Have you been dreaming of exploring the beaches of Hawaii or French Polynesia, sightseeing in Sydney or Buenos Aires? As you start to plan your next vacations (or possibly purchase trips as holiday gifts for others) think big and consider the destinations you’ve only dreamed of cruising to one day. 

Need a little travel planning inspiration? We’ve shared 15 cruise destinations that should be on your bucket list... 

1.  Honolulu, Hawaii

Say Aloha to this Hawaiian destination that’s a top pick for sun-seekers, golfers, families, and honeymooners alike. Honolulu exceeds its reputation as one of the world’s most fabulous tropical vacation destinations, with opportunities for snorkeling, surfing, whale-watching, hiking, and more. 

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2. Santorini, Greece 

Santorini is the spot most people think of when they dream about visiting the Greek Islands: brilliant white houses and blue-domed churches clinging to dark volcanic cliffs and the hot sun illuminating an endless panorama of the Aegean Sea. It’s home to black-sand beaches, the prehistoric ruins of Akrotiri, vineyards, and two photogenic cliff-hugging towns called Fira and Oia. Santorini is a port stop on most Greek Isles cruise itineraries and some Eastern Mediterranean routes. 

See Cruises to Santorini

3. Panama Canal Transit

A cruise transiting through the Panama Canal is something you will never forget! The fifty-one-mile waterway is among one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels. You will be amazed watching as the ship glides down the canal with inches to spare, through locks that raise and lower it like a toy. Along the way, it crosses the enormous Gatun Lake and amazing Gaillard Cut. Panama Canal transits are commonly found on Central and South American routes, some Caribbean routes, and World routes. 

See All Cruises Transiting the Panama Canal

4. Kotor, Montenegro  

Kotor, a natural harbor on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, was an important artistic and commercial center with famous masonry and iconography schools in the Middle Ages. Many of its monuments, churches, and town walls were heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1979, but the town is now completely restored. Today if you come to Kotor, you will be blown away by the picturesque scenery of the stunning peninsula. The steep mountainous hillsides combined with the Old City of Kotor are a scene straight out of a postcard! 

See Cruises Stopping in Kotor

5. Galapagos

Only a few select cruise lines (Celebrity, Silversea, Viking Ocean, and Avalon Waterways) have ports of call in the Galapagos, making the area one of the most unique cruise regions you will find. For wildlife lovers, the Galapagos should be at the top of your bucket list. Here you will have the opportunity to get close and visit the natural habitats of Galapagos penguins, Pacific green sea turtles, sea lions, land iguanas, giant tortoises, and many other rare animal species only found in the Galapagos. 

See All Cruises to the Galapagos 

6. Rome, Italy (Civitavecchia)

Rome has been one of the world’s great destinations for centuries, from its ancient origins to its role in modern-day cinema, from “Roman Holiday” to “Eat Pray Love.” Today, the Eternal City inspires all who visit its museums, fountains, and iconic buildings — both ancient and contemporary, mixing with medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and rococo-era architecture. Don’t forget the food - the pasta, pizza, gelato, and fritti are never-ending! 

What makes a trip to Rome most unforgettable is the opportunity to visit the Vatican City enclave, where you can tour the magnificent Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and the art treasures of the Vatican Museum. 

See All Cruises to Civitavecchia

7. Sydney, Australia

Say 'G'day' to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Sydney is one of the most common stops on Australia/New Zealand and South Pacific itineraries. You can’t go to Sydney without checking out the iconic Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point, strolling along world-famous Bondi and Watsons Beaches, or meeting some local Australian wildlife. This diverse land is home to crocodiles, koalas, emus, and, of course, kangaroos.

See All Cruises to Sydney 

8. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a magnificent city drenched in rich history and beautiful architecture. It’s a staple on many Western European river cruise routes. In Vienna, you will find the Schönbrunn Palace, the “Versailles of Vienna,” the magnificent home of the Hapsburg Dynasty built to rival the sprawling Versailles in France. 

Towering above the city streets is the massive St. Stephen's Cathedral, the centerpiece of the city, built in the early 12th century. Here, mourners came to pay their respects to Amadeus Mozart in 1791 and the location of Napoleon’s farewell edict in 1805. The cathedral weathered attacks from German and Russian armies in WW2. Although much of the original structure of St. Stephen’s has since been destroyed, the cathedral remains an active house of worship. It is one of Vienna’s most popular destinations for travelers. 

See All Cruises to Vienna

9. Barcelona, Spain

This beautiful Spanish city also has the country’s largest cruise port. The cruise dock is right at the end of Las Ramblas, the heart of Barcelona. In Barcelona, you will find gorgeous Gothic architecture, spectacular cathedrals, amazing tapas bars, and a stunning waterfront. Although Barcelona is in Spain, the city’s native tongue is Catalan. 

One of Barcelona’s must-see attractions is La Sagrada Familia, a large gothic Roman Catholic basilica that towers over the city. Designed by architect Antonio Gaudi, La Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1892. The basilica's architecture, design, and enormity is unlike anything else you will see in the world. 

See All Cruises to Barcelona

10. Moorea, French Polynesia

In Moorea, you'll find the real South Pacific experience -- a casual, barefoot paradise with white sand beaches and lagoons surrounded by jagged mountains and volcanic spires that reach into the clouds. Below, the valleys are blanketed with the colors one only finds when tropical climates and rich, volcanic soils meet. 

Honorable mention in this same region goes to Papeete, Tahiti. The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Beach seekers will love listening to the winds whistling through casuarina trees while sitting on a secluded black-sand shore or casually strolling through beautiful botanical gardens to marvel at the island’s flora.

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Find Cruises to Tahiti

11. Budapest, Hungary

Split between the Danube River into two separate towns - Buda and Pest, the capital of Hungary is a city that melds the architecture and history of the past with a present vibrant, contemporary scene. Budapest is a walkable city; exploring both sides in just one day is easy. In Buda, you will find the impressive Royal Palace and many charming cobblestone streets dating to medieval times. Traveling across the Danube River to Pest, you will find the National Opera House and the historic Heroes’ Square. Like Vienna, you will find Budapest on many Western European river cruises.  

See Cruises to Budapest

12. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a very European city located in the heart of Argentina. German and Italian cultures combine with the Spanish native tongue and flavor of Buenos Aires. You have missed out if you leave Buenos Aires without seeing a tango show! 

One of the top reasons to visit Buenos Aires is the food - it’s a culinary haven! Grilled meats in Buenos Aires are an art form, be sure to sample a variety of steakhouses (Parrillas) when you visit. Argentina is also a major producer of wine. Foodies, be sure to splurge on a bottle of Argentine red with your steak! 

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13. Dubai, U.A.E.

Dubai is a sprawling city that has grown enormously in recent decades. Here, you'll find everything you could ask for in a modern metropolis: world-class shopping, towering skyscrapers, and fantastic dining. Dubai offers both a beachfront and desert experience. The sandy shores of Kite and Sunset Beaches overlooking the iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Hotel are a perfect way to spend the day in Dubai. Outside the city, you can go on a desert safari complete with sandboarding and camel rides. 

Want to take in a view of it all? Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa, currently the world’s tallest building. The Burj Khalifa has an observation deck on the 124th and the 148th floors and a restaurant-bar on the 122nd floor. You will find Dubai as a port of call on a number of itineraries on several cruise lines, including Oceania, Princess, MSC, Seabourn, Norwegian, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, and others. 

See All Cruises to Dubai

14. Glacier Bay, Alaska

While you technically cannot port and get off the ship to explore Glacier Bay, it makes our bucket list destinations among one of the most unique Alaskan cruising areas. If your ship includes a ‘stop’ in Glacier Bay, you will spend the day onboard sailing through this phenomenal area of the Alaskan countryside, sightseeing from your ship. The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve covers over three million square miles of soaring mountains and ancient glaciers. As your ship sails through the area, you will be able to see the incomparable views of the towering walls of the Margerie and Johns Hopkins Glaciers and the waters of the Lituya Bay fjord. Glacier Bay is home to a wide array of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and whales splashing in the water, bears on the shore, and eagles circling in the air. 

If you plan on sailing to Glacier Bay, we recommend selecting a cabin with a balcony to take in the magnificent views from the comfort of your own room! 

See All Cruises to Glacier Bay

15. Paris (Le Havre), France

For good reason, the ‘City of Lights’ is typically on every traveler's bucket list. Paris is home to some of the world’s best museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Perhaps more so than many other European cities, Paris is synonymous with an abundance of landmarks to visit - from the iconic Eiffel Tower, the gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc De Triomphe, and the magnificent Louvre and Centre Pompidou Museums. Paris is a culinary enthusiast’s dream destination. From haute cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants to sipping coffee and sampling fresh-baked croissants at an outdoor cafe, Paris has something to please any traveler’s palate. 

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