Last updated: October 2026
10 Best Cruise Destinations in the World
A cruise can take you from Mediterranean islands and Norwegian fjords to remote polar landscapes and tropical coastlines — often while unpacking only once.
The right destination will depend on the type of trip you want. Some itineraries focus on beaches and warm weather, while others are built around wildlife, scenery, history or smaller ports that are easier to reach by sea.
Here are ten cruise destinations worth considering, from classic ocean voyages to river and expedition cruises.
Cruise Destinations at a Glance
Greek Islands, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Mexican Riviera.
Norway, Alaska and Antarctica offer dramatic landscapes.
Croatia, Greece and Mediterranean routes combine historic ports and coastal cities.
The Mekong and French waterways provide a slower-paced river-cruise experience.
1. Greek Islands
Greek island cruises can combine several very different destinations in one itinerary, with whitewashed villages, ancient sites, beaches and waterfront towns along the way.
Routes vary by cruise line and season, with islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu and Crete commonly appearing on Mediterranean itineraries.
2. Antarctica
Antarctica offers a very different style of cruise, usually centred on expedition travel, dramatic ice landscapes and wildlife observation.
Conditions, landing opportunities and wildlife sightings depend on weather, ice and local restrictions, so itineraries can change at short notice.
3. Alaska
Alaska cruises are popular with travellers looking for mountain scenery, glaciers, coastal towns and opportunities to experience the region’s wildlife.
Shore excursions can range from scenic rail journeys and glacier visits to kayaking and wildlife tours, depending on the port and itinerary.
4. The Mediterranean
Mediterranean cruises can link several countries in one trip, with itineraries covering destinations across Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Croatia and beyond.
They’re particularly suited to travellers who want a mixture of historic cities, coastal scenery, food and time ashore without arranging separate transport between destinations.
5. The Caribbean
The Caribbean remains a classic cruise region thanks to its variety of islands, beaches and ports.
Itineraries may focus on the eastern, western or southern Caribbean, with destinations ranging from Aruba and Curaçao to Barbados, St Lucia, Jamaica and the Bahamas.
Weather varies through the year, including during the Atlantic hurricane season, so check seasonal conditions when choosing your dates.
6. Norway
Norway’s fjords are particularly well suited to cruising, with ships able to travel deep into dramatic landscapes of steep mountains, waterfalls and waterside settlements.
Depending on the route, itineraries may include destinations such as Geiranger, Bergen, Stavanger and other fjord communities.
7. Mexican Riviera
Mexican Riviera cruises typically follow Mexico’s Pacific coast, combining resort towns, beaches and opportunities for excursions ashore.
Ports can include Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, although exact stops vary between itineraries.
8. Croatia
Croatia combines historic coastal cities with islands, clear Adriatic water and smaller harbours.
Larger cruise itineraries often include Dubrovnik or Split, while smaller-ship journeys can provide access to additional islands and quieter ports.
9. The Mekong
Mekong river cruises offer a slower-paced way to experience parts of Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia and Vietnam.
Itineraries vary considerably, but can include riverside communities, markets, cultural sites and stretches of the Mekong Delta.
10. French River Cruises
France offers several river-cruise regions, providing a very different experience from large ocean ships.
Routes on waterways such as the Rhône, Saône and Seine can combine historic towns, countryside, food and wine regions, with stops depending on the chosen itinerary.
How to Choose a Cruise Destination
Check climate, daylight, sea conditions and the destination’s cruising season.
Compare how long the itinerary gives you ashore rather than looking only at the number of ports.
Large resort-style ships, small ships, river vessels and expedition cruises can feel completely different.
Consider the activities you want to do ashore and whether any require additional insurance cover.
Remember:
Cruise itineraries can change because of weather, sea conditions, water levels, port restrictions or operational decisions. Always check your cruise operator’s latest itinerary and destination requirements before travelling.
Shore Excursions & Activities
Cruise excursions can include hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, cycling, diving and other activities.
Before taking part, check whether the activity falls within the appropriate Sports & Activities level of your travel insurance and whether any specific limits or conditions apply.
Explore Covered2Go Sports & Activities Cover →
Before your cruise:
Check current entry, passport, health and safety information for every country on your itinerary using UK Government Foreign Travel Advice.
Travel Insurance for a Cruise
Cruise holidays can involve additional risks and costs that aren’t always covered by standard travel insurance alone.
With Covered2Go, if your trip meets the policy definition of a cruise, Cruise Cover must be selected, the additional premium paid and the cover shown on your Certificate of Insurance for the cruise trip to be covered.
Depending on the cover level selected and the circumstances of a claim, Cruise Cover can include benefits for eligible missed port departure, skipped ports, cabin confinement, shore excursions, cruise interruption and other specified cruise-related events.
Cruise-specific limits, evidence requirements, terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
Explore Covered2Go Cruise Travel Insurance →
Where Will Your Next Cruise Take You?
The best cruise destination depends on what you want from the journey.
You might choose the Mediterranean for culture and coastal cities, Norway or Alaska for scenery, the Caribbean for island hopping, or a river cruise for a slower-paced trip through several destinations.
Compare itineraries carefully, check how much time you’ll have ashore and make sure your insurance matches the cruise and any activities you plan to take part in.
Planning a Cruise?
Explore Covered2Go Cruise Travel Insurance and choose cover that suits your itinerary, trip and planned activities.
This article is for general information only. Cruise routes, ports, excursions, weather, wildlife sightings and entry requirements can change. Cruise Cover and travel insurance are subject to eligibility, medical screening where required, the premium paid, benefit limits, excesses, terms, conditions and exclusions. Always check current official travel advice, the latest Policy Wording and your Certificate of Insurance before travelling.
