By Donna Heiderstadt | Published: June 5, 2024 | Modified: February 20, 2026
One reason cruising has enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years is that a single cruise vacation lets you experience multiple islands, cities or remote locales. The choice is yours, because many of the best places to go on a cruise — including the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Alaska and Asia — align perfectly with the best cruise destinations. Cruising's added bonus? You unpack once.
Quiz
What Vacation Should You Take In 2025?
Wondering where to go on your next vacation? Take our quiz to discover where to set sail in 2025!
Results
Caribbean West Coast
Tropic like it's hot
Choose from sun-kissed shores from East to West. The Caribbean is home to beautiful beaches, bold cuisine and colorful colonial towns. Or head to the West Coast and discover the Mexican Riviera — explore deserts, go wine- or tequila-tasting and kayak through epic rock formations.
Excited to embrace sun and fun?
Check out unforgettable
Alaska
Discover the last frontier
A land of rugged mountains, coastal forests and diverse wildlife, Alaska is the ultimate cruise destination for intrepid explorers. Whether you're watching whales splash in the Pacific Ocean or gazing up at Hubbard Glacier, Alaska cruises are all about natural wonder.
Is adventure your thing?
These
Alaska cruisesdeliver it on board and on land.
Europe
Old World wonders await
On a European cruise, discover captivating architecture, coastal beauty and rich history and culture — such as Rome's ancient ruins, Barcelona's famed churches and Norway's majestic fjords. With so many unique ports to explore, the opportunities to make memories are endless.
Ready to explore Europe?
Check out these
Asia
Go all out in the Far East
From its neon-lit cities to its secluded shrines, this region offers plenty of vibrant culture and natural beauty. Set sail on an Asia cruise for an adventure-packed trip filled with incredible landscapes, beautiful beaches, flavorful food and fascinating history.
Is a journey to Asia on your horizon?
Check out these
Cruise vacations also bring plenty of onboard entertainment and thrills like twisting slides, simulated surfing and skydiving, ice rinks and zip lines — and ample opportunities to kick back and enjoy the amenities of your unparalleled resort at sea.
So, how do you choose the best cruise places for you? To find a cruise that offers the kind of adventure that stirs your wanderlust, take the quiz in this infographic, then learn about incredible voyages — the best places to go on a cruise — that will deliver just what you have in mind.
Key Takeaways: Best Places To Visit on a Cruise
- ● The Caribbean and Mexico: If you’re a sun-seeker chasing warm weather and relaxation, then the best cruise destination for you is the Caribbean or Mexico. Sail from December through April to enjoy mild humidity and inviting waters, visiting spots like Puerto Rico or Cozumel.
- ● Alaska: If you love hiking rugged terrain and untouched natural landscapes, then Alaska will be up your alley. Enjoy kayaking, ziplining and spotting wildlife like orcas and bears during the cruise season from May to September.
- ● Europe and the Mediterranean: For a vacation brimming with history and culture, head to Europe. You can sample the Mediterranean, Adriatic or Baltic regions, visiting ancient cities and cobblestoned old towns.
- ● Asia: Looking for destinations that layer exotic nature with buzzing cities? The best cruise destination for you is Asia. You gain access to incredible landscapes, iconic architecture and ancient treasures like the Great Wall and serene temples.
- ● Match your travel style to your destination and start planning the perfect cruise vacation, tailored just for you!
Cruises to Mexico and the Caribbean Offer Fun and Relaxation
If you're a sun-seeker chasing warm weather and relaxation, you can choose from a variety of Mexican Riviera and Caribbean cruises. These make for excellent first-time cruises because they’re super accessible. Simply decide how many days you prefer.
Your bon voyage will begin at a U.S. port, such as:
- ● Cape Liberty, NJ.
- ● Baltimore.
- ● Port Canaveral (Orlando).
- ● Miami.
- ● Fort Lauderdale.
- ● Tampa.
- ● San Juan.
- ● New Orleans.
- ● Los Angeles.
If you’re flying to these ports, remember to incorporate 3:1:1 rule when you’re packing liquids in your carry-on (hello, sunscreen and aloe vera). The TSA allows liquid containers of 3.4 ounces or less, and all containers must fit into one quart-sized, clear plastic bag. Finally, each person can only bring one such bag on flights. A little advance planning can make your cruise that much smoother.
The best time to visit the Caribbean and Mexico by cruise is December through April for warm weather and mild humidity. This is also peak season, so the shoulder seasons (May through June) will offer good weather with less tourism. For near-permanently sunny skies and endless island-hopping, the best places to cruise are:
- ● The eastern Caribbean (get to know Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Maarten).
- ● The western Caribbean (call on Cozumel, Costa Maya, Grand Cayman and Jamaica).
- ● The southern Caribbean (hello Aruba, Curaçao, St. Lucia and Barbados).
Also look for cruises that visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private island experience in The Bahamas that features adrenaline rushes (Thrill Waterpark®) and lazy hideaways (overwater cabanas at Coco Beach Club®) and pure white-sand beaches. You can also explore Royal Beach Club℠ Paradise Island for a taste of VIP treatment.
If you’ve got romance on your mind, the best place to go on a cruise is the Mexican Riviera, with attractions like bougainvillea, mariachi music and tequila. Sail round-trip from Los Angeles and visit Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan on voyages offering a carefree ambience amid vibrant Mexican culture.
Cruises to Alaska Awe You With Natural Wonders
If you're looking to hike rugged terrain and experience untouched natural landscapes, that means you're up for an Alaska adventure! Enjoy hiking, kayaking, ziplining and wildlife spotting — including humpback whales, orcas, black bears and grizzlies.
Alaska ranks high among the best places to visit for vacation in summer, since its cruise season runs from May to September. July and August will bring the warmest weather and the highest wildlife activity. However, if you’re looking for peace and quiet with the grand ice structures, the shoulder seasons (in May and September) tend to offer the best of both worlds.
The best cruise port in Alaska? They're all spectacular; it just depends on what you're looking for. In Juneau, the star is Mendenhall Glacier (you can even view it on a flightseeing tour), while Skagway charms with Gold Rush-era buildings and a historic railway. Sitka is the spot to hike or kayak and Ketchikan boasts magnificent totem poles and abundant wildlife. Skagway and Ketchikan also offer excellent portside shopping. And you can't visit Alaska without staring in wonder at calving glaciers, so be sure to stop by Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
Europe Cruises Emphasize History and Culture
Cruising and Europe go together like tomato and mozzarella, café au lait and croissants and pilsner and pretzels. Seeking a romantic vacation brimming with history and culture? There's no better region to sample a variety on a single cruise than in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Aegean or Baltic.
Where can you sail to in Europe, and when? For a start, you can skirt the dazzling Adriatic coast and call on Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, or head further east to Greece and Turkey. Cruise to the Mediterranean and visit coastal destinations like Portugal and Spain, France, Italy and England or venture north to Baltic ports such as Copenhagen, Oslo and Hamburg. Culture lovers will adore Europe's chic cities and cobblestoned old towns.
The shoulder seasons tend to be the best time to cruise to Europe, which are usually from April to May and September to October. You’ll still have great weather (though it’s not the peak temperature months), and there will be smaller crowds. Often, activities are also cheaper than during the peak season, from June through August.
Wondering the best place to be on a cruise ship to make the most of the European sights? Go for a balcony stateroom or suite — especially a middle or lower one if you feel queasy with the ocean’s movements. Do keep in mind that you’ll be able to enjoy sights from the onboard decks and restaurants if you don’t opt for a balcony stateroom!
Asia Immerses You in Lush Landscapes and Vibrant Cities
If you’re looking for destinations that layer exotic nature with buzzing cities and active travel opportunities, travel to Asia. Here, you can visit the best cruise locations like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bali, Bangkok and Shanghai — and offer access to the ancient treasures of Kyoto, Japan and Beijing, China.
The best time to cruise to South Asia is generally from November through March, as it offers drier, warmer weather. However, if you’re cruising to East Asia, you’ll find that April through September offers more inviting weather. Keep in mind special cultural activities, too, such as Japan’s cherry blossom season, which spans from March through May.
Compelling local sights include Beijing's Imperial City and Great Wall, Bangkok's soaring Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Bali's artisan enclaves, the solar-powered "supertrees" of Singapore and the serene temples of Kyoto. Cruising Asia offers access to incredible landscapes, iconic architecture and celebrated cultural traditions.
Match Your Destination to Your Travel Style
Cruising has enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years because a single vacation allows you to experience multiple islands, cities or remote locales, alongside onboard entertainment, thrills and amenities at sea. If you are a sun-seeker heading to the Caribbean or a traveler craving history and culture in Europe, choosing the right itinerary ensures the adventure stirs your wanderlust. Plus, you only unpack once.
Now you know your travel style, explore cruises to your best-suited destinations and get ready for your most incredible vacation yet.
