Planning your first luxury cruise? Suzy Soussou shares what to consider when choosing a river, small luxury ocean, or expedition cruise, from itineraries and cabins to inclusions and the complete journey.

From Mount Fuji and a Niigata geisha performance to a rain-soaked day in Tokyo, Suzy shares the moments and choices that shaped her journey through Japan.

After sailing with Atlas Ocean Voyages, one of my strongest impressions was how often the experience reminded me of a luxury river cruise—while still offering the freedom and variety of a small ocean ship. Atlas is primarily known for intimate yacht-style ocean voyages and expedition experiences. However, travelers who already enjoy river cruising may find several familiar qualities onboard: a smaller number of guests, personalized service, destination-focused days, and a rel