Is the awe-inspiring open ocean or an undulating river calling your name? Today’s cruise ships are floating realms where each sunrise leads to a new adventure. From cozy thermal spas to adrenaline-pumping slides, there are cruise amenities for every kind of traveler.

In this episode, Traveling with AAA host Angie Orth welcomes cruise super-fan and travel journalist Meena Thiruvengadam to reveal the latest trends in cruising in 2025 and beyond. With nearly 20 sailings under her belt, she’s here to decode what’s next at sea, along rivers, and in ports.

You’ll learn about chef-driven dining,  mood-boosting wellness sanctuaries, next-gen technology, and bucket-list itineraries ranging from Antarctica to the Mekong. You’ll also hear about smaller expedition-style ships that put passengers closer to nature, proving that the new era of cruising can be immersive, intimate, and luxurious. 

What You’ll Learn:

05:00 Why cruising really has something for every style of traveler

12:30 Game-changing shipboard tech 

20:15 What it’s really like to cruise Antarctica 

27:45 How to choose between big-ship thrills and small-ship intimacy

35:10 Emerging destinations and next-wave trends

Connect with Meena Thiruvengadam:

Website: https://travelwithmeena.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meenathiru

CTA: What cruise destination or amenity are YOU most excited about? Tell us in the comments! 

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises