The 20 best cruise locations worldwide

A Panamanian cruise might not be your first thought for a vacation, but those who’ve been on a ship through the Canal will boast about its beauty and unique experience. There’s lots of lush land to see and lots of water to travel on (just hope and pray that you miss one of the occasional traffic jams). 

Cruises don’t have to be in warm locations to be enjoyable, and it’s evident by the success of Alaskan cruises. The stunning vistas and diverse wildlife make the location great for a cruise, especially for those who don’t want to spend days without seeing land. 

A New Zealand cruise is not unlike an Alaskan cruise in terms of constant opportunity for a gorgeous view and lots of wildlife. The port cities are also overflowing with culture and gastronomy, making the entire experience fantastic. Plus, it’s got nice weather. 

Norwegian cruises are constantly advertised because more people deserve to see the country’s beauty via boat. Cruising through the Norwegian fjords is a spiritual experience for many, bringing about views thought only to be found in storybooks. 

Part of the appeal of a Caribbean cruise is that there are endless options. You can cruise through the area yearly and still not hit every hot spot. Despite being in a similar location, each port city is vastly different from the next, so you’ll always be met with diversity and a new experience. 

The Mediterranean Sea is one of Earth's most stunning bodies of water, and its surrounding countries aren’t bad either. Many Mediterranean cruises have stopped in Italy, France, Spain, and Greece, docking at famed islands, too. The water is breathtaking, and the landscapes are magical. 

The Galapagos Islands are known for their beauty and diverse wildlife, but humans aren’t allowed to spend the night there. However, they can see the archipelago via cruise ship, and it’s a great balance between experiencing and admiring its unique nature.

Southeast Asia is comprised of stunning country after stunning country, and one of the most efficient ways to see as much of the land as possible is by taking a cruise. Malaysia is a great location for a ship trip as it’s got a variety of fantastic ports, like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu.

Like on an Alaskan cruise, you may be a bit chilly while on an Icelandic cruise, but you’ll also be too busy marveling at the sights to care. You’ll see a waterfall from one vantage point, and from another, you’ll see a whale. You’ll also get the opportunity to explore the country a bit, as most Icelandic cruises dock at Reykjavik for a bit. 

The Bahamas are one of the quintessential international cruise destinations for a reason. The beaches are pristine, it’s relatively safe to interact with the sea life, and there’s tons to do on the islands. The Bahamas is an excellent spot for first-time cruisers. 

If you thought an Alaskan or Icelandic cruise is as cold as it gets on ships, think again. Cruise ships can take you to Antarctica, and temperatures there get pretty low. But most who go say it’s absolutely worth it. The entire experience is unlike anything else you’ll have again. 

Hawaii is another archipelago with multiple islands worth visiting. If you want to see them all, or at least most of them, go on a Hawaiian cruise. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Honolulu offset by the chill vibes of, well, basically everywhere else. 

Singapore is a unique country with wealth, rich culture, and incredible food. An equally unique way to experience it is by cruise ship. Whether you prefer exploring nature or soaking in the sights of the city, Singapore has it all, and it’s all accessible through a cruise. 

Few concepts about geography are more confusing to Americans than the makeup of the British Isles. If you have yet to master the difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom, figure it out by visiting in person. A cruise through the British Isles will be fabulous and educational. 

You better believe there are cruises to see more of the United States than just Hawaii and Florida. A New England cruise might not have the quintessential feel you expect from a cruise, but it’ll be just as fun and allow you to see some of the East Coast’s gems and parts of Canada if you’d like. 

If New England and Canada aren’t far enough north for you, travel even further toward the Arctic Circle on a cruise to Greenland. You’ll see some of the most unique and magical landscapes on the planet, and you’ll have the chance to witness the Northern Lights up close and personal. 

Mexico is an enormous country with tons and tons of coasts, so there are loads of opportunities for a fun cruise. You can leave from California to explore the Pacific Ocean side of the country or get in on the fun from the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean Sea. Each option is more beautiful than the next. 

Don’t sleep on river cruises. If you want to see Alpine Europe, you can take multiple river cruises, allowing you to see scenery so picturesque not even AI could dream it up. The Rhine has plenty of options for sailing you through this gorgeous part of Earth. 

Don’t believe the tall tales. There’s nothing unsafe or mysterious about cruising to Bermuda (aside from the regular risks associated with cruises). What you will get is a trip to a colorful island with a fun culture and beautiful ocean views. 

Australia is a very fun place to cruise. It’s another massive piece of land with incredibly diverse landscapes, and a cruise is a great way to experience more than one. Take your pick with the assurance that you can’t go wrong.