
Photo: Gentoo penguins in Antarctica / iStock / S_Lew
4. Antarctica
What you’ll find on a cruise to the “Great White Continent” is magnificent white and blue icebergs, spectacular glaciers, orca and sperm whales, penguins the size of a child, and elephant seals.
Why it's one of the best cruise destinations: What you won’t find here are hotels and airports — or many other humans, for that matter. A cruise ship makes it possible to explore the stark, frozen scene.
Our Advice: Sure, the itineraries are long and the price tags can be steep, but it’s worth saving up both vacation time and travel budget to experience it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cross a major item off your bucket list.