How to Choose the Best Cruise Itinerary

Thinking about taking a cruise, but not sure which one is right for you? Check out our handy evaluation of the most common routes — and their strengths and weaknesses:

Alaska

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Common Routes: 10-night routes from San Francisco, 7 night-routes from Seattle or Vancouver.

Highs: You’ll see glaciers, fjords, and plenty of wildlife, especially otters and whales.

Lows: There’s crowding in many port towns, and the region gets a lot of rainfall.

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Asia - Andaman Sea​

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Common Routes: 3- to 7-night routes from Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Highs: Stunning temples and unforgettably flavorful Asian cuisine.

Lows: Many beaches — except Langkawi’s — are narrow and overrun by reckless jet skiers.

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Asia - Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea​

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Common Routes: 10- to 14-night routes from Singapore or Hong Kong to Vietnam and Thailand.

Highs: Expect gilded temples, diverse and delicious cuisines, and great shopping.

Lows: Some sights are a two- to three-hour drive — one way! — from the port.

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Baltic

Photo by Crystal Cruises

Common Routes: 7- to 14-night routes from Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Harwich, Dover, or London (Southampton) to St. Petersburg, Russia, and Baltic ports or the Norwegian Fjords.

Highs: Gilded St. Petersburg charms us, as does the beauty of the Norwegian fjords.

Lows: Expect long lines at key sights in Russia.

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Caribbean - Eastern

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Common Routes: 7-night routes round trip from Florida or Puerto Rico.

Highs: There are gorgeous beaches throughout the region, and plenty of snorkeling and diving.

Lows: You’ll find overcrowding and traffic in port towns, as well as shopping areas designed just for tourists.

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Caribbean - Southern​

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Common Routes: 7- to 14-night routes from Puerto Rico, Barbados, or St. Martin.

Highs: Fewer crowds than eastern and western Caribbean, excellent beaches, more port stops and fewer seadays.

Lows: Longer — and sometimes more expensive — flights home.

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Caribbean - Western

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Common Routes: 7-night routes round trip from Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.

Highs: Mayan ruins and great silver jewelry shopping (in Mexico), and eco-excursions on most routes, from jungle hikes to kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, and diving.

Lows: Overcrowding and traffic jams in port towns, as well as shopping areas designed just for tourists.

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Mediterranean - Eastern​

Photo by Viking Ocean Cruises

Common Routes: 7- to 14-night routes from Venice, Istanbul, or Piraeus (Athens) to Turkey, Greece, Croatia, and Italy.

Highs: Important historic sights date back thousands of years.

Lows: Venice, Athens, Istanbul, and Rhodes are packed in the summer, and Italy is expensive.

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Mediterranean - Western

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Common Routes: 7- to 14-night routes from Barcelona or Civitavecchia (Rome) to Spain, France, Monte Carlo, and Italy.

Highs: Look for spectacular food throughout the region. Barcelona, Rome, and Florence are home to significant artwork.

Lows: It’s an hour’s drive to Florence and longer from port to Rome. August is peak tourist season, and what isn’t closed, is packed.

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