Hot Cruise Destinations
We’ve curated our picks to some of the hottest cruise destinations around the world to consider for a dream vacation. Learn why these are the hot cruise areas to consider, what cruising in the region is like, and the best time of year to plan your visit. Bon Voyage!
Antarctica
Cruises to Antarctica are popular among adventurous travelers seeking to explore one of the most remote and pristine regions on the earth. It’s an absolute bucket list destination for many, and cruising in the region is truly unlike anything else.
Antarctica is known for its stunning landscapes, including icebergs, glaciers, and snow-covered mountains. Cruises offer a unique opportunity to witness this breathtaking scenery up close. The continent is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and other seabirds. Cruises provide a chance for travelers to observe these animals in their natural habitat. Most cruise lines have experts onboard to provide educational lectures on the region's ecosystem, geology, climate, and wildlife. It's an enriching experience for travelers looking to learn more about the destination and see it up close at the same time.
If you want to cruise in Antarctica, you will need to do quite a bit of planning ahead of time. The cruise season in Antarctica typically runs from November to March when the weather is relatively milder. December and January are popular months for wildlife viewing.
On can’t sail just to/from Antarctica directly, you will need to pick up a cruise from Argentina or Chile. You will likely have to also factor in extra time/money to your budget for travel from a major area like Buenos Aires to Ushuaia or Santiago to Punta Arenas.
A handful of mainstream/luxury lines like Norwegian, Princess, and Oceania Cruises offer a stop or two in Antarctica on select South American voyages. Some lines, like Seabourn and Hutrigruten have purpose-built expedition vessels to sail in Antarctica. Dedicated expedition lines like Atlas Ocean Voyages, Lindblad Expeditions, and Quark Expeditions, have smaller ships that have been built to sail in the frigid m Arctic and Antarctica waters. On these lines, ships are built to handle rough seas (like the famous Drake’s Passage), and all activities/excursions are tailor-made to explore the beauty of Antarctica with more landings and expeditions than more mainstream cruise lines.
A good place to get started with researching cruises to Antarctica is by exploring cruises sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile
Japan
Japan is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including picturesque coastlines, lush greenery, and majestic mountains. The country is also known for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and exciting metropolitan areas with tons of activities and attractions to check out. It’s a highly in-demand cruise destination right now as travelers from the U.S. and beyond are looking to see a number of the region’s highlights in a short amount of time.
Japan is an archipelago comprised of four main islands and several smaller ones. Cruising allows you to explore multiple islands in one trip. In addition, Japan’s location makes it a convenient starting point for cruises to other nearby destinations, like South Korea, China, and other Southeast Asian countries.
The most popular homeports in Japan include Tokyo, Nagasaki, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. A number of mainstream, premium, and luxury lines offer cruises that include Japan as a homeport or a port stop on itineraries. In 2024/2025, you will find Japan on cruises sailed by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Viking, and more.
Cruises to/from Japan are offered year-round, however the late spring, summer, and early fall are the most popular times to cruise due to the warmer weather. One of the most in-demand times to visit Japan is during the picturesque Cherry Blossom season, which runs from late March into April.
Plan a cruise from one of Japan’s most popular homeports, Yokohama, located just a short distance from Tokyo: Explore all cruises
Arctic
The Arctic is the northernmost part of the earth, surrounding the North Pole. It is one of the most remote traveled regions in the world, and an especially unique cruise destination. Travelers looking to sail in this region are generally attracted to the sense of adventure and exploration that comes with visiting this bucket list destination.
Cruises to the Arctic often include activities like hiking, Zodiac boat excursions, and wildlife viewing for polar bears, seals, whales, and more. The Arctic is one of the best places to witness the Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights. Many people embark on Arctic cruises specifically to witness this phenomenon, which is more visible at the higher latitudes of the earth.
Going on an Arctic cruise requires a lot of planning and many considerations to keep in mind. Depending on the type of cruise you choose and the line, you will pick up your cruise to the Arctic from a port in Norway (Tromso, Svalbard, Kirkenes), Greenland (Kangerlussuaq), Iceland (Reykjavik), Alaska (Anchorage), or select voyages in Canada or the Netherlands.
It is (to put it lightly) very cold here! Generally, the cruise season in the Arctic runs in warmer months, from late April until September. The warmest and most popular months to sail is from mid-June through early August. Late August into September, the seasons begin to change into Autumn and the opportunity to see the Northern Lights becomes more likely. As you move into fall/winter months, fewer cruise options are available due to cold conditions.
Expedition cruises are a great way to see the Arctic and some of the more untouched areas in the region. Smaller ships can navigate the surrounding waters with ease, and you will find all excursions and programming are dedicated to making the most of your visit here. Expedition cruise operators in the Arctic include Quark Expedition Voyages, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Hurtigruten, Lindblad, and Aurora Expeditions. A handful of luxury lines, including Silversea, Seaborn, and Ponant cruise the Arctic. These high-end brands have built dedicated expedition ships that sail the Artic Circle and other destinations in Norway, Greenland, and Iceland on the itinerary.
Several mainstream and premium cruise lines will also make visits to the Arctic in the 2024/2025 season - Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Oceania Cruises, and Viking Ocean Cruises. Most of the cruises offered from these lines are typically longer (think 12+ days), and include the Arctic as a port highlight. Itineraries commonly combine cruising the Arctic along with sailing the Norwegian Fjords or other stops in Iceland, Greenland, and more.
Looking to cruise the Arctic in 2024/2025? Tromso, Norway is among the most popular starting/ending ports on Arctic itineraries: Explore all cruises from Tromso
Australia
Australia was among the last major cruise destinations in the world to open back up to ships, and travelers from all around are eagerly planning to visit the land Down Under. Cruising in Australia is a fantastic way to see many unique areas while unpacking once. You can explore amazing beaches, adventure into the rugged Outback, marvel at the Great Barrier Reef, and meet native wildlife like kangaroos, duck-billed platypus, and koala bears. Imagine sailing past the iconic Sydney Opera House and out to sea, visiting the sites of your dreams!
Several cruise lines sail in Australia, including Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages. The most popular homeports in the region include Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In addition, you will find itineraries that visit only destinations in Australia, as well as some that sail to New Zealand or other South Pacific ports.
In this part of the world, spring and summer are opposite seasons to those in the Western Hemisphere, making the best months to cruise in Australia from October through April. You will find the weather pleasant and warm, making for an ideal cruise experience.
Ready to Cruise Down Under? Explore All Australia Cruises
Hawaii
Hawaii may be one of the most picturesque and romantic destinations in the United States. Its natural beauty is second to none. The archipelago of volcanic islands making up the state is home to spectacular beaches, rainforests to explore, and several cultural and historical sites to check out. Hawaii is a perfect pick for families, couples, thrill seekers, and those looking to kick back and relax.
Many cruise lines sail to Hawaii from ports in the United States and Canada. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers itineraries that begin in Honolulu, sailing inter-Hawaiian voyages for 7-nights.
There’s no wrong time to cruise in Hawaii, but the warmer months are ideal times to sail in the region. The warmer temperatures are perfect for beach weather and avoiding hurricane season in the fall. In addition, you will find that more families cruise to Hawaii in the summertime, which is something to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Plan Your Dream Cruise to Hawaii
Galapagos
Only a handful of cruise lines (Celebrity, Silversea, Lindblad, and Hurtigruten) make ports of call in the Galapagos, making the area one of the most unique cruise regions in all of the world. However, the remote location and environmentally sensitive area allow only small expedition vessels to make stops on the islands.
A visit to the Galapagos should be at the top of one’s bucket list for wildlife lovers. You can get close and visit the natural habitats of Galapagos penguins, Pacific green sea turtles, blue-footed booby, sea lions, land iguanas, giant tortoises, and many of the rare animal species only found in the region.
Cruise lines sail the Galapagos voyages year-round. The warm season in the Galapagos typically runs from December to May; June through November comes with cooler temperatures (and sometimes choppier seas).
Cruise to One of the World’s Most Unique Destinations!
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Iceland
The majestic natural wonders of Iceland have landed the destination as a top pick on our list of places to consider. In Iceland, view the snow-capped mountains, jaw-dropping fjords, waterfalls, volcano peaks, and much more. Some of the most popular hot spots for travelers in the region include the Blue Lagoon and the National Museum of Iceland, both nearby the capital city of Reykjavik. The Northern Lights are visible in Iceland year-round, but with long daylight hours in the Summer, it can be hard to see. For the best viewing, plan to visit from September through May. Then, imagine getting a front-row seat to this natural phenomenon from the deck of your cruise ship!
Many cruise lines offer sailings in Iceland, a popular destination. In years past, only a few lines offered a couple of sailings, but more lines are adding stops in Reykjavik and other ports around this awe-inspiring island. Reykjavik is a popular homeport for the region (as well as a port stop). For the ultimate Iceland experience, look for an itinerary with stops in Akureyri, Grundarfjordur, Vigur Island, and Grimsey Island.
In general, June through September are the best months to cruise Iceland. In the summer, the region offers longer summer daylight hours, great for more time to explore and soak in the natural beauty. If you want to see the Northern Lights, the beginning of the fall season in September is an ideal time to visit. Unfortunately, Iceland's winters can be very chilly (or downright freezing), so you will find limited sailings from January to March.
Explore All Cruises to Iceland
Tahiti
The exotic, picturesque island of Tahiti is on many travelers’ must-see list. The island is the largest in French Polynesia and sits in a figure-eight shape in the South Pacific. Tahiti offers some of the world’s most spectacular beaches that lend to great photos and fantastic water adventures. You can surf, snorkel, explore waterfalls, ride ATVs, or just sit back and relax with a tropical cocktail in hand.
Due to its remote location, it’s primarily luxury cruise operators such as Paul Gauguin, Windstar Cruises, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas sailing to Tahiti. A few cruises homeport from Papeete, offering seven to ten-day itineraries and visiting the nearby islands like Bora Bora and Moorea. Some lines will include stops in Tahiti and French Polynesia as they transit to/from Australia and New Zealand seasonally.
Be sure to consider the weather when planning a trip to Tahiti. The rainy season runs from November through April, with wet and hot months. May through September is regarded as the dry season; however, you will find slightly cooler and windier weather. Typically the dry season is the ideal time to cruise in Tahiti, but the off-season (aka rainy season) offers the best prices.
Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal, is one of the most popular cruise homeports in the Mediterranean. The beautiful city is home to incredible architecture, historical sites, and stunning vistas. Lisbon is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites - Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and Quinta da Regalaira. Spending several days exploring the ancient cobblestone streets and visiting cathedrals and quaint villages is easy.
Lisbon is a homeport for various mainstream and luxury lines, including Holland America, Oceania, Celebrity, Silversea, and others. In addition, its coastal Western Mediterranean location makes it a great starting and ending point for cruises visiting ports in Spain, France, the U.K, and Italy.
March, April, September, October, and November are Lisbon’s ‘shoulder season,’ where you will find temperate weather and fewer crowds. Typically, the warmest months in Portugal are June, July, and August.
Honorable Mention
Canada/New England
The eastern seaboard coastal areas in Canada and New England are home to spectacular scenery and packed with tons of activities for travelers. Think lighthouses, oysters and lobster rolls, rocky coastlines, and historic towns perfect for exploring.
Several premium and luxury lines offer itineraries that visit the destinations which hug the coastline—cruises in this region homeport from New York, Baltimore, Boston, Quebec City, and Montreal. In addition, popular port stops in this region include Bar Harbor, Halifax, St. John’s, and Prince Edward Island.
Cruises in Canada/New England typically run from late spring to late fall during the warmer weather. The ideal time to cruise is in the fall (late September to mid-October) when the leaves change colors, providing spectacular scenery. The fall tends to be when cruises in this region are in the highest demand, and fares are at a premium; however, the postcard-perfect views are worth it!
Check Out All Canada/New England Cruises
Bermuda
If you’ve never visited Bermuda, we recommend you pencil it in at the top of your must-cruise destinations list! The 21-square-mile paradise is home to pink-sand beaches, world-class golf courses, and architectural treasures celebrating the nation’s rich maritime history. It’s an excellent place for travelers of all types and ages and an accessible location to cruise from the East Coast United States homeports. Additionally, some Transatlantic crossings will make a port stop in Bermuda.
No matter your price point, preferred ship size, or desired line, you can easily find something to suit your liking for a Bermuda cruise. In addition, many cruise operators offer itineraries that include a multi-day stop in one of the three ports of Bermuda, allowing travelers to explore and take in many of the activities and sites of the island.
April through November is considered the typical cruise season for Bermuda; however, certain months are ideal for sailing in the region. April and May are truly perfect months to visit, with mild, comfortable weather. June through August is warmer; think Caribbean-like temperatures. Hurricane season (specifically late August through November) is a factor to remember when planning a cruise to Bermuda.
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