Not all cruises are created equal. One minute you’re sipping champagne by the pool, the next you’re zipping through polar waters in a Zodiac, dodging chunks of ice and waving at penguins. Cruising today is more diverse than ever — and whether you crave culture, adventure, indulgence, or a bit of everything, there’s a sailing with your name on it. Read on to discover the four most popular cruise styles with Kiwi travellers.

🌊 Ocean Cruises — The Classic Crowd-Pleaser

I’ll be honest — I wasn’t sure I’d love ocean cruising. Too many people, too much noise, and with fibromyalgia, I thought I’d spend more time hiding in my cabin than actually enjoying myself. Spoiler: I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’m officially a cruise convert.

What surprised me most was how easy it was. There’s always a quiet nook to escape to, a friendly face behind the bar, and a view that stops you mid-sentence. I’d sit on my balcony as Glacier Bay unfolded before me — icebergs drifting past like slow-motion sculptures — and think, “This is unreal.” It felt private, peaceful, and utterly breathtaking.

And then, the fun. Dinner, shows, spa time, shopping, sunbathing — you can do everything or absolutely nothing, and it’s all right there. No airports, no unpacking a dozen times. Just one floating resort that moves while you sleep. (Honestly, whoever invented that deserves a medal 🥇).

The food? Let’s just say restraint went overboard. From Italian fine dining to Texan ribs, three desserts a day somehow became the norm — and I regret nothing. The spa was another highlight; massages, thermal suites, and that delicious post-treatment daze where you forget what day it is.

And the nights? Think Broadway shows, guest performers, and live bands that make every evening feel like an event. Add a glass of bubbles on your balcony as the sun sinks below the horizon, and it’s pure magic.

Ocean cruising really is the all-rounder — relaxed, indulgent, and endlessly entertaining. It’s the classic for a reason. Once you’ve tried it, you get it.

🚢 River Cruises — The Culture Lover’s Dream

If ocean cruising is about energy and variety, river cruising is its boutique, culture-rich cousin. I had the chance to sail with Aqua Expeditions on the Mekong in Cambodia, and it felt less like a ship and more like a private yacht. With only a handful of guests onboard, the service was out of this world — every little detail taken care of — and the food was incredible, often inspired by the very regions we were sailing through.  The excursions were what really stole my heart. One day you’re stepping straight into the heart of a local village, the next you’re wandering through bustling markets or quiet temples. It’s immersive, authentic, and seamless — no long transfers or wasted travel days, just experiences that feel meaningful.

River cruises also carry a certain exclusivity. They’re intimate, attentive, and designed for travellers who want culture wrapped in comfort. Imagine gliding past castles along the Rhine, sipping wine in Bordeaux, or soaking up the festive magic of Europe’s Christmas markets. And beyond Europe? Think drifting along the Nile in Egypt, exploring the Amazon’s rainforest waterways, uncovering Colombia’s hidden gems, or even combining river and expedition vibes in the Galápagos Islands.

And the moments onboard? Pure magic. Waking up to the sunrise over the Mekong or sipping a cocktail as the sun set — absolute chef’s kiss. River cruising is slower, richer, and more personal — the kind of holiday where you don’t just see the world, you feel part of it.

❄️ Expedition Cruises — The Adventure Seeker’s Playground

If river cruises are about slowing down, expedition cruises are about stepping right into the wild. These aren’t your average holidays — they’re journeys designed for jaw-dropping, brag-worthy moments you’ll never forget.

Picture standing on deck as the sun rises over Antarctica, champagne in hand, while penguins dive from the ice beside you. Imagine the crack of a glacier as it calves into the sea, or the rush of adrenaline as you leap into icy waters for a polar plunge (and then wrap up in a blanket with a hot toddy).  Operators like Quark, Silversea and Ponant take you there — with expert guides and naturalists onboard who turn every whale breach and penguin parade into pure wonder.

Closer to home, the Kimberley coast of Australia is at the very top of my list. Red cliffs glowing at sunset, waterfalls thundering straight into the sea, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and an untouched wilderness you can only access by ship. It’s the definition of a once-in-a-lifetime journey, with expedition vessels that combine rugged adventure by day with incredible comfort and dining by night.

Expedition ships are smaller, sturdier, and built to take you where others can’t. Zodiacs whisk you ashore, guides lead you through landscapes few will ever see, and the sense of discovery is unlike anything else. Expedition cruising is pure bucket list — not for everyone, but for those who dream of wildlife, icebergs, and once-in-a-lifetime moments, it’s nothing short of magic.

🥂 Luxury Cruises — The Indulgence Factor

If expedition cruises are about brag-worthy adventures, luxury cruises are about being utterly spoiled — the kind of sailing where every detail is handled before you’ve even thought of it. From being whisked from the airport to finding your favourite drink waiting in your suite, it’s seamless from start to finish.

Onboard, it’s all-inclusive in the truest sense. Think top-shelf drinks, Michelin-level dining, and curated excursions — no signing, no tallying, no “add to cabin” slips. Butler service means you’re looked after like a VIP, and exclusive enclaves such as The Haven or Yacht Club create private escapes within the ship, complete with their own pools, restaurants, and lounges.

Luxury cruising isn’t about chandeliers and glitz anymore — it’s about space, personalisation, and that feeling that everything was designed just for you. Picture champagne and caviar by the pool, a private guide leading you through an art gallery in port, or waking up to the quiet indulgence of breakfast on your balcony as the ocean glows below.

For travellers who want effortless yet extraordinary holidays, luxury cruises deliver on every front — absolute bliss, zero effort required.

Ready to Choose Your Cruise?

Ocean, river, expedition, luxury — each has its own personality, its own kind of magic, and its own type of traveller it suits best. Maybe you’re craving balcony mornings in Glacier Bay, boutique adventures along the Mekong, once-in-a-lifetime moments in Antarctica, or the seamless indulgence of champagne by the pool in Europe.

The beauty of cruising today is that there’s no one-size-fits-all. There’s a perfect match out there for you. And finding it? That’s where I come in.

If you’re ready to find your perfect cruise style — or just curious which one might suit you best — let’s chat. I’ll help match you to the sailing that feels like your kind of magic – contact TS Travel.

Image credits: Personal photos by Trish Seeherr / TS Travel Ltd, with a few supporting images from Canva Pro.