8 Unique Cruises for Your Bucket List
Cruises can be a bit polarizing, but we're all for the recent surge of unexpected luxury voyages that reach some of the dreamiest corners of the earth. Here are eight unique cruises we're itching to book! Image: Edgardo Contreras | The Ritz-Carlton Yachts
There’s something sublimely appealing about unpacking only once and exploring more of the world from the sea. We searched high and low for some of the most unusual cruise itineraries for wanderlust appetites of all kinds. From luxury yachting through the Mediterranean to off-boat helicoptering in Antarctica, here are eight unique cruises that have landed a spot on our bucket list.
Galápagos Islands on Celebrity Flora | Celebrity Cruises
Book for: Eco-friendly exploration of the Galápagos from a custom-designed mega yacht
Celebrity Flora is a 100-passenger, all-suite megayacht custom-built to navigate the Galápagos Islands in luxury. This one-of-a-kind cruise offers immersive, guided expeditions in one of Earth’s most biodiverse and remote locations.
The ship features personal suite attendants, open-air stargazing platforms, an observatory/library, and eco-friendly design throughout. Flora’s Infinite Veranda staterooms transform your entire suite into an open-air balcony at the touch of a button.
There are also private dining experiences, sustainable gourmet cuisine, and personalized service tailored for each guest. Naturalists lead educational experiences from the ship to white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Across the volcanic islands, you may spot giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Underwater, you can dive or snorkel with rays, sharks, and even sea turtles.
Antarctica on the Scenic Eclipse | Scenic
Book for: A luxurious Antarctica experience with cutting-edge exploration technology
Dubbed the “World’s First Discovery Yacht,” Scenic Eclipse offers an all-inclusive luxury experience with luxe suites (each with a private balcony), 10 dining options (from French to Asian fusion), a spa, and an expansive wellness center.
It’s the best way to see the captivating regions of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, as the ship is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for unique excursions.
Knowledgeable guides lead multiple Zodiac landings, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboard excursions per day. Thrill seekers can take helicopter tours and even submarine dives for even rarer views of this wild landscape! Back on board, warm up at the world-class spa, dip in the heated plunge pools, or unwind with a book and glass of wine in one of the lounges with panoramic views of the pristine Antarctic wilderness.
Outback & Island Pearls on Regatta | Oceania Cruises
Book for: An exotic tropical cruise through hard-to-reach South Pacific and Australia
Oceania’s Outback & Island Pearls is THE bucket list cruise of all bucket list cruises. The 25-day journey sails from Bali, Indonesia, to Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia, exploring stunning South Pacific destinations along the way.
You’ll visit Komodo Island, stop at four Australian ports, and snorkel in Lautoka, the “soft coral capital of the world.” Toward the end, discover Fiji, American Samoa, and Bora Bora’s famous lagoon before ending in beautiful Tahiti.
When you’re not exploring crystal-clear lagoons, coral reefs, and lush rainforests, soak up the ship’s luxurious amenities. Regatta carries around 684 guests and is known for its Chef Jacques Pépin-curated cuisine. With its intimate size, elegant décor, and ability to reach unique ports, this cruise is perfect for those seeking a refined, laid-back island getaway across 10+ iconic destinations.
Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise on American Harmony | American Cruise Lines
Book for: A “Lewis and Clark”-style expedition of the Pacific Northwest
When we think of American Cruise Lines, we typically think of the Mississippi River. However, they also have a sought-after itinerary that takes you to a corner of the country on many travel bucket lists: The Pacific Northwest.
The Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise highlights the area’s rich history, lush local vineyards, and remarkable natural landmarks like the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls, and Hells Canyon.
Shore excursions include wine tastings, tours of Mount St. Helens, and visits to Lewis and Clark expedition landmarks. Aboard the 180-passenger American Harmony riverboat, enjoy suites with private balconies, fine dining highlighting seafood-centric Pacific Northwest cuisine, and experts on the region’s history and nature.
Christmas on the Rhine | Viking Cruises
Book for: A festive mix of German, French, and Swiss holiday traditions along the Rhine
If dreamy old-world Christmas markets are on your bucket list, there’s no better way to see multiple of them than by river cruise. Viking offers several enchanting itineraries that encapsulate Europe’s most famous holiday markets. Imagine sipping your mulled wine and enjoying a holiday treat while shopping for artisan crafts throughout beautifully decorated town squares.
This eight-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel (or reverse) along the Rhine River includes stops at some of Europe’s most iconic Christmas markets, with a good mix of large and small. For grand cities and imperial elegance, go with the Danube. For a fairytale mix of historic towns and big markets, the Rhine is ideal. Plus, there’s so much more to see in the towns beyond the markets.
Transatlantic Crossing on Ilma | The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Book for: An ultra-luxurious and relaxed way to get to Europe (and see the Azores!)
The Ritz-Carlton recently launched yacht excursions, and we’re drooling over the ships and the voyages. A transatlantic crossing by boat is truly a bucket-list experience for even the most seasoned European roamer. It’s a slow-paced way to traverse the pond without a flood of jet lag.
This 12-night voyage sails from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon (or the other way around) on the 2024-built Ilma. The superyacht has 224 airy, light-filled suites, all with private terraces and the highest ratio of space per guest.
You’ll stop in Nassau on the way over and the Azores on the way into Lisbon. After so much relaxing at sea, you’ll be ready to hike to the crater lakes of São Miguel Island, walk the cobblestone streets of Ponta Delgada, and explore rare volcanic phenomena.
During lazy days at sea, spectacular sunrises and sunsets bookend your hand-picked days. Sign up for a wine-tasting or a chef-led cooking class. Book a spa day or lounge by the pool with a book and a cocktail. The yacht’s aft Marina area is an expansive space where you can dine alfresco or hop on a kayak or jetski directly from the yacht.
Bahamian Cruise on Disney Wish | Disney Cruises
Book for: Parents who want to have as much fun as their kids on a family cruise
We can’t talk bucket-list cruises without thinking about families and the ease of the Bahamas. Ask anyone who’s been on a Disney cruise — they rock. Pick a four-night cruise on the Wish, which launched in 2022 and boasts enormous advances in technology, design, and amenities.
Kids go wild for the AquaMousea water coaster, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. There are original Broadway-style shows, a made-for-adults Star Wars cocktail lounge, immersive dining experiences in Frozen, Old Hollywood eatery), Marvel themes, and two exclusive adult-only dining options, Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté.
While kids are off at their leader-led activities, relax at the secluded Quiet Cove pool, cocktail lounge, or spa. These itineraries let you explore Disney’s dreamy private island, Castaway Cay. Kids can snorkel and partake in water sports while you chill on the adults-only beach or kayak through the mangroves.
The Rivieras Mediterranean Voyage | Four Seasons Yachts (COMING 2026)
Book for: Small-boat luxury through iconic Mediterranean spots
Four Seasons Yachts will set sail on its inaugural season in 2026, and it’s the pinnacle of maritime luxury. The 95 suites range from 500 to nearly 10,000 square feet, each with a private terrace and personal butler. We love that you can book a three-bedroom suite for a group, and the staff-to-guest ratio is one-to-one!
Four Seasons has unveiled dozens of ways to see the Mediterranean, but we love the itinerary starting in Monte Carlo and heading to the Cinque Terra, Sardinia, Saint Tropez, and Port-Vendres before ending in beautiful Mallorca.
Off-ship days are filled with unique shore excursions, such as food and wine tours, guided art experiences, and private beach access. There’s also a Michelin-star dining experience, an onboard spa, and top-notch entertainment.
Which of these bucket list cruises are you booking?!
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Zoe Yarborough
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.