Cruising through the seas promises an unparalleled experience. Check out our handpicked list of the most fascinating cruise destinations to plan your next holiday.
Ahoy there, fellow adventure junkies, travel enthusiasts and sea lovers! Craving to escape the humdrum of routine life once again? How about embarking on a thrilling voyage through the languid sea and soaking yourself in the tranquil embrace of the vast, azure ocean waters? If the answer is a resounding yes, then a trip aboard a cruise ship is the perfect remedy for your wanderlust.
Picture yourself waking up to new spectacular horizons every day, indulging in luxurious experiences and exploring stunning destinations along the way — Cruising the sea offers an unparalleled and exhilarating experience that captivates all your senses. From hypnotic sunsets to astounding landscapes, the scenes you witness from the deck of a cruise ship are simply otherworldly.
Today, with most of the world accessible by a cruise ship, it is hard to pick from the tempting list of cruise destinations available. But worry not; we have handpicked some of the most exotic routes for you, so read on and start planning your next exciting cruise right away.
Alaska's Inside Passage
Prepare yourself to be awestruck as you navigate through the glorious snow-capped peaks to calving glaciers and deep fjords to forest-blanketed land once you embark on this sail. Stretching from the southern Puget Sound in Washington State, through the scenic Pacific coast of British Columbia and finally winding into the Gulf of Alaska, the Inside Passage is one of the most mesmerizing cruise routes in the world. A must for nature and adventure lovers, Alaska's Inside Passage is dotted with more than 1000 picturesque islands, coves, fjords, bays, and national parks, which are only accessible by boat or plane. So, not only can you enjoy the enchanting wildlife, including orcas to playful otters, humpback whales to Pacific white-side dolphins, and bears to seal, but you can also explore charming coastal towns like Juneau and Skagway, where rich history and local culture come alive.
Embarkation Ports: Seattle in Washington and Vancouver in British Columbia are two main embarkation ports for Alaska Inside Passage cruises.
The Norwegian Fjords
Bountiful natural wonders and once-in-a-lifetime thrills await you as you set sail for this voyage. High cliffs, cascading waterfalls, incredible landscapes, picture-perfect views, and serene blue waters — A voyage through the dramatic Norwegian fjords is a delightful visual feast. The route is unhurried and peaceful, offering travellers a leisurely soak in the natural beauty of Norway. Apart from the majestic fjords, especially the four jewels, Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, Geirangerfjord, and Lysefjord, Norway's charming cities and villages present captivating opportunities for history buffs and foodies. Delve in the magic of rich historical cities like Oslo and Bergen and let your taste buds indulge in the delectable Norwegian cuisine, and perhaps if you are lucky, get a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.
Embarkation Ports: There are several embarkation ports in Norway for the Norwegian Fjords cruise trip, including Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, and Kristiansund. Some cruise lines also offer Norwegian fjords cruises that depart from Copenhagen, Denmark, or Amsterdam, Netherlands.
French Polynesia
Whether you are an adventure seeker, cultural enthusiast or ocean lover, cruising through sultry French Polynesia will surely please everyone. Surrounded by sky-piercing moss-green peaks, crystal clear lagoons, thousands of year-old ancient ruins, and unspoiled soft-sand beaches, the French Polynesia cruise route is a dream come true for those wanting a slice of paradise on earth. The route typically includes cruising through the beautiful and famous Polynesian islands Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and Raiatea, where one can witness untouched beauty and vibrant marine life. Relax on the pristine beaches, explore the colourful undersea life, dig into the local history and culture of the islands, swim with sting rays or get a chance to swim alongside the royal humpback whales in Moorea. You can do it all once you embark on a cruise trip through French Polynesia.
Embarkation Ports: Papeete in Tahiti, Los Angeles in California, and Sydney in Australia are the most popular embarkation ports.
Antarctica
Looking for a truly epic adventure? Then set your course for Antarctica. Once visited only by hard-core explorers, this coldest, driest, and windiest continent of the earth has caught the fancy of many travellers recently and has become a popular cruise destination. Home to a variety of penguins, seals, and whales, Antarctica, with its endless stretches of snow-covered plains and majestic topography, offers a glimpse into a world seldom seen. Picture infinite icy landscapes, imposing icebergs and towering glaciers all coming together to create a surreal setting that captivates the eye. Cross the most turbulent Drake passage, encounter the abundant wildlife with penguins waddling along the untouched shores, occasional glimpses of whales breaching, and seals resting on ice floes — believe us, this cruise destination offers an extraordinary experience like nothing else.
Embarkation Ports: One can start the trip from embarkation ports at Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile.
Panama Canal
For an unforgettable vacation, embark on a journey through the iconic Panama Canal. A man-made marvel, Panama Canal is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the modern world and is a must-see for every travel and history enthusiast. Built to shorten the travel time between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Panama Canal uses an impressive lock system to lift ships to 85 feet to the elevation of the canal. Apart from witnessing the most incredible engineering feats of the world, a cruise trip through the Panama Canal also provides a great opportunity to admire the beauty of the tropical landscapes that envelop the canal, teeming with biodiversity, lush rainforests, mountains, and clear blue waters.
Embarkation Ports: There are several embarkation ports, including Colon and Balboa in Panama, Fort Lauderdale and Miami in Florida, and San Diego in California. Some other embarkation ports for Panama Canal cruises include Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala and Puerto Limón in Costa Rica.
Galapagos Islands
For those seeking a wild and untamed adventure, the cruise route through the volcanic islands of the Galapagos cruise is an ideal choice. White sand beaches, crystal blue waters, towering volcanic cliffs, and unique wildlife are wondrous, making Galapagos Islands a must-visit cruise destination. Marvel at giant tortoises, discover prehistoric-looking marine iguanas, swim with sea lions and snorkel among penguins. The enchanting wildlife of the Galapagos is something you will never see anywhere else in the world. Traversing through the remote Galapagos Islands promises an unforgettable adventure.
Embarkation Ports: Baltra Island, San Cristobal Island, and Santa Cruz Island are some embarkation ports for the Galapagos Islands cruise.
Milford Sound
A voyage through Milford Sound is nothing short of breathtaking. Nestled within New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is known for its lush rainforest clinging to soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls and gardens of coral growth beneath the water surface, all coming together to create a magical playground. A haven for wildlife lovers, cruisers can witness seals, penguins, whales, dolphins, and rare and exotic birds alongside pristine, untouched landscapes as the ship meanders through the tranquil waters. The sheer grandeur of this region is best enjoyed from the deck of a ship, and sailing through Milford Sound promises to be truly magical and awe-inspiring.
Embarkation ports: The most common embarkation ports for Milford Sound cruise are Queenstown, Te Anau, and Milford Sound.
Mexican Riviera
Vibrant culture, gorgeous beaches, historical towns, and mouth-watering food awaits you as you set sail to the sun-soaked Mexican Riviera paradise. One of the most popular destinations for cruises, the Mexican Riviera, offers a variety of activities for adventure seekers and a serene rejuvenating atmosphere for nature lovers. With three main ports, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán, a cruise voyage through the Mexican Riviera allows you to immerse in the lively Mexican atmosphere as you explore the charming resort towns, taste delectable cuisine and indulge in exciting water sports. From the bustling markets to golden beaches, charming township, enchanting Spanish colonial architecture, historical sites to jaw-dropping sunsets, the Mexican Riviera cruise route offers a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion, making it a must-visit destination for any cruise enthusiast.
Embarkation Ports: Long Beach, San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles in California are some of the embarkation ports. Travellers can also choose a route from Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia.
