Some people choose a cruise based on the ship’s waterslides. Others pick the itinerary that stops at the most Instagrammable beaches. And then there are those of us (discerning, adventurous, perhaps slightly obsessive) who want a cruise that matches our interests. Because why settle for just any holiday when you could be sipping vintage Bordeaux in France, photographing penguins in Antarctica, or cycling through the vineyards of the Douro Valley?

Choosing the perfect cruise for your passions is an art, a science, and possibly a mild addiction. But fear not! Whether you're a foodie, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone who thinks "holiday" and "history deep dive" belong in the same sentence, there’s a cruise for you.

For the Foodies: a voyage of endless indulgence

If your dream itinerary revolves around what’s on the menu, then you’ll want a cruise that delivers serious culinary credentials.

• Best cruises for food lovers: Celebrity Cruises is a top choice, boasting Michelin-starred chef partnerships and specialty dining that goes far beyond your standard buffet. Oceania Cruises takes it up a notch with hands-on cooking classes and market tours in ports like Barcelona and Bangkok.
• Top itineraries: The Mediterranean is a natural fit—pasta-making in Naples, wine tasting in Bordeaux, and fresh seafood in Santorini. If you prefer your meals with a side of exotic spice, an Asian sailing through Vietnam, Japan, or Thailand is your move.

Pro tip: Some cruise lines offer chef-led excursions where you can hand-pick ingredients at a local market and then learn how to turn them into a gourmet dish. Yes, please.

For the Wildlife Enthusiasts: Sailing into the Wild

Forget the zoo—seeing animals in their natural habitat is next-level travel magic.

• Best cruises for wildlife lovers: Hurtigruten Expeditions and Celebrity Cruises both offer spectacular nature-focused itineraries, with expert naturalists onboard to help you spot everything from breaching whales to rare seabirds.
• Top itineraries: The Galápagos Islands should be at the top of your list. Blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas? Yes, it’s real life, not a David Attenborough special. For something chillier but equally epic, an Antarctic cruise offers orca encounters and the kind of penguin chaos you never knew you needed.

Pro tip: Bring binoculars and a good camera—your phone won’t do justice to a humpback whale launching itself out of the water.

For the History Buffs: Where the Past Comes to Life

Why just read about history when you can step right into it?

• Best cruises for history lovers: Viking Cruises is basically a floating museum, with onboard lectures, walking tours, and itineraries that dive deep into the past.
• Top itineraries: A river cruise down the Danube will take you to medieval castles, Ottoman fortresses, and the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. For something more ancient, an Egyptian Nile cruise lets you wake up to temples, tombs, and towering statues of pharaohs.

Pro tip: If you’re that person who actually reads all the museum placards, look for cruises that include behind-the-scenes tours or expert-led excursions.

For the Photographers: Chasing the Perfect Shot

If your dream trip involves golden-hour light, dramatic landscapes, and zero photobombing tourists, you need a cruise that’s as photogenic as your Instagram feed.

• Best cruises for photographers: Hurtigruten’s Arctic and Antarctic sailings are bucket-list material, with vast icebergs, glowing auroras, and wildlife at every turn.
• Top itineraries: Norwegian fjords, Alaska, and Patagonia all offer mind-blowing scenery, while a Greek Isles cruise delivers those iconic white-washed buildings against a sapphire sea.

Pro tip: Bring a polarising filter for those dazzling ocean shots and don’t sleep through sunrise—you’ll regret it when everyone else posts theirs.

For the Adventure Seekers: Active Cruises That Keep You Moving

Not everyone wants to spend their cruise lounging by the pool (though, no judgment). If your ideal holiday involves breaking a sweat while exploring incredible landscapes, an active cruise is your perfect match.

• Best cruises for adventure lovers: Expedition lines like Ponant and Lindblad offer kayaking, hiking, and even ice-climbing. AmaWaterways and Avalon also have cycling-focused river cruises through Europe.
• Top itineraries: Pedal through Provence’s lavender fields, cycle alongside the Danube, or kayak through the fjords of Alaska.

Pro tip: Check if your cruise includes bike rentals or guided hikes—some even provide electric bikes if you’d rather let technology do the work.

For the Culture Vultures: Art, Music & Literature at Sea

If your dream trip involves live opera, literary landmarks, and museum-hopping, there are cruises designed with high-brow wanderlust in mind.

• Best cruises for culture lovers: Cunard is known for classical concerts, literary salons, and art lectures, while AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer itineraries that trace the paths of Europe’s greatest artists and composers.
• Top itineraries: A Danube cruise through Vienna, Budapest, and Salzburg is perfect for classical music lovers. Art enthusiasts will swoon over a Seine cruise from Paris to Monet’s Giverny, while Shakespeare fans can follow his footsteps through England.

Pro tip: Some cruises offer exclusive access to world-class museums after hours—perfect for avoiding the selfie-stick brigade.

Your Perfect Cruise Awaits

No matter your passion, there’s a cruise that matches it. Whether you want to cook, cycle, snap photos, or sip wine in the world's most beautiful places, the perfect itinerary is out there.

So, what are you waiting for? Your dream cruise—and your people—are out there. All you have to do is pick your passion and set sail.