These are the top luxury cruising trends for 2025
Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the idea of holidaying at sea, the endless cruising options on offer can make it tricky to choose the right one.
Luckily, expert Mark Trim, founder and managing director of Flat Beds Tour + Cruise and Onboard Luxury, knows exactly where the hottest destinations are and what lines to focus on for the 2025/2026 season.
From sailing the sparkling Mediterranean to exploring stunning Antarctica, here are his top picks for planning your next luxury cruise.
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Cruising is set to get even bigger and better for 2025 and beyond. (Getty/iStock) Getty
Best cruises to book now
If Europe is on your travel wish list, Mark explains that river cruising is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to tick off countless destinations - all without having to drag your luggage over pesky cobblestones.
"We've seen a huge demand for river cruising [in] 2025 and the last river cruising cabins in Europe for 2025 are being booked," he says.
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With luxury river cruises sailing along the scenic Danube River, experts say now is the time to book. (Getty/iStock) Getty
Meanwhile, if your sights are set on a big trip next year, Mark advises now is the time to lock things in to get the best deals.
"While it might seem too far out to book, if you're looking at river cruising in 2026 and want a balcony suite, book now to secure the biggest early bird discounts," he says.
Keen to see the sights of Canada or Alaska instead?
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Vancouver is another cruising hotspot to watch this year. (Getty/iStock) Getty
Mark suggests booking now if you don't want to miss out on cruises in 2025, or finalising 2026 travel plans to nab the best cabins and prices.
Hottest destinations
Antarctica Cruises
Always a popular choice for cruisers, Mark predicts this is set to continue in 2025 and beyond.
Whether your interest is in wildlife, photography, geography or simply just marvelling at this incredible part of the world, cruising allows unmatched access to this untouched region.
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There's no better way to see Antarctica than on a cruise. (Getty/iStock) Getty
The Antarctic Express Fly the Drake cruise with Quark Expeditions departs from Chile, and sees eight jam-packed days of exploring, kicked off by a charter flight over Drake Passage.
Mediterranean Cruises
If you prefer your sailing with a side of European sunshine, the Mediterranean is the place to be this year.
From soaking up the culture and history of Greece to luxuriating in the glamorous French and Italian rivieras, this is the perfect choice for those who prefer their travel hassle free.
Stunning cities such as Nice make the Mediterranean a cruising paradise. (Getty/iStock) Getty
Book in a stint on a stylish yacht with Emerald Cruise's Riviera Rendezvous cruise, which leisurely sails the idyllic French and Italian coastline over eight days, taking in Nice, Cannes and Bonifacio along the way.
Norway Cruises
Offering up once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as the mystical Northern Lights, a stay at The Snowhotel and sailing their famous fjords, it's no wonder this Scandinavian spot is on the list for many travellers.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Norway by boat. (Getty/iStock) Getty
If you're more environmentally minded, book a cruise with Hurtigruten - their fleet will undertake a massive upgrade to cut CO2 emissions by approximately 25 per cent and NOx by 80 per cent by this year, and three ships will be upgraded to hybrid power.
Top cruise liners
The Ritz-Carlton Collection
They're a name that's synonymous with luxury, and The Ritz-Carlton group are giving cruisers a chance to experience that at sea with their next-level superyachts.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection debuted their superyacht Ilma last year. (The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection) The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
With destinations such as Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, The Ritz-Carlton Luminara is set to launch in 2025, and will feature 226 suites with private terraces, five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault and spa.
Silversea Cruises
Sailing to more than 900 destinations, Silversea offer the kind of service you find in five-star hotels - think butler service and incredible fine wines and curated cuisine.
The Silversea's newest cruise ship Silver Ray is the sister ship to the Silver Nova. (Getty/iStock) Getty
"Silversea's Silver Nova recently visited Australia for the first time," says Mark.
"Silver Nova is one of the most environmentally friendly ships at sea, with only 728 guests onboard, she is luxury, all inclusive cruising at its best."
