The Road Less Traveled: Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury Cruises
By | 05-23-2025 |
When you crave adventure, you’re very likely attuned to the fact that the thrill of discovery is more than half the fun. And yet, you also crave comfort, whether you’re on a luxury expedition cruise to pristine fjords or wandering the alleys of an ancient city on a private tour.
You also likely know that the Tully Travel Designers have this in spades, a winning hand’s worth of hidden gems around the globe at their fingertips. Whether heading to classic expedition destinations like the Arctic or the Galápagos, or into undiscovered corners of Canada or Europe, you can count on the valued Tully Luxury Travel partnerships to make the journey just as remarkable as the destination.
Silversea Expeditions
Silversea is making waves at the tip of South America, promising up-close encounters with wildlife, incredible Zodiac cruises, guided shore walks and expert insight, along with Silversea’s renowned service. They continue to amp up their offerings to the Seventh Continent with an innovative Antarctica Fly & Cruise program offering six- to 15-day itineraries. Guests avoid commercial flights by taking a private charter from Santiago, Chile, directly to Puerto Williams on the Chilean side of Navarino Island. From there, you board the Silver Cloud, Silver Endeavour or Silver Wind and carry on to the Antarctic Peninsula or spend a night first in The Cormorant at 55 South – a new 150-room luxury hotel opening in 2026. It lays claim to being The Southernmost Hotel on Earth.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions now has two new ships touring the Galápagos Islands, extensively doubling their itineraries among the wildlife wonder in the storied Ecuadorian archipelago. The National Geographic Delfina and the National Geographic Gemini feature top-level comfort, state-of-the-art expedition tools and a veteran expedition team to guide you every wave of the way. You see giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions and penguins on an hourly basis. Interestingly, Lars-Eric Lindblad was the first to send passengers on a modern expedition cruise to the Galápagos in the 1960s. This giant step for ecotourism and traveling with a purpose made people more aware of how fragile environments such as the Galápagos need to be protected.
HX Expeditions
HX Expeditions continues to thrill passengers booking their Arctic and Alaska voyages, with all-inclusive journeys that dig deep into the science, history, wildlife and culture of these intriguing destinations. The curious traveler has always been the focus of Hurtigruten, which has been taking explorers beyond the horizon to awe-inspiring places for more than 130 years – that’s some pedigree. The HX purpose-built ships deliver that sweet spot all expedition itineraries need, that balance of adventure, comfort and sustainability. Their unique cultural encounters and wildlife sightings will inspire you to develop a better understanding of the world around you – and return home feeling enriched.
Tauck
Tauck was founded in 1925 and since then has grown into a travel-industry icon, particularly when they draw from the knowledge of incredible in-destination partners who lend knowledge to every journey. Their immersive land experiences in Italy, for example, highlight the lesser-known gems you will enjoy uncovering – places not on the tourist maps. Tauck’s insider journeys within “Bel Paese” offer exclusive experiences you can’t get on your own. Imagine dinner with a baroness in a private villa in Palermo, truffle-hunting on an Umbrian farm or exploring Florence in a vintage Fiat 500. Wine-tastings, cable-car rides, cooking classes – Tauck can make your trip to Italy come alive.
Crystal
Crystal has long symbolized everything wonderful about luxury travel – exclusivity, comfort, privacy, personalization and insider access. Bespoke itineraries, secluded and authentic experiences, cultural immersion and VIP pampering have become a staple in the cruise line’s stable. But many don’t realize how Crystal can also actualize many wonderful experiences that await us right in our own backyard. We’re speaking, of course, of the close-to-home adventures Crystal offers in Canada and New England. Guests choosing to explore these regions are treated to excursions galore: you can sail in an America’s Cup-winning vessel in Newport, Rhode Island; go on a whale-watching safari in Quebec; or discover the grand merchant mansions of Kennebunkport, Portland. These are just a few examples of how Crystal gives you “more on shore.”
