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Cruise Destinations

From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the ancient ruins of the Mediterranean — explore 19 world-class cruise destinations with CruiseDirect's best deals.

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Caribbean

Americas

The world's most popular cruise destination, offering year-round tropical warmth, pristine beaches, and diverse island cultures.

6 popular ports
Best time: December to April (dry season), though sailings operate year-round
9 cruise lines • 6 itineraries
Pristine beachesYear-round sunshinePrivate cruise islands
Explore Caribbean cruises
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Mediterranean

Europe

Historic ports, stunning coastlines, and world-class cuisine. The Mediterranean offers culture-rich cruising through iconic European destinations.

6 popular ports
Best time: April to October (peak: June–August)
10 cruise lines • 3 itineraries
Ancient Greek ruinsItalian cuisineAmalfi Coast
Explore Mediterranean cruises
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Alaska

Americas

Glaciers, wildlife, and wilderness. Alaska cruise season offers some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth, from towering mountains to calving ice.

6 popular ports
Best time: May to September (peak: June–August)
7 cruise lines • 2 itineraries
Glacier Bay cruisingWhale watchingInside Passage
Explore Alaska cruises
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Bahamas

Americas

Crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and easy access from Florida ports. The Bahamas is perfect for short getaways and first-time cruisers.

6 popular ports
Best time: Year-round (peak: December–April)
7 cruise lines • 2 itineraries
Private cruise islandsCrystal-clear watersShort getaways (3–5 nights)
Explore Bahamas cruises
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Hawaii

Americas

Volcanic islands, Polynesian culture, and lush tropical landscapes. Hawaii cruises offer a unique Pacific paradise experience.

5 popular ports
Best time: Year-round (driest: April–October)
5 cruise lines • 1 itineraries
Volcanoes National ParkNa Pali CoastWaikiki Beach
Explore Hawaii cruises

Northern Europe

Europe

Dramatic fjords, Viking history, Baltic capitals, and midnight sun. Northern Europe offers culture-rich cruising through Scandinavia, the British Isles, and beyond.

6 popular ports
Best time: May to September (peak: June–August)
8 cruise lines • 2 itineraries
Norwegian fjordsBaltic capitalsMidnight sun
Explore Northern Europe cruises
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Asia

Asia-Pacific

Ancient temples, floating markets, and futuristic skylines. Asia cruises blend centuries of culture with modern luxury across Southeast Asia, Japan, and China.

6 popular ports
Best time: November to March (Southeast Asia) | March–May, October–November (Japan)
7 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Ha Long BayJapanese cherry blossomsThai temples
Explore Asia cruises
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South America

Americas

From Patagonian glaciers to the Amazon rainforest, South American cruises deliver epic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable wildlife.

6 popular ports
Best time: November to March (Patagonia & Antarctica) | Year-round (Amazon & Galápagos)
7 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Patagonian glaciersGalápagos wildlifeAmazon rainforest
Explore South America cruises
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Australia & New Zealand

Asia-Pacific

The Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour, Milford Sound, and the Tasman Sea. Down Under cruises combine natural wonders with vibrant cities.

6 popular ports
Best time: October to April (Southern Hemisphere summer)
6 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Great Barrier ReefSydney HarbourMilford Sound
Explore Australia & New Zealand cruises
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Norway & Fjords

Europe

UNESCO-listed fjords, Viking heritage, and the midnight sun. Norwegian cruises deliver the most dramatic scenery in European waters.

6 popular ports
Best time: May to September (peak: June–July for midnight sun)
7 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Geirangerfjord (UNESCO)Midnight sunBergen Bryggen wharf
Explore Norway & Fjords cruises
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Arctic

Polar

Polar bears, walrus colonies, and the midnight sun. Arctic expedition cruises explore the remote wilderness of Svalbard, Greenland, and the Norwegian Arctic.

6 popular ports
Best time: June to September (peak: July–August)
5 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Polar bear encountersMidnight sunZodiac landings
Explore Arctic cruises
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Antarctica

Polar

The last great wilderness. Antarctic cruises deliver penguin colonies, colossal icebergs, and landscapes untouched by human habitation.

6 popular ports
Best time: November to March (austral summer)
6 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Penguin coloniesDrake Passage crossingZodiac landings
Explore Antarctica cruises
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Svalbard

Polar

The polar bear capital of the world. Svalbard expedition cruises explore the high Arctic archipelago between Norway and the North Pole.

6 popular ports
Best time: June to August (midnight sun period)
5 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Polar bear capitalMidnight sunWalrus colonies
Explore Svalbard cruises
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Greenland

Polar

Colossal icebergs, Inuit culture, and the world's largest island. Greenland cruises offer expedition-style voyages through an arctic wonderland.

6 popular ports
Best time: June to September (August–September for northern lights)
5 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO)Giant icebergsInuit settlements
Explore Greenland cruises
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Iceland

Europe

Fire and ice. Icelandic cruises explore volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs on the land of the midnight sun.

6 popular ports
Best time: May to September (midnight sun: June–July)
6 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Blue LagoonGolden CircleWhale watching
Explore Iceland cruises
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Northwest Passage

Polar

The legendary Arctic sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific. Northwest Passage cruises trace the path of polar explorers through Canada's Arctic.

6 popular ports
Best time: August to September (brief window when ice recedes)
5 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Historic exploration routeInuit communitiesFranklin expedition sites
Explore Northwest Passage cruises
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South Pacific

Asia-Pacific

Turquoise lagoons, volcanic islands, and Polynesian culture. South Pacific cruises explore Fiji, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the remote islands of Oceania.

6 popular ports
Best time: April to November (dry season)
6 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Bora Bora lagoonFijian villagesCoral reef snorkelling
Explore South Pacific cruises
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Africa

Africa

Safari wildlife, ancient civilisations, and dramatic coastlines. African cruises combine epic shore excursions with diverse cultural encounters.

6 popular ports
Best time: October to April (Southern Africa) | Year-round (Egypt & East Africa)
6 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Cape Town & Table MountainZanzibar spice islandEgyptian pyramids
Explore Africa cruises
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World Cruises

Worldwide

The ultimate voyage. World cruises circumnavigate the globe in 100–180 days, visiting 30+ countries across every major ocean and continent.

6 popular ports
Best time: January departure (full circumnavigation)
6 cruise lines • 0 itineraries
Circumnavigation (100–180 days)30+ countries visitedPanama Canal transit
Explore World Cruises cruises

Best Cruise Destinations for 2026

Whether you're dreaming of powder-white Caribbean beaches, ancient Mediterranean temples, or Alaska's towering glaciers, a cruise is the perfect way to explore multiple destinations in one trip. TravelDealForge partners with CruiseDirect to bring you the best deals on every destination, with exclusive onboard credits and the Best Price Guarantee.

Caribbean Cruises

The Caribbean remains the world's most popular cruise destination, offering year-round sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and diverse island cultures. Eastern Caribbean itineraries visit St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and private islands like CocoCay and Celebration Key. Western Caribbean sailings explore Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. Southern Caribbean voyages reach Aruba, Curaçao, and Barbados for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

Mediterranean Cruises

Mediterranean cruises combine world-class history, culture, and cuisine into unforgettable voyages. Western Mediterranean itineraries visit Barcelona, Rome, Florence, and the French Riviera. Eastern Mediterranean sailings explore the Greek Islands, Dubrovnik, and the stunning Bay of Kotor. The 2026 season brings expanded itineraries from Celebrity, Norwegian, and MSC with new ports of call.

Alaska Cruises

Alaska is a bucket-list cruise destination, offering dramatic glaciers, pristine wilderness, and incredible wildlife. The season runs from May to September, with Inside Passage itineraries visiting Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay. Princess Cruises and Holland America are renowned for their Alaska expertise, while Royal Caribbean brings its mega-ship experience north.

Bahamas, Hawaii & Northern Europe

Short Bahamas getaways (3-5 nights) are perfect for first-time cruisers and weekend breaks. Hawaii's inter-island cruise aboard Norwegian's Pride of America visits four islands in seven nights — the only round-trip Hawaii cruise available. Northern Europe itineraries explore Norwegian Fjords, Baltic capitals, and the Northern Lights, offering a completely different cruise experience with dramatic scenery and rich history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Destinations

What are the most popular cruise destinations?
The Caribbean is the world's most popular cruise destination, followed by the Mediterranean, Alaska, Bahamas, Hawaii, and Northern Europe. Each offers unique experiences from tropical beaches to ancient ruins and glacial fjords.
When is the best time to cruise?
It depends on your destination. Caribbean cruises run year-round but are best November–April. Mediterranean cruises peak May–September. Alaska's season is May–September. Northern Europe is best June–August. Shoulder seasons often offer the best value.
How do I choose a cruise destination?
Consider your interests: beach lovers enjoy the Caribbean and Bahamas, history buffs prefer the Mediterranean, nature enthusiasts love Alaska, and culture seekers appreciate Northern Europe. Also factor in travel time, budget, and season.
Are cruises good for first-time travelers?
Absolutely! Cruises are ideal for first-timers because they bundle transport, accommodation, dining, and entertainment into one package. Short 3–5 night Bahamas or Caribbean getaways are perfect starter cruises with easy embarkation from US ports.

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