Keeping seasoned sailors returning for more is just as important as enticing new customers. Althams Travel’s Michelle Green asks which destinations will help boost repeat business

As cruise continues to expand, so does the appetite for more unique and enriching travel experiences, especially among well-travelled customers. They’ve basked in the Caribbean sun, marvelled at Alaska’s glaciers and explored Europe’s cultural capitals several times.

Now, they’re looking for something different, through both sailings and destinations that offer a deeper sense of discovery, adventure and authenticity. Travel consultant Michelle Green from Althams Travel asks: “What destinations should agents recommend to well-travelled cruisers?”

For travel agents, this demographic presents an exciting opportunity to showcase more off-the-beaten-path itineraries and lesser-known cruise regions that still deliver luxury, comfort and top‑notch service.

Whether it’s venturing into the Arctic and daring to do a polar plunge, exploring remote Pacific islands, or navigating the lesser-travelled rivers of Asia, the right recommendations can turn a repeat cruiser into a lifelong client. So where should you be guiding your most experienced cruise travellers next?

We’ve canvassed the thoughts of industry professionals to highlight a range of standout destinations that will impress even the most experienced guests. Sharon Bayliss from Travel Counsellors advises that well-travelled cruisers know “exactly what they want and what they don’t”.

She adds: “Typically, aged 50 and above, they’re comfortable with sea days – as long as there’s not too many. They prefer ships that dock close to town to avoid shuttle buses, so mid-sized to smaller vessels are increasingly popular.

“Roller coasters, go-karts and family-centric facilities hold little appeal. Many travel out of season for the best deals, and repositioning cruises are particularly sought after for value.”

Bayliss recommends South America, with cruises from Buenos Aires to Brazil and Uruguay, or full South America voyages from Chile to Argentina around Cape Horn. Alternatively, she says: “For Mediterranean enthusiasts, Croatia, combined with Montenegro and smaller islands like Hvar, remains a favourite among seasoned cruisers.”

Bayliss also believes that agents need not shy away from pitching popular destinations like Alaska to well-travelled cruisers. “Cruises can be paired with pre- or post‑cruise experiences such as the Rocky Mountaineer, Canadian Rockies coach tours, or Denali National Park excursions in northern Alaska.”

She reiterates that the South Pacific, mainly cruises from Tahiti, including Bora Bora, and itineraries that include Hawaii are increasingly accessible beyond just luxury lines.

Cruise lines are shining a light on destinations which were once overlooked. AmaWaterways, for example, recently launched tours along Colombia’s Magdalena River, giving guests the chance to discover regions such as Mompox, where deep-rooted cultural traditions remain largely untouched.

Andrea Stafford, sales director UK and Europe for AmaWaterways, who is proud of the launch of the Magdalena fleet this year says: “The beauty of river is you can have a different holiday at a different time of year.

“You can sunbathe on deck along the Danube in the summer whereas in December, it is all sparkly with Christmas markets. As well as Europe, we’re also in Colombia and Egypt; in the rest of Africa we work with the Zambezi Queen. We’re also on the Mekong. We’re even building a new ship for the Mekong because of demand.”

From 2027, Riviera Travel will introduce new itineraries that allow agents to promote tours through Sri Lanka, including Jaffna in the north – a destination re-emerging with a vibrant heritage and excellent gastronomy.

For Uniworld managing director Chris Townson, river journeys through India’s Golden Triangle are striking a chord with travellers, particularly following recent television exposure. “Demand for our India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges has soared after Channel 5 featured the itinerary on Susan Calman’s Cruise of a Lifetime,” he says. “Twinning the Golden Triangle with a Ganges cruise aboard the luxurious Ganges Voyager II, guests will uncover India’s vibrant spirit and culture in absolute comfort.”

Our more seasoned cruisers are looking to the likes of Africa and the South Pacific, with the likes of Madagascar, Reunion, Tahiti and Fiji proving attractive

Townson asserts that world-renowned hotels, exclusive experiences and expert guides create an unforgettable journey through India and can delight the most adventurous travellers, with the assurance of unmatched quality throughout. “Guests can explore the spiritual heart of the Ganges more deeply with an extension to Varanasi, to witness the Hindu ceremony of Ganga Aarti, honouring this most sacred of rivers.”

Alexander Davis from Mynt Travel says: “Our more seasoned cruisers are looking to the likes of Africa and the South Pacific, with the likes of Madagascar, Reunion, Tahiti and Fiji proving attractive.”

Mynt adds that these regions give customers an opportunity to experience places which are slightly more off the beaten track and offer more authentic shore experiences at destinations which might otherwise be difficult to reach by air.

They’re also generally one-way cruises which give opportunities for pre- and post-stays in different destinations. Mynt continues: “I’ve recently booked one of my regular cruise customers on a 12-day South Pacific from Tahiti to Honolulu, stopping at three other French Polynesian Ports and three other Hawaiian ones, all of which are ports that she’s never seen, so we also tagged on three-night stays either side of the cruise.”

For well-travelled cruisers, it’s not just about the destination, it’s about the depth of experience. By recommending lesser-known regions, culturally rich itineraries and unique expedition routes, agents can add real value and keep the most experienced travellers coming back for more. As the cruise industry expands its global footprint, it offers agents fresh opportunities to inspire clients with new horizons and help them create lasting memories on journeys of a lifetime.