Luxury Cruise Expert Gaynor Galbraith Neill’s Top 10 Must-Do Voyages

As owner of the award-winning Cruise Vacations, Gaynor is celebrating 30 years of curating dream voyages for discerning clients to all 7 continents.

Here, she shares her Top 10 Must-Do Voyages for 2025 & 2026— not in any particular order, each one has been selected for its unique blend of destination appeal, luxurious ships, and immersive experiences.

1. The Arctic – Silversea Cruises
   An expedition to the Arctic with Silversea is a journey into one of Earth’s last great wildernesses. Explore the dramatic landscapes of Svalbard, Greenland, and the Canadian High Arctic where polar bears roam and glaciers tower over tranquil fjords. Zodiac landings, expert-led lectures, and Silversea’s legendary butler service make this both an adventurous and indulgent escape.
2. Christmas Markets – Scenic & Emerald River Cruises
   A river cruise through Europe’s Christmas Markets is pure festive-season magic. Sail the Danube or Rhine aboard Scenic or Emerald Cruises, stopping in storybook cities like Vienna, Nuremberg, and Budapest. Stroll cobbled lanes sparkling with festive lights, sip mulled wine, and shop for artisanal gifts in centuries-old markets. A seasonal journey to warm the heart.
3. The Amalfi Coast – Star Clippers
   Combining romance and nostalgia, it’s hard to surpass a tall-ship voyage with Star Clippers. Under sails, ports include Positano, Sorrento, and Sicily. Enjoy the relaxed glamour of the Italian Riviera. The experience combines classic seafaring with modern luxury—ideal for those who love the ocean breeze and hidden coves.
4. Antarctica – Silversea or Scenic Eclipse
   No destination captures the imagination quite like Antarctica. Whether aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition vessels or the ultra-modern Scenic Eclipse discovery yacht, expect daily excursions by Zodiac, up-close wildlife encounters with penguins and seals, and a surreal, icy landscape that defies description. This is the ultimate “last continent” adventure.
5. Adriatic & Greek Islands – Silversea’s S.A.L.T. Programme
   For gastronomes and culture lovers, Silversea’s Adriatic and Greek Islands itineraries—enhanced by the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) Programme—are a revelation. Join local chefs, visit family-run farms, and taste your way through the Mediterranean with immersive culinary excursions. From Istrian truffle hunts to Santorini wine tastings, this is indulgence on a new level.
6. Seychelles Expedition – Swan Hellenic
   Cruising the Seychelles on a boutique expedition ship like SH Diana is a tropical dream with a twist. Visit far-flung islands, unspoiled by mass tourism, and dive or snorkel in crystal-clear waters rich in marine life. Swan Hellenic offers an elegant, all-inclusive expedition experience that blends luxury with true exploration.
7. Galápagos Islands – Silver Origin
   Aboard Silversea’s purpose-built Silver Origin, the Galápagos come alive in extraordinary detail. This ultra-luxury vessel offers a deeply immersive journey with expert naturalists, daily guided explorations, and seamless comfort. From giant tortoises to marine iguanas and abundant birdlife, each island unveils nature’s masterpieces in a setting of rare exclusivity.
8. Croatia – Emerald Kaia Yacht
   Launching in 2026, the Emerald Kaia offers a stylish new way to explore the Croatian coastline. With just 100 guests, this custom-designed yacht delivers a relaxed yet refined onboard experience. Cruise between Dubrovnik, Split, and lesser-known gems, anchoring in quiet bays and sampling Dalmatian cuisine in waterfront towns.
9. Douro River – Scenic & Emerald Cruises
   Portugal’s Douro Valley is a visual and culinary delight. Aboard Scenic or Emerald’s luxurious river ships, sail past terraced vineyards and historic villages. Taste world-famous port wines, visit medieval castles, and enjoy slow, scenic cruising through the heart of this UNESCO-listed region.
10. Treasure Islands – Star Flyer (Caribbean)
    For a Caribbean experience beyond the ordinary, board Star Flyer for the “Treasure Islands” itinerary. Sail to hidden gems like Norman Island—said to have inspired Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe. The ship’s tall sails, intimate size, and barefoot elegance offer an authentic yet luxurious way to explore the Caribbean’s quieter paradise beaches.

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