When it comes to unforgettable vacations, cruising offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and discovery. Imagine waking up in a new destination every day, with the endless blue horizon as your backdrop.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for exploring the world’s most awe-inspiring locations by sea. From secluded islands to bustling cities, these top seven cruise destinations promise an unforgettable journey.
Looking for luxury cruise deals to make your dream getaway a reality? With options for every budget and itinerary, cruising in comfort has never been easier.
Pack your bags, grab your passport, and let’s set sail!
Table of Contents
7 Best Cruise Destinations
1 – Santorini and the Greek Isles
The Greek Isles have long been synonymous with breathtaking views and sun-soaked serenity. Santorini’s whitewashed buildings and azure-domed churches are postcard-perfect, while Mykonos brings a mix of glamour and Greek charm.
Most cruises also include stops in Crete or Rhodes, where ancient history meets idyllic beaches. Don’t miss a sunset over the caldera – it’s pure magic.
Why 2025? New itineraries focus on lesser-known islands like Naxos and Milos, offering an authentic taste of Greek island life.
Suggested reading:
- Best Things to Do in Santorini
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- 10 Best & Most Unique Santorini Beaches
- Where to Stay in Rhodes
- Best Beaches in Rhodes
2 – Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park
For nature enthusiasts, Alaska’s Glacier Bay is an unrivalled destination. Towering glaciers, rugged coastlines, and abundant wildlife create a setting that’s both dramatic and serene.
Picture spotting humpback whales and sea otters from your balcony, with the crisp mountain air filling your lungs.
Pro Tip: Plan for late spring or early summer when the days are long and the wildlife activity is at its peak.
3 – The Norwegian Fjords
If you’re craving landscapes that look like they’ve been plucked from a fairytale, Norway’s fjords are calling your name.
Cruising through these narrow inlets offers jaw-dropping views of snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and charming villages.
Stops in places like Bergen and Geiranger let you dive deeper into Nordic culture.
Bonus: Many 2025 cruises feature eco-friendly ships, perfect for exploring this pristine environment responsibly.
4 – Caribbean Bliss: St. Lucia, Antigua, and Beyond
No cruise destination list would be complete without the Caribbean. Think powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant local culture.
St. Lucia’s Pitons are a must-see, Antigua’s 365 beaches will spoil you for choice, and the colourful streets of San Juan in Puerto Rico are steeped in history.
Why Cruise Here? Island-hopping by ship allows you to experience the diversity of the region without the hassle of multiple flights.
- Read next: Best Beach Towns in the Dominican Republic
5 – Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia
For an exotic escape, Southeast Asia delivers in spades.
Cruises through this region often include stops in Bangkok’s bustling markets, Halong Bay’s emerald waters, and Bali’s tranquil beaches. Each destination offers its own unique blend of history, cuisine, and natural beauty.
Don’t Miss: Street food tours in Ho Chi Minh City – your taste buds will thank you!
Suggested reading:
6 – The French Riviera and Mediterranean Coast
From the glamour of Monaco to the art-filled streets of Barcelona, the Mediterranean coast is a feast for the senses.
Cruise itineraries often include stops in Cannes, Florence, and even Rome, making it easy to check off multiple bucket-list destinations in one trip.
2025 Highlight: Small luxury cruises are adding ports like Portofino and Sète, ideal for travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
- You may also like: The 10 Most Famous Fountains in Italy
7 – Antarctica: The Ultimate Frontier
For those seeking an unparalleled adventure, Antarctica is the ultimate cruise destination. Picture towering icebergs, endless snowfields, and encounters with penguins and seals in their natural habitat. The sense of isolation and grandeur is truly humbling.
Best Time to Go: January and February, during the austral summer, when wildlife is most active and the weather is relatively mild.
Tips for Planning Your 2025 Cruise
- Book Early: Popular destinations like Alaska and the Mediterranean fill up fast, especially for prime travel months.
- Pack Smart: Layers are your best friend for destinations with unpredictable weather, like Norway and Alaska.
- Choose Wisely: Whether you prefer small expedition cruises or large luxury liners, there’s a perfect ship for every traveller.
Cruising in 2025 is your chance to explore the world in comfort and style. With these incredible destinations on the horizon, all that’s left to do is pick your favourite and start counting down the days.
So, are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime?
Safe travels and have fun.
You might be interested in:
- 15 Best Things to Do in Nassau Bahamas
- How to Get from Nassau to Pig Beach, Bahamas: Best Tours & Costs
- 7 Stunning Islands, You Probably Never Heard Of, To Visit in 2025
- 10 Pictures to Discover Astypalaia – Greece’s Best Hidden Gem
- 17 Pictures to Prove That Rhodes Should Be Your Next Greek Destination
Don’t forget to save these pins for later 😉
- Book Your Flight Find deals on airlines on my favorite search engine: Skyscanner. Be sure to read my How to find cheap flights article.
- Rent A Car Rental Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find the best deal.
- Book Accommodation Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. But Hotels.com and Hilton Hotels have very interesting reward programs.
- Protect Your Trip Don’t forget travel insurance! I always use World Nomads for short-term trips and SafetyWing for long-term ones. Find out why Travel Insurance: Much More Than a Precaution, a Necessity.
- Book Tours in Advance Book unforgettable experiences and skip-the-line tickets with GetYourGuide or Viator .
- Book Ground Transportation BookaWay offers a stress-free experience with secure payments and no hidden fees. You pay online and receive your itinerary by email.
- Luggage Solutions Rent your luggage with Cargo or if you need to drop off your own luggage and enjoy your time without dragging it all over a city, find a LuggageHero shop here.
- Get a Travel Card Revolut Card is a pre-paid debit card that enables cash machine withdrawals in 120 countries. I’ve been using my Revolut Card for over a year and never paid foreign-transaction fees again. Get your Revolut Card with free shipping here.
- Packing Guide Check out my How to Pack a Carry-on Luggage For a Five-month Trip to help you start packing for your trip. Don’t forget your camera, chargers and other useful travel accessories. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
