Sunday, March 31, 2024

Best cruise destinations for every type of traveler

best places to take a cruise

At CruiseExperts.com we understand that and have sorted these cruises by the places you'll visit on your cruise vacation. So whether it's a cruise to Alaska, a Caribbean cruise, cruises to Hawaii, a cruise to the Bahamas or Bermuda or a cruise to Mexico you'll find it easily with the help of our destination wizard. Whatever “floats your boat” get started by selecting your dream destination on our cruise search page. Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Every destination has a unique story to tell — and with Royal Caribbean, getting there is part of the adventure. Not only are our ships filled with gamechanging ways to play and unwind — we offer unforgettable excursions that let you dive deeper into each destination’s vibrant culture, natural wonders and local charm.

Best cruise destinations for every type of traveler

25 BEST Caribbean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Caribbean on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

25 BEST Caribbean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Caribbean on Cruise Critic.

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Whether you want to get away from the cold, take advantage of low offseason pricing or visit the Southern Hemisphere during their summer, there are a number of destinations that shine during the winter months. Expedition cruises generally start at around $12,000 per person, although some major cruise lines offer scenic cruising in Antarctica — with no landings — for under $3,000 per person. The second is a moderate fitness level to be able to venture ashore in Zodiacs and explore the rugged landscape. The Pacific Northwest port cities of Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia are the gateways for the majority of Alaska cruises. Inside Passage itineraries are the most popular and cruise lines offer these sailings from May through September. The peak is December time, but it’s a very expensive time to go to Antarctica..

best places to take a cruise

Caribbean Ancient Ruins and Cities

Explore a landscape of plunging cliffs, cascading waterfalls, flower-strewn meadows, and sleepy farming villages. Escape to the beautiful, sunny Bahamas on a short getaway departing from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Orlando. Ports of call include bustling Nassau, the capital of the island chain, where you can explore the colonial-era architecture and browse the Straw Market for handicrafts. First, it's glorious to enter Norway's major fjords, such as UNESCO World Heritage Site Geiranger Fjord, by the water, where you can get a close-up view of the famed Seven Sisters waterfall.

Seeing Europe’s Gems by Small Ship

On a round-trip cruise, you'll call on Juneau, Alaska's remote capital that's reachable solely by sea or air and offers access to Mendenhall Glacier. It's impossible to choose since every island is fringed by talcum-soft sand and warm turquoise water and is home to lively beach bars offering music and tropical cocktails that will make your day in the sun all the more fun. Bermuda's cruise season might not be as long as the one in the Caribbean, but the beaches are still top-notch. From the famous pink sands of Horseshoe Beach to snorkeling off Elbow Beach, there are enough places on the island for you to spend a full three days splashing around.

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The best Carnival Cruise Line itineraries: 5 great places its ships go - The Points Guy

The best Carnival Cruise Line itineraries: 5 great places its ships go.

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When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Add in the Western Med's top island ports, and it's impossible to cruise here without enjoying some of the world's most memorable foods and flavors. Olives and olive oil are an art form on the Spanish island of Mallorca, while wild boar is a rustic favorite on the French island of Corsica.

American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn airline miles when booking cruises at BookAACruises.com. All members earn one mile for every dollar they spend on cruise reservations, up to 10,000 miles. Some cruise specials offer up to 100,000 miles based on your selected cruise. A family visit to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier is an exceptional experience you won't forget.

The site also acts as a metasearch for cruise deals, pulling in prices from multiple cruise websites. From California’s star-studded streets and Hawaii’s idyllic islands, to the rugged coasts of Canada, New England and Nova Scotia, North America cruises unlock all kinds of unique ports across the continent and beyond. From its tropical north coasts to the icy extremities of the curled southern tip, where vast glaciers flow into narrow fjords and winds whip across the expanse of the Beagle Channel, South America assaults the senses. In a single voyage, you could sail through several climate zones and numerous dynamic, exciting cultures, making this intriguing continent one of the best places to go on a cruise. Juneau, the tiny state capital, is hemmed in by mountains and water, a short journey from the Mendenhall Glacier, where chunks of ice wash up on the rocky lakeshore.

Perhaps you've heard of two little islands called Mykonos and Santorini before? Well, summer is high season for the international party set here, and a cruise visit will put all of the clubs, bars and -- in the case of Mykonos cruises -- beaches you need to tie one on within an easy walk or cab ride. You'll also have plenty of options for romantic date nights, fresh seafood and boutique shopping.

South America

best places to take a cruise

River cruises are intimate ways to see both small European towns and capitals such as Budapest and Vienna. If you love the holidays, it's hard to beat the festive atmsophere of a German Christmas market. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises. Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises, or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival.

Beyond its inaccessibility, the region teems with marine wildlife -- think otters and orcas --- that are best viewed by ship (the smaller the better). Finally, the only way to see some of the state's most famous glaciers, such as those in Glacier Bay or within Tracy Arm fjord, is by ship. Traveling by cruise ship has many conveniences, no matter what your itinerary. You only need to unpack once, for example, and you have the added benefits of built-in entertainment, dining and family activities.

You can fish for salmon (and have it shipped home), zipline above a landscape inhabited by black bears and gaze down at massive glaciers from a seaplane or helicopter (and even land atop one). The coastal mountains and fjords of Norway do have the majesty of scale that you'll find in Alaska, though the snowcapped peaks that form the background of all of your Alaska photos might be missing. However, Norway's coast and fjords have their own special magic, including lush valleys, dramatic waterfalls, picturesque towns and -- for a little imaginary scenery -- folklore abundant with trolls and other mythic creatures. Sure, the weather is changeable, and you're as likely to be kayaking in the rain as you are to see the sun. With its mountains and glaciers, eagles soaring above and whales surfacing from below -- taking in the scenery is the real reward a cruise in Alaska, no matter what the temperature. Denali National Park, White Pass Railroad and Mendenhall Glacier are a few of the most popular sites on these itineraries.

What's even better is that you can bring your finds back on the ship with you; feel free to uncap that Burgundy and drink it on your balcony. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists. Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage.

Top Cruise Destinations Around the World for Every Traveler

best places to take a cruise

Across the border in Canada, drive from Halifax along the coast to rugged Peggy’s Cove, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. From Saint John, you could join a tour along the glorious Fundy Trail Parkway and admire its sweeping beaches and red sandstone cliffs. In historic Vieux-Québec, you’ll stroll past cobbled lanes, 17th-century stone houses, and chic cafes, discovering why Quebec is known for its fascinating culture.

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12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025.

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The Pros and Cons of Cruises

You don't have to look any further to find the best family vacation spot. CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private eco-certified island in the Bahamas, offers pristine white-sand beaches and bright-blue waters, along with plenty of exciting, family-oriented activities. Book an ocean-view cabana or beach bungalow, so the kids can play on floating beach mats while you lounge in style. Take the family on a kayaking adventure at the secluded Barefoot Beach, or explore the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay together on your own personal watercraft. How about snorkeling between tropical coral reefs teeming with colorful fish? American Queen Voyages will offer the longest trips in the line’s history in 2023, with two 23-day river itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio aboard the 123-stateroom American Countess.

Cruises

Have your camera ready to capture the action as huge chunks of Windex-blue ice calve off of its 250-foot-high face with a thunderous crack and crash into the frigid waters below. We've been around the block (and around the world) when it comes to cruises. We've explored the most captivating cities, waded into the surf on world-class beaches, hiked unspoiled landscapes and gazed upon treasured landmarks. So before you book your next cruise, have a look at our picks for the best cruise destinations for every type of traveler.

Popular River Cruises

From Grand Cayman, stingrays, not airplanes, will attract your attention at Stingray City as they tickle your feet, waiting to be fed. The wildlife in Puerto Rico may be more elusive; you’ll be the envy of birdwatchers worldwide if you spot the Puerto Rican parrot in the El Yunque rainforest, as it’s one of the rarest birds in the world. The South Island is all drama, from the snowy Southern Alps to the sublime scenery of Fiordland. Here, Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Sounds offer jaw-dropping vistas of sheer-sided granite mountains plunging into the glassy water, foaming waterfalls tumbling from dizzying heights. Kobe is your access point for Kyoto, with its temples and gardens, while Shimizu is your gateway to scenic Mt. Fuji.

best places to take a cruise

Easily explored on foot, it's home to architectural landmarks that include Gothic-spired churches, Hanseatic merchant houses and a Pseudo-Russian cathedral. Equally captivating is Stockholm, where a stroll through Old Town (Gamla Stan) will take you back to medieval times. A visit to the one-of-a-kind Vasa Museum offers a fascinating glimpse at a doomed 17th-century wooden warship, and a few hours in the ABBA Museum will have you humming the band's hits for hours afterward. Be sure to pluck a plumeria blossom and place it behind your left ear — to signify that your heart is spoken for. In port, choose from hiking amid boreal forests to sea kayaking among seals and sea otters.

Alaska National Parks

During these times the weather on a cruise will be warmer than back home, prices are very affordable, and if driving, you can get to the port without worrying about airline delays. Travelers can filter search results by destination, cruise line or departure port on various ships. This site offers cruises for every type of traveler, from budget to luxury, and every type of ship, from riverboats to mega-ships. Soon our sunlit morning and evening commutes will be a distant memory and icy patches will catch our unwary feet by surprise. It's time to check the status of our shovels, stock up on ice melt and plan for how we're going to escape the worst the season has to offer -- on a cruise, of course.

Best cruise destination for honeymooners: French Polynesia

Plus, around this time of year, you’ll often find that you can catch parts of cruises passing through Australia, on their extended voyages, and world cruises. You’ll need to go much earlier in March to catch those, but there’s lots of choice. Transatlantic and transpacific sailings offer plenty of relaxing sea days and stops at must-visit cruise destinations. Go from colorful Caribbean towns to iconic European capitals, or explore bazaars, exotic isles and dense rainforests in regions like the Arabian Gulf, the South Pacific and Latin America. Of course, it’s chilly, but it’s a magnificent timeof the year, and a great way to get into the festive spirit. Many cruise lines also call on Nassau in the Bahamas and their own Bahamian private islands, where beach days are sublime.

Alaska on Ocean Victory

My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. In 2005, I launched Tips for Travellers to make it easy and fun for people to discover, plan and enjoy incredible cruise vacations. I have the largest cruise vlogger channel currently on YouTube, with more than 3 million video views per month. The season for the fjords is pretty similar to the Alaska season – it runs  from round about April/May time until September/October. If you want to go for nothing other than the natural beauty of the scenery, July is a great time to consider. If you want to be really exotic and go somewhere a little bit on the pricey side but absolutely utterly magnificent, June is the month to go to Tahiti and the French Polynesian islands.

Best Cruise Destination for Culture Runner-Up: The British Isles

Learn more about all the different regions we visit, each brimming with one-of-a-kind ports of call that cater to all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re beach-hopping in the South Pacific, exploring ancient monasteries in Asia, scouting castles in Europe or cruising through glacier-dotted bays in Alaska — there’s no bolder way to see the world. It's hard to beat a cruise to the Bahamas when it comes to family cruising. For one thing, the island nation is a quick sail from Florida ports like Port Canaveral and Miami.

Of course, in May, in Alaska, it’s not going to be as warm as it is later in the season, but if you’re going to Alaska, you’re not really going for the warmth – you’re going for the beautiful scenery. April’s another great time to go somewhere exotic, and one of the fastest growing areas is Japan. I’ve cruised to Japan at this time of the year and it’s when the cherry blossom is in full bloom. It’s such a beautiful time of the year to go – it’s getting a little bit warmer because of course, it’s heading into springtime – it’s still not red hot, but it’s absolutely beautiful. You’ll find there are lots of festivals around the blossom time, plus more and more choice because it’s a really popular time. I want to share with you my recommendations on what cruises I think you should do month by month based on the best time to visit a destination.

From the top of Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak, you can gaze across the entire metropolis before riding the iconic green-and-white Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour to explore incense-scented temples and bustling seafood markets. You’ll need a head for heights in Tokyo, too, as you zoom up the Tokyo Tower to the viewing platform 492 feet above the neon lights of the Japanese capital. The Norwegian fjords, too, have a serene beauty, ribbons of waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet over sheer cliff faces. Paddle a kayak here, soaking in the silence and watching out for seals bobbing in the water and eagles wheeling overhead. As one of the best places to cruise to, Alaska’s pristine beauty inspires adventure, from kayaking and hiking to zip-lining, dog-sledding, sizzling salmon cook-outs, and flightseeing over creaking glaciers and ice-cloaked peaks. Whales, dolphins, seals, sea otters, bears, and bald eagles are all likely sightings—a good reason to pack binoculars, as the ship itself is the perfect viewing platform.

Seabourn Pursuit, which will be a sibling ship to Venture, is scheduled to arrive in 2023, the second in Seabourn’s growing expedition fleet. Windstar has a series of 2023 itineraries on the 156-cabin Star Pride and 171-suite Wind Surf that hit yachty Caribbean ports like Jost Van Dyke, in the British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla. The small-ship line, which is known for both its sleek “Star Plus Class” ships and its classic vessels with their dramatic sails, also has an array of itineraries along the coast of Australia and in the South Pacific. Highlights of a Hawaii itinerary include a pre- or post-cruise visit to the historic sites of Pearl Harbor and perhaps even an overnight stay in Waikiki.

Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway.

The port is set on Chichagof Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines. Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world. If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own.

Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days. Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village.

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