Unique cruise alternatives you might never have heard of
Updated . First published
If you’ve cruised with Carnival Cruise Lines, sailed the world with Celebrity, or sampled Royal Caribbean, you may be looking for something a little different for a holiday at sea.
There are plenty of under-the-radar cruise lines to set sail on once you’ve tried all the big names. Some you might not even have heard on before.
Japanese company Mitsui Ocean Cruises, takes you on a journey around the Land of the Rising Sun on an intimate ship. Mitsui Ocean Cruises
From bucket list, spend-the-kids’-inheritance expeditions to more affordable voyages, here’s our pick of the best alternative cruises to try.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises
Japanese company Mitsui Ocean Cruises takes you on a journey around the Land of the Rising Sun on an intimate ship.
You’ll be immersed in the culture as you explore the popular holiday destination, which blends “omotenashi” or heartfelt hospitality with Western luxury.
Cruise Traveller is the Australian representative for the cruise line, whose ships include vessels revamped from luxury brand Seabourn.
Aranui
The Tahiti Aranui 5 cruise ship offers 200 cabins with a capacity for 230 guests.
In 2024, it served as the athletes village for surfers competing in Tahiti for the Paris Olympic Games.
Aranui 5 ship in Tahiti Supplied
The dual-purpose passenger/freighter ship sails from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands in French Polynesia on a 12 day all-inclusive cruise.
The ship has eight guest decks, a spa, gym, waterslide, boutique, library, and the first tattoo studio at sea. It even has dorm rooms if you’re happy to share.
The Tahiti Aranui 5 cruise ship offers 200 cabins with a capacity for 230 guests to sail the tropical islands. Getty
Ponant Explorations
If your bucket list, money-no-object-holiday is an expedition cruise, look into a voyage with Ponant Explorations.
It has a fleet of 12 French-flagged small ships, fitted with the latest environmental technologies.
They include the world’s only luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot.
The ship made its inaugural visit to Australia in mid-February 2026, arriving in Hobart, Tasmania.
The company also encompasses Paul Gauguin Cruises which sails the South Pacific, with butlers on hand to cater for passengers’ every whim.
The world's only luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, visited Australia as part of an epic voyage. Supplied
Windstar Cruises
If your dream of sailing the high seas involves a sailing ship this company is for you. Windstar has eight all-suite and sailing yachts holding up to 350 guests.
The small ships can access waterways cruise ships can’t.
You can even sail through London’s Tower Bridge on the small ships on some itineraries, which start at three nights.
Windstar has eight all-suite and sailing yachts holding up to 350 guests. Supplied
European Waterways
While river cruises are a popular way to see parts of Europe especially, you can also set sail on canals.
European Waterways is the biggest luxury hotel barging company in Europe, with a fleet of 18 carrying between six and 20 guests.
You can explore France, Scotland, Ireland, England, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Italy on board.
European Waterways is the biggest luxury hotel barging company in Europe, with a fleet of 18 carrying between six and 20 guests. European Waterways
HX Expeditions
The world’s oldest expedition cruise company says it is also the largest provider of expedition cruises to Antarctica, starting in 1896.
It has five ships which sail to more than 250 destinations across over 30 countries.
Hurtigruten
A cross between a cruise ship and a ferry, Hurtigruten connects coastal communities in Norway.
They transport locals, cargo and guests to 34 ports along the 12-day round trip between Bergen and Kirkenes, a route dubbed the world’s most beautiful voyage. The company is also big on sustainable travel.
A cross between a cruise ship and a ferry, Hurtigruten connects coastal communities in Norway. Supplied
Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea has some of the cheapest holidays at sea anywhere
Margaritaville at Sea has some of the cheapest holidays at sea anywhere Margaritaville at Sea
The ships, Beachcomber, Islander and Paradise sail from Florida, USA, to the Carribean.
Five night jaunts to Mexico start at under $500.
Marella Cruises If you’re looking for a bargain, this British-based all inclusive cruise line would fit the bill Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises
If you’re looking for a bargain, this British all-inclusive cruise line would fit the bill.
Prices even include flights from the UK and drinks.
It has five ships Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2, Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2 and Marella Voyager
It’s the third-largest cruise line in the UK and also has a river cruise arm, TUI River Cruises.
