Top cruise destinations and major routes
Top cruise destinations and major routes
Popular cruise routes and destinations
Cruise travel has evolved considerably beyond its traditional demographic and now encompasses everything from large resort ships carrying thousands of passengers to small expedition vessels carrying fewer than a hundred into wilderness destinations inaccessible by any other means. The appeal of unpacking once while covering significant geographic ground remains the format's core practical advantage, with itinerary variety, onboard amenity and destination access varying enormously across the spectrum of available products.
Expedition cruising has grown rapidly, with polar routes, remote archipelagos and river systems now accessible on purpose-built vessels with onboard naturalist and specialist programmes that justify the journey as much as the destinations themselves. River cruising offers a contrasting experience built around slower movement through inhabited landscapes, with the intimacy of smaller vessels and frequent port stops delivering a fundamentally different rhythm to ocean itineraries.
Overtourism driven by large ship arrivals has become a serious issue at several of the world's most celebrated ports and is visibly affecting the quality of the destination experience for both cruise passengers and independent visitors. Smaller ships consistently deliver better destination access and a more authentic experience at sensitive ports. Booking windows for the most sought-after expedition itineraries open well in advance and the best departures sell out quickly.
Lists by region
City in United States
Seattle
Where nature and innovation converge
Seattle serves as a major departure point for Alaska cruise itineraries each summer. Vendors at Pike Place Market have sold fresh salmon since the market opened in 1907. Visitors can watch fishmongers toss whole fish before boarding their ship. Nearby, the Space Needle offers views over the city and surrounding water.
State/Prefecture in China
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
Hong Kong anchors many Asian cruise itineraries thanks to its deep natural harbour. Skyscrapers rise densely around Victoria Harbour, visible from ships as they arrive. Visitors can ride a tram up Victoria Peak for panoramic city views. Nearby markets and street food stalls fill the streets near the cruise terminal.
City in United States
San Francisco
Iconic bridges, rolling hills and vibrant culture
San Francisco serves as a common stop on West Coast and Alaska cruise itineraries. The Golden Gate Bridge has spanned the bay since its completion in 1937. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge before or after the cruise. Nearby Alcatraz Island once held some of America's most notorious federal prisoners.
City in Thailand
Bangkok
The city of contrasts and chaos
Cruise ships typically dock at Laem Chabang, roughly two hours from central Bangkok. Passengers can reach the city's temples and palaces on a full-day shore excursion. Visitors can tour the Grand Palace or ride a boat along Bangkok's canals. Nearby floating markets offer a glimpse of a more traditional way of trading.
City in United States
Boston
Historic charm meets modern innovation
Boston serves as a common stop on New England cruise routes exploring the region's coast. Ships dock within walking distance of the Freedom Trail's historic sites. Visitors can walk the trail past Revolutionary War landmarks near the port. Nearby seafood restaurants serve fresh catch straight from the harbour.
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
Singapore anchors many Southeast Asian cruise itineraries thanks to its central location. Gardens by the Bay features towering artificial trees fitted with solar panels. Visitors can walk an elevated skywalk between the towering supertrees near the port. Nearby, Marina Bay Sands offers rooftop views across the gardens and skyline.
City in United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
Dubai has grown into a major cruise hub linking Middle Eastern and Asian itineraries. The Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah rise visibly from ships approaching the port. Visitors can shop at a massive mall or ride to an observation deck nearby. Nearby desert tours offer dune driving just outside the city.
City in Australia
Sydney
Where urban life meets stunning beaches
Sydney anchors many Australian and South Pacific cruise itineraries at its iconic harbour. The Sydney Opera House's sail-like roof shells took over a decade to complete. Visitors can tour the opera house or climb the nearby Harbour Bridge. Nearby beaches like Bondi offer a swim before or after the cruise.
Island in Spain
Canary Islands
Spain's volcanic paradise year-round
Transatlantic and European cruise routes commonly stop in the Canary Islands for their mild year-round climate. Volcanic peaks and black sand beaches set the islands apart from typical Mediterranean ports. Visitors can ride a cable car partway up Mount Teide on Tenerife. Nearby dunes at Maspalomas resemble a small desert landscape.
City in Brazil
São Paulo
A vibrant mix of culture and cuisine
Cruise ships bound for South American routes sometimes use Santos, Sao Paulo's nearby port. Passengers can reach the city's museums and markets on a shore excursion. Visitors can browse Avenida Paulista's Sunday street market or tour a modern art museum. Nearby Ibirapuera Park offers a green space within the dense metropolis.
City in Spain
Barcelona
Vibrant City of Art and Beaches
Barcelona serves as both a cruise port and a common start or end point for Mediterranean routes. Its central harbour sits within walking distance of the old town and Gaudi's landmarks. Visitors can tour the Sagrada Familia or wander Las Ramblas before reboarding. Nearby beaches offer a relaxing stop just steps from the cruise terminal.
City in Denmark
Copenhagen
Scandi-cool vibes and world-class food
Copenhagen anchors many Baltic Sea cruise routes as a common starting or ending port. Colourful waterfront buildings along Nyhavn sit within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Visitors can stroll the canal district or visit the Little Mermaid statue nearby. Nearby Tivoli Gardens offers rides and gardens just steps from downtown.
City in Japan
Osaka
Castle, neon canals and street food
Osaka serves as a regular stop on Japanese cruise itineraries thanks to its large port. Osaka Castle has stood in some form since a warlord built it in the 1580s. Visitors can tour the castle grounds surrounded by cherry trees near the port. Nearby Dotonbori district glows with neon signs above busy street food stalls.
City in Australia
Melbourne
The heart of culture and coffee
Melbourne serves as a common stop on Australian coastal and round-the-world cruise itineraries. Laneways hidden throughout the city hold cafes, bars and street art. Visitors can wander the laneways discovering hidden coffee shops near the port. Nearby, trams have run through the city centre continuously since the 1880s.
City in Canada
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
Vancouver serves as a major departure point for Alaska cruise itineraries each summer. Stanley Park's seawall offers a scenic walk within view of the departing ships. Visitors can walk or cycle the seawall before boarding for the Inside Passage. Nearby mountains rise directly behind the city's downtown skyline.
City in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
South American cruise routes often begin or end in Buenos Aires before heading towards Patagonia. The port sits close to the city's tango clubs and colourful La Boca neighbourhood. Visitors can watch a tango show or wander the historic Recoleta cemetery. Nearby steakhouses serve some of the country's famous grilled beef.
Island in Thailand
Phuket
Beaches, Culture and Nightlife
Phuket serves as a popular stop on Andaman Sea cruise itineraries through Southeast Asia. Phuket built its early wealth on tin mining before tourism reshaped the island's economy. Visitors can wander colourful colonial shophouses in the old town near the port. Nearby islands offer boat trips to quieter coves and limestone cliffs.
State/Prefecture in United States
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
Inter-island cruises let passengers visit several Hawaiian islands without repacking each stop. Volcanic activity built the islands from the ocean floor over millions of years. Visitors can watch lava flows from a safe distance within a national park. Nearby beaches range from black volcanic sand to classic white shores.
City in Russia
Saint Petersburg
Where history and elegance meet
Saint Petersburg anchors many Baltic Sea cruise itineraries as a highlight stop. The Hermitage Museum occupies the former Winter Palace of Russian emperors. Visitors can wander thousands of rooms filled with art spanning centuries. Nearby, the palace's ornate facade overlooks the Neva River near the port.
City in Japan
Yokohama
Japan's port city with Chinatown and skyline
Yokohama serves as a major cruise port for Tokyo, since larger ships can't dock in the capital directly. A large Chinatown near the port reflects the city's history as an early trading hub. Visitors can explore Chinatown's restaurants or a waterfront park nearby. Nearby, a historic red brick warehouse now houses shops and restaurants.
Region in Indonesia
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
Cruise ships calling at Bali typically dock at Benoa Harbor near the island's south coast. Passengers can reach temples, rice terraces and beaches within a short drive of the port. Visitors can tour a clifftop temple or relax at a nearby beach club. Nearby markets sell woodcarvings and textiles made by local artisans.
City in Mexico
Puerto Vallarta
Beaches, sunsets and vibrant streets
Puerto Vallarta anchors many Mexican Riviera cruise itineraries along the Pacific coast. A cobblestone old town lines the waterfront within walking distance of the port. Visitors can browse galleries and shops or relax on the malecon boardwalk. Nearby beaches and jungle offer excursions just outside the city.
City in Japan
Hiroshima
Peace Park, okonomiyaki and Miyajima ferry
Cruise ships calling at Hiroshima give passengers access to the Peace Memorial Park. The dome-shaped ruin near the park survived close to the atomic bomb's 1945 hypocenter. Visitors can tour the memorial museum and walk through the surrounding park. Nearby Miyajima island offers a floating torii gate a short ferry ride away.
Region in Italy
Amalfi Coast
Italy's Coastal Gem
Ships anchor offshore since the Amalfi Coast's cliffside towns lack large harbours. Small tender boats ferry passengers to towns like Positano, built directly into the cliffs. Visitors can wander steep, colourful streets stacked above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Nearby Capri offers a short boat ride to its famous Blue Grotto.
City in Sweden
Stockholm
Where islands, history and modernity meet
Stockholm anchors many Baltic Sea cruise itineraries as a starting or ending port. The city spreads across fourteen islands connected by more than fifty bridges. Visitors can explore the medieval streets of Gamla Stan near the harbour. Nearby, a museum houses a warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.
City in Italy
Venice
A floating city of romance and history
Venice anchors many Mediterranean cruise itineraries, though large ships now dock outside the historic centre. Canals wind between centuries-old buildings throughout the car-free city. Visitors can ride a gondola or water taxi through the narrow waterways. Nearby, glassblowers on the island of Murano continue a centuries-old craft.
City in Portugal
Lisbon
Sun-soaked streets and rich history
Lisbon anchors many transatlantic and European coastal cruise routes along the Tagus River. Yellow trams have climbed the city's steep hills since the early 1900s. Visitors can ride a tram through old neighbourhoods near the port. Nearby, the Belem Tower once guarded ships entering the same river mouth.
City in Canada
Quebec City
Old World Charm in North America
Quebec City anchors many Canada and New England cruise itineraries along the St. Lawrence River. Stone ramparts still encircle the old town, among North America's few remaining walled cities. Visitors can walk the fortified walls or explore the historic Chateau Frontenac. Nearby cafes serve poutine, the local speciality of fries, cheese curds and gravy.
City in Finland
Helsinki
Nordic charm by the Baltic Sea
Helsinki serves as a regular stop on Baltic Sea cruise routes connecting Scandinavia and Russia. A striking rock church carved directly into granite bedrock sits near the harbour. Visitors can tour the church's unusual interior or explore the nearby market square. Nearby ferries connect the city to Tallinn across the gulf.
Canal in Panama
Panama Canal
Historic waterway linking oceans, engineering marvel
Ships transiting the Panama Canal rise and fall through a series of massive locks. Engineers completed the canal in 1914, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans directly. Visitors can watch the locks operate from the ship's deck during the crossing. Nearby rainforest lines much of the canal's route through the isthmus.
Country
New Zealand
Land of the long cloud
Cruise ships circling New Zealand stop at fjords, cities and geothermal regions along the way. Milford Sound's cliffs rise straight from the water within Fiordland National Park. Visitors can cruise beneath waterfalls pouring down the sound's sheer rock walls. Nearby Rotorua offers a stop at bubbling mud pools and hot springs.
Island in Greece
Rhodes
Medieval Charm and Sun-Kissed Beaches
Rhodes serves as a popular Greek stop on eastern Mediterranean cruise itineraries. Knights once fortified the old town with walls that still stand today. Visitors can walk the cobbled streets within the medieval walled city near the port. Nearby beaches along the coast draw visitors seeking warm Aegean water.
Outer Territory in United States
U.S. Virgin Islands
Caribbean Paradise with U.S. Convenience
Cruise ships stop across the US Virgin Islands, linking St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Trunk Bay's underwater snorkelling trail guides swimmers past marked coral formations. Visitors can snorkel the marked trail or shop duty-free near the pier. Nearby beaches offer a relaxed stop between busier Caribbean ports.
State/Prefecture in United States
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
Cruise ships thread through the Inside Passage's narrow channels past glaciers and forested islands. Calm, sheltered waters make the route accessible even for larger ships year after year. Visitors can watch glaciers calve into the sea from the ship's deck. Nearby ports like Juneau offer excursions into surrounding wilderness and wildlife viewing.
City in Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
Arches, Beaches, Nightlife and Adventure
Ships anchor offshore near Cabo San Lucas's famous arch rock formation, El Arco. Waves have carved the distinctive rock where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Visitors can take a water taxi to view the arch up close. Nearby beaches offer swimming in calmer, protected bay waters.
City in Bahamas
Nassau
Turquoise Waters, Colorful History, Island Vibes
Nassau ranks among the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, welcoming ships almost daily. Pirates once used the harbour as a base during the early 1700s golden age of piracy. Visitors can tour a pirate museum or explore forts built to defend the port. Nearby reefs and shipwrecks draw divers along the surrounding coastline.
Village in Italy
Positano
Cliffside Beauty on Amalfi Coast
Ships anchor offshore since Positano's steep, cliffside town has no large harbour. Small tender boats ferry passengers to the colourful buildings stacked above the water. Visitors can wander steep streets or relax on the town's pebble beach. Nearby, boats depart for excursions along the rest of the Amalfi Coast.
City in Italy
Sorrento
Cliffside charm and Amalfi gateway
Sorrento serves as a common stop on cruise itineraries exploring Italy's Amalfi Coast. Cliffs rise directly from the town's harbour, offering views out over the Bay of Naples. Visitors can wander lemon groves or browse shops selling local limoncello. Nearby, ferries connect the town to Capri and the rest of the Amalfi Coast.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
Cape Town serves as a major port linking round-Africa and world cruise itineraries. Table Mountain rises directly behind the harbour, visible from ships as they dock. Visitors can ride a cable car up the mountain or tour nearby Robben Island. Nearby vineyards in Stellenbosch offer a day trip from the port.
Island in Italy
Capri
Mediterranean Elegance and Natural Beauty
Ships anchor off Capri since the island's harbours are too small for large vessels. Small tender boats ferry passengers ashore to explore the island's cliffside town. Visitors can take a smaller boat into the Blue Grotto's glowing cave. Nearby chairlifts climb to Monte Solaro for sweeping views over the bay.
Nature Reserve in Ha Long
Ha Long Bay
Vietnam’s Otherworldly Seascape
Cruise ships weave between thousands of limestone karsts rising from Ha Long Bay's emerald water. Legend attributes the formations to dragons that descended into the sea long ago. Visitors can kayak between the towering rocks or explore caves cut into the cliffs. Nearby floating fishing villages have adapted to life entirely on the water.
City in Japan
Kobe
Harbour city with hills, beef and hot springs
Kobe serves as a regular stop on Japanese cruise itineraries thanks to its deep harbour. The city is famous worldwide for the marbled beef raised in the surrounding region. Visitors can sample Kobe beef at a local restaurant near the port. Nearby hot spring towns offer a soak in the hills above the city.
City in Oman
Muscat
Where mountains meet Arabian sea
Muscat serves as a regular stop on cruise routes through the Arabian Sea and Gulf. A vast mosque with an enormous chandelier anchors the city's modern skyline. Visitors can tour the mosque's interior or explore Muscat's old walled souk. Nearby forts guard the harbour entrance from surrounding hillsides.
City in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
Rio de Janeiro anchors many South American cruise itineraries along the Atlantic coast. Christ the Redeemer stands atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooking the city's coastline. Visitors can ride a train up the mountain for close views of the statue. Nearby, Selaron's Steps display colourful tiles collected from around the world.
City in Iceland
Reykjavík
Vibrant city amidst stunning nature
Reykjavik anchors many North Atlantic cruise routes exploring Iceland's dramatic coastline. A striking concrete church, Hallgrimskirkja, rises above the city's colourful rooftops. Visitors can ride an lift to the church tower for panoramic city views. Nearby geothermal areas offer day trips to hot springs and geysers.
City in Colombia
Cartagena
Walled city of Caribbean color
Cartagena's colourful walled old town sits within easy walking distance of the cruise port. Spanish colonists built fortifications here to defend against pirate raids for centuries. Visitors can wander cobbled streets lined with balconies and bougainvillea. Nearby city walls offer views out over the Caribbean coastline.
Reef in Australia
Great Barrier Reef
World's largest living coral wonder
Cruise ships anchor near pontoons that give passengers direct access to the Great Barrier Reef. Coral formations here stretch across one of the largest reef systems on Earth. Visitors can snorkel or take a semi-submersible boat to view coral without getting wet. Nearby Whitsunday Islands offer a stop at Whitehaven Beach's famous white sand.
Island in Greece
Mykonos
Whitewashed beauty and wild nights
Mykonos ranks among the most visited Greek islands on Aegean cruise itineraries. Windmills line a ridge above the town, once used to grind grain for the island. Visitors can walk beneath the windmills at sunset for classic Cycladic views. Nearby beaches range from lively resort strips to quieter coves.
Island in Greece
Santorini
Breathtaking Views and Blue Domes
Ships anchor within Santorini's volcanic caldera, formed by a massive ancient eruption. Cable cars or donkeys carry passengers up the steep cliff to the clifftop town. Visitors can walk whitewashed lanes overlooking the dramatic curved coastline. Nearby beaches range from black to red volcanic sand.
Region
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
Cruise ships navigate narrow channels through Patagonia's glaciers and fjords at the tip of South America. Sheep ranching has shaped the region's economy since settlers arrived in the late 1800s. Visitors can view calving glaciers from the deck or take a smaller boat closer. Nearby fjords and lakes fill the region's sparsely populated interior.
City in Japan
Nagasaki
Peace memorials, trade history and harbour views
Cruise ships calling at Nagasaki give passengers access to the city's Peace Park. The park commemorates the atomic bombing that struck the city in August 1945. Visitors can tour the memorial museum and reflect at the surrounding grounds. Nearby, Dutch trading history still shapes parts of the city's architecture.
Country
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
Small ships navigate the Maldives since the country's scattered atolls limit larger vessel access. Coral reefs surround nearly every island, keeping the water shallow and clear. Visitors can snorkel directly from the ship's tender or dive nearby reef walls. Nearby overwater bungalows offer a land-based option before or after the cruise.
Country
Bahamas
Tropical paradise with crystal waters
Cruise ships from Florida reach the Bahamas in under a day thanks to the short crossing. Companies have built private island stops exclusively for their passengers along the route. Visitors can relax on beaches or snorkel reefs just offshore. Nearby Nassau offers historic forts and a busy downtown shopping district.
Island in Mexico
Cozumel
Crystal reefs and sunlit sandy shores
Cozumel ranks among the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, drawing ships almost daily. Coral reefs just offshore have made the island a favourite stop for snorkellers. Visitors can snorkel or dive the reef system a short boat ride from the pier. Nearby beach clubs offer a relaxed alternative to the water activities.
City in Senegal
Dakar
Vibrant markets and historic waterfront charm
Dakar serves as a stop on some world cruise routes tracing West Africa. Goree Island, a short boat ride from port, holds a sombre history tied to the slave trade. Visitors can tour the island's preserved buildings and memorial sites. Nearby markets in the city sell textiles and crafts from across the region.
Country
Mauritius
Tropical Bliss in the Indian Ocean
Cruise ships crossing the Indian Ocean often stop at Mauritius for its volcanic scenery. A rare road illusion at Chamarel makes cars appear to roll uphill against gravity. Visitors can view the illusion or nearby colourful volcanic soil formations. Nearby beaches offer a swim before returning to the ship.
City in Estonia
Tallinn
Medieval charm meets modern innovation
Tallinn serves as a common stop on Baltic Sea cruise routes near Helsinki and Saint Petersburg. Medieval walls and towers still encircle much of the city's well-preserved old town. Visitors can walk cobbled streets lined with merchant houses from centuries past. Nearby cafes serve traditional Estonian pastries near the main square.
River
Amazon River
Endless green corridor, untamed wildlife sanctuary
River cruise ships travel deep into the Amazon, reaching areas no road can access. Rubber wealth built ornate riverside cities during a boom in the late 1800s. Visitors can cruise past riverside villages spotting pink dolphins and diverse birdlife. Nearby lodges offer nighttime tours to look for caimans along the banks.
Island in United States
Saint Thomas
Sun‑kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife
Saint Thomas ranks among the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, drawing ships almost daily. Duty-free shopping along the waterfront draws passengers straight from the pier. Visitors can shop downtown or relax at nearby Magens Bay beach. Nearby Trunk Bay on St. John offers a marked underwater snorkelling trail.
Archipelago in Portugal
Azores
Volcanic Isles of Atlantic Wonders
Cruise ships stop in the Azores partway across transatlantic routes between Europe and North America. Volcanic peaks and crater lakes give the islands scenery unlike much of the surrounding ocean. Visitors can hike to twin crater lakes or soak in natural hot springs. Nearby harbours offer easy access to the islands' green, dramatic interior.
City in Morocco
Casablanca
Modern Vibes and Rich Traditions
Casablanca serves as a common Moroccan stop on Mediterranean and transatlantic cruise routes. The Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, rises near the waterfront. Visitors can tour the mosque's ornate interior or explore the old medina. Nearby markets sell leather goods, spices and traditional crafts.
Island in Greece
Corfu
Emerald isle of sun and history
Corfu serves as a popular Greek stop on eastern Mediterranean cruise itineraries. Venetian fortresses still guard the island's old town, reflecting centuries of foreign rule. Visitors can wander narrow lanes lined with Venetian-era buildings near the port. Nearby beaches offer a swim before returning to the ship.
City in Croatia
Dubrovnik
The Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik ranks among the most visited ports on Adriatic cruise itineraries. Stone walls have encircled the medieval old town since fortifications were built centuries ago. Visitors can walk the full loop of the walls for views over red rooftops. Nearby cable cars climb a hillside for panoramic views of the harbour.
Country
Fiji
Tropical paradise with diverse landscapes
South Pacific cruise routes commonly include stops across Fiji's more than three hundred islands. Coral reefs surround many of the smaller, less developed islands along the route. Visitors can snorkel colourful reefs or attend a traditional kava ceremony ashore. Nearby waters draw some of the region's most reliable diving conditions.
Island in Australia
Whitsunday Islands
Paradise within Great Barrier Reef
Cruise ships anchor near the Whitsunday Islands for access to the Great Barrier Reef. Whitehaven Beach's silica sand stays cool underfoot even under the strong Australian sun. Visitors can swim in the swirling shallows where sand and ocean colours meet. Nearby reefs offer some of the finest snorkelling along the coast.
Town in Argentina
Ushuaia
End of the World Adventures
Antarctic-bound cruise ships depart from Ushuaia, often called the end of the world. The city sits at the southern tip of South America, the closest port to Antarctica. Visitors can hike Tierra del Fuego's forests or cruise the Beagle Channel before departure. Nearby glaciers and peaks rise sharply above the surrounding coastline.
Outer Territory in France
Réunion
An Island of Adventure and Beauty
Cruise ships stop at Reunion for a look at one of the world's most active volcanoes. Piton de la Fournaise regularly reshapes the surrounding black rock landscape with fresh lava. Visitors can hike across recent flows to the edge of the crater. Nearby cirques ringed by cliffs shelter villages reachable mainly on foot.
Island in Tanzania
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
Cruise ships stop at Zanzibar to explore Stone Town's blend of African, Arab and Indian influence. Spice plantations across the island once made it a key stop on ancient trade routes. Visitors can tour a spice farm or wander the old town's narrow lanes. Nearby beaches offer a swim before returning to the ship.
Village in Norway
Flåm
Fjord Dreams and Railway Magic
Cruise ships sail deep into Norway's fjords to reach the small village of Flam. A steep railway climbs from the fjord up into the surrounding mountains. Visitors can ride the train past waterfalls that drop close to the tracks. Nearby, ferries continue along the Naeroyfjord, one of Norway's narrowest fjords.
Village in Norway
Geiranger
Majestic Fjords and Dramatic Waterfalls
Cruise ships sail deep into Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's most dramatic waterways. Waterfalls with names like the Seven Sisters cascade down the surrounding cliffs. Visitors can view the falls from the deck or take a smaller boat tour closer. Nearby switchback roads climb to viewpoints looking down on the fjord.
Country
Seychelles
Tropical paradise with pristine beaches
Small ships explore the Seychelles, since the islands' scattered granite outcrops suit smaller vessels. Boulders shape many beaches here, unusual for a tropical island chain. Visitors can swim at beaches framed by smooth, rounded granite formations. Nearby rainforest hills shelter rare birds and the giant coco de mer palm.
Overseas Territory in France
French Polynesia
Paradise of Crystal Clear Lagoons
Cruise ships island-hop across French Polynesia's scattered atolls and volcanic peaks. Coral reefs enclose lagoons calmer than the surrounding open Pacific waters. Visitors can snorkel shallow reefs or relax on beaches at each island stop. Nearby Bora Bora's lagoon ranks among the most photographed stops on the route.
City in Peru
Iquitos
Amazon’s gateway to jungle adventures
River cruise ships depart Iquitos to explore the Amazon, since no roads reach the city. Rubber wealth built the city's ornate riverside buildings during a boom in the late 1800s. Visitors can cruise the river spotting pink dolphins and diverse birdlife. Nearby lodges offer nighttime tours to look for caimans along the banks.
Outer Territory in United Kingdom
Bermuda
Pink sands and turquoise waters
Ships sailing from the U.S. East Coast reach Bermuda after roughly two days at sea. Pink sand beaches and pastel buildings set the island apart from typical Caribbean stops. Visitors can explore historic dockyards or relax on Horseshoe Bay's pink sand. Nearby coral reefs offer snorkelling just off the island's sheltered coast.
Island in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
The Wildlife Paradise of Ecuador
Small expedition ships navigate the Galapagos, since larger cruise vessels can't access the protected waters. Charles Darwin's observations here helped shape his theory of evolution in the 1830s. Visitors can walk among wildlife that shows little fear of humans. Nearby waters draw snorkellers hoping to swim alongside sea lions and rays.
National Park in Indonesia
Komodo National Park
Dragons, Pristine Reefs and Wild Beauty
Expedition cruises stop at Komodo National Park to let passengers see its famous dragons. Rangers guide visitors at a careful distance to observe the animals safely. Visitors can hike marked trails where dragons bask in the open. Nearby pink-sand beaches sit just a short tender ride from the anchorage.
City in Iceland
Akureyri
Northern Lights, Fjord Views, Arctic Vibe
Cruise ships anchor in Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord, to reach Akureyri's harbour. The town serves as a gateway for whale watching trips into the surrounding waters. Visitors can spot humpback whales on a short boat tour from the dock. Nearby, a small heart-shaped set of traffic lights has become a local landmark.
National Park in United States
Glacier Bay National Park
Majestic glaciers and pristine wilderness
Ships sailing through Glacier Bay pass tidewater glaciers that calve directly into the sea. Rangers often board the ship to narrate the scenery as it passes. Visitors can watch chunks of ice break off and crash into the water. Nearby mountains rise steeply above the bay's calm, glacier-carved waters.
Country
Papua New Guinea
Last paradise of South Pacific
Expedition cruises stop along Papua New Guinea's coast to visit remote highland villages. Isolated valleys here kept many communities separate from each other for centuries. Visitors can attend a traditional sing-sing featuring elaborate ceremonial dress. Nearby reefs remain largely untouched by large-scale tourism and commercial fishing fleets.
Country
Cook Islands
Tropical paradise with year-round warmth
South Pacific cruise routes often include a call at Rarotonga, the Cook Islands' main hub. A lagoon nearly encircles the island, offering calm water close to shore. Visitors can snorkel the lagoon or hike trails through the volcanic interior. Nearby Aitutaki's lagoon ranks among the most photographed in the Pacific.
Island in Bahamas
Great Exuma Island
Crystal clear waters and tranquility
Bahamas cruise itineraries sometimes include a stop near Great Exuma's swimming pigs. Locals say the pigs were left on a nearby uninhabited island decades ago and simply thrived. Visitors can swim alongside the pigs from a tender boat anchored offshore. Nearby sandbars turn the surrounding water strikingly clear and shallow.
Country
Vanuatu
Tropical paradise with cultural diversity
South Pacific cruise routes often include a stop to watch Mount Yasur's glowing eruptions. Local ni-Vanuatu communities have lived near the volcano's slopes for generations. Visitors can hike to the crater rim for close views of the eruptions. Nearby villages still practice land diving, a ritual predating modern bungee jumping.
Outer Territory in United Kingdom
Falkland Islands
Untouched wilderness with abundant wildlife
Antarctic-bound cruise routes often stop at the Falkland Islands before heading further south. Five species of penguin nest along the islands' windswept, remote coastline. Visitors can walk close to penguin colonies on open beaches. Nearby cliffs host albatross that nest within sight of grazing sheep.
Outer Territory in United Kingdom
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Remote polar wilderness with wildlife
Antarctic expedition cruises often include a stop at remote South Georgia Island. King penguin colonies here number in the hundreds of thousands during breeding season. Visitors can walk among dense penguin colonies along the island's beaches. Nearby glaciers spill down mountains rising directly from the sea.
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Oceania's cruise offer is shaped by the vast distances of the Pacific and the contrast between the well-developed coastal itineraries of Australia and New Zealand and the remote…
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Best cruise destinations in South America
South America's cruise offer is defined by the dramatic contrasts between the remote wilderness routes of the far south and the cultural port itineraries along the Pacific and…
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Snowboarding & Onsen trip to Japan
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Planned a week in New York City
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Trip to Japan to see autumn foliage
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Tour through the old cities of Northern Italy
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Weekend Escape to Llanes, Spain
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Planning a 2027 trip to France
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Christmas Market trip, Germany
