Set Sail With Confidence With Free Spirit Cruise Insurance

2024 saw millions of holiday goers sailing away on cruises. We boarded larger ships and stayed away for even longer than before. With new ships, new itineraries and new destinations, it’s hard not to get on board! Free Spirit has just launched its cruise specific travel insurance which covers ship to shore repatriation on both cover levels as standard, as well as many other benefits. To celebrate, let’s take a look at some of the top cruise holidays you can take in 2025.

Recently, a study showed that the average age of a cruise traveller has dropped by 11 years. There are cruises to suit every need, whether you want to spend your time chilled out by the pool, or a more thrilling getaway. Plus, the value for money is undeniable – with food, accommodation and transportation all in the price, what’s not to like?

An emerging popular cruise trend is world cruises. These cruises stop at around 30 destinations and often take over 100 days to complete. These are once in a lifetime experiences and Free Spirit is here to make sure you can get the cover you need to travel, with confidence. Our new cruise policy covers travellers up to 115 days on a single trip, which is ideal for these long cruises.

Something to look forward to in 2025 is the launch of six new itineraries centring around Japan and China through Viking Cruises. The various cruises include stops at some of the most sought-after destinations such as Beijing or Hong Kong. These cruises do require a flight to either Beijing, Hong Kong or Tokyo to start the voyage, but there are many package deals available.

Now, we also have the luxury of selecting no-fly cruises, which can take you from the UK over to the Caribbean. These no-fly cruises range in duration from 24 nights up to 110 nights! These types of cruises are ideal if you aren’t a keen flyer, or if medical conditions prevent you from flying. You can explore and stop at different ports all from the comfort of the ship. The beauty of a cruise is waking up in a different place almost every morning.

Book a cruise with the Norwegian Cruise Line around Greece’s ancient islands, to see Malta, and to discover Italy’s hidden masterpieces. Each destination you visit will have its own story to tell. For instance, you can admire archaeological sites in Mykonos or stroll along sandy beaches in Santorini. Throughout your trip, savour some seafood and go wine tasting when visiting the continent’s colourful markets.

Greece and the Greek Islands have become an incredibly popular tourist destination. Some of the most popular islands are Santorini and Rhodes, but there are many more. If you are struggling to decide which island to go to, a cruise is an ideal way to island-hop between different ones. With a variety of fly and no-fly cruises, there is an option for every traveller.

Our frequent travellers Dee and Graham went on a ‘tall ship’ cruise called the Star Clipper. This particular cruise took them to Istanbul, a few Greek Islands and finally to Athens. Get inspired by some of our Free Spirit clients and where they travel with our insurance.

For a more unique cruise experience, why not consider a coolcation? This trend of travelling to cooler destinations saw a 300% increase in searches from 2023 to 2024. One of the top cruise locations in a cooler climate is a trip around the Norwegian Fjords. If you travel during the winter months, you will also have more chance of seeing the Northern lights.

A popular cool cruise is an Arctic cruise, stopping in places such as Alaska and Greenland. These cruises are ideal for people of any age. You can sit and enjoy the natural beauty, try to spot some whales, or if you’re feeling adventurous, they offer a host of activities on the shore. For example, partake in dog sledging, which is covered with our winter sports add on.

The benefit of booking a river cruise is that it carries fewer people than a cruise ship. This is an ideal option if you want to escape the crowds and have a little more peace while away.

Book one during late spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October). For example, welcome the joys of spring by setting sail through Holland. Admire the blooming tulip fields and visit the colourful Keukenhof Park, which is famous for its fabulous floral displays. Then cruise down the Dutch Waterways to admire Amsterdam in full bloom.

For a little more heat, take in the dramatic scenery on the river Douro. Said to be Portugal’s river of gold, along its banks, you can stop into Régua and Pinhão to sample fine wine in the famous vineyards. Back on the river you can enjoy the views from panoramic windows or take a dip in the pool on the sundeck.

If you’re gearing up for a Christmas break, a Grand River Cruise at Christmas could be for you. Explore traditional Christmas market towns and walk among a wonderland of twinkling lights. While breathing in the sweet, warm aroma of gingerbread. Then back on board to tuck into festive food and allow yourself to be carried away by traditional entertainment.

Or you could sail from Germany to Austria and visit pretty Dürnstein. Sail down the upper Danube, where you’ll meander through the UNESCO heritage site Wachau Valley. This beautiful valley has the most splendid scenery on the river. Then wake up in Vienna, to discover elegant buildings adorned with Christmas lights and décor on Christmas day.

If you’d like to explore Europe’s oldest Christmas market, sail along the River Rhine from Cologne to Koblenz in Germany during a river cruise. On route, you’ll stumble upon Strasbourg in France, as well as the magical, medieval town of Mainz. On board the ship, you’ll enjoy premium cruise accommodations, live cooking stations and regional treats.