Exploration Cruise Inspiration & Stories
Welcome to the Cruise Routes Blog
There’s a difference between travelling somewhere and truly experiencing it. This is where we share stories, insights and inspiration from the world of small ship exploration and expedition cruises. From remote coastlines and wildlife-rich archipelagos to great rivers and culturally connected journeys, these are the experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
You’ll also find practical insight and first-hand recommendations from our Cruise Consultants, shaped by personal experience and a clear understanding of what matters when planning meaningful exploration cruises.
Think of it as a place to discover new destinations, explore ideas, and start shaping where your next journey might take you.
Can You Find Exploration Cruises in the Mediterranean? Our Experience on Scenic Eclipse II
With just one week available in June this year, I wanted to find out whether Mediterranean exploration cruises could offer the kind of experience we value at Cruise Routes: smaller ships, bigger adventures and more time in the places you
The beauty of cruising the Norwegian fjords is with a small ship
Imagine standing at the bow of a small ship sailing through a monumental amphitheatre carved out by nature. Sheer, inky-dark walls rise abruptly from the fathomless water. Your vessel glides past a thundering waterfall, which veils craggy bluffs with a
Cruise Routes Wins Best Newcomer at the Expedition Cruise Network Awards 2026
We have some wonderful news to share: Cruise Routes has won Best Newcomer to Expedition Cruise, in the Travel Agency or Tour Operator category, at the Expedition Cruise Network Awards 2026! Announced at Amazing Grace in London on 29 September,
What is it like to explore the Galápagos with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions?
Cruise Routes Marketing Executive and photographer Lewis Freeth recently travelled through the Galápagos on a fantastic voyage aboard Islander II with Lindblad-National Geographic Expeditions. From giant tortoises in the highlands to marine iguanas sprawled across black lava, he discovered that
New Zealand Small Ship Cruises: An Exploration Guide
Fiords, wildlife, Māori culture and islands few travellers ever reach – discover why exploring New Zealand by small ship reveals a very different side of Aotearoa. There are plenty of ways to enjoy New Zealand small ship cruises. But when
Hosted in the High Arctic: Svalbard aboard Ocean Explorer
Our Product Executive, Michelle Vincent, headed north aboard Quark Expeditions’ Ocean Explorer this spring, hosting a small group of our clients on an eight-night exploration of Svalbard. From polar bears and walruses to Zodiac cruises beneath bird cliffs and a
Cruise Routes Shortlisted at the Expedition Cruise Network Awards 2026
We’re delighted to share that Cruise Routes has been shortlisted for Best Newcomer to Expedition Cruise – Travel Agency or Tour Operator at the Expedition Cruise Network Awards 2026. There’s a little more to the word newcomer in our case,
Meet MS EUROPA and MS EUROPA 2: Small ships for bigger journeys
There are ships designed to be the destination. And then there are ships designed to help you experience destinations properly. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ MS EUROPA and MS EUROPA 2 fall firmly into the latter camp. They combine spacious surroundings, excellent food
Beyond the Antarctic Peninsula: Four Ways to Explore Further
For many travellers, Antarctica begins with the Peninsula. And with its ice-filled channels, busy penguin colonies and mountains rising straight from the sea, it’s easy to understand why. But the Antarctic is enormous. Look beyond the familiar Peninsula routes and