10 lesser-known cruise lines that will expand your horizons

For most of us, the word ‘cruise’ conjures images of giant floating hotels from the likes of Royal Caribbean International or Carnival Cruise Line.

But despite well-known brands working tirelessly to cement themselves as the go-to- choice for a cruise holiday, the industry is awash with expert operators of all sizes – some of which you may never have heard of.

These companies usually operate on a smaller scale, meaning they can reach ports the larger vessels can’t access. Sea Cloud’s 94-guest
Sea Cloud II, for example, can take you to the fishing village of Fiscardo on the Greek island of Kefalonia. Home to just a few hundred people, it’s the kind of place where you can sample linguine with shrimp alongside locals

in Panormos Kitchen & Bar overlooking the port – an experience you’ll struggle to have on a mega-ship due to port restrictions.

So if you’re looking to switch up your usual cruise break, our guide below will help you discover a whole range of new lines.

1. AMERICAN CRUISE LINES

As the US’s largest river and small ship operator, American Cruise Lines is a household name among our transatlantic cousins. But on our side of the pond, it’s not an option that usually springs to mind when planning a cruise.

Yet the line is perfect for couples looking to experience the American heartland via its waterways, as it operates 19 cruise ships along the east and west coasts of the US, as well as along the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. It employs local guides in places such as Nashville, where you can enjoy the foot-tapping sounds of live country music at the Grand Ole Opry.

Its collection of six American Riverboats feature staterooms (cabins) with private balconies, fitness centres and libraries.

2. ANTARCTICA21

You’ll win no prizes for guessing which part of the world Antarctica21 specialises in. The line was even founded in Punta Arenas, Chile – the traditional gateway for the first Antarctic explorers.

As well as offering a range of itineraries to its namesake destination, the fly-cruise operator also sails to Cape Horn, Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Its fleet of two ships – Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova – will become three in 2026 when Magellan Discoverer is deployed to explore the White Continent.

Antarctica21’s sustainability credentials and ethical travel ethos are critical to its operation.

The brand is 100 per cent carbon neutral, 50 per cent of its workforce are women and it has supported five citizen science programmes and local community initiatives through its Antarctica21 Foundation.

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

New kid on the dock Atlas Ocean Voyages hit the ground running following its entrance into the luxury expedition market in 2019.

Since then, the line has launched three vessels: World Navigator in August 2021, World Traveller in November 2022 and World Voyager in November 2023.

According to Atlas’s Bernard Carter, the firm’s target audience are those seeking “authentic and enriching adventures”. Bernard adds, “Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or cultural immersion, Atlas promises unforgettable voyages tailored to satisfy the most discerning travellers.”

Atlas offers a range of expedition itineraries to the polar regions, as well as to northern Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, South America and the Caribbean.

HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES

Formed by two German transportation companies merging in 1970, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers a range of global itineraries across its fleet of five ships – Europa, Europa 2, Hanseatic Inspiration, Hanseatic Nature and Hanseatic Spirit.

Despite being a German company, the line offers several sailings on Europa 2 and Hanseatic Inspiration that are designed to make Brits feel at ease, with travel documents, programmes and menus, as wellas announcements and onboard lectures, all in English.

Its ships offer fitness and wellness plans for health-conscious cruisers; there are playrooms and babysitters for children, and watersports marinas for those who want to explore the world beneath the waves.

HAVILA VOYAGES

Founded in 2017, Havila Voyages specialises in Norwegian coastal cruising, with return trips between Bergen and Kirkenes.

The line can carry 468 passengers on each of its four ships, Havila Capella, Havila Castor, Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux.

The company’s head of sales, Matthew Valentine, says, “From a range of locally organised excursions to sampling traditional gourmet cuisine, we offer a unique and immersive way to explore the Norwegian coastline.”

So whether you want to snowmobile under the Northern Lights or bask beneath the midnight sun, Havila is a great choice for first-time cruisers or experienced seafarers looking to switch up their usual sailing experiences.

HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES

You’ll struggle to discover Scotland’s vast network of islands without oceangoing transport, so opt for Hebridean Island Cruises if you’re looking to venture into the country’s westernmost archipelago.

As well as Scotland, the line’s Hebridean Princess visits England, Northern Ireland and Wales, in addition to northern France and Belgium.

The 38-guest Lord of the Highlands, meanwhile, sails itineraries on the Caledonian Canal and Scotland’s west coast, venturing as far north as Orkney. It also visits Edinburgh, where you can enjoy the city’s architectural heritage before tucking into a warm plate of haggis, neeps and tatties.

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS

Launching as Lindblad Travel in 1958, Lindblad Expeditions was one of the first companies to take tourists to the Galapagos and is thought to have led the first tourist expedition to Antarctica in 1966.

At the turn of the millennium the line partnered with National Geographic to enhance its range of shoreside excursions, which are available across its fleet of 15 ships.

The line now offers itineraries all over the world, including Antarctica, the Arctic, Asia, the Caribbean and North America, as well Britain and the Mediterranean.

Discovery is Lindblad’s lifeblood – you’ll find kayaks, wetsuits and snorkels on board for underwater adventures in the Med’s crystal blue reefs, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to help you delve into the frozen universes of the poles.

RIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES

While the entry of high-end hotel brands such as Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton is redefining luxury at sea, Riverside believes that its ships are similarly “setting new standards” on the world’s inland waterways.

The line’s UK managing director, Charlie Hewitt-Davies, says, “With the biggest food and beverage budget per passenger in the sector, we provide the freshest produce with the greatest variety.”

The company operates a fleet of three ships – Riverside Mozart on the Danube, Riverside Debussy on the Rhine and Riverside Ravel on the Rhone. And with a guest-to-crew ratio of 1:2, you’ll never be left wondering where your next glass of fizz is coming from.

TAUCK

If you’re on the hunt for a unique river cruise experience with exclusive shoreside activities, look no further than Tauck.

Go on safari or experience a luxurious evening at a private gala dinner with live classical music in a Viennese palace, where aristocratic hosts roll out the red carpet for you.

Tauck’s Tom Dumbrell says, “The true value of a Tauck cruise is in its exclusive experiences – think nobility- hosted palace dinners, wine tastings at family-owned vineyards, early opening and after-hours visits to the Louvre.”

Cruise prices on Tauck’s fleet of 84-guest riverboats include all-day beverages and gratuities, and the line sails to 100 destinations in more than 70 countries.

WINDSTAR CRUISES

With a fleet of six small luxury vessels, Windstar Cruises is the perfect fit if you’re looking for a quiet cruise to some of the world’s least-travelled nooks and crannies.

Calling at around 150 ports in 50 countries, the line prides itself on its connection to the communities it visits.

This is achieved by employing local tour guides, as well as offering late and overnight calls to encourage guests to spend more time engaging with residents shoreside.

You will also find a watersports platform on board several of the line’s yachts, offering kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear and trampolines on the water.