Top Cruise Destinations You Need to Visit

The two most important decisions you need to make when booking a cruise vacation is picking your cruise ship and your cruise location. While some cruisers will pick their vacation based soley on the ship, like the mega-ship Icon of the Seas which is a destination in itself, most will be guided by the cruise destinations they want to visit.

Whether it is a warm and sunny Caribbean island or a bucket list location like Antarctica, where to cruise is a big factor when reviewing potential vacations. With more and more locations now accessible by cruise ship, the options for cruising are practically endless. If you are looking to book your next trip, these are the top cruise destinations you need to visit.

Top Cruise Destinations You Need to Visit

Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations. In fact, nearly 13 million visited the region via cruise ship in 2023, and Caribbean cruises made up over 40% of the total cruises taken.

Many of the newest mega-ships from contemporary cruise lines visit popular islands in the Caribbean. If this is your first cruise, you will likely choose a 7-day Caribbean itinerary given the number of options available.

The Caribbean offers that picturesque tropical vacation that you have probably seen all over social media. Itineraries in this region are generally divided into Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean routes.

Popular Eastern Caribbean ports of call include St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands. Western Caribbean islands that are frequent stops for cruise ships include Jamaica, Honduras, and Belize, as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. Finally, there is the Southern Caribbean, which includes Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Some Southern Caribbean itineraries also include St. Lucia, Barbados, and Antigua.

Many cruise ships alternate Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from week to week. Which islands are visited does vary slightly by the ship and cruise line. However, all islands offer a variety of popular activities like beach breaks, island tours, snorkeling, and historic and cultural tours. There will also be adventure activities like zip lining and off-road tours at most ports of call.

Bahamas

Another one of the top cruise destinations in the world, especially for cruises of shorter duration, is the Bahamas. Normally, these cruises depart from the East Coast of the United States. In fact, a majority of these cruises leave from Florida homeports.

While you are probably familiar with Nassau, Bahamas and its endless supply of beautiful beaches, this region is also home to many cruise line private destinations. These private islands offer exclusive access for passengers sailing with the cruise line. These islands usually offer included food, beach access with loungers, and other amenities.

These destinations have come a long way over the years, and this year is shaping up to be the best year yet. From re-imagined and upgraded islands to completely new destinations like Carnival’s Celebration Key, there are many options from various cruise lines.

MSC Cruises has its Bahamian paradise at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. Disney Cruise Line now has TWO private retreats, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay. Holland America’s Half Moon Cay is scheduled to receive an upgrade, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay is getting a pier. Not to mention, there’s the fan-favorite Perfect Day at CocoCay and Virgin Voyages’ adult-only Beach Club at Bimini.

Alaska

Alaska is a seasonal cruise destination, but it is certainly one of the best in our opinion. If you haven’t visited Alaska yet, you definitely should. In fact, a cruise is the easiest way to visit this region.

An Alaskan cruise often lures those who wouldn’t necessarily consider a cruise otherwise because of its natural beauty and wildlife. These vacations are more about the destination, and they appeal to nature lovers, photographers, and explorers.

Along with glacial vistas, wildlife encounters, and some of the freshest seafood, Alaska hosts some of the newest and most innovate ships. In fact, all major cruise lines offer sailings in this region, usually on multiple ships. Some are more family-friendly, some are more enrichment-focused, and some even offer off-the-beaten-path expedition experiences.

Popular port stops include Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, Alaska. These itineraries often visit Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia as well. These ports of call offer a variety of shore excursion options from helicopter rides over glaciers, to whale watching, bear sightings, salmon bakes, and historic gold route tours.

If you want to cruise Alaska, you will need to do so in the summer. Alaska cruise season generally runs from May until September. These cruises also tend to be more expensive than Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, so be sure to budget accordingly.

Mediterranean

If you enjoy history and culture a Mediterranean cruise might be the perfect fit. In fact, second to the Caribbean, over 18% of all cruises occur in this region, with a large number of ships homeporting in the area during the summer months. Though, some cruise lines do sail this region year-round.

You will have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a cruise ship in this region. Many mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises visit the Mediterranean as well as more luxury brands like Viking Cruises and small-ship brands like Atlas Ocean Voyages.

There are over 20 countries that make up the Mediterranean region. Mediterranean cruises are typically divided into Eastern and Western itineraries. Western Mediterranean cruises typically visit popular ports of call in Spain, France, and Italy. While Eastern Mediterranean cruises typical visit Greece, Turkey, and Croatia.

Mediterranean cruises are usually port intensive, visiting multiple destinations over the duration of the trip. The port visits are also usually very long days as many of the popular tourist attractions are located quite a distance from the cruise ports, as is the case with Rome and Athens.

While this region does offer beautiful beaches and coastline, it is likely that you will spend much of your time ashore exploring historical sites and sampling the local cuisine.

Bermuda

If you have cruised the Bahamas and Caribbean before and want to visit someplace different, you can find some of the same beautiful weather and sandy beaches on a cruise to Bermuda. This British territory is home to some of the friendliest people and arguably the best beaches and natural landscapes in the Atlantic. It’s no wonder that there are more and more ships calling on this seasonal port every year.

Given that the island is further north than many of the other popular tropical destinations, the weather is a bit more seasonal here. Therefore, cruises to Bermuda generally occur from April to October. Still, that is almost half of the year to find some vacation time to enjoy all that Bermuda has to offer.

Many major cruise lines have ships that regularly visit Bermuda, with most offering two or three days to enjoy this top cruise destination. You will need this time to explore Kings Wharf and other popular stops like St. George’s and Hamilton.

Given its location, a Bermuda cruise might be the perfect choice for those living in the Northeastern United States as there will be no flying involved. Most Bermuda cruises leave from New York or Cape Liberty, New Jersey. A few also depart from our homeport of Boston, MA.

Mexican Riviera

Another top cruise location is the Mexican Riviera. More and more cruise lines are beginning to shift ships to the West Coast. Who could blame them?

Ports in the Mexican Riviera, like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, offer amazing beaches, immersive cultural and historical experiences, and a festive atmosphere day and night. The Mexican Riviera is much like the Caribbean for West Coasters.

Popular cruise lines in this region include Carnival Cruise Line which offers different departure points in Southern California. Princess Cruises also offers a few different itineraries in the region. Other cruise lines do offer some sailings in the Mexican Riviera, like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America Line, though options are a bit more limited.

Like many of the tropical cruise regions, there are plenty of beach breaks, island tours, food tastings, and nature excursions to experience in the Mexican Riviera. Plus, there are exclusive offerings like whale watching, cultural shows like Rhythms of the Night, and some unique landscapes that you can’t find in the Caribbean.

Canada/New England

Like many of the other top cruise destinations, Canada/New England cruise itineraries are seasonal. The season runs from May to October with the majority of sailings occurring during the Fall. As native New Englanders, we sometimes take the fall foliage for granted. However, this seasonal change is a sight to behold for many. So, a host of cruise ships from most brands call on some of our favorite spots from mid September to the end of October.

Popular ports of call include Boston, MA; Bar Harbor, ME; Portland, ME; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and St. John, New Brunswick. Each of these ports offers its own historic and coastal charm. In our homeport of Boston, you can learn more about the founding of the United States by trekking the Boston Freedom Trail. You can dive into the history of the Titanic when in Halifax. Or, you can see the Victorian era architecture and historic homes of Portland and visit Arcadia National Park in Bar Harbor.

Our local cuisine is another great reason to cruise to Canada and New England. Portland is home to the one and only Maine Lobster, but the waters off these coasts are home to other seafood delights as well. You can enjoy a rich and creamy cup of New England clam chowder or some Rhode Island style calamari. There are also plenty of sweet treats including maple syrup and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream from nearby Vermont. Not to mention, the micro beer renaissance in the United States got started with a couple of Boston brands, Harpoon Brewery and Sam Adams. 

Further, fall cruises to Canada and New England are the perfect time for some wildlife sightings. Most notably, it is a great time for some whale watching in the Bay of Fundy.

Northern Europe

Whether you want to cruise to Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic capitals, or even the British Isles, Northern Europe is another top cruise destination. We have had the pleasure of exploring many stops in this region and all are equally as stunning. From the majestic Norwegian fjords, where towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls create a picture-perfect backdrop, to the medieval charm of the Baltic capitals, every port offers something unique. There’s also the dramatic landscapes of Iceland and the chance to spot polar bears on Arctic expeditions.

More and more cruise ships are visiting these regions every year— from mainstream lines like Celebrity, Princess, and Holland America, to luxury and expedition lines as well.

If you decide to sail the British Isles, you’ll visit charming ports in Great Britain and Ireland. In Belfast, you can visit the Giant’s Causeway, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Or, live a day in the Game of Thrones by visiting popular filming locations including the Dark Hedges. Edinburgh, Inverness, and Glasgow, Scotland, as well as the Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands, are also popular stops.

In Ireland, you can visit Dublin and Cork. Dublin is home to many popular attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, the Old Library at Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Temple Bar, St. Stephen’s Green, and so much more. While in Cork, you can visit the Blarney Castle and even kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

Norwegian Fjords itineraries typically stop in the popular city of Bergen, Norway, as well as some combination of other ports including Oslo, Stavanger, Geiranger, Alesund, and Flam. Some itineraries even cross into the Arctic with stops in Tromso. While others include stops in Reykjavik and Akureyri, Iceland. Here, you can visit the famous Blue Lagoon, stand between two tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, and marvel at waterfalls, geothermal fields, and volcanic landscapes.

Baltic cruises typically feature stops in Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; Stockholm, Sweden; and Copenhagen, Denmark. With so much medieval architecture, historic churches, and one of a kind landmarks, there will be a photo opportunity around every corner.

Hawaii

We took our first cruise to Hawaii back in 2019 and loved it. The accessibility to the chain of islands makes Hawaii a top cruise destination.

Most Hawaiian cruises depart from the island of Oahu, visiting the Big Island and Maui. Some cruises also visit the island of Kauai. With attractions like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and a selection of luaus, Oahu definitely requires a couple days to explore either pre-cruise or post cruise.

The Big Island of Hawaii is very diverse. Its landscape ranges from volcanoes, mountainous terrain, beaches, rainforests, and everything in between. A Hawaiian cruise itinerary is likely to include a stop at Hilo which is on the east side of the island as well as Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the island. One of our favorite excursions was a helicopter ride over the island to marvel at the volcanoes, lush landscapes, and rugged coastline.

Further, an over-night visit to the island of Maui is common on a Hawaiian cruise. Some of Maui’s most popular attractions include the Road to Hana and Haleakala Crater.

Several cruise lines have ships making stops in the region. However, as the only ship sailing in Hawaii year-round, NCL’s Pride of America is an easy choice. Featuring some familiar favorites like Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki, in addition to some unique Hawaiian themed venues, Pride of America serves as a great backdrop to your long days ashore.

Cruise ships from other brands typically sail this region while repositioning before and after the Alaska cruise season.

Australia/New Zealand

Another bucket list cruise destination is Australia and New Zealand, which we recently had the chance to experience for ourselves. It’s no wonder why as this region offers beautiful weather, iconic landmarks, sprawling beaches, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. While Australia does offer year-round cruises, you will find the most selection during the months of October to May.

Most major cruise lines now offer cruises in this region with Sydney being the most popular embarkation port. Being such a vast continent with such varied landscapes, it is difficult to know where to begin planning a cruise Down Under. However, Australia’s beautiful coastline makes a cruise the perfect way to explore this region. We suggest you do a bit of research on ports of call before choosing your itinerary.

If you want to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, pick a cruise that heads north. These itineraries will likely still start in Sydney but will visit ports like Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Port Douglas, and Brisbane. Alternatively, if you want to explore more of Southern Australia, pick an itinerary that includes ports like Melbourne, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, and Tasmania.

Beyond the urban city centers, there is so much to explore in Australia. From well-known attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to UNESCO World Heritage sites, wineries, beaches, wildlife, and the famous Great Barrier Reef, there will never be a lack of things to do during your visit.

In addition to Australian destinations, these cruises often include ports of call in New Zealand. New Zealand offers opportunities to live out your Lord of the Rings fantasy, cruise through Fiorland National Park, hike the stunning landscapes, and learn more about the indigenous Maori people.

While a few days in Australia or New Zealand are not nearly enough time to take in all the region has to offer, you can certainly visit some of the highlights. Adding a few days pre-cruise or post cruise is also recommended, especially to overcome jet lag prior to embarking on your cruise.

Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the top cruise destinations for adventurous travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the most remote and untouched regions on Earth. Unlike any other cruise destination, Antarctica offers jaw-dropping landscapes, massive icebergs, and snow-covered peaks, creating an otherworldly backdrop for exploration. And wildlife lovers will be in awe of the abundant marine life, from playful penguins and seals to pods of whales gliding through icy waters.

Expedition cruises to the White Continent provide thrilling opportunities for zodiac landings, kayaking, and even setting foot on the continent itself. With strict visitor regulations to preserve its fragile ecosystem, an Antarctica cruise offers an exclusive and immersive way to experience this great wilderness.

For cruisers who have explored the world’s other top destinations and are seeking something truly extraordinary, Antarctica is the ultimate bucket-list voyage. And lucky for you, more and more cruise lines are visiting the region each year. However, do your research carefully before booking this trip of lifetime. Some cruise lines have larger ships that sail the region, but we suggest you pick a smaller expedition vessel that allows you to actually visit the continent.

We sailed to Antarctica with Atlas Ocean Voyages, which offered the perfect mix of cruise amenities and ashore experiences for us. Viking, Silversea, and Seabourn also have expedition ships in the region as do more adventure-focused brands. There are even some itineraries that eliminate the need to cross the notorious Drake’s Passage.

Japan/Asia

Japan and other Asian cruise ports are rapidly gaining popularity as top cruise destinations, offering a perfect blend of ancient traditions, modern innovation, and breathtaking natural beauty. Japan, in particular, has become a standout destination for cruisers. Ports like Tokyo and Yokohama offer an exciting mix of neon-lit streets, historic shrines, and vibrant food scenes, while Kyoto and Hiroshima provide a deep dive into Japan’s cultural and historical heritage. There also the opportunity to see highlights like cherry blossoms and the majestic Mt. Fuji. With Japan’s welcoming atmosphere, it’s an easy and accessible cruise destination that offers something for every type of traveler.

Beyond Japan, other Asian cruise ports are also attracting more ships. Cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore are already well-established cruise hubs, offering a mix of high-energy city life, rich history, and incredible food. Meanwhile, destinations like Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, Thailand’s Phuket, and South Korea’s Busan are gaining traction.

With cruise lines increasing their presence in the region, it’s never been easier to explore Asia by sea. Japan is certainly high on our bucket list. We will also be venturing to Singapore for the first time to check out Disney Cruise Line’s newest and most innovative ship, Disney Adventure.

Galapagos

The Galapagos will forever be memorialized as the inspiration behind Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. You too can take home some memories from these dynamic and diverse islands found off the coast of Ecuador during your cruise to the Galapagos.

With more ships visiting the region, the Galapagos is becoming another top cruise destination on many travelers’ bucket lists. If you are planning a cruise to this region, research the itineraries closely as all cruise lines offer a variety of experiences visiting several of the 20+ islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago.

Generally, Galapagos cruises are categorized into Inner Loop and Outer Loop cruises. These cruises may also include pre-cruise or post cruise land tours that visit Ecuador’s capital of Quito or Peru’s Machu Picchu. Have your cameras ready as wildlife and dramatic land formations abound at every stop. Blue-footed boobies, sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, and iguanas are just some of the creatures you will discover.

Celebrity Flora offers “Galapagos Glamping” at its finest. Celebrity Flora is a 100 passenger vessel that is purpose-built for the region. It offers all-suite accommodations for one of the most luxurious cruises in the Galapagos. Additionally, Lindblad, Silversea, and HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), among others, all have at least one expedition ship offering cruises to this famed destination.

European Rivers

European rivers are becoming one of the top cruise locations due to their unique blend of immersive cultural experiences, scenic beauty, and intimate travel. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises take passengers directly into the heart of Europe’s most historic and charming cities without the hassle of long transfers. Sailing along iconic rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Rhone, or Elbe, travelers can witness picturesque countryside, medieval castles, and UNESCO heritage sites right from their ship.

These smaller river ships typically offer a more all-inclusive atmosphere and a more relaxed and immersive way of travel. Whether it’s tasting wines in Bordeaux, exploring historic castles along the Rhine, or soaking in the vibrant Christmas markets of Germany and Austria, these cruises provide curated experiences for history buffs, food and wine enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.

Many river cruise lines include guided shore excursions, and some even offer privileged access to top sites allowing you to avoid the crowds.

With European river cruises surging in popularity, cruise lines continue to introduce innovative ships with more luxurious amenities, wellness programs, and even themed sailings. We’ve recently had the chance to sail the Seine River with Viking and the Danube with AmaWaterways and can certainly see the appeal.

Comments

What are some of your top cruise locations? How many of these regions have you visited so far? Drop us an anchor below to share your favorite cruise itineraries.