first-hand cruise experiences to help inform and inspire your next trip.
The Kimberley by land and by sea
An expedition cruise, Zodiac boat trips or hikes and stays on cattle ranches: two members of our Australia team share how to best experience the Kimberley, both overland and overwater, and define the allure of this Outback region.
A typical day in the Galapagos: what to expect
Michael, one of our specialists, takes you through what to expect on a visit. He outlines a typical morning, afternoon and evening routine on a cruise boat, and explains the major differences between a cruise and land-based stays.
Cruises in Australia
Explore the possibilities for small-ship cruises in Australia, including the best options for sailing the Great Barrier Reef and the remote Kimberley region. You can also find out about an excellent day cruise (with a theatrical twist) in Tasmania.
Your guide to choosing an Alaska cruise
An Alaska cruise combines convenience with front-row seats to many of the state’s most impressive sights, from glaciers to wildlife. Whether you choose a classic cruise or an intimate expedition cruise depends on your own personal travel preferences.
Cruises in French Polynesia
South Pacific specialist Joshua reviews the Aranui, which, for him, is the best cruise vessel around French Polynesia. He explains what to expect from life on board, and why the out-of-the-way Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands are such intriguing places to explore.
Yangtze River cruises in China: a need-to-know guide
China can be overwhelming, so Audley specialist Heather suggests exploring it from a calmer perspective on a cruise of its greatest river, the Yangtze. She reveals the key sights, and what life’s like on board your Yangtze cruise ship.
Planning your Galapagos expedition cruise: how to choose your vessel
Audley Galapagos specialist Michael details what you need to think about when planning your Galapagos Islands cruise. He gives a brief overview of the different sizes of vessels and the advantages of each, plus what else you should consider.
Antarctic expedition cruises
Audley’s Polar specialists describe what to expect from a trip to Antarctica. They explain the logistics of cruising on an expedition vessel and how you explore the wildlife and landscapes. They also discuss what makes Antarctica such a captivating destination.
Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt
A Nile cruise is the classic way of exploring Egypt. Drift down the Nile in a comfortable cruise boat, making stops to visit Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs. Egypt specialist Steve outlines how you can make the most of your cruise.
Arctic cruises to Svalbard
Polar specialist Tom shares his experiences of expedition cruising in Svalbard in the Arctic Circle. He talks about the scenery you’ll be immersed in, the wildlife you may encounter, and what life’s like on board a polar expedition vessel.
Cruising in Southeast Asia
Travel by river, lake or sea in Southeast Asia to explore places which would otherwise be inaccessible. Cruising in Southeast Asia offers the chance to relax and observe everyday life, the scenery and wildlife.
Cruising in Indonesia
Indonesia specialist, Rael shares his choice of boats for an Indonesia cruise, his favourite 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.
Cruising in Thailand
Travelling 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 favourite trips.
Myanmar (Burma) 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.
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 favourite things to see and do while cruising along the Bhramaputra, Ganges and Hugli rivers.
Indochina cruises
Southeast Asia specialist Mark shares his cruising in Indochina highlights. Picking his favourite 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.
Saigon to Siem Reap by riverboat: a holiday in Vietnam and Cambodia
Southeast Asia specialist Tom explains why travelling 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, and cities such as Saigon and Phnom Penh.
Cruises in Central America & Mexico
Explore Panama, Costa Rica, Belize or Mexico on a relaxing and fascinating cruise and see some amazing sights.
Choosing your polar cruise
The awe-inspiring polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic, are amongst the most beautiful and captivating in the world. Irrespective of which region you choose, visiting one of the world’s ultimate travel frontiers should prove to be a truly unforgettable and enriching experience.
A typical polar day
A trip to the Arctic or Antarctic is a real adventure but many travellers are unsure of what to expect during their voyage. Here, we share with you what a typical day on an expedition cruise in the Arctic or Antarctic is like and what you can expect to see and do.
Mekong river cruises
The Mekong is one of the greatest rivers in Asia, and on an Audley tailor-made trip we will ensure you're able to take in the local culture, wildlife and scenery at a relaxed pace in comfortable surroundings.
River cruises in Russia
Experience the real Russia on a relaxing river cruise on the mighty River Volga from St Petersburg to Moscow. There are plenty of fascinating stops along the way, including ancient churches, monasteries and villages.
Cruising in New Zealand
There’s a lot to love about day cruises in New Zealand, says specialist Ophelia. She shares her pick of the best from across the North and South Islands. Expect dolpins, hot springs, Maori rock art and a weka (or three).
Kinabatangan river cruises
A Kinabatangan river cruise is a real highlight of any Audley tailor-made trip to Borneo. You will have a good opportunity of seeing some of the best wildlife in Southeast Asia.
South Pacific cruises
Enjoy exploring the South Pacific islands while on a cruise with time for relaxation, activities and cultural insights.
Cruises in Canada
Canada is ideally suited for adventure cruises, especially with the abundance of marine wildlife around its enormous coastline. We can recommend a variety of boats and suitable activities to help you get the most out of your visit.
Cruises in Fiji
Fiji offers you the chance to cruise through the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands, and take advantage of their pristine white sands and turquoise waters. You will also have time to swim, snorkel and explore traditional villages.
Cruise destinations in Africa
Africa is blessed with hundreds of miles of wonderful coastline and mighty inland lakes. Enjoy short adventure cruises such as a sunset yacht cruise on Lake Malawi or a dhow cruise off the coast of Mozambique or Zanzibar.