Every year, The New York Times curates a list of 52 destinations that inspire travelers to dream, explore, and reconnect with the world. This year's list includes some truly breathtaking places, and we've chosen five destinations that are best experienced on an expedition-style cruise. Here's how we see these incredible places through the lens of adventure and sustainability.
#2 in the NYT: Galápagos, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands deserve a permanent spot on every traveler's must-visit list. However, how you explore these islands makes a world of difference. "The number of visitors arriving in the Galápagos has been increasing at an unsustainable rate going back to the 1990s," said the NYT Matt Kareus, the executive director of the International Galápagos Tour Operators Association. Land-based tourism has a higher environmental impact and limits the experience to just a portion of the Archipelago. Expedition cruises, on the other hand, allow for immersive exploration across multiple islands while prioritizing sustainability.
Our Take:
#4 in the NYT: Assam, India
Assam's cultural richness and natural beauty make it a gem of Northeast India, and since the Charaideo Moidams - or Pyramids of Assam - were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2024, the region is quickly rising as one of the most talked-about destinations for travelers. In our opinion, there's no better way to explore it than by cruising the Brahmaputra River.
Our Take:
#6 in the NYT: Greenland
We recently talked about how introducing direct flights from the US to Nuuk, Greenland's capital, has put this incredible country in the spotlight. But Greenland isn't certainly ready for mass tourism, making expedition cruises the ideal way to discover its treasures. Unlike traditional land-based travel, which often involves challenging logistics, cruising allows travelers to access some of the island's most breathtaking and hard-to-reach locations seamlessly. On an expedition ship, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations while having the flexibility to explore by zodiac, kayak, or onshore excursions. This approach lets you experience Greenland’s coastline in an intimate and immersive way, whether you’re navigating ice-choked fjords or visiting small, colorful settlements.
Our Take:
#28 Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat is the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle, "a dazzling tapestry of nature both in and out of the water." Known for its unique topography, this Archipelago of over 1,500 islands bewilders explorers with its surreal landscapes that shelter secret lagoons, bays, beaches, and the magical blue river of Kali Biru. Harbor of the richest coral reef ecosystems and a wide array of marine life, experiencing this snorkelers-heaven aboard Aqua Blu is even more remarkable.
Our Take:
#42 Western Australia
While road trips along Western Australia's scenic routes are popular, and the newly completed longest E.V. highway in the country is sure to attract more and more eco-conscious travelers, we believe the best way to experience this region's raw beauty is through an expedition cruise along the Kimberley coast.
Our Take:
These five destinations from the New York Times list stand out for their incredible natural beauty, cultural richness, and the unique experiences they offer.
At Expedition Trips, we specialize in crafting expedition-style cruises that allow you to explore these destinations responsibly and meaningfully. Ready to plan your next adventure? Contact us to make these dreams a reality.
