#LeMillRecommends: Cruise Lines to Sail This Year
Many of the world's best cruise ships cater to a broad audience with amenities that intrigue both the youngest of sailors and those with mature sea legs. A cruise can mean many things: maybe an excuse to have date night every night with your partner without having to plan in advance, or perhaps dance the night away until the wee hours of the morning, or finally finish that book you’ve started half a dozen times.
There are different options when it comes to booking a sailing geared specifically toward adults—for some it's enough to have some 18 and up spaces carved out on the ship, for others a true adults-only cruise might be the way to go. Whichever route you take, options abound: With sailings to Australia, the Swedish Islands, Southeast Asia, Africa, and more, there's nowhere you can't go the moment your calendar opens up. Plus, take the stress of planning off your plate with a few cruises that provide you with meticulously curated itineraries.
Scenic
Scenic is an ultra-luxury polar-class expedition line with two 228-passenger vessels, Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II. The ships feel sophisticated with all-suite accommodations, butler service, up to 10 dining experiences, nine bars and lounges, and a huge spa with a yoga and Pilates studio. Expect numerous inclusions, like alcohol, dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and shore excursions (other than helicopter or submersible rides) led by seasoned experts. Scenic explores the globe, emphasising polar itineraries.
The sailing to take this year: The line recently introduced the “Australian Odyssey: Western Australia & The Abrolhos Islands” sailing. Expedition highlights include coral islands with thousands of endemic birds, vertical waterfalls, and ancient Indigenous rock art.
Departs August 20, 2025. Make your booking here.
Viking
On this adults-only cruise line, choose between river, ocean, and expedition vessels. Viking ships sail all seven continents. Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris explore the poles but also sail Niagara, the Great Lakes, and Chilean fjords. The Viking’s ocean and expedition fleet includes many amenities, such as one shore excursion per port, all dining, afternoon tea, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, spa Thermal Suite access, 24-hour room service, and a lot more!
The sailing to take this year: Given Viking's heritage as a Norwegian brand, start with a “Viking Homelands” cruise. The 15-day voyage, held on various 930-passenger ocean-going sister ships, sails between Stockholm, Sweden, and Bergen, Norway, and visits six countries including Poland, Denmark, and Germany. The packed itinerary includes sailing fjords and hiking remote Swedish islands, as well as touring Berlin and Copenhagen.
Departures from March 31, 2025. Make your booking here.
Crystal
Formerly Crystal Cruises, the luxury line was purchased by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, then dramatically remodelled and reborn as Crystal. Its legions of fiercely loyal fans are largely back, as are many familiar crew who pamper passengers incessantly. Its two gorgeous ships, 740-passenger Crystal Serenity and 606-passenger Crystal Symphony, fairly ooze sophistication and style. Crystal renewed its partnership with Nobu Matsuhisa; the line's award-winning onboard restaurant Umi Uma presents the globally renowned chef’s only plates at sea.
The sailing to take this year: Crystal Serenity offers a 15-day Mahe to Cape Town voyage with stops in Kenya, Tanzania, and Richard's Bay. Incredible outings include up to three safaris where guests can get a once-in-a-lifetime moment near some of the large mammals on this planet—including the 2,500 lions that roam the Serengeti.
Departs March 28, 2025. Make your booking here.
Silversea
An ultra-luxury line, Silversea offers both polar-class expedition ships and ocean liners that sail to more than 900 destinations across all seven continents. Fares include all-suite accommodations, butlers, caviar service, gratuities, alcohol, most dining, and some shore excursions (all outings on expedition ships).
The sailing to take this year: Among a roster of stellar itineraries, consider cruising Antarctica on board the intimate and glam 200-passenger (in polar regions) Silver Endeavour. With spacious suites, four restaurants, and a passionate expedition team, the ship sails the region between early March 2025 into November 2025. Six-day itineraries include round-trip flights to Antarctica, bypassing the often-turbulent Drake Passage.
Sailing six to 21-days round trip from Puerto Williams, Chile. Make your booking here.
Ritz Yacht Collection
The renowned hospitality brand has built its portfolio around upscale decor and world-class amenities. Now, it brings small ship sailings to adults looking to indulge in exclusivity and luxury. Meticulously designed suites, personalised service, and exquisite culinary options go hand-in-hand to create a captivating time at sea. Each of the three intimate yachts has a larger crew population than guests, meaning there is a particular hospitality style and immediate attention that guests can expect with each sailing.
The sailing to take this year: There are not many places the Ritz Carlton Yacht Club doesn’t venture to. One of its longer sailings is a 14-day voyage from Hong Kong to Singapore with eight stops along the way. While sailing the Luminara, guests will toast to the New Year, sunbathe on Koh Samui’s gorgeous beaches, and catch the glittering lights of Ho Chi Minh City from a private balcony.
Departs December 30, 2025. Make your booking here.
