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Luxury travel is taking to the seas in a way few could have predicted. Forget the crowded mega-ships of the past—today’s discerning traveller is seeking intimate, design-led vessels where space, exclusivity, and curated experiences define the journey. Fine dining, personal butlers, and vintage wines may still be part of the package, but the real appeal lies in the promise of discovery.

According to Virtuoso, one of the world’s leading luxury travel networks, bookings in the $50,000-and-above bracket are already tracking 35% higher than last year. It’s clear: cruising has become one of the most coveted ways to see the world. Travel icons such as Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) and Orient Express are raising the bar, with A&K unveiling their bespoke Amazon river vessel and Orient Express preparing to launch an elegant sailing yacht in 2026.

Offshore near Gotland Island, Sweden
Abercombie & Kent

Beyond Champagne and Butlers

The new wave of luxury cruising is about far more than onboard glamour. Guests are looking for meaningful adventures in smaller groups, enriched by insider access and expert knowledge. Abercrombie & Kent, long celebrated for orchestrating complex journeys across the globe, have seamlessly extended their expertise to the water. Their expedition cruises blend the refined atmosphere of top-tier ships with imaginative itineraries and cultural depth that mass-market cruising simply cannot match.

Sauna onboard Ponant’s Le Laperouse
Ponant

A&K Meets Ponant

Take their Baltic and Scandinavian voyage as an example. A&K works with Ponant, the French line synonymous with understated elegance, offering guests indulgences such as complimentary Charles Heidsieck Champagne and exquisite multi-course dinners. While Ponant handles the ship and service, A&K delivers the experiences—from reducing passenger numbers so guests enjoy a sense of space, to handpicking shore excursions that reveal the cultural and natural treasures of each destination.

Days might include sea kayaking along dramatic coastlines, visiting WWII heritage sites, or savouring Nordic gastronomy. Onboard, evenings are enriched with lectures by Viking historians, art specialists, or even live performances from local musicians. With multiple excursion choices each day, guests can tailor the pace of their experience, whether it’s an adventurous hike or a gentle walking tour capped with a coffee in a tucked-away café.

Life On Board

Ponant’s ships are contemporary in design and full of surprises: an underwater lounge known as the Blue Eye, where you can watch marine life through glass windows set into the hull; or a sauna with floor-to-ceiling views across the sea. For many, the highlight is the intimacy of sailing with like-minded, well-travelled companions—people whose stories are as captivating as the destinations themselves.

Looking Ahead

The appetite for these journeys is only growing. A&K has already introduced a purpose-built river vessel in Peru, and by 2026 a new Nile cruiser will join their fleet. They are also partnering with Crystal Cruises, offering their expedition guests suites furnished with Italian Etro robes and Venetian linens on Crystal Serenity.

Luxury expedition cruising is no longer a niche—it has become a defining expression of modern travel. For those who crave adventure without sacrificing refinement, this is where the horizon lies.