Including a cruise within your wider trip gives you a chance to explore your destination fully, visiting remote regions and setting eyes on landscapes and wildlife you’d otherwise miss. You might visit uninhabited islands in the Pacific, spot polar bears in Svalbard, or witness a glacier calving huge chunks of ice into the ocean along Alaska’s untamed coastline.
Our specialists have experienced a wide range of cruises, testing out different ships and routes. They’ve shared their first-hand knowledge in our collection of travel guides below to help you decide where and how to cruise. Covering a variety of destinations, each guide is filled with insider tips and recommendations so you can prepare for your next voyage.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our destination specialists
Our cruise specialists regularly travel to discover new experiences and explore untried areas. They love nothing more than sharing their ideas and experiences to help you plan your ideal cruise holiday. We’ve written these travel guides based on our own first-hand cruise experiences to help inform and inspire your next trip.
Top 10 trips to Italy
From the smouldering peak of Mount Etna to the troglodyte caves of Matera, we’ve chosen the ten best tours of Italy. Hike valleys awash with waterfalls, kayak pristine bays, and discover architectural and artistic masterpieces on your trip to Italy.
Top 9 trips to Vietnam
Cruising the Mekong, hiking in the northern hills, or embarking on a multi-country adventure through Southeast Asia — where will you go on your trip to Vietnam? We’ve shared our specialists’ top tour ideas to help you decide.
Arctic cruises to Svalbard
Polar specialist Tom shares his experiences of expedition cruising in Svalbard in the Arctic Circle. He talks about the scenery you’ll be immersed in, the wildlife you may encounter, and what life’s like on board a polar expedition vessel.
A guide to Vietnam & Cambodia riverboat tours
Southeast Asia specialist Tom explains why traveling along the Mekong River is an ideal way to visit Vietnam and Cambodia in a single trip. Giving you time to take in floating villages and markets, the temples of Angkor, as well as Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
Cruising in Indonesia
Indonesia specialist, Rael shares his choice of boats for an Indonesia cruise, his favorite places to spot orangutan on a river cruise through the Tanjung Puting National Park, what you can expect to see when snorkeling, and where to spot Komodo dragons.
Mekong river cruises
The Mekong is one of the greatest rivers in Asia, and on an Audley tailor-made trip we will ensure you're able to take in the local culture, wildlife and scenery at a relaxed pace in comfortable surroundings.
A typical day in the Galapagos: what to expect
Michael, one of our specialists, takes you through what to expect on a visit. He outlines a typical morning, afternoon and evening routine on a cruise boat, and explains the major differences between a cruise and land-based stays.
Cruises in French Polynesia
South Pacific specialist Joshua reviews the Aranui, which, for him, is the best cruise vessel around French Polynesia. He explains what to expect from life on board, and why the out-of-the-way Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands are such intriguing places to explore.
Cruising in Thailand
Traveling by river in Southeast Asia on board boats brimming with character and charm is one of the best ways to view cities like Bangkok, the myriad of ancient temples, as well as traditional villages and culture in general. Our specialists describe some of their favorite trips.
A typical polar day
A trip to the Arctic or Antarctic is a real adventure but many travelers are unsure of what to expect during their voyage. Here, we share with you what a typical day on an expedition cruise in the Arctic or Antarctic is like and what you can expect to see and do.
Cruising in the South Pacific
Enjoy exploring the South Pacific islands while on a cruise with time for relaxation, activities and cultural insights.
Cruising in Southeast Asia
Travel by river, lake or sea in Southeast Asia to explore places which would otherwise be inaccessible. Cruising in Southeast Asia offers the chance to relax and observe everyday life, the scenery and wildlife.
Your guide to choosing an Alaska cruise
An Alaska cruise combines convenience with front-row seats to many of the state’s most impressive sights, from glaciers to wildlife. Whether you choose a classic cruise or an intimate expedition cruise depends on your own personal travel preferences.
Kinabatangan river cruises
A Kinabatangan river cruise is a real highlight of any Audley tailor-made trip to Borneo. You will have a good opportunity of seeing some of the best wildlife in Southeast Asia.
Choosing your Polar cruise
The awe-inspiring polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic, are among the most beautiful and captivating in the world. Irrespective of which region you choose, visiting one of the world’s ultimate travel frontiers should prove to be a truly unforgettable and enriching experience.
Indochina cruises
Southeast Asia specialist Mark shares his cruising in Indochina highlights. Picking his favorite ways to travel down the Mekong through Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as taking in the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, and the local culture and landscapes along the Red River and on Lake Tonle Sap.
Cruise destinations in Africa
Africa is blessed with hundreds of miles of wonderful coastline and mighty inland lakes. Enjoy short adventure cruises such as a sunset yacht cruise on Lake Malawi or a dhow cruise off the coast of Mozambique or Zanzibar.
The Kimberley by land and by sea
An expedition cruise, Zodiac boat trips or hikes and stays on cattle ranches: two members of our Australia team share how to best experience the Kimberley, both overland and overwater, and define the allure of this Outback region.
River cruises in India
Take in the history, wildlife and culture of northeast India on a river cruise. Our India specialist Sarah shares some of her favorite things to see and do while cruising along the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Hugli rivers.
Family vacations in Egypt
If you're planning a family vacation to Egypt we can recommend family friendly activities as well as suitable places to stay. This captivating country has a very low malaria risk.
Planning your Galapagos expedition cruise: how to choose your vessel
Audley Galapagos specialist Michael details what you need to think about when planning your Galapagos Islands cruise. He gives a brief overview of the different sizes of vessels and the advantages of each, plus what else you should consider.
Antarctic expedition cruises
Audley’s Polar specialists describe what to expect from a trip to Antarctica. They explain the logistics of cruising on an expedition vessel and how you explore the wildlife and landscapes. They also discuss what makes Antarctica such a captivating destination.
Expedition cruises in Australia
Explore the possibilities for small-ship cruises in Australia, including the best options for sailing the Great Barrier Reef and the remote Kimberley region. You can also find out about an excellent day cruise (with a theatrical twist) in Tasmania.
Cruising in New Zealand
There’s a lot to love about day cruises in New Zealand, says specialist Ophelia. She shares her pick of the best from across the North and South Islands. Expect dolphins, hot springs, Māori rock art and a weka (or three).
Myanmar by boat: a river cruising guide
From the deck of a boat view Myanmar's traditional waterborne ways of life, which have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Spend time in Yangon and Mandalay and visit the famous temples of Bagan.
