Destinations
Cruise Destinations: Where Will You Sail Next?
From Caribbean beaches to Norwegian fjords, cruising lets you see more with less hassle. Start here to explore the world by sea — with practical tips, best times to go, and our hand-picked guides.
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Beach Bliss
Warm seas, palm trees, and easy island-hopping.
See Caribbean ›Culture & Cuisine
Ancient cities, UNESCO sights, and foodie stops.
See Mediterranean ›Scenery First
Mountains, glaciers, and dramatic coastlines.
See Fjords & Alaska ›Caribbean
Postcard beaches, turquoise water, and a huge choice of ships and itineraries — ideal for first-timers and families. Expect snorkelling, beach days, and lively port towns.
- Best time: December–April (drier). Hurricane season: June–Nov.
- Who it’s for: Families, new cruisers, sun-seekers.
- Sample ports: Cozumel, St Thomas, St Maarten, Belize, Barbados, Grand Cayman.
Caribbean Cruise Guide (coming soon) · Best Ports & Beaches (coming soon)
Mediterranean
Culture-packed itineraries with iconic cities, islands, and coastlines. Mix beach days with world-class sightseeing — ideal for couples and food lovers.
- Best time: May–June & Sept–Oct (warm, fewer crowds). Peak heat in July–Aug.
- Who it’s for: Culture seekers, couples, friends groups.
- Sample ports: Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Santorini, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Naples.
Mediterranean Cruise Guide (coming soon) · Eastern vs Western Med (coming soon)
Northern Europe & Norwegian Fjords
Waterfalls, cliffs, and charming Nordic towns. Fjords are a photographer’s dream and great for scenic sailing days right from your balcony.
- Best time: June–August for milder weather; May & Sept for fewer crowds.
- Who it’s for: Scenery lovers, hikers, photographers.
- Sample ports: Bergen, Geiranger, Flam, Alesund, Olden, Stavanger.
Norwegian Fjords Guide (coming soon) · Baltic Capitals (coming soon)
Alaska
Glaciers, wildlife, and rugged scenery. Expect scenic cruising, whale watching, and bucket-list moments.
- Best time: June–August for warmest temps; May & Sept are cheaper/quiet.
- Who it’s for: Nature lovers, families with teens, adventure seekers.
- Sample ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Glacier Bay (scenic), Hubbard Glacier.
Alaska Cruise Guide Alaska Packing List (coming soon)
Canary Islands
Year-round sunshine with volcanic landscapes, beaches, and easy fly-cruise options from the UK.
- Best time: Year-round; winter sun standout Nov–March.
- Who it’s for: Sun-seekers, winter getaways.
- Sample ports: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Madeira.
Canaries Cruise Guide (coming soon)
Asia
Big-city energy meets island escapes. Diverse itineraries with standout food and culture.
- Best time: Varies by region; typically Nov–March for SE Asia.
- Who it’s for: Culture lovers, foodies, experienced cruisers.
- Sample ports: Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City, Tokyo, Osaka.
Asia Cruise Guide (coming soon)
Middle East
Winter-sun itineraries with futuristic cities and desert adventures.
- Best time: Nov–March (cooler temps).
- Who it’s for: Winter sun, city explorers, shoppers.
- Sample ports: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat.
Middle East Cruise Guide (coming soon)
Australia & South Pacific
Iconic cities and idyllic islands, with plenty of warm-weather sailings.
- Best time: Oct–April (AUS/NZ summers).
- Who it’s for: Sun-seekers, long-haul travellers, gap-year adventures.
- Sample ports: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Nouméa, Lifou, Fiji.
AUS & South Pacific Guide (coming soon)
Transatlantic & Repositioning Cruises
Sea-day heavy, great value, and perfect if you love the ship experience. Often unique routes during seasonal moves.
- Best time: Spring & autumn.
- Who it’s for: Ship lovers, remote workers, readers/relaxers.
- Sample ports: Southampton, Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, New York, Miami.
Transatlantic Guide (coming soon)
Helpful Extras
Cruise Destinations FAQs
What’s the best cruise destination for first-timers?
The Caribbean and Mediterranean are the easiest starts: lots of ship choice, varied ports, and straightforward logistics.
When is the cheapest time to cruise?
Shoulder seasons (e.g., May/Sept in the Med; early Dec or late Jan in the Caribbean) often have lower fares and fewer crowds.
Do I need a visa?
Usually not for typical fly-cruise itineraries, but rules vary. Always check the cruise line and the UK FCDO advice for your ports.
Should I book ship tours or independent excursions?
Ship tours are convenient and protected; independent tours can be cheaper and more personalised. We link to vetted options in each guide.