🚢 Featured in Travel Courier! What’s New in Cruising?

What’s new and notable when it comes to cruising? 

SGH: There’s no doubt that river cruising and expedition cruising are booming right now. Travelers want to take big, unforgettable trips without the hassle of crowds. That’s why small ocean cruises, expedition voyages like those on the Lindblad Endurance and Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, and boutique-style river cruises are taking center stage. Expedition cruises are becoming more comfortable—allowing you to explore remote spots with the reassurance of top-notch amenities—while river cruise operators like AmaWaterways are stepping up their game with innovations like their double-wide Magna and the upcoming Magna II. These trends reflect a growing desire for adventure without sacrificing comfort, which is precisely why I choose to specialize in these intimate, luxury travel experiences.

What do you sell the most of – river cruises, expedition cruises or ocean cruises? Do clients tend to splurge on a more luxurious experience, or are they still looking for affordable options?

SGH: I specialize in river, expedition, and small ship ocean cruises—essentially, the intimate experiences that allow travelers to truly immerse themselves in a destination. Coming out of the pandemic, my clients continue to favor smaller ships over the mega vessels that feel like moving cities. They’re willing to invest a bit more for comfort and a curated, immersive experience. For example, when heading to Tahiti, as I did last June, my clients prefer a voyage with a company like Windstar Cruises, which emphasizes sustainability and respects the local people, culture, and environment, rather than opting for ships filled with flashy amenities like rock climbing walls and skating rinks.

What are some of the hot itineraries or destinations for cruises or river cruises? 

SGH: Right now, “cold is hot” in travel—there’s a real thrill in the chill. I experienced it firsthand in Antarctica in November, and I’m currently soaking it in here in Quebec. Many of my clients are eager for unique, bucket-list adventures that offer true immersion in their destinations. Popular choices include icy escapes like Antarctica, Canada, Norway, Greenland, and even Northwest Passage itineraries. On the river cruise side, the Danube and Rhine remain perennial favorites, while France’s Seine, Bordeaux, and Rhone are rapidly gaining traction. In fact, I’m taking a group of ladies on an AMA Seine cruise this November, with a memorable stop in Normandy for Remembrance Day—some clients are even planning to wear their military uniforms, adding a special touch. River cruises to Egypt, Vietnam, and Colombia are also seeing strong bookings, as travellers continue to seek out culturally immersive experiences wherever they go.

Any other booking trends?

SGH: I’m noticing several interesting booking trends. Clients are increasingly opting for longer voyages—I’m booking back-to-back river cruises along with small ocean and extended expedition cruises. Multigenerational trips are also trending, particularly to destinations like the Galapagos and Alaska, where Lindblad does a tremendous job catering to family and group travel. Additionally, the solo travel segment continues to thrive; adventurous solo travelers are drawn to companies that waive the solo supplement, allowing them to travel independently while still enjoying the camaraderie of group experiences.

Do you have any tips for other advisors getting into expedition cruises and luxury ocean cruises?

SGH: My top tip for advisors diving into expedition cruises is to immerse yourself in the learning process—attend webinars, complete certification courses, and build strong relationships with your BDM by asking lots of questions. It’s essential to get on an expedition yourself, or even plan a group trip, so you can sell the experience with genuine confidence. Trust me, stepping onto the continent of Antarctica is life-changing; the pristine ice, adorable penguins, and that unmistakable “thrill in the chill” seep into your soul and transform the way you see the world.

Are there any cruise lines in particular that are very trade friendly?

SGH: I truly appreciate working with cruise lines that value our role as travel advisors. Some of the most trade-friendly companies I’ve partnered with include Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea, Ponant, Quark, AmaWaterways, Uniworld River Cruises, Tauck, Windstar, Azamara, and Explora. I’ve found that the more you sell, the more “pull” you have with these companies—so it really pays to build your numbers and invest time in a strong relationship with your BDM. This not only secures better rates and perks but also keeps you top-of-mind for new opportunities.

What’s the most expensive or the longest or the most fascinating cruise you’ve ever booked?

SGH: I love building deep relationships with my clients because it naturally leads to longer, more personalized cruises that truly reflect their travel dreams. For instance, many of my Lindblad enthusiasts have booked 10+ cruises with us because they value the immersive experience—a multi-week expedition to Antarctica that includes stops at South Georgia and the Falklands is always a standout adventure. I’ve also arranged extended world cruises with Cunard and curated segments with Oceania or Regent that offer luxurious, tailored experiences. Plus, the back-to-back itineraries on Azamara, Silversea, AmaWaterways, and Uniworld—with their fantastic tour add-ons—let clients explore multiple destinations seamlessly. Each of these journeys is designed to deliver an unforgettable blend of luxury, adventure, and discovery.

Do you have anything to add?

SGH: In summary, as a Cruise Icon in the top 1% globally, I specialize in crafting unforgettable and sustainable journeys—from the exhilarating “thrill of the chill” on expedition cruises to the immersive intimacy of river voyages. At Lush Life Travel, my mission is simple: live your lush life through travel by embracing transformative, eco-conscious experiences every step of the way