Find out more about the world's most popular places for cruise holidays.
From the sun-drenched Caribbean to the frozen wilderness of Antarctica, a cruise unlocks extraordinary places. Whether you're dreaming of Norway's dramatic fjords, Japan's ancient temples, the culture-rich cities of the Mediterranean, the wildlife of the Galápagos or a leisurely sail along the Danube, there's an itinerary to suit every traveller.
Discover seven standout cruise lines for exploring this endlessly enticing region, from la dolce vita on the Amalfi Coast to Santorini’s turquoise seas.
Alaska is unlike any of the other states. Its wild, frontier spirit continues to soar – as do the tens of thousands of eagles that circle the shores looking for an easy swipe at a homecoming salmon. For nature lovers, an Alaska cruise has it all, and the very best way to experience its great and diverse landscapes is by cruise ship.
Explore the enchanting Greek Islands of the Aegean Sea with our curated selection of top cruises, tailored to suit different travellers' tastes and budgets.
From sailings for those with adventurous hearts to voyages perfect if you love the finer things in life, here's our selection of the top cruise lines for Antarctica.
With grand capitals, medieval towns and scenic sail-ins, the Baltic offers one of Europe’s richest cruise experiences – here are the best lines and itineraries to consider.
Dreaming of the Dalmatian Coast’s azure waters or the baroque architecture of Venice? Here’s the best time to sail the Adriatic, based on your travel style.
A journey to the Galapagos Islands is a different sort of cruise from your typical Mediterranean jaunt. For something this special, only certain cruise lines will do.
We’ve picked out the coolest Arctic cruises for every kind of traveller, whether you're craving gorgeous landscapes, adventurous antics or sub-zero luxury.
From sailing on the ship that once welcomed Agatha Christie to levels of luxury worthy of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, find the best Nile River cruise for you.
Discover the best Rhône River cruises for every traveller, from luxury seekers to solo adventurers, with our guide to the top cruise lines sailing France’s iconic Rhône River.
Set sail through Southeast Asia with our expert guide to the most unforgettable Mekong River cruises, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with family in tow.
Set between two rivers and surrounded by some of the world’s most prized vineyards, this region of southwest France is a natural fit for cruising. While itineraries are often wine-focused, they also take in handsome riverside towns and medieval villages. But what are the best Bordeaux cruises? We're about to tell you
The Mississippi has so much to offer, from the music of Memphis to the hometown of Mark Twain. We’re here to help you find a cruise that matches your wish list.
June 2025
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7 min read
The best destinations for every month
Wondering where to go when? Here are our guides to the best places to go to for every month of the year
From sunny Caribbean getaways to bucket-list Antarctic expeditions during peak wildlife season, find the perfect January cruise for your winter wanderlust.
From the tulip-lined waterways of the Netherlands to the chance to witness glaciers on sailings to Alaska, here are the very best places to book a cruise this April.
From affordable shoulder season escapes with balmy weather to bucket-list voyages framed by fiery autumnal foliage, find the perfect October cruise for you.
From polar expeditions with penguins to beachy Christmas breaks, here’s where to cruise this December.
October 2025
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6 min read
Frequently asked questions
What are the best destinations for a first-time cruiser?
The good news is that there's no wrong answer – the best destination for a first-timer is the one that matches what you're looking for. If you're drawn to wilderness and dramatic scenery, Alaska, the Norwegian fjords or even an expedition to Antarctica could be the perfect introduction. If you want to swap your usual resort holiday for something more varied, the Caribbean or Mediterranean offer sun, beaches and easy port days. And if you want a mix of culture and natural beauty, Asia, the Panama Canal, and Europe's rivers deliver that in abundance.
What are the best cruise destinations if I don't want to fly?
There are more options than many people realise. A wide range of itineraries depart directly from UK ports, giving you access to some of Europe's most rewarding cruise regions without stepping on a plane. The Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, the Norwegian fjords, and Iceland are all accessible from Southampton, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and other UK departure points. If North America or the Caribbean is calling, it's also worth looking at one-way transatlantic sailings – these do involve a return flight, but the voyage itself is half the journey.
Do I need a passport even if I stay on the ship for the entire cruise?
Yes, a valid passport is required for all cruises, even if you plan to remain on board at every port. Most cruise lines and destinations require your passport to have at least six months of validity remaining beyond your return date, so it's worth checking this well in advance of travel.
You should also review the visa requirements for each country on your itinerary. Some destinations offer visa waivers for cruise passengers making a single-day port visit, though the rules vary by nationality and destination – always verify the latest requirements before you sail.
What are the best cruise destinations for scenic landscapes?
It depends on what kind of scenery you're after. Norway's fjords deliver towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Glaciers and snowcapped peaks define Alaska's Inside Passage. New Zealand offers a remarkable combination of fjords, volcanic landscapes and lush coastline. For something truly otherworldly, Antarctica and the Arctic take passengers into some of the last great wildernesses on the planet.
What are the best cruise destinations for wildlife?
Cruising is one of the finest ways to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. Alaska and the Arctic offer polar bears, whales and walrus. The Galápagos Islands are unrivalled for up-close encounters with species found nowhere else on earth. Antarctica is home to vast penguin colonies and leopard seals. In Africa, some sailings combine coastal ports with overland safari extensions, while New Zealand and Australia offer the chance to spot unique marine and birdlife along some of the world's least-visited coastlines.
What are the best cruise destinations for culture and history?
The Mediterranean remains the gold standard, with ancient ruins, Renaissance art and UNESCO World Heritage Sites at almost every port. The Nile is one of the world's most historically resonant journeys, passing the temples of Luxor, Karnak and Abu Simbel. In Asia, Japan stands out for its extraordinary depth of culture, from Kyoto's temples and Hiroshima's memorials to the energy of Tokyo. The Baltic circuit, taking in cities such as Tallinn, Riga and Helsinki, is another outstanding cultural itinerary.
What are the best cruise destinations for food lovers?
The Mediterranean excels here, with each port offering its own distinct culinary identity: fresh seafood in Greece, pasta and gelato in Italy, tapas in Spain... A Douro River cruise pairs beautifully with Portugal's port wine country, with vineyard visits a highlight of most itineraries. Asia is arguably the world's most exciting culinary region, from street food markets in Vietnam and Thailand to the precision of Japanese cuisine. South America also deserves a mention, with Buenos Aires and Lima now widely regarded as among the world's great dining cities.
What are the best cruise destinations for beach lovers?
The Caribbean is the obvious answer, with a variety of islands offering white-sand beaches, turquoise water and excellent snorkelling and diving. Hawaii combines spectacular beaches with volcanic scenery and a rich culture. In Europe, the Greek Islands and the Canary Islands are the standout choices for sun-seekers, while Australia's coastline, from the Great Barrier Reef to the beaches around Sydney, offers some of the southern hemisphere's finest stretches of sand.
