The Best Cruise Destinations

by  Fran Golden | Jul 5, 2016

You can take a cruise almost anywhere in the world, but some regions just lend themselves to this kind of vacation. These spots fall into three categories: those parts of the world where civilizations developed on the water, resulting in a volume of iconic locations, or places where cruises can cut out a lot of the hassle (and expense) of island hopping. Also making the list? Places that can only be seen by cruise. Read on for our picks for the best cruise destinations on the planet. 1. Western Mediterranean A Western Mediterranean cruise lets you check off a lot of major cities (think Barcelona, Rome, Florence) for one price, on one unforgettable trip, without having to navigate foreign roads or deal with train timetables. Why it's one of the best cruise destinations: These itineraries are also a great introduction to the high culture of Western Europe — including the iconic museums, designer shops, and architectural wonders. And that's not even mentioning the cuisine — Spanish tapas one day, fresh pasta and pastries in Italy the next. It’s not just major cities, though. Depending on your itinerary, you’ll also hit other gorgeous spots, including Monte Carlo, Nice, and Marseilles. Our Advice: These itineraries vary widely, from those that focus on one or two countries to those that hit the highlights of four. For example, you might find ports in Portugal and Morocco mixed in with Spain and Italy, or stops on islands such as Corsica and Sardinia.

Monte Carlo / iStock / OSTILL

Gentoo penguins in Antarctica
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.


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