9 Best Places to Go on a Cruise

According to the Cruise Lines International Association, more than 31 million people set sail in 2023 — and passenger numbers are only expected to increase in the coming years.

What makes cruising so popular and why do so many travellers love it? For starters, it gives you a front-row seat to some pretty incredible places. In fact, you can go almost anywhere on a cruise… which actually creates a bit of a dilemma. With so many options, it can feel impossible to decide which region is right for your next voyage.

Well, our list of the best cruise destinations around the world can help with that!  Find out what you can see, do and experience while sailing around Asia, Europe, the South Pacific and more.

• Alaska
• Caribbean
• Mediterranean
• Scandinavia and Northern Europe
• Asia
• South Pacific
• Atlantic Canada and New England
• Antarctica
• Central and South America

For raw, untamed beauty and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, Alaska cruises are the way to go.

A journey through the Inside Passage gets nature lovers up close to vast glaciers, icy fjords and snow-capped mountains — plus all the incredible animals that call this region home. Whether you’re out on a whale watching adventure or scanning the horizon for eagles while you relax on the deck of your cruise ship, the Last Frontier’s rugged landscapes and majestic species will take your breath away.

But that’s not the only reason that Alaska has become one of the world’s top cruise destinations. It also beckons travellers with its rich culture and history, which includes the Klondike Gold Rush. Try panning for gold in Skagway or learn more about the area’s Indigenous communities by booking an excursion to the Saxman Native Village and Totem Park in Ketchikan.

Anchorage, Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway

May to September

Some of the most busy ports in the Caribbean welcome more than one million passengers each year and it’s easy to see why. Who wouldn’t want to sail across sparkling turquoise waters with a tropical rum punch in hand?!

When you book a Caribbean cruise, you’ll need to choose between Western, Eastern and Southern itineraries:

• Western Caribbean cruises are short and sweet (3–4 days) and take you to destinations that are on or close to the mainland, such as Cozumel and Roatán.
• Eastern Caribbean cruises are an ideal length (7 days) for most travellers and visit cities that are rich in culture, such as Nassau and San Juan.
• Southern Caribbean cruises tend to be on the longer side (10–14 days) and sail to more remote locales, such as Oranjestad and Castries.

No matter which one you pick, you’ll get to relax on gorgeous beaches, explore dense rainforests and soak up endless amounts of sunshine. Some cruise lines even offer exclusive access to private islands! Bonus: you can pack light and live in flip flops.

Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos

November to April

One of the biggest benefits of cruising is that you get to visit multiple destinations in a single trip, and nowhere can you take better advantage of this than the Mediterranean. In fact, there are dozens of cities in this region that regularly welcome cruise ships.

Not only that, but Mediterranean cruises provide all the ingredients for a perfect getaway: stunning ports, sun-kissed beaches, iconic landmarks and delicious cuisines. Fall in love with the cliffside villages in the Cinque Terre, dine on tapas in Palma de Mallorca, step back in time in Dubrovnik, shop at bazaars in Istanbul or go wine tasting in Santorini.

This is one of the best ways to discover Europe’s most popular spots. And to make it even better, there are countless itineraries available — from quick 4-day cruises to elaborate 3-week voyages. In other words, you can easily maximize your vacation days and schedule.

Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Spain, Turkey

May to October

The Mediterranean coast doesn’t appeal to you? No worries! There are plenty of other European destinations that you can visit via a cruise — including Ghent, Oslo, Copenhagen, Cologne and Vienna.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe cruises combine old-world charm with dramatic landscapes. You’ll meander through medieval towns, uncover Viking history, breathe in crisp mountain air, and get up close to spouting geysers, creaking glaciers and other natural wonders. If you’re lucky, you might even get to watch the northern lights dance across the sky.

While you can’t go wrong with any cruise in this region, we’re partial toward itineraries that take you deep into the Norwegian fjords. Here, verdant valleys, misty mountains, cascading waterfalls and smooth-as-glass inlets will give you a new appreciation for mother nature. What’s more, you’ll have plenty of time to take it all in thanks to the extended daylight hours in this part of the world.

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland

May to September

Asia cruises are a feast for the senses, and that’s true whether you’re floating down the Mekong on a river cruise or circumnavigating Japan on a mega cruise ship. You can take your pick from luxury lines like Oceania Cruises or family-friendly lines like Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

Port destinations span across East and Southeast Asia, so you might end up sailing from Singapore to Bangkok or from Tokyo to Hong Kong with stops in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and beyond. Regardless of which itinerary you choose, you’ll discover rich histories, diverse cultures, dazzling cities, tranquil islands, and UNESCO-listed heritage sites. And food lovers will rejoice knowing they can feast on dim sum, phở, sushi and satay in a single trip.

Get ready to explore ancient temples in Bali, snap pictures of cherry blossoms in Kyoto, marvel at floating lanterns in Phuket, ride a trishaw in Malacca and more!

Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam

June to August; November to April

Coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, warm ocean breezes and relaxed island lifestyles — you’ll encounter all of this and more as you sail across the South Pacific (aka paradise). Cruises in this region typically depart from Australia or New Zealand, and it won’t be long before you reach postcard-worthy destinations such as Suva, Bora Bora and Rarotonga.

Swim with sea turtles in turquoise lagoons, hike across volcanic landscapes and visit local markets that are brimming with handmade crafts. Or, if you’re looking for an immersive experience that will give you a deeper understanding of the unique culture in this part of the world, attend a traditional fire dancing ceremony or kava ritual.

Life moves slowly here, and that’s exactly the point. A South Pacific cruise invites you to unplug, unwind and forget your worries.

Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Soloman Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu

April to November

With its proximity to Hawai‘i and Alaska, the west coast and the Pacific Ocean tend to get all the cruising glory, but you shouldn’t sleep on Atlantic Canada and New England cruises!

This region is especially popular in the fall, when Nova Scotia’s forests explode into a kaleidoscope of colour and New England’s historic harbours glow under crisp autumn skies. Ports like Halifax, Boston and Charlottetown blend small-town warmth with big-time stories — from colonial settlements to maritime legends.

One day you might be exploring a centuries-old fort or lighthouse, the next wandering a cobblestone street lined with antique shops. The pace is easy, the landscapes are rugged and beautiful, and the lobster rolls? Unmatched.

For travellers craving coastal charm, rich history and a destination that feels simultaneously close to home and a world away, this is one of the best cruise destinations. Plus, many of our favourite cruise lines sail here, including Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line.

Boston, Cape Breton Island, Charlottetown, Eastport, Halifax, Montréal, Newport, Portland, Québec City, Saint John, St. John’s

June to October

An Antarctica cruise is less about port hopping and more about venturing into a mysterious, pristine and surreal landscape.

Ushuaia, Argentina will be your jumping off point. And from there, you’ll traverse across the Drake Passage — a bucket-list trip in and of itself. Known for its unpredictable conditions, you’ll either get the “Drake Shake” (rough seas and up to 30-foot waves) or the “Drake Lake” (relatively calm and peaceful waters) before arriving at the Antarctica Peninsula. Don’t worry: the journey is perfectly safe and totally worth it!

Getting to step foot upon The White Continent is a life-changing experience, and a profound reminder of our planet’s fragility and power. With the help of a knowledgeable expedition team, you’ll get to snowshoe across frozen terrain, kayak past icebergs and generally be in complete awe of your surroundings.

Feel like getting even more out of this type of cruise? Look for an extended itinerary that stops  at the Falkland Islands (where you can spot Magellanic penguins) and South Georgia Island, which has a rich military history.

Falkland Islands, Paradise Bay, Snow Hill Island, South Georgia Island, South Shetland Islands

November to March

From the Amazon River to the Panama Canal, Central and South America cruises invite you to travel across some of the world’s most iconic waterways. And also some of its most fiercely protected ecosystems. If that doesn’t form the foundation for a bucket-list experience, we don’t know what will!

This region is filled with lively cultures, jaw-dropping jungles and one-of-a-kind cities, and you’ll get to experience each in varying degrees depending on which itinerary you choose. While some might include Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Montevideo and the San Blas Islands, others will whisk you away to remote communities and islands.

Explore colonial towns, soar above a rainforest canopy on a ziplining excursion, tango under the stars, spot unique animals in the Galápagos (penguins, giant tortoises, sea lions!) and cross the equator at sea. Central and South America have rhythm and wilderness in equal measure, and cruises are an ideal way to take it all in.

Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Uruguay

September to November

Now that you know the most popular destinations to cruise in, it's time to set sail! Check out our latest cruise deals or chat with our Travel Experts to start planning your next great adventure at sea (or ocean or river or canal).