9 new cruise itineraries for 2024

20.12.2023 - 09:17 / nationalgeographic.com

When it comes to trends, expedition cruises are the gift that keeps on giving. New Zealand’s fascinating wildlife and ecosystem, the US’s plethora of iconic national parks, and Madagascar’s paradisical diving and hiking sites — these are just some of the exhilarating expedition cruises new for 2024 and beyond. We whittle down nine of our favourites.

Discover the southernmost archipelago in French Polynesia with Aranui Cruises. It’s the only line to visit the Austral Islands, which lie 400 miles from the Tahitian capital of Papeete, where the 11-day voyage begins and ends. Visit all five inhabited isles in the archipelago of seven volcanic islands ringed with coral reefs. Far-flung Rapa, 325 miles from its nearest neighbour and with a population of just 467, sits in an idyllic lagoon inside a crater and can only be reached by ship. On board, expect a wealth of ukulele and craft classes, plus a resident tattooist for anyone wanting a permanent reminder of their trip. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, Aranui is the longest-serving line in French Polynesia and its ship Aranui 5 — an unusual hybrid cargo and passenger vessel — is as much a talking point as the itinerary. Sails on 30 March and 2 November 2024, from €5,209 (£4,555) cruise-only with a 50% discount for a second passenger and no single supplement for solo travellers.

In response to a surge in demand for tailor-made private group travel, tour operator Black Tomato has introduced exclusive and once-in-a-lifetime See You in the Moment (SYITM) experiences. These trips include a new sailing trip around New Zealand’s isolated Poor Knights Islands on a privately chartered sustainable motor yacht affiliated with the ocean conservation charity Live Ocean. Sleeping up to eight people in four cabins, the yacht sails from Auckland via Great Barrier Island to the clear subtropical waters, deep sea caves and mesmerising ecosystem, once described by legendary French explorer Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Divers will not only be rewarded by otherworldly beauty, but will be sharing space with dolphins and orcas. Then spend evenings stargazing at clear night skies devoid of any light pollution. A five-night bespoke sailing, October 2024 onwards, from £20,500 cruise-only.

US small ship specialist American Cruise Lines’ new programme for 2024 will take passengers into the heart of iconic national parks. The Grand Alaska National Parks itinerary between Fairbanks and Juneau features an 18-day Alaska tour, with cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage and Frederick Sound, and a week-long guided exploration of Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Staying inland, there’s a 12-day Great Smoky Mountains