Cruises With Secret Destinations Are One of the Biggest Trends Right Now—Here’s Why These Voyages Are Taking Off in 2025

If the idea of stepping aboard a ship without knowing where you’ll end up sounds exciting rather than nerve-wracking, it might be time to consider one of this year’s growing trends: mystery cruises.

These voyages replace the predictability of traditional cruise itineraries with an air of intrigue and a good dose of spontaneity. Once aboard the ship, the next destination remains a secret until the last moment.

One company offering mystery cruises is Variety Cruises. And according to Filippos Venetopoulos, CEO of Variety Cruises, the company has a history of flexible itineraries dating back to the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. “Back then, guests would often rely on our team and captains to adjust each itinerary based on variables like more comfortable weather conditions or even an island carnival,” he told Travel + Leisure. “The demand for mystery cruises [today] is driven by a growing desire for immersive experiences, as travelers increasingly move away from traditional itineraries in search of adventure and novelty.”

This renewed interest in mystery cruises highlights a shift in travel preferences, where the journey’s unpredictability becomes a key aspect of the overall experience.

And if you’re curious about traveler feedback, it’s typically positive. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, for example, hosted its first mystery cruise in 2022, which sold out in less than 48 hours. According to Ellen Bettridge, CEO and president of Uniworld, disappointment hasn’t been something the company has encountered, as the element of surprise is a unique selling point for mystery cruises. “Our mystery cruises are made up of many repeat guests, which is a true testament to the satisfaction and excitement these one-of-a-kind sailings deliver,” she told T+L.

As for how destinations are picked, they vary. Bettridge told T+L Uniworld focuses on picking destinations with a lot to offer. “We make sure to choose destinations that have something to offer everyone, with a mix of culture and history, stunning sites, and delicious food,” she said. “Also, our mystery cruises are unique itineraries that none of our guests have ever experienced before, making it even more exclusive.”

Venetopoulos told T+L that several factors influence the mystery destinations for Variety Cruises: “We focus on accessibility, choosing destinations that only our small ships can get to, which allows access to hidden beaches and secluded ports that larger vessels cannot typically reach. Not only does this enhance the adventure, but it also provides more opportunity for exploring unique locales that are often overlooked. These destinations are more rarely visited, ensuring a fresh and unique experience.”

Here are four companies leading the way with exciting mystery cruises.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

With departures from various cities in the United Kingdom, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is offering three mystery cruises in 2026. Aboard the nine-night, adults-only Captain’s mystery cruise, passengers will visit four countries and call at ports not featured on any other itinerary that year.

Variety Cruises

Variety Cruises is continuing its popular mystery cruise in June 2025, sailing from Valletta, Malta, to Naples, Italy. All proceeds from the trip will go towards Variety Cares, the company’s nonprofit foundation, which supports initiatives striving for clean oceans, gender equality, and education. “In addition to the element of surprise, these cruises provide comfort and trust, as passengers rely on our team to design ideal itineraries and make each cruise a separate experience,” Venetopoulos told T+L.

Windstar

Windstar is debuting its first-ever President’s Mystery Cruise, an eight-day roundtrip voyage from Athens, Greece. Typical itineraries are around one week to nine nights and include all the aspects of a regular cruise in terms of food, entertainment, and onboard activities, aside from knowing where the ship is going.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld will mark its 50th anniversary in 2026 by launching three mystery cruises. Beginning in Belgium and ending in Jordan, the company’s 50-night Rivers of the World sailing travels across three continents from April through June 2026. Another highlight of Uniworld’s 2026 program will be the debut of a brand-new ship, the S.S. Emilie.