Let’s face it: cruises sometimes get a bad rap for being a little by-the-numbers: shuffleboard, bottomless buffets, and spectacular sunsets on repeat. But 2025 is the year to challenge that stereotype with itineraries as unique as your quirkiest passions. Whether you’re an aspiring painter, a birdwatching aficionado, or someone who just loves the idea of knitting while surrounded by the endless horizon, there’s a cruise tailor-made for you. 

Craft and create on the high seas

If you've got a cupboard full of yarn and a desire to get crafting with a backdrop of endless ocean views, why not embark on a craft-themed cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines? Where workshops in knitting, embroidery, and quilting run alongside scenic journeys to picturesque ports. Stitch your way through the Norwegian fjords or perfect your patchwork as the Scottish Isles drift by the window. Plus, as a bonus: Cruise Collective members can enjoy 5% off Fred. Olsen sailings. That's more cash for yarn (or wine, no judgment here). For a full guide to crafting at sea, click here.

Unmatched wildlife expeditions in the Galápagos

For animal lovers, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions offers an extraordinary Galápagos experience. Follow in Darwin’s footsteps to witness giant tortoises, playful sea lions, and blue-footed boobies up close. With onboard lectures from marine biologists and eco-guides, this experience offers travellers a front-row seat to some of nature's most jaw-dropping sights. As a Cruise Collective member, enjoy 5% off your booking—perfect for upgrading to a cabin with a view. For a more in-depth look at this bucket-list archipelago, read our full guide here.

A beer lover’s voyage

Calling all craft beer enthusiasts! Celebrity Cruises offers beer-tasting voyages that stop at some of the world’s finest breweries, from Belgium’s Trappist abbeys to Portland’s craft beer mecca. Onboard, enjoy exclusive beer-pairing dinners and talks from brewmasters. It’s the perfect cruise for anyone who believes beer is best enjoyed with salty sea air and a side of wanderlust. And if you're really keen on your hops and barley, read our full guide to cruises for craft beer enthusiasts here.

The Great Tea Trail

Tea connoisseurs, rejoice! Regent Seven Seas Cruises takes you on a tea-centric journey through Sri Lanka, India, and China. From sipping the finest Ceylon teas at lush plantations to sampling artisanal blends in Shanghai, this is a voyage steeped in culture and flavour. As a Cruise Collective member, you’ll enjoy £500 off your booking. For a more thorough look at where a cruise along the tea trail might take you find our full guide to the region here.

Arctic photography with Hurtigruten

If your Instagram feed is overdue for some thumb-stopping content, hop on a Hurtigruten Arctic expedition. This photography-focused voyage offers workshops with professional photographers and the chance to capture the majestic beauty of polar bears, glaciers, and the ethereal Northern Lights. And with a 5% Cruise Collective discount, you can finally invest in that telephoto lens you’ve been eyeing up. We've also collated a thorough guide to photography at sea here.

Jazz on the Mississippi

Step back in time on an authentic paddlewheel steamboat cruising the Mississippi River. Celebrity Cruise Line offers jazz-themed itineraries that celebrate the deep musical roots of the region. From onboard performances to tours of iconic music halls in New Orleans, this cruise will have you snapping your fingers all the way down the river.

Culinary adventures in the Mediterranean

For foodies, Ambassador Cruise Line’s culinary cruises through the Mediterranean are a feast for the senses. Learn to make fresh pasta in Italy, indulge in wine tastings in Bordeaux, and hunt for truffles in Croatia. And Cruise Collective members get 10% off Ambassador Cruise Line's itineraries. That’s a lot of extra gelato money. For a full rundown of our favourite culinary sojourns, click here.

Stargazing at sea

If you're seeking an opportunity to truly unplug why not consider a stargazing cruise with Fred. Olsen. These voyages feature astronomers who guide you through constellations, meteor showers, and even chart parts of the Milky Way, all from the perfect light-pollution-free vantage point—the middle of the ocean. Prepare to feel small in the best possible way. And if you're interested in learning more about the night sky at sea, find our full guide here.

Spiritual experiences by river

For a spiritual twist, embark on a cathedral-themed river cruise with AmaWaterways, visiting sacred sites along the Danube river. With onboard discussions on history and faith, this is a journey to feed both the soul and the curious mind. And don’t forget, Cruise Collective members save £150. We've also curate a full list of spiritual sojourns you might want to try in 2025 here.

Art on the Amalfi Coast

Channel your inner Monet on an art-themed cruise along Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Join painting workshops inspired by the region’s stunning cliffs and azure waters. Stops at picturesque towns like Positano and Ravello provide endless material for your masterpiece. There's nothing quite like explaining your new artwork to friends back home: “Oh, this? I painted it on a cruise.” Read our full guide to artistic inspiration at sea here.

Set Sail on Your Passion

Whether you’re knitting, sipping, painting, or stargazing, these niche cruises prove that there’s more to life at sea than bingo nights and shuffleboard. With exclusive discounts for Cruise Collective members, now’s the perfect time to book a voyage that’s as unique as you are. Click here to see our full list of exclusive discounts.