Floating Boutique Hotels, Bucket-List expeditions and intimate yachts

Drumroll, please: I’ve officially warmed up to cruising. For years, I thought cruises weren’t for me—floating cities with crowded decks and bottomless buffets weren’t my idea of adventure. But recently, I’ve discovered a completely different side to cruising, and it’s changed everything.

This isn’t about spending endless days at sea with thousands of strangers. It’s about boutique luxury, expeditions to places you thought you’d only see in documentaries, and intimate yachts where the experience feels more like staying at a private retreat than being on a ship. These journeys offer access to destinations that are remote, extraordinary, or simply more magical when seen from the water: Antarctica, the Galápagos, Indonesia—and even fresh takes on the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

A New Era of Cruising

Picture this: You wake up surrounded by Antarctica’s towering icebergs, spend your morning snorkeling with playful sea lions in the Galápagos, or glide through the jewel-toned waters of Indonesia’s Raja Ampat. Now imagine doing it all aboard a stunning, thoughtfully designed vessel that feels like a boutique hotel at sea.

On these smaller ships, every room has an ocean view, ensuring that no matter where you are onboard, you’re constantly connected to the incredible landscape around you. Whether you're watching glaciers calve, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the serene waters, the view is never far away.

These cruises are intentionally intimate. Many of them host fewer than 200 passengers, creating a feeling of exclusivity that’s hard to match. The focus? Thoughtful, sustainable travel that prioritizes your connection to the places you’re visiting while leaving a lighter footprint behind.

Whether you’re a family craving adventure, a couple seeking refined luxury, or a traveler looking to rewrite your idea of what cruising can be, this is your chance to see the world differently.

Expedition Cruises for Bucket-List Seekers

Antarctica: Kayaking among Icebergs

This is the destination my oldest son can’t stop dreaming about—and I don’t blame him. Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with immense glaciers, towering icebergs, and penguin colonies. Smaller expedition ships navigate secluded, ice-filled bays and fjords. Lines like Lindblad Expeditions or Quark Expeditions offer onboard, expert-led programs and talks, so you’ll get deeper insights into the continent’s ecology, history and the ongoing scientific research that shapes our understanding of this remote region. Imagine kayaking through icy bays one day and watching a glacier calve with a thunderous roar the next.

Best for: Families, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
When to go: Antarctic Summer (November–March), when temperatures hover between 20°F–40°F and daylight seems to stretch forever.

Galápagos Islands: Spotting extraordinary Wildlife in remote areas

The Galápagos Islands feel like stepping into another world. Pristine waters and volcanic landscapes set the stage for unforgettable up-close wildlife encounters—giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, hammerhead sharks, and Galápagos penguins, all astonishingly unafraid of humans. Small ships provide the only way to reach these remote islands, with naturalist-led tours that prioritize conservation while revealing the archipelago's wonders. From Isla Santiago’s stark lava fields to Isla Española’s white-sand beaches, every stop offers something unique. Cruise lines like Silversea and UnCruise combine comfort with a deeper connection to this extraordinary place

Best for: Families with adventurous kids, couples, and nature lovers.
When to go: The dry season (June–December) offers calm seas and optimal conditions for wildlife encounters.

Iconic Destinations with a Twist

These luxury boutique cruises take things up a notch. The ships are smaller in scale and offer higher-end onboard facilities — spas, restaurants, gyms — compared with what you might find elsewhere.

The Caribbean: Rediscovering the islands

Skip the mega-ships and uncover a side of the Caribbean that feels fresh and unhurried. Boutique cruise lines like Explora Journeys take you to smaller ports, more secluded beaches, and vibrant local communities. Think starlit dinners on deck and mornings wandering quiet island towns.

Best for: Couples, solo travelers, and those seeking a relaxed luxury experience.
When to go: December through April, for the driest weather and most pleasant temperatures.

The Mediterranean: Visiting lesser-known European gems

Few regions blend history, beauty, and cuisine like the Mediterranean. Small ships, such as Explora Journeys or the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection make it personal—anchoring in secluded coves, docking steps from a bustling village square, or giving you the chance to sip local wine at a waterfront café. With boutique cruises, you’ll experience both iconic landmarks and hidden gems, from the Amalfi Coast to Croatia’s lesser-known islands.

Best for: Food lovers, history buffs, and couples seeking romance.
When to go: Beautiful in summer. Or consider late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) for fewer crowds and milder weather.

Beyond the Ordinary

Indonesia: Hiking lush jungles & Diving Raja Ampat’s Reefs

Indonesia’s dramatic landscapes, from Bali’s volcanic peaks to Java’s lush rainforests and terraced fields are breathtaking. Known for its marine biodiversity, Indonesia offers some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving in Raja Ampat. Travelers can spot vibrant coral reefs, manta rays, and diverse fish species. Beyond the water, the islands reveal rich cultural traditions, from ancient temples to artisan villages. Nature lovers will enjoy spotting orangutans in Borneo, encountering Komodo dragons and exploring secluded beaches and waterfalls that showcase Indonesia’s untouched beauty.

Best for: Dive enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and anyone who’s ever wanted to explore a tropical paradise.
When to go: Dry season (May–October) brings calm seas and sunny skies.

Egypt: Exploring the Nile’s ancient Pyramids

Egypt offers an extraordinary cruise experience, with direct access to iconic monuments like the pyramids and the grand temples of Luxor and Karnak. Sailing along the Nile reveals Egypt’s timeless landscapes and archaeological wonders, from the Valley of the Kings to Luxor Temple, each site offering insight into ancient Egyptian civilization. Onboard, expert-led excursions immerse travelers in the region’s history, while stops at traditional villages and markets offer a glimpse into authentic Egyptian culture.

Best for: History lovers, cultural travelers, and adventure seekers.
When to go: October to April, when cooler weather makes exploring more comfortable.

Yachts: Floating Private Retreats

Image courtesy of Jack Hardy for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

For those seeking privacy and luxury, yachts offer a floating retreat with all the elegance of a world-class resort. Imagine the elegance of a luxury resort paired with the freedom to sail to hidden coves and private beaches. Luxury yachts from brands like Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton redefine cruising as intimate, indulgent, and unforgettable. These vessels aren’t just transportation—they’re destinations in themselves.

Why I’m Here to Help

Cruising can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s so different from what you’re used to. It can be also quite complex to find the right fit and the right room. That’s where I come in. From bucket-list expeditions to boutique escapes, I’ll help you navigate every detail, from choosing the perfect itinerary to securing perks like upgrades or exclusive experiences.

If you’re skeptical about cruising—just like I was—it’s time to rethink what’s possible. Let’s find your perfect way to explore the world from the water.

Ready to set sail? Let’s make it happen!

“...She made the entire process so seamless. Her thoughtful recommendations and ability to anticipate what we’d love made this one of the best trips we’ve ever taken”

— C.H.

Cruises for People Who Don’t Cruise