The best cruise destinations to discover

Cruises in Europe: Culture, history and spectacular scenery

Europe is one of the most popular cruise destinations. The Old Continent is full of embarkation ports for river and ocean cruises, allowing you to explore several countries in a single trip. Let yourself be charmed by local markets and regional specialties.

Baltic Sea cruise

Sail the Viking route and discover Nordic landscapes. Explore the fascinating capitals of Sweden, Estonia, Finland and Denmark.

Who it’s for

Travellers who love cultural discovery, history, architecture and urban port stops.

When to go

From May to September, when temperatures are milder and the days are very long.

What to see and do

• Stockholm and Copenhagen
• Tallinn and its medieval charm
• Berlin and its historical landmarks
• London and its free museums

North Sea cruise and Norwegian fjords

From towering cliffs to picturesque villages, North Sea cruises offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. Visit the British Isles—Great Britain and Ireland—or marvel at Norway’s spectacular fjords.

Who it’s for

Nature lovers, those drawn to spectacular landscapes and unforgettable Nordic experiences.

When to go

From May to August, the ideal period to witness the midnight sun in Norway.

What to see and do

• Irish pubs
• Edinburgh Castle
• Loch Ness
• Norwegian fjords
• Irish geysers
• Scottish whisky distilleries

Mediterranean cruise

The Mediterranean combines centuries of history, outstanding gastronomy and stunning coastal scenery. Each port of call offers a new culture to discover. Embrace the Mediterranean way of life.

Who it’s for

Culture and history enthusiasts drawn to gastronomy and diverse port stops.

When to go

• May and September: ideal shoulder season to avoid crowds and intense heat
• June to August: vibrant atmosphere and warm weather

What to see and do

• Italy: Venice (cafés) and Rome (Colosseum, arenas, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain)
• Spain: Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and festivals
• Croatia: Dubrovnik, Split, Dalmatian islands, nature parks
• Malta: Valletta, beaches and historical sites
• Greece: Athens, Acropolis and Parthenon
• France: Nice, Marseille, Monaco, Provençal villages and vineyards

Atlantic Coast cruises: France and Portugal

From historic ports and beaches to charming towns, enjoy port stops to savour local cuisine and explore maritime culture along the Atlantic coast.

Who it’s for

Culture, gastronomy and coastal scenery enthusiasts.

When to go

From May to September, for pleasant weather.

What to see and do

• Portugal: Lisbon and Porto, port wine tasting, Algarve beaches
• France: Bordeaux, La Rochelle and Biarritz (Aquitaine region)

Cruises in Asia: Exoticism and new horizons

Cruises in Asia offer an extraordinary diversity of cultures, from ancient temples and futuristic metropolises to thousand-year-old traditions. Experience the energy of Hong Kong, discover Thailand’s golden temples, Vietnam, Japan, China and more.

Who it’s for

Travellers seeking cultural immersion, a change of scenery and culinary discoveries rooted in tradition.

When to go

The ideal period varies by region, but November to April is generally pleasant.

What to see and do

• Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo
• Royal Palace in Bangkok
• Mandarin Garden in Shanghai
• A Symphony of Lights show in Hong Kong
• One of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections in Tokyo
• Jade Buddha Temple

South America cruises: An adventure to the end of the world

Some cruises explore the spectacular landscapes of South America, particularly around Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn. Dare to embark on a fascinating journey to the “end of the world.”

Who it’s for

Adventurous spirits drawn to expedition travel, natural landscapes and the richness of South American culture.

When to go

From November to March, during the southern summer.

What to see and do

• Buenos Aires and its colourful neighbourhoods
• Tango shows and gaucho traditions
• Pre-Columbian ruins in Lima
• Chilean fjords
• Ushuaia wildlife: Penguins and cormorants

Alaska cruises: Explore the great land

Untamed wilderness and breathtaking landscapes straight out of a dream—Alaska will leave you anything but cold. Many consider an Alaska cruise a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Discover it for yourself!

Who it’s for

Nature and adventure lovers interested in wildlife, glaciers and local culture.

When to go

From June to September: ideal weather and very long days.

What to see and do

• Hubbard Glacier
• Juneau, the mining capital
• Icy Strait Point, for Indigenous arts and wildlife watching
• Mount Denali
• Ketchikan, to watch salmon spawn

Africa cruises: Nature and adventure

Cruises in southern Africa combine postcard-worthy natural beauty, wild landscapes, safaris and exotic destinations. Live an extraordinary experience in southern Africa and discover breathtaking places such as Madagascar, Tanzania and Kenya.

Who it’s for

Adventure seekers in search of nature, wildlife and unique experiences.

When to go

The ideal period is generally from May to October, during the dry season.

What to see and do

• South Africa: Cape Town (Castle of Good Hope), vineyards, Duiker Island (seals), safari at Addo Elephant National Park, Big Five at Lalibela Private Game Reserve, Valley of a Thousand Hills and local tribes
• Madagascar: Nosy Be (volcanic lakes) and Andilana beaches
• Tanzania: Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar (beaches) and Gombe National Park (chimpanzees)
• Kenya: Nairobi, Masai Mara Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Mombasa (beach getaway)

Caribbean cruises: Relaxation and paradise beaches

The Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations for a first cruise or a family cruise. It offers the perfect combination of onboard activities, beaches, turquoise waters and local discoveries at each port of call.

Eastern Caribbean

These itineraries visit several tropical islands known for their beaches and colourful towns, including Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Tortola.

Who it’s for

Those seeking relaxation, beach time or a first cruise experience.

When to go

From December to April for a drier climate and to avoid hurricane season.

What to see and do

• Luxury shopping in St. Maarten and Tortola
• Orient Bay Beach in St. Maarten
• Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Magens Bay Beach in St. Thomas

Western Caribbean

This route combines beaches, nature and archaeological sites in Central America, including Mexico, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Haiti.

Who it’s for

Travellers looking for tropical beaches, water activities and cultural excursions.

When to go

From December to April.

What to see and do

• Mexico: Cozumel (snorkelling and diving), Tulum (Mayan ruins), Playa del Carmen, swimming with dolphins
• Jamaica: White sand beaches, Dunn’s River Falls (swimming)
• Haiti: Labadee (Royal Caribbean’s private island)

Bermuda cruise: Extended stays and pink-sand beaches

Bermuda cruises often allow passengers to remain docked for several days, leaving plenty of time to fully explore the island. Departures are generally from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, or New York.

Who it’s for

Those who want to unravel the legend of the Bermuda Triangle and enjoy relaxation, beaches and extended port stays.

When to go

From May to October.

What to see and do

• Pink sand beaches
• Historic town of St. George
• Snorkelling
• Shopping in Hamilton
• Bermuda Aquarium
• World-class golf courses

Cruise ships: A destination in themselves

Today’s cruise ships are true floating entertainment centres, offering a wide variety of activities. Swimming pools and water features, mini-golf, ice-skating rinks, surf simulators, culinary and science workshops, arcades and zip lines—there is something for every age and every taste.

Cabins vary depending on the ship and the category chosen. Some are more spacious, while others offer flexible or connecting options for groups and families. Dining options range from fine dining restaurants to more relaxed formats.

Consult our guide on choosing your cruise line to find the one that suits you best.

Reimagined cruise itineraries for sustainable tourism

Choose cruise itineraries that reduce environmental impact and respect local communities. To learn more, read our guide on sustainable cruising.

Key takeaways

Your choice of cruise itinerary directly influences your travel experience: must-see ports of call, onboard activities and travel pace. To plan your next vacation well and make the most of every moment, browse our tips for a successful cruise.