Top Cruise Destinations

Caribbean

The first choice for glorious winter sun, white sand beaches and the bluest of seas. Choose from The Bahamas, Eastern or Western Caribbean, or the Southern isles. Some itineraries include visits to Mexico and Columbia, and one of the most iconic cruises you can take is through the Panama Canal.

Mediterranean

Best for Spring/Summer cruises, a Med itinerary might cover the coasts of Spain, Italy, the Adriatic (Croatia and Montenegro), the Greek Islands or even as far afield as Turkey. One of the most memorable trips you can do is to sail into Venice along the Grand Canal. Unfortunately, Italy has banned the larger ships from doing so, but you may still find a smaller vessel that still docks in the centre of the city. If you visit Santorini, beware of the donkeys!

Canary Islands

A great winter option for guaranteed sunshine, and the bonus that if you are based in the UK you can probably do this as a cruise-only from Southampton. Incorporating lush vegetation, volcanic islands and caribbean-style sandy beaches, this option will include Tenerife, Gran Canaria (make sure to explore Las Palmas), Lanzarote, and windsurfers and beach-lovers’ favourite Fuerteventura, You may also get to visit Madeira and La Gomera on this itinerary.

Norwegian Fjords

A good choice for a first cruise as this itinerary is usually only for seven nights and is cruise-only from the UK. Travel from late spring to early Autumn and pack for all weathers. The scenery is breathtaking and you will have the added benefit of having one or two cruising days to explore your ship. If you are extremely lucky, you might even get to experience the Northern Lights phenomenon.

The Baltics

Visit some of the finest cities around the Baltic Sea. Usually a 14 night itinerary encompassing Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Tallin, Gdansk, and of course the iconic St Petersburg. You will not be able to do independent touring in Russia without a special visa, so one of the rare destinations that I’d advise only booking a ship’s excursion. You could even get to visit Moscow!

Alaska

One for the bucket list! Alaska, the 49th state of the USA, is also the largest. Wildlife, rugged scenery and once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, this itinerary has it all. The Alaskan cruise is usually 7 nights, although some are longer. You will cruise the Inside Passage and/or Glacier Bay, with lots of land-based adventure opportunities. Some combine the cruise with a journey across Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer; whilst others choose to do a cruse and stay in Denali National Park.

See Alaska related posts here

South America

If you want a more adventurous itinerary, consider taking a South American cruise. You will encounter a range of different terrains - tropical rain forests, rugged tundra, infinity fjords, soaring mountains, and contemporary cities. Whether you are interested in nature, wildlife or history you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Stretching from the Equator to Antarctica, this continent comprises no less than 14 countries and a whole range of eco systems. Home to many indigenous people with their own special cultures this is bound to be a memorable trip. Cruises usually start in either Buenos Aires or Santiago and May include a journey around Cape Horn or a trip to the Galápagos Islands. Remember “take only memories and leave only footprints”.

World Cruise

Of course, if you are having trouble making up your mind, and have the time and resources, why not consider a World Cruise. The duration of these cruises are usually 2-3 months (although you can opt to join the ship for “Sectors” at various points around the planet). They will visit most (if not all) continents around the globe. A must for the bucket list!