---
title: "Cruise Destinations"
url: https://cruisello.com/destinations
description: "Explore cruise destinations around the world"
---

# Cruise Destinations

Explore the world's most popular cruise regions. Discover ports, browse itineraries, and plan your next voyage.

612 ports across 28 regions · 25,540 sailings

## Regions

| Region | Ports | Sailings | Best Time |
|------|------|------|------|
| 🩷 [Bermuda](https://cruisello.com/destinations/bermuda.md) | 2 | 353 | May - October |
| 🌺 [Hawaii](https://cruisello.com/destinations/hawaii.md) | 5 | 347 | April - October |
| 🌋 [Canary Islands](https://cruisello.com/destinations/canary-islands.md) | 6 | 1,810 | October - April |
| 🏖️ [Bahamas](https://cruisello.com/destinations/bahamas.md) | 11 | 5,881 | December - April |
| 🧊 [Iceland](https://cruisello.com/destinations/iceland.md) | 9 | 227 | June - August |
| 🏔️ [Greenland](https://cruisello.com/destinations/greenland.md) | 7 | 21 | June - September |
| 🦞 [US Gulf Coast](https://cruisello.com/destinations/us-gulf-coast.md) | 4 | 1,845 | October - April |
| 🏔️ [Alaska](https://cruisello.com/destinations/alaska.md) | 22 | 1,339 | May - September |
| 🌉 [US/Canada West Coast](https://cruisello.com/destinations/us-canada-west-coast.md) | 12 | 2,636 | May - October |
| 🍁 [US & Canada East Coast](https://cruisello.com/destinations/us-canada-east-coast.md) | 35 | 7,285 | September - October |
| 🌴 [Caribbean](https://cruisello.com/destinations/caribbean.md) | 50 | 6,939 | November - April |
| 🇲🇽 [Mexican Riviera & Central America](https://cruisello.com/destinations/mexican-riviera-central-america.md) | 13 | 587 | November - April |
| 🏝️ [Azores, Madeira & Cape Verde](https://cruisello.com/destinations/azores-madeira-cape-verde.md) | 6 | 1,436 | May - October |
| 🏰 [British Isles & Western France](https://cruisello.com/destinations/british-isles-western-france.md) | 37 | 1,686 | May - September |
| ⚓ [Baltic](https://cruisello.com/destinations/baltic.md) | 24 | 1,316 | June - August |
| 🏛️ [Western Mediterranean](https://cruisello.com/destinations/western-mediterranean.md) | 66 | 7,435 | May - October |
| 🏛️ [Eastern Mediterranean](https://cruisello.com/destinations/eastern-mediterranean.md) | 41 | 2,443 | May - October |
| 🇳🇴 [Northern Europe & Scandinavia](https://cruisello.com/destinations/northern-europe-scandinavia.md) | 41 | 1,983 | June - August |
| 🕌 [Middle East & Arabian Gulf](https://cruisello.com/destinations/middle-east-arabian-gulf.md) | 11 | 20 | November - March |
| 🐚 [Indian Ocean](https://cruisello.com/destinations/indian-ocean.md) | 10 | 174 | November - April |
| 🗾 [Japan, Korea, China & Taiwan](https://cruisello.com/destinations/japan-korea-china-taiwan.md) | 50 | 582 | March - May, September - November |
| 🛕 [Southeast Asia](https://cruisello.com/destinations/southeast-asia.md) | 34 | 564 | November - March |
| 🦘 [Australia & New Zealand](https://cruisello.com/destinations/australia-new-zealand.md) | 56 | 504 | November - March |
| 🏝️ [Pacific Islands](https://cruisello.com/destinations/pacific-islands.md) | 18 | 172 | May - October |
| 🦁 [Africa](https://cruisello.com/destinations/africa.md) | 22 | 238 | October - April |
| 💃 [South America](https://cruisello.com/destinations/south-america.md) | 43 | 762 | November - March |
| 🐧 [Antarctica](https://cruisello.com/destinations/antarctica.md) | 2 | 16 | November - March |
| 🧭 [Transatlantic & Repositioning](https://cruisello.com/destinations/transatlantic-repositioning.md) | 89 | 703 | October - November and February - April |

### 🩷 [Bermuda](https://cruisello.com/destinations/bermuda.md)

Two sea days from the US East Coast, and most ships stay docked for two or three days, so you actually get time to explore instead of rushing. The island is small enough to scooter around in a day. Horseshoe Bay has the famous pink sand, and the Gulf Stream keeps the water warmer than you'd expect.

**Highlights:** Ships dock for 2-3 days, not just an afternoon, Pink-sand beaches at Horseshoe Bay, Crystal caves, local rum, and fish sandwiches

### 🌺 [Hawaii](https://cruisello.com/destinations/hawaii.md)

Four islands in one trip without unpacking twice. Kauai has the Na Pali Coast sea cliffs. The Big Island has Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Maui has the beaches and the whale watching (humpbacks visit December through April). NCL's Pride of America is the only large cruise ship doing this route year-round.

**Highlights:** Kilauea volcano on the Big Island, Na Pali Coast, only accessible by boat or helicopter, Humpback whale season from December through April

### 🌋 [Canary Islands](https://cruisello.com/destinations/canary-islands.md)

Warm weather year-round, about four hours by plane from most of Europe. The Canary Islands are volcanic, so the landscapes are more rugged than typical beach destinations. Tenerife has Mount Teide (Spain's highest peak), Lanzarote has lava fields, and Gran Canaria has sand dunes. Popular for winter-sun repositioning cruises.

**Highlights:** Warm enough for winter cruising from Europe, Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, Lanzarote's volcanic lava fields

### 🏖️ [Bahamas](https://cruisello.com/destinations/bahamas.md)

The quickest cruise you can take from Florida. Some sailings are just 3 nights. Most itineraries stop at Nassau and a cruise line's private island. It's a beach trip with a floating hotel. Not much sightseeing, but that's the point.

**Highlights:** Private islands with water parks and cabanas, Swimming pigs at Exuma (excursion from Nassau), Atlantis water park day passes in Nassau

### 🧊 [Iceland](https://cruisello.com/destinations/iceland.md)

Iceland looks like another planet: lava fields, steaming vents, black-sand beaches, and waterfalls everywhere. The Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir) is the classic day excursion from Reykjavik. Summer gets near-constant daylight; September sailings trade that for a real chance at Northern Lights.

**Highlights:** Blue Lagoon geothermal spa near Reykjavik, Golden Circle day trip: Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir, Whale watching from Husavik (85%+ sighting rate)

### 🏔️ [Greenland](https://cruisello.com/destinations/greenland.md)

As remote as cruising gets. Most Greenland itineraries are expedition-style: smaller ships, Zodiac landings, and lectures from naturalists instead of pool parties. The Ilulissat Icefjord produces icebergs the size of city blocks. Ports are tiny Inuit towns. Not for everyone, but if you want genuine wilderness, this is it.

**Highlights:** Ilulissat Icefjord, icebergs calving from a UNESCO glacier, Small Inuit towns like Nuuk and Qaqortoq, Midnight sun in summer, Northern Lights in September

### 🦞 [US Gulf Coast](https://cruisello.com/destinations/us-gulf-coast.md)

Short cruises departing from New Orleans, Galveston, or Tampa, mostly heading to Mexico or the Western Caribbean. Easy to drive to the port if you're in the southern US. New Orleans in particular is worth arriving a day early for.

**Highlights:** Drive-to embarkation ports across the Gulf, 3-5 night sailings to Mexico and the Caribbean, New Orleans food scene pre- or post-cruise

### 🏔️ [Alaska](https://cruisello.com/destinations/alaska.md)

Most of Alaska's coast has no roads, so a ship is genuinely the best way to see it. The Inside Passage threads between forested islands, past glaciers that calve ice into the water while you watch from deck. Humpback whales are common. Pack warm layers even in July.

**Highlights:** Glaciers at close range in Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm, Humpback whales, bald eagles, bears, and sea otters, Gold Rush history in Skagway and Juneau

### 🌉 [US/Canada West Coast](https://cruisello.com/destinations/us-canada-west-coast.md)

Pacific Coast sailings between San Diego, San Francisco, and sometimes up to Seattle or Vancouver. The California coast is the main draw, with stops near wine country and Big Sur. These tend to be shorter repositioning cruises or segments of longer Panama Canal itineraries.

**Highlights:** San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, Wine country stops near Napa and Sonoma, Big Sur coastline scenic sailing

### 🍁 [US & Canada East Coast](https://cruisello.com/destinations/us-canada-east-coast.md)

Peak season is September and October, when the fall foliage turns New England into a postcard. Most sailings depart from New York or Boston and work their way up to Bar Harbor, Halifax, and sometimes Quebec City. The ports are small and walkable, the lobster is fresh.

**Highlights:** Peak fall foliage along the New England coast, Fresh lobster in Bar Harbor and Halifax, Quebec City's walled old town

### 🌴 [Caribbean](https://cruisello.com/destinations/caribbean.md)

The most popular cruise region by a wide margin, and for good reason. Sailings are short (3-7 nights), ports are close together, and the water temperature barely drops below 26 degrees C. Every island has its own feel. If you've never cruised before, start here.

**Highlights:** Short flights from most US cities, Warm enough to swim year-round, Dozens of reefs within snorkeling distance of port

### 🇲🇽 [Mexican Riviera & Central America](https://cruisello.com/destinations/mexican-riviera-central-america.md)

Two coasts, two different experiences. The Pacific side (Mexican Riviera) has resort ports like Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. The Caribbean side (Cozumel, Costa Maya) is better for ruins and reefs. Short sailings from California or Texas are common, and the food at every port is worth seeking out.

**Highlights:** Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza, Cabo San Lucas and the Pacific coast, Cenote swimming on the Yucatan

### 🏝️ [Azores, Madeira & Cape Verde](https://cruisello.com/destinations/azores-madeira-cape-verde.md)

The Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde sit in the middle of the Atlantic, far from anything else. The Azores are green, volcanic, and quiet. Madeira is known for its levada walking trails and the local fortified wine. Cape Verde has West African and Portuguese influences and a completely different feel. Often visited on repositioning or transatlantic cruises.

**Highlights:** Azores: volcanic crater lakes and whale watching, Madeira's levada walking trails, Cape Verde's West African and Portuguese culture

### 🏰 [British Isles & Western France](https://cruisello.com/destinations/british-isles-western-france.md)

Scotland, Ireland, and the English coast on one itinerary. The Scottish Highlands are remote and beautiful even in rain (bring waterproofs). The Irish coast has the Cliffs of Moher. English ports like Liverpool and Edinburgh pair well with a day or two of exploration. These sailings tend to run from Southampton or Dublin.

**Highlights:** Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye, Cliffs of Moher and the Irish coast, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and smaller coastal towns

### ⚓ [Baltic](https://cruisello.com/destinations/baltic.md)

Four or five Northern European capitals in one trip, connected by overnight sailings. You wake up in Copenhagen, spend a day walking the canals, and by morning you're in Stockholm. The cities are compact and walkable, and in midsummer you get 18+ hours of daylight.

**Highlights:** 18+ hours of daylight on midsummer sailings, Walkable capitals: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Mix of medieval old towns and modern Nordic design

### 🏛️ [Western Mediterranean](https://cruisello.com/destinations/western-mediterranean.md)

Two or three countries in a week, each with completely different food. A typical itinerary might start in Barcelona, stop in Marseille for bouillabaisse, then dock near Rome for a day at the Colosseum. Shoulder season (May or October) means fewer tourists and lower prices.

**Highlights:** Multiple countries and cuisines in one week, Embarkation ports in Barcelona, Rome, or Marseille, Shoulder-season sailings avoid peak crowds

### 🏛️ [Eastern Mediterranean](https://cruisello.com/destinations/eastern-mediterranean.md)

This is where you go if ancient history matters to you. Athens, Ephesus, and Dubrovnik are regular stops, and most itineraries weave in a few Greek islands. The water in the Aegean is warm from June through September. Expect tender ports at some of the smaller islands.

**Highlights:** Greek island stops including Santorini and Mykonos, Ancient sites at Athens, Ephesus, and Olympia, Dubrovnik and the Croatian coast

### 🇳🇴 [Northern Europe & Scandinavia](https://cruisello.com/destinations/northern-europe-scandinavia.md)

The Norwegian fjords are the main reason people book these itineraries. Geirangerfjord is the showstopper: 1,000-foot cliffs with waterfalls pouring over the edge while your ship passes below. Some routes extend to the Scottish Highlands, the Faroe Islands, or Iceland.

**Highlights:** Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Hardangerfjord, Northern Lights possible on late-season sailings, Bergen, Oslo, and smaller fjord-side villages

### 🕌 [Middle East & Arabian Gulf](https://cruisello.com/destinations/middle-east-arabian-gulf.md)

Dubai and Abu Dhabi anchor most Arabian Gulf itineraries. The contrast is hard to process: glass skyscrapers next to old souks, indoor ski slopes in the desert. Oman (Muscat) is the quieter, more traditional stop and often the highlight for repeat visitors. Winter is the only comfortable season for this region.

**Highlights:** Dubai's skyline and traditional gold souk, Muscat, Oman for a quieter, more traditional stop, Desert safari excursions from Abu Dhabi

### 🐚 [Indian Ocean](https://cruisello.com/destinations/indian-ocean.md)

The Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius. Small-ship and expedition cruises dominate here since the islands are spread far apart. The water clarity and marine life are among the best anywhere for snorkeling. These tend to be expensive, longer itineraries, often combined with a land stay.

**Highlights:** Some of the clearest snorkeling water on Earth, Seychelles granite-boulder beaches, Maldives overwater and island day visits

### 🗾 [Japan, Korea, China & Taiwan](https://cruisello.com/destinations/japan-korea-china-taiwan.md)

Japan is the standout here. Spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn (fall colors) are the best times to go, and itineraries often loop through South Korea, Taiwan, and sometimes mainland China. The food in Japan alone justifies the trip. Expect efficient, well-organized ports.

**Highlights:** Japan in cherry blossom or autumn color season, Seoul, Taipei, and Hong Kong port stops, Japanese food from conveyor-belt sushi to ramen

### 🛕 [Southeast Asia](https://cruisello.com/destinations/southeast-asia.md)

The best food value in cruising. A bowl of pho in Ho Chi Minh City costs less than a dollar, and Singapore's hawker centres have Michelin-starred stalls for under five. Most itineraries depart from Singapore and loop through Vietnam, Thailand, and sometimes Malaysia. Book between November and March to dodge monsoon season.

**Highlights:** Ha Long Bay: thousands of limestone karsts from the ship, Street food in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Singapore, Day trips to Angkor Wat from Sihanoukville

### 🦘 [Australia & New Zealand](https://cruisello.com/destinations/australia-new-zealand.md)

Longer itineraries, 10 to 14 nights is typical, with serious variety between ports. One day you're sailing into Sydney Harbour past the Opera House, a few days later you're in Milford Sound. The Great Barrier Reef is snorkeling or diving territory. Seasons are flipped: November to March is their summer.

**Highlights:** Sydney Harbour sail-in past the Opera House, Milford Sound fjord cruise within the cruise, Great Barrier Reef snorkeling and diving

### 🏝️ [Pacific Islands](https://cruisello.com/destinations/pacific-islands.md)

Fiji, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and smaller islands scattered across thousands of miles of open ocean. The sailing distances are long, so expect plenty of sea days. The payoff is turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and a pace of life that moves slower than anywhere else. These itineraries often depart from Sydney or Auckland.

**Highlights:** Bora Bora's lagoon, Fiji island day visits, Long sea days on a Pacific crossing

### 🦁 [Africa](https://cruisello.com/destinations/africa.md)

Cape Town is the most common port, and sailing into Table Bay with Table Mountain behind the city is a good arrival. East African ports like Zanzibar and Madagascar appear on longer itineraries. Some South Africa sailings combine with Mozambique or Namibia. Wildlife excursions are the main draw at most stops.

**Highlights:** Cape Town and Table Mountain, Zanzibar's Stone Town and spice markets, Wildlife excursions at coastal reserves

### 💃 [South America](https://cruisello.com/destinations/south-america.md)

The range here is enormous. Northern itineraries hit Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and the Brazilian coast. Southern routes go to Patagonia and the Chilean fjords, where the scenery rivals Alaska. Some sailings round Cape Horn or connect to Antarctica. Expect longer voyages, 14 nights or more.

**Highlights:** Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, Patagonian glaciers and Chilean fjords, Cape Horn and possible Antarctica extensions

### 🐧 [Antarctica](https://cruisello.com/destinations/antarctica.md)

Expedition cruising only. Small ships, Zodiac landings, and strict environmental protocols. You'll see penguin colonies, massive tabular icebergs, and a silence that's hard to find anywhere else. The Drake Passage crossing from Ushuaia can be rough, but most people say it's worth it. Season runs November to March.

**Highlights:** Penguin colonies at close range, Tabular icebergs and glacier scenery, Drake Passage crossing from Ushuaia

### 🧭 [Transatlantic & Repositioning](https://cruisello.com/destinations/transatlantic-repositioning.md)

Twice a year the big ships change oceans. These one-way crossings have more sea days and fewer ports than a regular cruise, and they often cost less per night. Transpacific, Suez and Europe to Cape Town voyages are here too.

**Highlights:** Long stretches at sea with the ship to yourself, Often a lower fare per night than the same ship's regular cruises, Island stops on the way: Azores, Madeira, Canaries, Bermuda