Does size matter? In the cruise world, all research points to yes. According to a recent study by CLIA, the expedition-style, small-scale cruise industry is booming: between 2023 and 2024, bookings for such voyages increased by 22%, with younger travellers driving much of that growth. In the 2026 issue of Cruise, we reflect on this trend in our cover story, homing in on the top 26 small-ship adventures for 2026 and beyond — from exploring French Polynesia onboard a 230-passenger cargo ship to gliding along Sweden’s Göta Canal in a 25-cabin, retro-inspired wooden boat. 
 
But the trends don’t stop there — quiet cruising, themed itineraries and cruises tailored to Gen Z are also set to make waves in 2026. Royal Caribbean has reported a 19% increase in Gen Z customers in 2025 compared to 2024, while interest in ‘themed’ cruises — from food and music to history — has seen a 40% increase according to cruise.co.uk. You can explore all these trends in our special cruise guide, distributed with the Jan/Feb issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).  

Farida Zeynalova, editor of Cruise, said: “The world of cruise continues to evolve year on year — from advances in sustainability to meeting demands for specialised itineraries. In this 100-page special, we cover the most exciting trends, itineraries and inspiring long reads — all told through the expert eyes of award-winning writers and photographers.” 

Elsewhere in the guide, we embark on a new river adventure in Laos; meet the Galápagos Islands’ locals protecting their homeland; and sail to the remote shores of eastern Greenland. 

Also inside:  

• Report: We delve into whether cruises can ever be carbon neutral  
• Stories from the sea: Three seafarers share life-changing experiences  
• The Caribbean through photos: Exploring the region on a cargo-passenger ship 
• Canary Islands: The ultimate guide to the archipelago’s diverse landscapes 
• The Info: All eyes on the mighty River Nile via infographics 
• Media: Books, TV shows and podcasts to inspire travel 

To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) newsletter,  click here. 

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Notes  

National Geographic Traveller (UK) is published under licence by APL Media Limited, from National Geographic Partners LLC in Washington, DC. The travel and lifestyle magazine launched in December 2010, and is packed full of you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives. nationalgeographic.com/travel  

CONTACT:   

For editorial enquiries:   
[email protected]  
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7253 9906  

Farida Zeynalova, editor  
[email protected]  
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7253 9906 

Maria Pieri, editorial director & chief operating officer  
[email protected]  
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7253 9906   

Matthew Jackson, chief executive officer  
[email protected]  
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7253 9909   

Anthony Leyens, chairman & co-founder  
[email protected]  
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7253 9909  

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About APL Media  
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, producing high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors. Since 1997, it has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC, supported by brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. The portfolio also features Living360, a digital lifestyle brand covering wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture, distributed via national media and its own platform. APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy and leading events such as the Travel Media Awards and Step Up. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also produced for national newspapers.  
aplmedia.co.uk