LONDON (12 December) – How cool is cruising? When it comes to appealing to a younger generation, the cruise industry is pushing the envelope more than ever: from shorter itineraries and risqué entertainment to active excursions and flexible dining options. And it seems to be paying off — a study by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) revealed that 36% of cruise passengers in 2023 were under the age of 40, and 81% of millennials who’d been on a cruise intended to repeat the experience. You can read more about this growing trend in our special Cruise guide, distributed with the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).  

Farida Zeynalova, editor of the Cruise guide, says: “The world of cruise is at once familiar and fast-changing. In this 100-page special, we cover the most exciting trends, itineraries and everything in between — all told through the expert eyes of award-winning writers and photographers.” 

Elsewhere in the guide, we explore the top 25 islands to visit in 2025 — from snorkelling in Thailand’s Andaman Sea to encountering curious creatures in Southern Africa’s Lake Kariba. Other highlights include an aquatic adventure in the Pacific nation of Palau; a trip around Greece’s Ionian Islands on board a yacht; and a look at the best cultural experiences in Portugal’s Douro Valley. 

Don’t miss: 

• Nobu Matsuhisa: The renowned Japanese chef on working with Crystal Cruises  
• My Life at Sea: Three female captains discuss their experiences on the water 
• Northern Ireland: The landscapes and cuisine of the Causeway Coast  
• Spotlight: Voyages in search of ancient civilisations 
• What’s New: The most exciting itineraries for 2025 and beyond 
• The Info: Celebrating 70 years of the hovercraft  
• Media: Books, TV shows and podcasts to inspire travel 

PLUS: Win a seven-night Greek island cruise for two: natgeotv.com/uk/competitions 

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National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s digital edition is available for Apple, Android and Kindle: ngtr.uk/NGTdigital 

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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 

For more information about National Geographic, visit nationalgeographic.com, find us on the National Geographic app or visit us at Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok. 

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  

About APL Media    

An award-winning publisher and content marketing agency founded in 1997, APL Media Limited has been changing the narrative, and the way clients communicate with their audiences, for over 27 years. In addition to publishing the award-winning magazines National Geographic Traveller (UK) and Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK) and organising related events under the National Geographic brand umbrella, APL Media produces print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sector. aplmedia.co.uk