Where Can You Go on a Cruise? Top Destinations and Uncovered Gems

From Mediterranean escapes to Antarctic adventures, cruises have evolved far beyond buffet lines and sea days. Today, they’re one of the most exciting ways to explore the world — with the added perk of unpacking just once.

2min read

Published 2 June 2025

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser wondering where to begin, or a seasoned sailor looking for your next off-the-beaten-path itinerary, this guide covers both classic favourites and lesser-known destinations worth adding to your cruise wish list.

In this blog

Most Popular Cruise Destinations

If you’re not looking to go anywhere too far off the beaten track, listen to the hundreds of thousands of cruisers out there who swear by these top destinations. They’re popular for good reason: beautiful, accessible, fun, and in many cases…rand-friendly!

1. The Mediterranean: For Island-Hopping, Culture & Sun

It’s iconic for a reason: cruising the Mediterranean is the best island-hopping experience

Mediterranean cruises offer a mix of postcard-perfect beaches, historic cities, and dreamy islands. And did we mention that it all comes with minimal effort on your part? One week might take you from Barcelona to the Greek Isles via Rome, with the chance to explore ancient ruins, markets, and whitewashed villages along the way.

Whether you're sipping sangria in Spain or shopping in Santorini, a Med cruise delivers endless variety. It’s the ideal pick for multi-generational families, food lovers, and sun seekers.

2. The Caribbean: For Laid-Back Luxury and Crystal Waters

The Caribbean is all about warm waters and beachside chill. Popular routes include stops in Jamaica, the Bahamas, St. Lucia and the Dominican Republic. Many of them come with super cool excursions and activities including options to snorkel with tropical fish, hike through rainforests, or just laze on soft-sand beaches.

It’s also home to some of the best all-inclusive cruise ships in the world, with plenty of family-friendly and romantic itineraries available.

3. Alaska: For Wildlife, Wilderness & Glaciers

If you prefer snow-capped mountains to sun loungers, Alaska is your cruise. Most cruises run from Vancouver or Seattle through the Inside Passage, calling in at towns like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. You’ll glide past jaw-dropping glaciers, see bears and bald eagles in the wild, and maybe try a helicopter tour or dogsledding trip on the ice.

Shore excursions are a big part of the appeal here. It’s not the usual town exploration but more on the adventurous side: think whale watching, dogsledding, and scenic railway rides. It’s nature on a massive scale and one of the most memorable cruise destinations out there.

Cruise Destinations You Didn't Know You Could Sail To

If you’ve already ticked the Caribbean and Mediterranean off your cruise list, or you’re just the kind of traveller who prefers paths less paddled, this is your sign to look beyond the usual ports of call. While popular routes have their perks cruising can also be one of the most exciting ways to explore remote, wild, or unexpected corners of the world.

1. Antarctica: For the Ultimate Expedition

Antarctica is the final frontier for many cruisers. There are no ports, no souvenir shops, and definitely no beach bars—but that’s exactly the point. Instead, you’ll take zodiac landings to walk among penguin colonies, witness glaciers calving into the ocean, and possibly spot whales, seals, or even the elusive polar bear on nearby islands.

Cruises here typically depart from Argentina, and cross the Drake Passage before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. If you’re looking for a trip that feels genuinely life-changing, this is it.

2. The Galápagos Islands: For Once-in-a-Lifetime Wildlife

Sailing through Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands offers a front-row seat to evolution in action. They’re famous for the giant tortoises, of course, but you’ll probably also be treated to sights of sea lions lazing on white-sand beaches and marine iguanas sunning themselves on rocks.

Cruise itineraries here are designed to visit multiple islands, each with their own unique ecosystems and landscapes. Many of the ships carry naturalists on board, so you’ll learn plenty along the way. And snorkelling alongside sea turtles and playful penguins isn’t a bad perk either!

3. The Mekong River: For Culture and Cuisine

Okay, technically this one’s a river cruise…but the Mekong deserves a spot on this list. Winding through Vietnam and Cambodia, it’s a deep dive into ancient temples, floating markets, and rich local culture. You'll stop in places like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (for Angkor Wat), and smaller villages along the way, with guided tours and time to explore.

It’s a great way to see the heart of Southeast Asia from a new angle. Not convinced by the idea of small ships? Maybe we can change your mind with some insight into what life is really like on a river cruise.

So, Where Can You Go on a Cruise?

The real question is: where can’t you? While the Caribbean and Med will always be classics, there’s a whole world out there to cruise, for lovers of everything from glaciers or geysers, and islands to iguanas. Tempted? Chat with a Flight Centre expert to find your perfect itinerary, compare cruise lines, and start planning a once-in-a-lifetime escape. Your centre for travel has it all.

Because 'maybe next year' has waited long enough - your centre for travel is ready.