When you book a cruise holiday, as well as researching the type of cruise ships available, you also must select from many cruise destinations available. Quite a task, considering the amazing options out there! A myriad of cultures, history and incredible landmarks await, from the richness of the Mediterranean to the exotic mysticism of the Middle East. Let us help you in your decision with our list of top Cruise destinations, and cruise seasonality guide.
In no particular order, the following is a list of the current most popular cruise destinations.
Hidden bays, turquoise lagoons, exciting cities, brilliant white beaches... the eastern seaboard of Australia has some of the world's most envied cruise destinations, all the way from Sydney to Hawai'i.
Go hiking
By day, climb the gentle slopes of Mount Aorai, near Pape'ete in Tahiti, for great views of the island. In the evening, experience local culture with a Polynesian dance and music shows.
Peer into an active volcano
For an unforgettable adventure on Vanuatu visit the still-active Yasur volcano. Look down into the dark central crater where three vents take it in turns to spit a fountain of fiery magma rock and smoke into the air. The ground trembles as whiffs of sulphur rise upward to smother plant life around the crater.
Visit Le Marche
Located about two blocks from the port, Le Marche is a Tahitian city market that offers all kinds of wonderful foods, handicrafts, as well as beautiful floral arrangements. Pick up a bouquet of gorgeous tropical flowers for your Stateroom!
Shore time
Spend as much time ashore or on the water as possible. The real fun of cruising the South Pacific is out there on the islands and the beautiful lagoons surrounding them. Rent a dugout canoe or kayak, paddle the lagoon, snorkel and enjoy an intimate picnic for two on a small island.
Explore Vanuatu's islands
Take a canoe trip to one of Vanuatu's inshore islands and spend the day enjoying a picnic beside a cascading waterfall, before cooling off in a freshwater pool. Or take a gentle climb to the top of Klems Hill to admire the superb view over Mele Bay and Hideaway Island.
Enjoy life in New Caledonia
Or, 'joie de vivre!' as they say in Grande Terre, a lively town that successfully evokes the spirit of the French Riviera. Stroll past chic boutiques, sidewalk cafes, tree-lined squares and colonial architecture, and sample the magnifique French cuisine, all of which add to New Caledonia's refined French ambiance.
Mellow out in Fiji
Take a day cruise around the Mamanuca Islands, a group of small islands just off the coast of Nadi. Visit an uninhabited coral island, go snorkelling in the warm, crystal clear waters, then enjoy a private picnic on the beach.
» See cruise specials from The Pacific Ocean
For some of the world's most spectacular natural scenery, you can't beat a cruise to the wilds of Canada and Alaska. See brown bears, whales, snow-capped ranges and icebergs from your cabin window.
To balcony or not?
Although you can save money by booking a cabin without a balcony or windows, in Alaska, you may regret it. Large vessels are built with hundreds of balcony cabins that give you anytime access to a whale sighting or a sudden calving glacier. And remember, sunsets are late during summer in Alaska, so you can still admire a beautiful lingering scene from your private balcony long past 9pm.
Which side?
If you're planning a one-way trip, the side of the ship your cabin is on could affect your view. Cruising northbound from Vancouver to Seward, book a starboard side cabin or you'll miss views of lush British Columbia. However, if you're planning a round-trip cruise or are sailing on a small ship, sides won't really matter.
» See cruise specials from Canada and Alaska
Take to the waterways of some of Europe's mightiest rivers, such as the Danube, Main and Rhine, marvelling at ancient cities, medieval architecture and beautiful landscapes along the way.
Your cabin Be aware that lowest deck cabin windows can go below waterline as the Captain adjusts the ship ballast to go under some bridges. Note that some ships offer French Balconies that are floor to ceiling sliding glass doors, but have no real balcony to stand upon. Some new ships are being built with Private Balconies and include butler service for a totally indulgent holiday!
Upgrade With some Earlybird pricing you will be able to afford to upgrade a Standard Cabin to a Balcony Cabin. Go on you are worth it!
It's not all cruising The best river ships offers more than cruising. For instance, borrow a bicycle (from the ship) for a leisurely cycle along the banks of the Danube River, or take a walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets that reveal 16th century town houses and wine taverns. In Dürnstein, high above town, lie the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192.
Ask about an audio headset Cruising the historic waterways of Europe is a great way to discover scenic countryside, medieval towns, cities and unique architecture. Ashore with an audio headset you'll never miss the numerous facts, customs and legends recounted by your guide, even if you're at the back!
» See cruise specials from Europe river cruising
Cruise exotic Asia for an once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is the perfect way to explore such diverse cultures and to enjoy the exotic flavours of South-East Asia or India to their fullest.
Vaccinations Make sure you check with a health professional at least six to 12 weeks in advance of your cruise that you're in good health, find out about required vaccinations, and any other precautions.
Food and drink Asia is well-known for many delicious delicacies, but it pays to be careful with food and water whilst onshore. Places that are popular with the locals are a good indication of food quality, and beware of cleanliness in certain areas. Also, avoid tap water and buy bottled if possible.
» See cruise specials from Asia
A cruise in the Mediterranean assures you of a holiday that combines history, culture and beauty like nowhere else. The Mediterranean has many options for cruise destinations - venture from the sparkling isles of Greece to the vibrant cities of Spain.
Dress conservatively When in port, particularly Islamic countries, remember to cover up and dress conservatively. Forget shorts and tank tops and instead wear cotton polo shirts or shirts with long pants. This will show respect for the country's values and culture.
Personalise your cruise by pre-booking onshore excursions With so much to see and do ashore, selecting and pre-booking your shore excursions will personalise your cruise holiday before you leave home, allowing you to relax and simply cruise through your holiday.
Pack in some tissues Don't be caught out when you discover most Mediterranean restrooms ashore don't provide toilet paper.
Carry small bottles of hand sanitiser Onboard and ashore, these are a great substitute to wash your hands when you can't get to a sink.
When exploring desert landscapes, make sure you carry water From atop a camel exploring pyramids, or on foot hiking through desert ruins in the afternoon sun, drinking on the move is the best way to avoid dehydration - make sure you pack in plenty of water.
Explore the ancient souks of Tunis Little has changed in the past 500 years, with narrow passageways leading to mosques, fragrant courtyards and souks, full of antiques and distinctive Arabian handicrafts
» See cruise specials from The Mediterranean
The following is a guide to seasonality for different cruise destinations, to give you an idea of when to travel.
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Africa & Arabia | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||||
| Alaska | • | • | • | • | • | |||||||
| Antarctica | • | • | • | • | • | |||||||
| Arctic/North Atlantic | • | • | • | • | • | |||||||
| Asia | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| Australia | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| Australia - Barrier Reef | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||
| Australia - Rivers | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| Bahamas | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| Bermuda | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| Canada/East USA | • | • | • | • | • | • | ||||||
| Caribbean | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| Egypt | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| EU Western | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |
| EU British Isles | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||
| EU Mediterranean | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |
| EU Norwegian Fjords | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |
| EU Rivers | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||
| Eu Scandinavia/ Russia | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||||
| Hawaii | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| India/Indian Ocean | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||||
| North America | • | • | • | • | • | |||||||
| North America Pacific | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||||
| North America Rivers | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| Panama, Mexico, Central America | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| South America | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| South Pacific - New Zealand | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
| Transatlantic | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||||
| World Cruises and Sectors | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
