In the need to adapt to resume sailing, cruise lines are reimagining their itineraries—creating a dynamic new approach to how and where they sail. Eager-to-return travelers, in turn, are snapping up staterooms—not just for 2021, but well beyond. “Countries around the world began opening to vaccinated travelers, which opened the door to ships finding new homeports,” says Colleen McDaniel, Cruise Critic’s editor-in-chief. “We’re hearing from cruise lines that demand is high.”
As cruising returns this year, expect ship makeovers and new debuts right alongside these innovative itineraries. Ship-hop through epic river journeys, explore world affairs with distinguished diplomats, dive deep into a single country—and that’s just for starters. Here, we share our favorite new voyages coming up on the cruise front.
All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Ponant: A World Affairs Cruise in the Baltic
This sailing on the 184-passenger Le Jacques Cartier stars global affairs heavyweights who will lead riveting discussions on U.S. relations with the world. Esteemed experts include Robin Wright, contributing writer to The New Yorker and former U.S. ambassador to NATO; former Deputy National Security Advisor Ambassador Douglas Lute; and Jane Holl Lute, special advisor to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and former Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. In Szczecin, Poland, former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize-winner Lech Wałęsa comes onboard for an exclusive presentation and discussion. This nine-day Stockholm to Copenhagen cruise includes two full days in UNESCO World Heritage-site-rich St. Petersburg, and a visit to the beautifully preserved medieval town of Visby on Gotland, the Baltic Sea’s largest island. Departs July 17, 2021.
Book now: From $7,070 per person; us.ponant.com
AmaWaterways: Seven River Journey
Sail seven rivers through 14 European countries on a whopping 46-day Spring Edition cruise via three ships sailing between Avignon, France, and Giurgiu, Romania; the Summer Edition sails on four ships between Paris and Giurgiu. Revel in the Rhône, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube, Schedlt, and Maas (the latter two are Dutch and Belgian) rivers. With a dedicated cruise manager overseeing the entire journey, guests seamlessly transfer between ships and locations. Expect exclusive experiences and surprises solely for Seven River Journey guests, and perks like complimentary laundry. Due to limited availability, a Fall Edition looks promising. The Spring Edition departs April 20, 2023, the Summer Edition departs June 1, 2023.