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BEST VACATION

Cruise destinations, caribbean & the bahamas tropic like it’s hot.

If you’re craving sun-kissed shores, nothing beats Caribbean cruises. Though best known for their beautiful beaches, Caribbean destinations offer much more than that — like bold cuisine, colorful colonial towns, and rich cultural traditions from all over the world. 

Perfect Day at Cococay

Puerto Rico

Eastern Caribbean 

Western Caribbean

Southern Caribbean

Caribbean Ancient Ruins and Cities

Caribbean Rainforest and Parks

Caribbean Beaches

Caribbean Wildlife Encounters

Mexico memory maxing east to west.

From coast to coast, Mexico is packed with incredible landscapes, flavorful food, and rich, vibrant history. Head west to the Mexican Riviera to explore deserts, go wine tasting and kayak through epic rock formations. Or take on the Yucatán in the east and soak up the sun on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

COZUMEL & CANCUN

Mexican Riviera

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 wild natural wonder. 

Alaska Cruise Tours

Alaska Glacier

Alaska Whale Watching and Wildlife

Alaska National Parks

Europe old world wonders await.

Discover captivating natural beauty, rich history and culture on our European cruises — like Rome’s ancient ruins, Russia’s golden-domed churches and Norway’s majestic fjords. With so many unique ports of call to explore, the opportunities to make memories are endless.   

Mediterranean

Greece & the Greek Isles

Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands

Baltic Sea and Scandinavia

British Isles

ASIA GO ALL OUT IN THE FAR EAST

From its neon-lit cities to its secluded shrines, this region offers plenty of captivating culture and natural beauty. Set sail on an Asia cruise and see the Great Wall nestled among China's forested mountains, or kick back on one of Thailand’s beautiful beaches.  

South Pacific

South Pacific cruises are the perfect way to embrace exotic island life. Dive with tropical fish in the Great Barrier Reef. Explore dramatic coastlines and emerald green jungles. And immerse yourself in the diverse cultures and untamed fauna that make each island so unique.

SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISES

NEW ZEALAND

Vanautu & Fiji Cruises

North america.

From California’s star-studded streets and Hawaii’s idyllic islands, to the rugged coasts of Canada, New England and Nova Scotia, North America cruises unlock all kinds of unique ports across the continent and beyond. 

NEW ENGLAND

SPECIALTY CRUISES SECTION

Transatlantic and transpacific sailings offer plenty of relaxing sea days and stops at must-visit cruise destinations. Go from colorful Caribbean towns to iconic European capitals, or explore bazaars, exotic isles and dense rainforests in regions like the Arabian Gulf, the South Pacific and Latin America.

ULTIMATE WORLD CRUISE

TRANSATLANTIC & TRANSPACIFIC

SOUTH AMERICA

ARABIAN GULF & NORTH AFRICA

PANAMA CANAL

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SEE WHERE ELSE YOU CAN CRUISE TO

Every destination has a unique story to tell — and with Royal Caribbean, getting there is part of the adventure. Not only are our ships filled with gamechanging ways to play and unwind — we offer unforgettable excursions that let you dive deeper into each destination’s vibrant culture, natural wonders and local charm. Learn more about all the different regions we visit, each brimming with one-of-a-kind ports of call that cater to all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re beach-hopping in the South Pacific, exploring ancient monasteries in Asia, scouting castles in Europe or cruising through glacier-dotted bays in Alaska — there’s no bolder way to see the world. 

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10 Best Cruise Destinations in the World

• Mediterranean

Are you ready to go on another cruise and looking for the best cruise destinations? After some online research, you’ll have noticed that there are plenty of options. And as the cruise industry continues to expand its reach while at the same time sometimes narrowing down its themes and focuses, there will be many more options for you to choose from.

From epic wilderness cruises in Antarctica to beach cruises in the tropics, from cultural voyages to adventure-focused sailings, everything is readily available nowadays. This is all amazing, of course! In this post, we’ll give you an overview of the best cruise destinations in the world right now.

10 Best Cruise Destinations

As you scroll down this list, you’ll notice the immense variety in cruise destinations. This is not a ranking of any kind, though, just a simple overview of the world’s greatest places to cruise. After all, making a top 10 with this kind of variety would be nearly impossible. What makes a perfect cruise depends ever more so on one’s own preferences, so we didn’t want to make that choice for you! Just browse this overview and pick a destination that you think suits you best.

1. The Mediterranean

For an all-round, comprehensive cruise experience, it’s hard to imagine a better place to go than the Mediterranean. This large secluded sea has served as the birthplace of civilization and likely the first area that connected different cultures. This is where you’ll find the beaches of the Greek islands, the wonders of Ancient Rome, cities such as Barcelona, Monaco, Venice and Dubrovnik, and a plethora of other places of interest.

If you’re after a scenic cruise to wild extremes, Alaska is arguably your best option. Cruises to the “Last Frontier” of America typically start from cities like Seattle and Vancouver. On the way, the ships will stop at epic locations such as the Tracy Arm Fjord, Glacier Bay National Park , the Inside Passage, Juneau and Skagway. This is also one of the best cruise destinations for wildlife watching, including everything from bears and eagles to orcas and sea otters.

A cruise along the Norwegian coast is nothing short of breathtaking. Winding in and out of towering fjords, sometimes home to picturesque fishing villages, you will get to see Norway’s stunning natural beauty from up close. This is a cruise that epic every season of the year. Summer brings long days and wonderfully green scenery, while winter is perfect for watching the Northern Lights.

Japan may be an interesting surprise on a list of the best cruise destinations, but it certainly deserves its place. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more varied cruise within one single country. A country of fascinating contrast, Japan has the mesmerizing crowds of Tokyo but also the tranquility of mountain retreats. There are volcanoes and lakes, a myriad of temples and towering skyscrapers.

5. The Caribbean

Arguably the most iconic of all cruise destinations, the Caribbean continues to live up to its status. This huge region consists of numerous island nations, all boasting their own character, spirit and culture, which makes a Caribbean cruise all the more awesome. Typically, cruises to the Caribbean are divided into the Western and Eastern Caribbean. The former focus on Mexico and the central American coast, wile the latter sail to places such as the Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Curacao and Bonaire.

6. Baltic Sea

A less-visited corner of Europe, the Baltic Sea is relatively small sea in the northeast of the continent. Just because it’s not as well-known as the Mediterranean doesn’t mean it’s less worthy of a visit. Rather the contrary, in fact. Several gorgeous historic cities dot the shores of the Baltic Sea, including Stockholm, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki. A Baltic Sea cruise also typically includes a visit to stunning St. Petersburg, Russia’s capital of culture and the arts.

7. Danube River

The Danube River is Europe’s most iconic river, flowing through no fewer than ten different countries (the most of any river in the world) on its way from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea. Therefore, a Danube River cruise is one of the greatest cruises you could ever take. Hence, it’s inclusion as one of the world’s best cruise destinations.

Another classic tropical cruise destination is Hawaii. This world-famous archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is the epitome of a sun, sea and sand vacation. Cruising around the Hawaiian Islands involves everything from volcano excursions and sampling local cuisine to experiencing Polynesian traditions and visiting iconic Waikiki Beach.

9. British Isles

Interested in all things British? Then book yourself a cruise around the British Isles. There are many reasons why the U.K. makes for one of the absolute best cruise destinations. The main ones are the variety in landscapes, from the Scottish Highlands to the White Cliffs of Dover, iconic cities like London, Liverpool, Dublin and Glasgow, and the countless castles and museums that are worth visiting.

10. Mekong River

The Mekong River is one of Asia’s grandest waterways, fed by Himalayan snow and meandering for 2,700 miles to its mouth in South Vietnam. It flows through six countries and is the lifeblood of countless people. Yet, it remains surprisingly undeveloped, featuring wonderful natural scenery and superb biodiversity. A Mekong River cruise includes stunning variety, from Buddhist temples to POW camps and genocide museums, from busy cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh to sleepy riverside villages.

These were the best cruise destinations in the world right now, as we see it. If you think there’s another place that definitely belongs on this list, please do leave a comment below!

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Born and raised in Belgium, Bram is currently based in the Pacific Northwest where he spends his days blogging, hiking, indulging in freshly roasted coffee and sipping craft beers. An experienced traveler, his… More about Bram R

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25 Caribbean Cruises for Your Next Tropical Vacation

These Caribbean cruises are perfect for all types of travelers.

The Caribbean islands are among the most popular cruise destinations in the world. Ships from ocean liners and yachts to small expedition vessels and sailboats carry cruisers who enjoy the time at sea as well as the islands' beauty, colorful marine life, and tropical weather.

Historic towns, ancient ruins, modern cities, secluded beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals offer something for everyone. The diverse languages and cultures add to the fascination with the Caribbean, and cruises that visit a series of destinations highlight the distinctions among the islands.

Caribbean cruises depart from many port cities, so for some travelers, a few days in a new place before or after the cruise adds to the experience. Cruises can be family-focused or adults-only, and many accommodate all ages with activities to keep everyone happy. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, a cruise can fit into your plans. Here are some of the best Caribbean cruises to inspire your island vacation.

Ponant's Panama, Colombia, and Caribbean Islands

Duration: 12 nights

Dates: March 17, 2023; March 9, 2024

What to expect: This voyage aboard the 184-passenger Le Dumont D'Urville begins in Panama’s second-largest city of Colón, which sits at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. The first stop is the San Blas Islands, where guests can relax on white-sand beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and learn about the traditional fishing techniques of the Kuna people. Next is Cartagena, Colombia, home to a colorful and lively UNESCO-listed historical center, and Santa Marta, a gateway to the lush Sierra Nevada, the highest coastal chain of mountains in the world. After a day at sea, the ship arrives at the diving hotspot of Bonaire. Highlights after that include Grenada's capital city of St. George’s, the tranquil beaches of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the lush rainforest of St. Lucia. The second-last port is Les Saintes, a pristine and mostly-uninhabited archipelago of nine islands in Guadeloupe. After swimming, snorkeling, and reflecting on the journey, guests disembark the next day in Fort-de-France, Martinique.

Frederic Michel/Courtesy of Studio PONANT

Disney Cruise Line's 6-night Western Caribbean Cruise From New Orleans

Duration: Six nights

Dates: March 17, 2023

What to expect: There's much to do in New Orleans before boarding the 875-room Disney Magic for the cruise, so a day at sea on the way to Cozumel might be the perfect time to relax. For young cruisers, there are clubs, games, pools, and Disney character encounters. Adults might enjoy the spa, nightclubs, restaurants, and evening entertainment. In Cozumel, there's scuba diving or a catamaran cruise. The next day in Grand Cayman, options include a glass-bottom boat adventure or beach getaway. The following day is spent at sea with time to enjoy Disney Magic 's amenities before returning to New Orleans.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay and Dominican Republic

Duration: Seven nights Dates: March 18, 2023; March 25, 2023; April 1, 2023; April 8, 2023; Nov. 25, 2023; Dec. 9, 2023; Dec. 23, 2023; Jan. 6, 2024 What to expect: This cruise departs from Port Canaveral and spends the next day at sea aboard Norwegian Escape , which has 2,174 staterooms, 19 dining options, a spa, a water slide, and a casino. The first port is Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, with time to enjoy the city views or explore on a hike. The ship visits Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where guests can enjoy duty-free shopping, beaches, and an optional catamaran cruise. Tortola, British Virgin Islands, is the next port, where guests can snorkel, drive a Jeep on the beach, or tour the forest canopy before heading out to sea for a day. Next is Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, a private island for NCL guests to enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, WaveRunner adventures, or relaxing in a beachfront cabana.

Princess Cruises' 7-day Eastern Caribbean With St. Kitts

Duration: Seven nights Dates: March 19, 2023 What to expect: Guests board the 3,560-passenger Regal Princess in Fort Lauderdale and cruise to Princess Cays on Eleuthera in the Bahamas. A beach barbecue, a local craft market, and water activities from snorkeling to fishing are available on the private island resort. The next day at sea on the way to St. Thomas offers time to enjoy onboard activities including the pool, spa, sports court, and casino, as well as programs for young cruisers. In St. Thomas, there's a sunset catamaran cruise, snorkeling, and diving. The next day in St. Kitts offers a day at the beach, a hike, and a scenic drive. With the next two days at sea, guests can enjoy the ship's restaurants and Discovery at Sea programs before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Bridgetown to Bridgetown

Duration: Seven nights Dates: March 19, 2023 What to expect: This cruise aboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's 149-suite Evrima ship starts in Bridgetown, Barbados, and heads to Tobago’s settlement of Charlotteville, where cruisers can snorkel, explore hidden coves, and head to the secluded beach of Pirate’s Bay. A stop in Grenada’s pedestrian-friendly capital of St. George’s gives guests a perfect opportunity to stretch their legs while viewing 18th-century architecture. The next few days are dedicated to the pristine palm-lined beaches of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, before a stop in bustling Fort-de-France, Martinique, provides a change of scenery. The final destination before returning to Bridgetown, Barbados, is Soufrière, St. Lucia, a gateway to natural wonders like the steaming volcanic crater of Sulphur Springs, the organic gardens of the Tet Paul Nature Trail, and lush rainforest that can be explored via guided hikes.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Western Caribbean: Harvest Caye, Cozumel, and Roatan

Duration: Seven nights Dates: March 19, 2023; March 26, 2023; April 2, 2023; April 9, 2023; Dec. 17, 2023; Dec. 24, 2023; Dec. 31, 2023; Jan. 7, 2024; Jan 21, 2024

What to expect: This cruise leaves from New Orleans, so the celebration can start even before guests board the 3,959-passenger Norwegian Breakaway for a day at sea with nightly entertainment, a casino, a spa, and a water park. There's the Splash Academy for young cruisers and the Entourage games and activities lounge for teens. The ship arrives at Costa Maya, Mexico, home to Mayan ruins, beaches, fly fishing, and river tubing. Belize is the next port, with river rafting through the jungle and relaxing on the beach. The next day is spent on Roatán, an island off the coast of Honduras, for snorkeling or a beach day. In Cozumel, off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, there's snorkeling, trolley tours, and tequila tasting. After another day at sea, Norwegian Breakaway returns to New Orleans.

Royal Caribbean's 7-night Southern Caribbean

Duration: Seven nights Dates: March 19, 2023; March 26, 2023; April 9, 2023; April 16, 2023

What to expect: This cruise boards the 2,416-guest Rhapsody of the Seas in Bridgetown, Barbados. The next port is the island of Tobago, with secluded coves and snorkeling. From there, the ship goes to Trinidad, home of botanical gardens, a historic fortress, and beaches. The next port is Grenada, "Spice Island," where guests can hike, snorkel, shop, or explore on the Grenada Discovery Train. Kingstown, St. Vincent, features white-sand beaches, coral reefs, hiking trails, and lush jungles. In Dominica, guests will find waterfalls, rainforests, and thermal springs. St. Lucia is next, with stunning views of the mountainous Pitons from a coastal catamaran cruise. Guests can hike to the peaks, explore rainforests, or visit fishing villages. The next day, the ship returns to Bridgetown, Barbados, for disembarkation.

Virgin Voyages' Eastern Caribbean Antilles

Duration: Eight nights Dates: March 25, 2023; April 8, 2023; Nov. 18, 2023; Dec. 2, 2023; Dec. 30, 2023; Jan. 13, 2024; Jan. 27, 2024; Feb. 10, 2024; Feb. 24, 2024; March 9, 2024; March 23, 2024; April 6, 2024

What to expect: This adults-only cruise from Miami features a mix of adventure-filled days, nightlife, and experiences that are exclusive to Virgin Voyages guests. After boarding the 2,770-passenger Valiant Lady , the first stop is the Dominican port of Puerto Plata, where excursions include an off-road adventure through villages, rivers, and waterfalls, a cable car ride up to the mountains, and a rum-tasting tour. The next stop in San Juan includes a late-night stay, giving guests extra time to experience Puerto Rico’s capital city in the evening. After a stop in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, cruisers can enjoy the ship's many bars and restaurants before arriving at The Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini, where they can indulge in a private beach club experience, or set out to explore the Bahamas' reefs, culture, and history on guided excursions.

Royal Caribbean's 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day Cruise

Duration: Four nights Dates: Several sailings between March and October 2023 What to expect: This cruise on the 4,370-passenger Independence of the Seas boards in Port Canaveral and heads to Nassau, Bahamas, for a day. Options there include Atlantis Resort and its waterpark, aquariums, and waterslides, as well as shopping and lounging on the beach. A day at sea provides time to enjoy the ship's water sports, nightlife, and restaurants. The ship arrives at CocoCay, Bahamas, for a day of fun in the freshwater pool, water park, Oasis Lagoon, and Coco Beach Club. The ship then returns to Port Canaveral for disembarkation.

Windstar Cruises' Classic Caribbean

Duration: Seven nights

Dates: March 25, 2023; Dec. 9, 2023; Dec. 23, 2023; Jan. 6, 2024; Jan. 20, 2024; Feb. 3, 2024; Feb. 17, 2024; March 2, 2024; March 16, 2024

What to expect: The cruise begins in St. Maarten aboard Wind Surf , a majestic 342-guest sailing ship with 150 luxurious staterooms. From there, the ship sails to Nevis for hiking, biking, deep-sea fishing, or visiting the botanical gardens. The next ports are Roseau and Pigeon Island, St. Lucia, where guests can explore rainforests and waterfalls. You can even hop aboard an aerial tram for a ride over the rainforest. In Guadeloupe, the Les Saintes archipelago offers snorkeling and rum sampling. The cruise then heads to St. Barts for a catamaran sail. In Basseterre, St. Kitts, there's an island tour, scenic railway, and zip line adventure before the ship returns to St. Maarten.

Hurtigruten's Expedition Cruise to the Southern Caribbean

Duration: Nine nights

Dates: April 16, 2023

What to expect: Guests board the 250-passenger MS Fram expedition ship in Colón, Panama, before sailing eastward along the Caribbean coast. Stops along the way include scenic destinations like Panama’s sandy San Blas islands and Colombia’s historic town of Santa Marta. After exploring the desert landscapes of the Guajira Peninsula in Colombia, the ship visits five different islands: Bonaire, Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Grenada. Unlike traditional cruises, Hurtigruten engages guests with citizen science programs, in-depth lectures from its expedition team, and purpose-driven excursions centered around mindfully exploring nature and the local cultures. Options include guided visits to Indigenous communities, hikes along rugged trails, and opportunities to learn about wildlife like Bonaire’s famous pink flamingos. The ship is equipped with its own science center, as well as elegant Nordic-inspired lounges and restaurants, so guests can choose to either dive into research or rest and relaxation.

Windstar Cruises' Boston Sights, Warm Caribbean Nights

Duration: 10 nights

Dates: Oct. 26, 2023; Oct. 23, 2024

What to expect: Sailing from Boston aboard the all-suite Star Pride , which accommodates a maximum of 312 guests, cruisers can enjoy the spa, dining venues, and infinity pool during two days at sea on their way to Bermuda. In Hamilton, shopping, kayaking, and fresh seafood restaurants await, and in St. George's, guests can tour natural grottos or a UNESCO World Heritage site. Two more days at sea take cruisers to St. Barts, where options include a sunset cruise and semi-submersible adventure. St. Maarten is the final port, and guests can explore on an island tour and watch sailboat racing after disembarkation.

Celebrity Cruises' 5-night Bahamas and Mexico

Duration: Five nights Dates: Nov. 4, 2023; Nov. 18, 2023; Dec. 2, 2023; Dec. 16, 2023; Jan. 13, 2024; Feb. 24, 2024; March 9, 2024; April 6, 2024 What to expect: This cruise boards the 2,218-passenger Celebrity Summit in Miami and heads to Nassau, Bahamas, for a day of relaxing beaches, duty-free shopping, and dining on the local specialty, conch fritters. A day at sea is next, with time to enjoy the ship's amenities, casino, and a rooftop terrace with a bar, restaurant, and al fresco movie theater. The ship arrives in Cozumel for snorkeling, diving, or exploring the Mayan ruins of Tulum. After another day of cruising the Caribbean, the ship returns to Miami.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Ponant's Pearls of the Caribbean Cruise

Duration: Eight nights

Dates: Nov. 5, 2023; Nov. 13, 2023; Jan. 20, 2024; Feb. 5, 2024

What to expect: From Martinique's capital of Fort-de-France, the 184-passenger Le Bellot sails to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Bequia Island with lively Port Elizabeth, beaches, and the tropical rainforest. Mayreau Island offers peaceful, sandy beaches and snorkeling before guests head to Grenada the following day for Zodiac tours. The ship then stops at Bridgetown, the UNESCO-recognized capital of Barbados, and Southern Grenadines' Tobago Cays, five small islands set in lagoons teeming with marine life including green sea turtles. Pigeon Island, a national park in St. Lucia, is home to sandy beaches for snorkeling and relaxing. A stop in Soufrière gives passengers a closer look at the volcanic spires, then after a stop in Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, the ship sails back to Martinique. Along the way, there's ample time to enjoy the ship's swimming pool, underwater lounge, and elegant decor.

Azamara's 9-night Atlantic Quest Voyage

Dates: Nov. 9, 2023

What to expect: Guests board the Azamara Quest in Lisbon, Portugal, for an ocean crossing to Bridgetown, Barbados. Funchal, Madeira, is the first port after a day at sea enjoying the ship's entertainment, activities, and restaurant options that range from fine dining to casual. The ship, which can carry about 700 passengers, spends five days crossing the Atlantic. During that time, the luxurious ship's spa, fitness center, boutiques, enrichment programs, cocktail lounges, and performances keep guests entertained as they choose. In Bridgetown, Barbados, the historic streets, restaurants, duty-free shops, Mount Gay Rum distillery, and tropical atmosphere welcome cruisers to the tropical island.

Viking Ocean Cruises' West Indies Explorer

Dates: Nov. 16, 2023; Dec. 20, 2023; Dec. 30, 2023; Jan. 9, 2024; Feb. 12, 2024; Feb. 22, 2024

What to expect: Guests board the 930-passenger Viking Sea in San Juan before enjoying a day of kayaking, exploring the town, or horseback riding. Tortola, British Virgin Islands, is the next port, with time for snorkeling and the beach before heading to St. Kitts and Nevis. A rainforest safari and scenic railway trip are options there. In St. Lucia the next day, there's an aerial tram through the rainforest canopy and a catamaran tour. Bridgetown, Barbados, is the next port, and then Dominica the following day. Antigua and Barbuda offer a beach retreat or Segway city tour. In St. Maarten, sailing fans can participate in a simulated America's Cup race aboard a yacht. St. Thomas is the final stop before returning to San Juan.

Seabourn Cruises' 14-day Leeward Island Jewels

Dates: Nov. 17, 2023

What to expect: The cruise begins in Miami, where guests board Seabourn Sojourn for a day at sea on the way to San Juan. The ship offers 229 suites and an observation lounge and bar for enjoying the sea views. A city tour, El Yunque rainforest drive, and culinary adventure are options. The next port is St. Martin, and then the ship continues to Guadeloupe for a day of touring or hiking. In Martinique, guests can explore the historical architecture and boutiques before heading to Barbados' UNESCO-listed capital city of Bridgetown. Rodney Bay offers a less-crowded access point to St. Lucia's natural wonders, while zip lining, a catamaran cruise, snorkeling, and kayaking await in Antigua and Barbuda. Next, Carambola Beach in St. Kitts and Nevis is home to the island's most luxurious beach clubs and restaurants. Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands is the last port before the ship returns to Miami.

Viking Ocean Cruises' Amazon and Caribbean Adventure

Dates: Nov. 26, 2023; Dec. 8, 2023; Jan. 19, 2024; Jan. 31, 2024; March 3, 2024; March 15, 2024

What to expect: This cruise aboard the 930-guest Viking Sea begins in San Juan with time to explore historic Old San Juan and the island's white-sand beaches. Antigua and Barbuda are the next ports, where guests have a day to explore on land or via a catamaran cruise. In St. Lucia the next day, there's an aerial tram to the rainforest canopy and a hands-on cooking class. The ship arrives at Bridgetown, Barbados, for a day and then heads out to sea for a day on the way to French Guiana. The next day is at sea, with time to enjoy the ship's activities before arriving at the Amazon River. The ship cruises the Amazon to the town of Santarém for some time at the local market. The next port in Brazil is Parintins, for a colorful folk performance, and then on to Manaus, 1,000 miles upriver from the Atlantic. Guests disembark in Manaus, Brazil, to travel home or explore the city.

Silversea's San Juan to Bridgetown

Dates: Nov. 27, 2023

What to expect: This activity-packed voyage on the 728-passenger Silver Nova ship — one of the most spacious and environmentally friendly vessels in Silversea’s fleet — begins in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The first stop is St. Thomas, where a mountaintop rum-tasting tour or kayaking adventure awaits. The next ports are St. Barts and St. Maarten, where cruisers can take it slow with an island art tour or join a yacht race. The following two days include stops in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Fort-de-France, Martinique, with shore excursions ranging from hikes to cooking classes. On the seventh day, the ship arrives in Castries, St. Lucia, where guests have the option to appreciate the capital city from above on a flightseeing helicopter tour or an aerial tram and zip-lining adventure, before ending the voyage in Bridgetown, Barbados. 

Oceania Cruises' Tropical Retreats

Duration: Seven nights Dates: Dec. 11, 2023; Feb. 11, 2024; March 9, 2024

What to expect: Passengers board in Miami for a day at sea on Oceania Cruises' Vista , with a pool bar, casino, spa, shops, 10 restaurants, and entertainment. The ship carries 1,200 passengers and features a wide variety of cabins including Oceania's first solo cabins. The first port is Costa Maya on Mexico's Caribbean coast where guests can snorkel, kayak, relax on the beach, or explore nearby Mayan ruins. The next port is Harvest Caye, Belize, with beachfront villas and poolside cabanas that can be rented for the day and a lagoon for kayaks and pedal boats. Roatán, Honduras, is next, a remote island with white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Cozumel, Mexico's largest Caribbean island, offers shopping for local handicrafts and duty-free deals as well as snorkeling, river tubing, and boating. After a day at sea to relax and enjoy Vista' s amenities, the ship arrives back in Miami.

Celebrity Cruises' Southern Caribbean

Duration: 11 nights Dates: Dec. 11, 2023, Jan. 8, 2024, Feb. 19, 2024; April 1, 2024

What to expect: After leaving Fort Lauderdale, this cruise begins with a day at sea, providing guests with ample time to enjoy the 3,260-passenger Celebrity Beyond's expansive top deck, restaurants, and bars. After some beach time in Grand Cayman, another day at sea is followed by a stop in vibrant Cartagena, Colombia, before cruising over to the Dutch Caribbean islands, with stops in Aruba and Curacao. Another day at sea allows guests to relax before disembarking for the day in Jamaica, where activity options range from riding a 30-foot bamboo raft along the lazy Martha Brae River to visiting Rose Hall Great House, the former home of Jamaica's White Witch, Annie Palmer, whose spirit is said to still haunt the grounds. After another day at sea, the ship returns to Fort Lauderdale. 

Holland America Line's 7-day Tropical Caribbean

Duration: 7 nights Dates: Dec. 29, 2023 What to expect: Boarding in Fort Lauderdale, this voyage invites cruisers to ring in the new year in the Caribbean. After a night at sea, the ship arrives at Half Moon Bay, Bahamas, Holland America Line's private island with boating, snorkeling, biking, hiking, or horseback riding excursions. Then a day is spent on-board the cruise while heading towards the next stop in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, for snorkeling, diving, or relaxing on the shore. The next port is Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, to swim and snorkel or visit a rum distillery or cigar factory. After another day at sea, the elegant 2,668-passenger Rotterdam arrives in Key West, Florida, for a chance to visit the bars and restaurants of Duval Street and enjoy the historic architecture.

Disney Cruise Line's 4-night Western Caribbean Cruise From Galveston

Duration: Four nights Dates: Jan. 8, 2024; Jan. 17, 2024; Jan. 26, 2024; March 6, 2024; March 10, 2024; March 14, 2024; March 31, 2024

What to expect: This cruise aboard the 2,500-guest Disney Magic leaves from Galveston, Texas, on the Gulf Coast. Before boarding, guests can spend a day at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier or visit the downtown district. After a day at sea enjoying the ship's freshwater pool, musical entertainment, kids' clubs, and restaurants, the ship arrives in Cozumel, Mexico, for a day of snorkeling, swimming, exploring the ruins of the ancient Mayan civilization, or browsing for handmade souvenirs at local markets. The next day cruising back through the Gulf of Mexico is more time to experience the spa, games, Disney characters, and dining spots on the ship until it returns to Galveston.

Lindblad Expeditions' Sailing the Caribbean Aboard Sea Cloud

Dates: Jan. 26, 2024; Feb. 2, 2024; Feb. 9, 2024; Feb. 16, 2024

What to expect: This cruise aboard Sea Cloud , a historic square-rigger ship that can accommodate 64 passengers, begins in Bridgetown, Barbados, for a true sailing adventure. The next day at sea provides time to relax on deck, observe the rigging crew as they hand-set the ship's 30 sails, or learn about the planned destinations. The next day is spent swimming and snorkeling in Dominica before sailing on to Guadeloupe. The island of Bequia in the Grenadines is the next destination, where there's a model boat museum, a charming waterfront town, and local shops. Sea Cloud then sails on to Grenada and St. Lucia, home to a volcanic crater, waterfalls, sulfur springs, and mountains, then ends back in Barbados.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Magic in the Caribbean

Dates: March 5, 2024

What to expect: Passengers board the 750-guest Seven Seas Grandeur in Miami and cruise to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas before spending the next day at sea, enjoying the ship's amenities, including the fitness center, spa, bocce court, cooking classes, infinity pool, and much more. Then it's five days of island hopping to Puerto Rico, St. Barts, Dominica, Antigua, and the British Virgin Islands. Two more days at sea provide plenty of time to take advantage of everything the ship has to offer before returning to Miami to disembark.

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The best cruises from the U.S. for every type of traveler

Looking to relax? Into adventure? Bringing the kids? We've found the perfect cruise for you.

Cruises have become increasingly popular in recent years, with over 35 million passengers slated to set sail in 2024 alone: and it’s easy to see why. Not only do cruises make for a convenient vacation option—you just need to unpack once, and you’ll never have to travel too far from your stateroom (if at all) for your next meal or drink—but they also offer plenty of onboard activities and amenities to appease all types of travelers. Plus, cruises are available across various price points and lengths. Whether you prefer oceans or lakes, islands or cities, spotting wildlife or sitting on the beach (no wrong answers!), I’ve used my experience both as a cruiser and travel writer—I’ve covered the industry for nearly five years—to narrow down the best cruises from the U.S. to suit all individuals, regardless of travel style and personal preferences.

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Best cruises for every type of traveler

1.  Best for wildlife spotting: Holland America’s Alaskan Explorer

It’s no secret that Alaska is home to some of the country’s best wildlife spotting opps, which is why I was psyched to embark on Holland America’s epic Alaskan Explorer sailing in August 2022. Both on and off the ship, I had the chance to spot many a whale—along with puffins, otters and other adorable and astonishing creatures that call the Last Frontier home. (If you’re lucky, you may even spot a bear or two!). Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, this bucket-list itinerary includes scenic cruising through the Puget Sound and Glacier Bay, along with stops in Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, and last but not least, Victoria, British Columbia.

2.  Best for island lovers: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Hawaii Inter-Island

With its varied landscapes—ranging from majestic mountains and volcanoes to stunning beaches to lush tropical rainforests—a trip to Hawaii offers something for everyone. While you can island-hop around the Aloha State via ferry or plane, it’s not exactly seamless. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Hawaii Inter-Island , which sails year-round from Oahu to Kauai, takes the stress out of planning a multi-island Hawaiian vacation. Cruisers will have the incredible opportunity to visit four Hawaiian islands—Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai— without having to schlep their luggage, unpack or worry about booking inter-island flights or ferries. Overnights in Maui and Kauai are also included in the itinerary, allowing travelers to immerse themselves and uncover the beauty of each locale.

3.  Best for bachelorettes: Margaritaville at Sea’s Bahamas

For a sun- and fun-filled bachelorette party weekend, consider one of Margaritaville at Sea ’s two- or three-night Bahamas sailings, which make for the perfect party-centric weekend escape. On board, your group can sip tropical-inspired cocktails (Mai Tais, anyone?) at one of several bars and lounges while listening to Jimmy Buffett tunes, get pampered at the spa, play a round of pickleball, and so much more. It’s worth noting that the line currently only has one ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, which sails out of Palm Beach; however, the line’s second ship, Margaritaville at Sea Islander, which will debut in June 2024, will sail from Tampa. Bonus: The line offers special bachelorette and girls getaway packages, which include access to the best available fares, group discounts, and even a dedicated concierge to take the hassle out of trip planning.

4.  Best for families with young kids: Disney Cruise Line’s Bahamian Cruise

Character meet-and-greets, drinking and dining venues, obstacle courses, and top-notch performances: Find all this and more aboard Disney Wish , which made its grand debut in 2022. The ship’s three-night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando) visits Disney’s idyllic private island, Castaway Cay, known for its white-sand beaches and stunningly clear turquoise waters—and, if you’re lucky, you may even spot beloved Disney characters!

The onboard experience is just as spectacular: Little ones can live out their Disney dreams at the “Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure” culinary experiences, while more casual—albeit just as fun—eateries include Mickey’s Smokestack Barbecue, Donald’s Cantina, Daisy’s Pizza Pies, Goofy’s Grill and Sweet Minnie’s Ice Cream. The kids' programming is, as you can imagine, equally top-notch: Children can train alongside superheroes, battle it out with Marvel villains, embark on an epic interactive Star Wars adventure, and live out their dreams as a Walt Disney Imagineer, go crafting in Rapunzel’s Art Studio, and (so much) more.

5.  Best for families of all ages: Royal Caribbean's Weekend Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is best known for its show-stopping onboard entertainment offerings (think: 10-story dry slides, dueling waterslides, ziplining, carousels, surfing and skydiving simulators and escape rooms) and a seemingly endless amount of bars and restaurants. As such, this mega-ship line is ideal for families of all ages—picky eaters included!

While the kids are at play, grown-ups can bask in the sun from the adults-only Solarium, where I spent most of my time on board my Caribbean cruise. Royal Caribbean offers several weekend Caribbean itineraries that cruise roundtrip from major cities like Miami, Galveston, Los Angeles and Orlando (Port Canaveral); however, I recommend opting for one that includes a port of call in CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island paradise in the Bahamas that boasts its own waterpark along with thrill-seeking activities like ziplining and helium balloon ride.

6.  Best for beach lovers: MSC Cruises’ Bermuda

Bermuda is best known for its beautiful pink-hued stretches of sand, which pop perfectly against the clear blue waters. With that in mind, the idyllic isle is ideal for beach lovers. The best way to get there and experience the dynamic island? By booking MSC Cruises ’ six- or seven-night Bermuda itineraries. Passengers will sail aboard the massive MSC MeraViglia, which conveniently cruises to and from Brooklyn. The dazzling ship is complete with a two-deck promenade, oceanview lounge areas, an amusement area and an outdoor water park.

7.  Best luxury: Crystal Cruises' Miami to San Diego

The luxury line Crystal was recently relaunched this past summer following a multimillion-dollar refurbishment across two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Its 16-night Miami to San Diego itinerary stops in Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama (where it’ll cross the world-famous Panama Canal); Quepos, Costa Rica; and Alcapoco and Cabo in Mexico. On board, guests can enjoy gourmet drinking and dining options—including the first and only Nobu restaurant at sea (I had the chance to preview the cuisine this summer and was blown away by the sushi, sashimi and, of course, the chef’s signature miso black cod)—along with personal butler service and contemporary oceanview staterooms and suites. Wellness seekers will especially enjoy the Aurora Spa, where services run the gamut from acupuncture and IV treatments to salt scrubs and hot stone massages.

8.  Best budget: Carnival’s Baja Mexico

Carnival’s motto is “Choose Fun,” and that’s precisely what you’ll find on any of its 26 ships cruising the world. The wallet-friendly cruise line is a favorite among budget-conscious travelers craving a fun vacation that won’t necessarily break the bank. The line’s f our-day Mexico itinerary aboard Radiance of the Seas, which cruises roundtrip from Los Angeles and stops in Catalina Island and Ensenada, packs plenty of added value. The standard cruise fare (from $234 per person) includes access to over ten restaurants—plus ample bars and lounges—and dozens of entertainment offerings (think: deck parties, game shows, trivia contests, outdoor sports activities, pools and hot tubs, karaoke, musical performances, stand-up comedy and more). So, what’re you waiting for?

9.  Best all-inclusive: Viking Expedition Cruises’ Great Lakes Collection

Viking is known for its adults-only, all-inclusive river, ocean and expedition cruises. As you can guess by its name, the 15-day Great Lakes Collection sailing—which cruises from Toronto, Canada to Duluth, Minnesota—takes adventure-seeking cruisers on an epic journey around all five majestic Great Lakes. Travelers will sail aboard the sleek Scandanivian-inspired Viking Octantis, which features all-balcony staterooms, cruising the Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Michigan (Detroit, Alpena, Mackinac Island), Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula, and a handful of Ontario hotspots (Georgian Bay, Silver Inlet, Thunder Bay).

While fares are pricy (from $13,995 per person), they are all-inclusive, folding in one shore excursion in each port of call, Wi-Fi, beverages (bottled water, beer, wine and soft drinks), taxes and fees, spa access, 24-hour room service and more.

10.  Best adults-only: Virgin Voyages’ Fire & Sunset Soiree

Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages is one of the newest—and most innovative—cruise lines out there. The adults-only line has done away with buffets, instead offering 20-plus fun, free and flavorful food concepts (think: Korean BBQ at Gunbae, tacos and tequila at the ‘gram-worthy Pink Agave and ice cream at the cheekily named Lick Me Till… Ice Cream). With all this in mind, it’s no surprise that the line is a favorite amongst foodies. The party-centric onboard experience comprises nightclubs, tattoo parlors and risque entertainment (cabaret performances, acrobatics shows, DJs and the like). Also, do yourself a favor and upgrade to a suite to enjoy exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop, a swanky members-only outdoor space for partying and sipping cocktails in style.

While you can’t go wrong with any of the itineraries, I’m especially partial to the four-night Fire & Sunset Soiree sailing, which sails roundtrip from Miami and calls on Key West and Bimini, where the line has its own buzzy beach club.

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The 9 Best Sites to Book a Cruise

Avital Andrews

Avital Andrews, SmarterTravel's editor-at-large, is a travel and lifestyle journalist who is also a contributing editor for AAA's Via magazine. Her stories have been among the 10 most emailed or viewed on the Los Angeles Times, Outside, Sierra, and SmarterTravel websites, and have also appeared in USA Today, HuffPost, Apple News, Business Insider, and many other nationwide outlets. Her travel book , sold at bookstores and on Amazon, is in its fourth edition, and her journalism gets national media attention, including from The New York Times , The Atlantic , Time , NPR, and MTV. She's currently working on her first children's book. Follow her on Twitter @avitalb .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: My laptop—the lightweight and stylish HP Spectre x360—since I'm almost always on deadline.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: A round-the-world cruise that makes stops to experience Aurora Borealis, the Olympics opening ceremony, Borneo, Madagascar, the Jerusalem Festival of Light, the Bolivian salt flats, Kenya's Giraffe Manor, the Galapagos, the Maldives, Bora Bora, the Seychelles, and every Disney park. (That itinerary definitely exists, right?)

Travel Motto: I'll steal Saint Augustine's: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Window, always. For the views and also the naps.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Booking a cruise isn’t always simple. It can be a complicated, time-consuming process that involves dozens of open tabs and maybe a spreadsheet or two. But knowing the best site to book a cruise can help a lot.

And while would-be travelers are accustomed to clicking around on travel search engines to find the best deals on flights , hotels , and rental cars , many people don’t realize that they can use these same types of sites to book cruises, too.

But is there one best site to book a cruise? That depends on what you’re looking for. Sometimes the best cruise website is actually a cruise line’s own site—since technically, cruise booking websites aren’t allowed to undercut the prices that the cruise lines set.

Often, though, the best cruise search engines are indispensable for locating incredible deals, including ones that throw in booking incentives worth hundreds of dollars—in Amazon gift cards, complimentary shore excursions, onboard freebies, and so on.

To save you the hassle, SmarterTravel investigated the glutted space of cheap cruise sites to determine which are worthy of listing as the best cruise websites; below are a few that come highly recommended.

The Best Sites to Book a Cruise

• Expedia (including Travelocity and Orbitz )
• TripAdvisor

Avoya Travel

Cheapcaribbean.com, cruisedirect, cruise critic, costco travel, cruisewatch.

Expedia is an obvious first mention in a list of the best cruise booking sites, in part because it’s an absolute juggernaut (Expedia also owns Travelocity and Orbitz ). Its cruise-booking interface is simple and straightforward, only requiring you to enter your preferred sailing destination and date range, as well as how many passengers you’ll be bringing along. Then Expedia does the heavy lifting for you, with comprehensive results that make it one of the best cruise search engines.

On Expedia, it’s common to find bookable cruises for 70 percent off face value, with the ability to sort by price so the best cruise deals come up at the top of the list, saving you the scrolling. A sample search for a mid-June cruise to Alaska, for example, quickly came up with a seven-night itinerary starting at $389 per person—that’s less than $56 per person, per night for a mostly inclusive weeklong vacation.

Expedia’s cruise deals tend to come paired with other enticing offers, including steep discounts on pre-departure hotels when you book both your cruise and hotel through Expedia. There’s also a dedicated 800 number that lets you speak to Expedia’s cruise experts and, often but not always, a generous amount of onboard credit thrown in for good measure.

Best feature: Sheer search power. Expedia’s easy-to-use cruise search engine generates a useful and well-ordered list of the best cruise deals, without much effort required from the user. Also, Expedia’s prices frequently match what the cruise lines themselves offer.

Check out Expedia

Priceline is another powerhouse among cheap cruise websites. The initial interface comes off a bit clunkier than, say, Expedia’s or Kayak’s, but the tradeoff is that you can quickly search by cruise line, both standard and luxury, as well as by cruise length and departure port.

Using the seven-night Alaska example, Priceline brought up an itinerary aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas that starts at just $374 for the full week—roughly $53 per night. Hard-to-believe cruise deals like this show up on Priceline with regularity, which is part of what solidifies it as one of the best cruise websites.

Also adding to the appeal: deals exclusive to Priceline, plenty of bonus amenities (examples include $50 in onboard credit, third and fourth guests sailing free, and free specialty dinners for two), no money down to book certain sailings, frequent onboard credit sales, an 800 number to call should you need assistance while booking, and a loyalty club that’s ties in with every cruise line’s loyalty program. Priceline also lets you click a “senior discount” box if that applies to you.

Best feature: Priceline’s “ 110% Best Price Guarantee ” promises that if you find your cruise listed at a lower price on another website within 48 hours of booking, then Priceline will refund you 110 percent of the cost difference, including port charges.

Check out Priceline

Tripadvisor

Many people think of Tripadvisor mainly as a travel review site, where you go to get real talk on hotels and attractions, and to see non-glamorized photos of places as seen through actual travelers’ eyes. But Tripadvisor is also an excellent site for travel deals, including on cruises.

Tripadvisor Cruise , which launched in April 2019, is among the best websites for cruise deals—it lets you nab the lowest price by comparing more than 70,000 ocean and river cruises from some 60 of the best cruise websites. It’s got an attractive, inspiring landing page, and its newest function, “Explore Ship-tinerary pages,” lets you browse full ship profiles, details, photos, and itineraries.

Though Tripadvisor is technically a meta-search site for cruises, which means that it will send you elsewhere to actually book, its search engine lets users sort by destination, length, cruise line, and month of travel. The default search results are ordered by “best value”, unless you specifically click that you’d rather see the results organized by price, cruise length, departure date, or cruise ship. Even when you click on “price,” the lowest-priced offering doesn’t always come up first, though it only takes a few seconds of scanning to determine which itinerary has the lowest price—that seven-night Royal Caribbean International trip to Alaska came up on Tripadvisor starting at $365.

Best feature: What makes Tripadvisor one of the best sites to book a cruise? In addition to having one of the best cruise search engines, Tripadvisor lets you read other cruisers’ candid reviews of the cruise that you’re considering, so that you get the non-sugarcoated truth about each sailing.

Check out Tripadvisor

7 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Ship

A rarity on the internet, Avoya Travel is a family-owned company that has been dealing in travel for more than 55 years. Avoya is one of the best sites to book a cruise in part because of its patented technology that lets travelers search cruises by destination, date range, cruise line, and last-minute status—and then get matched up, in real time, with one of Avoya’s expert vacation planners, who use that algorithm to customize a cruise booking to your specific preferences. (From Avoya’s website: “…we combine the ease of online search, with the expertise and personalized service of Independent Vacation Planners, plus secure exclusive deals and extras so you get more out of every vacation.”)

Avoya’s team of staffers and wide network of independent agencies make for a cruise booking website that’s a bit different from the rest. Its front page shows the “Best Travel Deals,” which might include half-off cruise fares, onboard credit, prepaid gratuities, and free or reduced airfare.

Like several of the other best cruise websites, Avoya offers a low-price guarantee; if you book a cruise with Avoya and then find a lower rate on another website within 24 hours of booking, Avoya will refund the difference.

Best feature: Avoya offers free membership, and members get exclusive deals and discounts, access to unpublished fares, first dibs on promotions, the ability to save favorite searches, and the right to book, change, or cancel travel without incurring any Avoya fees.

Check out Avoya Travel

When looking for the best site to book a cruise, don’t be put off by CheapCaribbean.com ’s overly specific moniker. Despite the site’s name, it offers cruises all over the world. The site’s vibe is beach-oriented and a bit cheeky, with a front page that can overwhelm—but click on the “Cruises” tab, and a cleaner interface appears. There you can search by cruise line, ship, destination, departure date, and departure port.

CheapCaribbean.com offers refunds on 24-hour cancellations (within certain parameters) and a “ 110 percent best price guarantee, ” a promise that if you find a lower price on the same cruise within 48 hours of booking, the company will refund you 110 percent of the difference. The site also lists traveler reviews about each cruise ship (as supplied by Cruiseline), though the reviews often include comments about the ship’s destinations other than the one you’re considering, which isn’t entirely helpful. There’s also a live chat widget if questions come up while booking.

Best feature: Helping to make CheapCaribbean.com one of the best cruise search engines is the fact that it lets you check boxes for additional discounts, including a senior discount, discounts by state (just enter your ZIP code), and past guest discounts if you’ve previously sailed with, say, Princess, Norwegian, or Disney.

Check out CheapCaribbean.com

Its front page is clunky and sort of in your face, but CruiseDirect is still one of the best cruise sites for a variety of reasons. As a cruise-only company, CruiseDirect doesn’t deal in flights, hotels, or rental cars, allowing it to focus its full capacity on helping you find the best cruise deal possible. On the site, you can search by destination, departure port, month, length of cruise, and cruise line. There’s real-time online chat and a contact number for support from a cruise expert. If you aren’t quite ready to buy, you can “heart” cruises to save them as favorites to refer back to later.

CruiseDirect offers perks on most sailings, like onboard credit, free drinks, free Wi-Fi, free gratuities, free travel insurance, or a free specialty dining experience—check out the “Bonus” box on the cruise listing you’re considering to see what extras it comes with.

Best feature: Like some of the other cruise websites on this list, CruiseDirect offers a “ best price guarantee ,” which means that if you find a lower price on another cruise booking website within 24 hours of your initial booking, you’ll get refunded the difference. But one key difference between CruiseDirect and the other cruise sites is that you don’t have to pay the cost of your cruise up front, just a deposit—and then if your cruise fare drops before you’ve made your final payment, CruiseDirect will readjust your rate accordingly.

Check out CruiseDirect

5 Crazy Themed Cruises You Can Take in 2022 and 2023

A subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Cruise Critic has similar search results to that site, but it offers a bit more comprehensive information for seasoned cruisers who want more details before they book. Cruise Critic has tons of filters and sort options to help you find what you want, including everything from cruise line to cruise style (family cruises, luxury cruises, cruises for the disabled). Each itinerary clearly lists what is and isn’t included in the fare; Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, and port taxes and fees are among the common exclusions.

Certain itineraries are marked with graphics declaring that the ship has won one of the site’s “Cruisers’ Choice” awards, denoting vessels that Cruise Critic members declare to be the among the best in categories such as cabins, entertainment, and family-friendly features.

You can sign up for price alerts, which will notify you by email when the fare on your selected itinerary drops.

Once you’re ready to book, Cruise Critic shows you a variety of offers from some of the best cruise booking sites, including bonuses such as onboard credit and prepaid gratuities. Then you click off to the site of your choice to make your purchase. Prices generally match what’s advertised on Cruise Critic.

Best feature: Under each search result is a tab for “reviews” where you can read reviews from Cruise Critic members who’ve previously traveled on the ship. On certain cruises you can click over to a full-length write-up of the ship by one of the experts on the Cruise Critic editorial team, including detailed information on dining options, cabins, entertainment, dress code, and more.

Check out Cruise Critic

When you think of Costco, you probably think of bulk food and toilet paper. But the next time you’re booking a cruise, it’ll be worthwhile to pull up Costco Travel , which is, unexpectedly, one of the best cruise websites.

The site doesn’t look fancy—it’s pretty bare-bones, visually—but the upside of going with a no-frills cruise-booking website is that Costco Travel offers extremely competitive prices, as well as some of the most attractive incentives, usually in the form of Costco Cash delivered to you after you get home from your cruise.

Though there’s no single point of contact if you need to call and discuss your cruise booking, Costco Travel’s call center is staffed with helpful agents from early morning until evening, seven days a week, and passengers can rest assured that Costco won’t go out of business before they set sail. Note that a Costco membership (starting at $60 per year) is required to book with Costco Travel, and that Costco doesn’t accept American Express.

Best feature: Rock-bottom prices—plus lots of cash back if you play your cards right: Costco Citi cardholders earn 3 percent cash back on cruise purchases, which can combine with the 2 percent Costco Reward for Costco Executive Members for a total of 5 percent back on Costco Travel’s already super low cruise rates.

Check out Costco Travel

Pondering which is the best site to book a cruise? Keep Cruisewatch in strong consideration—more than a typical cruise booking website, Cruisewatch bills itself as a “digital cruise advisor” that couples data power with personalization.

As an artificial intelligence cruise advisor, Crusewatch created technology that makes searching and booking a cruise more efficient—the first, it calls “Cruise Price Prediction.” In short, Cruisewatch collected and stored the daily price for each ship and cabin over a span of five years, resulting in millions of data points—and a massive database that informs exactly when cruise prices are lowest, and when the greatest saving potential exists.

Thanks to this comprehensive price history, Cruisewatch can predict cruise prices and drops with an accuracy rate of around 80 percent. Using the site’s cruise price prediction alerts, travelers can save up to 71 percent just by booking at the right time.

In addition to being able to predict prices, Cruisewatch tailors user search results to match their established preferences through customizable profiles and other similar features. This means you won’t waste time wading through cruises that may be cheap but don’t align with your vacation goals.

Best feature: Cruisewatch’s easy-to-set price alerts, based on tons of data, allow users to be notified in real time of the best new cruise deals the minute they come online.

Check out Cruisewatch

Book a Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

Need a place to stay the night before you set sail? Search SmarterTravel Hotels for great accommodations in your port of call.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Follow Avital Andrews on Twitter  @avitalb  or on  Facebook .

Editor’s note: Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Celebrity Edge

Debuted in December 2018, the 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge stands out for its modernity. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship's rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. The Edge was the first Celebrity ship fitted with the Magic Carpet – the line's cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location.

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on.

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across Europe, Asia, Australia and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Edge Series ships, park yourself at the Sunset Bar with a spicy margarita every evening – it’s the best spot on the ship to watch for the fabled green flash. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas Explorer debuted in 2016. It's one of the largest vessels in the fleet, welcoming up to 746 passengers. The ship makes service a top priority, with 548 crew members on board. According to past cruisers, the staff was friendly and attentive.

Travelers were even more impressed by the all-suite accommodations, which are some of the largest offered among ocean liners. All 373 suites include spacious balconies, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, interactive flat-screen TVs and unlimited Wi-Fi.

Another high point: the cuisine. Explorer offers eight dining areas that range from the casual Pool Grill to Asian creations at Pacific Rim. As part of the 'Regent Experience,' all specialty dining is included in the cruise fare.

Outside the cabins, guests can spend their days participating in cooking demonstrations, lounging by the pool or relaxing in the library. At night, entertainment options include casino games, cocktail lounges and shows in the Constellation Theater. Complaints about this ship are few and far between, though some reviewers felt the entertainment could be more impressive. 

The best perk, according to recent passengers? All shore excursions are included. Seven Seas Explorer sails to destinations in Alaska, Asia, Australia and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pacific Rim is a favorite dining venue among cruisers, with its Asian-inspired cocktails and cuisine offering a selection of dishes from Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam and Japan. Spin the bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel as you enter the restaurant and be sure to sample the miso black cod. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Viking Orion

The 930-passenger Viking Orion set sail in 2018. All staterooms on the Viking Orion are equipped with balconies, flat-screen LCD TVs and minibars. Cabins also feature bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and heated floors.

When it's time to relax, cruisers can head to the spa for a treatment or – for a unique experience – cool their body temperatures down in the snow grotto (where snowflakes fall) before jumping into the sauna or hot tub to warm up. Recent travelers said this spa experience is not to be missed. 

The ship is also home to a fitness center, a living room that hosts live entertainment, a library, shops, a salon and two movie theaters. The main pool area is expansive, featuring ample lounge seating, a retractable roof and a poolside bar. At night, the ship screens poolside movies under the stars. 

Viking Orion's guests can enjoy meals at several onboard restaurants, including the main restaurant where menus rotate daily. Or, guests can book a private dining room for intimate gatherings. Recent cruisers raved about the service and food quality across the ship. Come nighttime, the ship's theater offers live performances ranging from themed shows to history and art lectures.

Viking Orion sails to Australia and New Zealand, Asia and Alaska.

U.S. News Insider Tip: One of the most relaxing spaces on Viking Orion (and all of Viking’s ocean ships) is the glass-enclosed Wintergarden, which is located next to the pool area. Afternoon tea is served every day, and it’s not to be missed at least one time during your cruise. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Silver Muse

Debuted in April 2017, Silver Muse offers a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio, with 411 crew members and space for 596 passengers.

Among the ship's standout features are its spacious all-suite accommodations, which range from 334 square feet to 1,970 square feet. All cabins are serviced by a butler and include luxury bed linens, a marble bath with luxury toiletries and a picture window or balcony. While all passengers are treated to a complimentary hour of internet per day, those staying in upgraded suites get extras like balconies, multiple flat-screen TVs and interactive media libraries.

When it comes to dining, Silver Muse boasts eight venues that showcase a variety of cuisines, including Italian and Asian, as well as French fare at the upscale La Dame.

Similar to other ships in the fleet, Silver Muse offers a variety of onboard activities and facilities, including a spa, a pool deck and gym, a casino and several lounges.

Silver Muse sails to a number of areas in Asia, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand.

Seabourn Odyssey

The 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey began sailing in June 2009 and – like its sister ships – is an all-suite vessel. It received an extensive renovation in summer 2019 to update its interior design, entertainment venues and technology. Travelers can enjoy complimentary Champagne upon arrival, fresh fruit daily and 24-hour room service, plus everyone has access to a personal suite stewardess for additional requests. Each cabin is equipped with a separate living area and bedroom, a stocked bar, a flat-screen television, a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a tub, shower and dual sinks.

The four dining options aboard the Seabourn Odyssey range from casual poolside fare, such as pizzas and salads, to The Grill by Thomas Keller, which serves upscale meals and tasty libations. Post-dinner, travelers can relax with a cocktail at one of the bars or test their luck at the casino. The Seabourn Odyssey also offers nightly entertainment like movies under the stars and dance parties on the boat's deck.

Onboard amenities on this ship include two pools, five outdoor hot tubs, a fitness center, a nine-hole putting green and a spa. The ship also allows cruisers to enjoy water sports equipment like kayaks, paddle boats and Hobie Cat sailboats in select destinations.

Odyssey sails to a number of ports across Australia, Alaska, the Pacific Coast and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is no need to bring extra books. Seabourn's ships have large lending libraries. – Dana Freeman, Contributor

As part of Oceania's fleetwide revamp, Regatta was completely redesigned in September 2019. Passengers in Veranda Staterooms and Suites will enjoy verandas and spaces ranging from 216 to 1,000 square feet, while Inside and Ocean View cabins are smaller. The ship now offers solo staterooms for those who are traveling alone. No matter which you choose, all staterooms are equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service, plus all-new furnishings and marble bathrooms.

The 670 passengers will receive Oceania's signature service, with 400 crew members catering to guests' needs. Recent cruisers noted they rarely encountered crowds in the ship's public areas. The atmosphere aboard Regatta is decidedly adult, as the ship caters to older, affluent cruisers.

Entertainment varies from nightly musical performances to table games at the casino. Dining is also diverse: Regatta offers five venues ranging from the formal dining room to a casual grill. All-new plant-based menu items are also available. 

Regatta sails to destinations in Mexico, Asia, Australia and more.

Celebrity Solstice

Last refreshed in early 2023 (and first launched in 2008), the 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice offers a sushi restaurant and the Retreat Lounge. Daytime activities range from spa treatments to golf putting to art classes. Young passengers ages 3 to 17 can also participate in Camp at Sea activities. 

As far as dining goes, Celebrity Solstice boasts 10 restaurants, close to half of which are specialty spots that require an extra fee. Guests were pleased with the cuisine variety, and with a nearly 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ration, the ship makes service a priority.

When it comes to lodging, 85% of Solstice's cabins feature verandas. Guests can choose from Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite category cabins, all with amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars and 24-hour room service. Those who spring for an AquaClass cabin receive additional amenities, like an upgraded room service menu. Travelers will also have access to Starlink high-speed satellite internet. 

Celebrity Solstice sails to Hawaii , the Pacific, Asia and Alaska.

Launched in 2016, the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam is one of Holland America's newer ships and the first in the more contemporary Pinnacle Class. Passengers can participate in everything from cooking classes to duty-free shopping, or simply relax by the pool or at the spa.

Holland America now features an exclusive amenities program, Club Orange. Members can receive benefits such as a complimentary stateroom upgrade, a dedicated concierge hotline and skip-the-line priority access.

Members of Club Orange will also receive additional benefits when onboard Koningsdam including a premium in-room breakfast menu and a private dining venue with an expanded menu.

Guests can spend their evenings playing casino games or watching stage shows and musical acts through a partnership with "Rolling Stone" magazine. While the ship does offer youth clubs for children ages 3 to 17, most of the entertainment and activities are geared toward adults.

When hunger strikes, passengers can choose between 11 dining venues, ranging from the casual New York Pizza & Deli to the more formal Pinnacle Grill steakhouse.

The ship's cabin categories are also diverse. Staterooms range from Interior and Ocean View cabins to Verandah rooms and three Suite categories.

Koningsdam departs from ports like San Diego , Seattle ,  Vancouver  and Anchorage , Alaska, for sailings through Mexico, Hawaii , Alaska and California. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: The three Pinnacle Class ships (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam) have Single and Family Staterooms. Family Staterooms accommodate up to five guests and have two bathrooms, plus extra closet space. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

Disney Wonder

The 2,713-passenger Disney Wonder debuted in 1999. It was most recently updated in 2019; the refurbishment rolled out new family-oriented amenities and entertainment offerings, like Tiana's Place with live music and southern cuisine inspired by the Disney movie, "The Princess and the Frog." 

The ship offers plenty of onboard activities, with 10 designated family areas, five youth clubs and seven adults-only spaces. While younger passengers play at age-appropriate clubs, grown-ups can relax at the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool. When hunger strikes, Wonder offers six dining options, including one adults-only specialty restaurant.

Like the majority of the ship, staterooms are designed with families in mind. Interior cabins can accommodate up to four passengers, while larger suites can sleep up to seven. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs, seating areas and classic Disney designs. Recent cruisers noted the expensive cost of a trip on the Disney Wonder, but most felt the quality of service was top-notch. 

Disney Wonder departs from a range of ports throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as  Vancouver , for sailings around the South Pacific, Mexico and Alaska. 

U.S. News Insider Tip : The Disney Wonder features Disney Cruise Line's only Princess and the Frog-inspired rotational dining room. Tiana's Place is themed after a jazz supper club, with a live band, Creole dishes and dancing. – Megan duBois, Contributor

Celebrity Summit

First introduced in 2001, the 2,218-passenger Celebrity Summit was most recently renovated in March 2019 and offers unique activities like a rooftop terrace with an outdoor movie screen. The renovation added new staterooms, lounge areas and more. Cruisers looking for some R&R can retreat to the spa, the outdoor pool or the adults-only indoor solarium. Meanwhile, children ages 3 to 17 can participate in pool games and Xbox tournaments at Camp at Sea.

When it comes to dining, there are nine venues on board, including a handful of specialty spots (for an added fee) serving up creative cuisine ranging from French to Italian fare. While some recent cruisers noted long lines and average food at the buffet, most travelers were in agreement when it came to the wait staff and room stewards: service was prompt and friendly.

Speaking of rooms, Summit offers the same four cabin categories found on other Celebrity ships (Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite). About half of the cabins on board feature balconies. Cruisers will find flat-screen TVs, bathrobes and 24-hour room service in all staterooms.

Celebrity Summit sails in the Caribbean, Alaska and more. 

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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The best luxury cruise lines for an extraordinary experience

Consider these luxury cruise lines for your next trip.

Setting sail on a luxury cruise is a dreamy escape that promises comfort, indulgence, and adventure. If you are thinking about heading out to sea, choosing the right cruise line can make all of the difference. From extravagant amenities and world-class cuisine to personalized service and gorgeous destinations, the best luxury cruise lines redefine the notion of a vacation at sea. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, these are the finest offerings of the high seas. 

The benefits of taking a luxury cruise

The best luxury cruise lines, book a trip with one of the best luxury cruise lines today.

The difference between a luxury cruise and a regular cruise extends beyond varying price points. A regular cruise often comes with all of the standard amenities and service levels, while a luxury cruise takes the experience a step further by offering an unparalleled level of opulence and refinement. Luxury cruises often include gourmet dining experiences, unique amenities, and VIP privileges, including priority embarkation and access to exclusive events.

Additionally, luxury cruises tend to focus on an adult market, with smaller, more intimate ships that often come with spacious and elegant suites or staterooms for guests. The smaller size of these vessels allows them to visit unique places that larger commercial ships cannot. 

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These are just a few of the best luxury cruise lines, in no particular order.

Oceania cruises.

Setting itself apart from other cruise lines with its intimate and elegant ships, Oceania Cruises captivates passengers with a blend of impeccable service and exquisite culinary offerings. The cruise line offers personalized service, promising to treat all of their guests like family. 

Oceania offers several unique travel options , including a 180-day “Around the World” cruise that visits South America, the South Pacific, Asia, and Europe. The ships at Oceania range in size, holding anywhere from 670 to 1,250 guests and 400 to 800 staff members.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises epitomizes the pinnacle of luxury travel on the high seas, seamlessly blending Scandinavian elegance with high-quality service and innovative design. With its fleet of state-of-the-art ships, Viking Ocean Cruises offers spacious accommodations, refined amenities, and several fun onboard activities. The company’s fleet is one of the youngest luxury fleets in service, with gorgeous 930-passenger ships that cater to adults 55 and older.

Viking Ocean Cruises offers a wide range of destinations, and you can choose from trips to Scandinavia, the British Isles and Ireland, North America, the Caribbean and Central America, South America, the Mediterranean, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Regent Seven Seas is one of the best luxury cruise lines, offering travelers a sophisticated cruising experience. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the only truly all-inclusive cruise line, with thousands of excursion options included in the upfront price of your cruise. Carrying no more than 750 guests, the line’s luxurious ships explore more than 500 different locations, including Miami, Tokyo, Lisbon, and Bali.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises takes travelers to some of the world’s most pristine and exotic destinations in Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji, and the South Pacific. This award-winning small-ship cruise line offers spacious suites with private balconies, Polynesian-inspired cuisine, and complimentary 24-hour room service. 

Nearly every voyage on Paul Gauguin Cruises stops for a day at the line’s own private islet, Motu Mahana, where guests can enjoy snorkeling, watersports, a barbeque, full bar service, and Polynesian hospitality.

Silversea Cruises

With over 900 destinations to choose from, Silversea Cruises is one of the best luxury cruise lines around. This all-inclusive cruise line has a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1, offering guests an unparalleled level of customer service. The ships at Silversea Cruises range from 51 to 364 suites, ensuring that guests find a fair balance between choice and intimacy. 

Silversea Cruises offers luxury trips to popular destinations in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, as well as unique locations such as Antarctica and Greenland.

Seabourn Cruise Line

With ultra-luxury ocean cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Alaska, Seabourn Cruise Line provides travelers with a one-of-a-kind experience. The cruise line considers the preferences of guests, providing customized, hand-selected itineraries. A few of the amenities you can enjoy when traveling with Seabourn Cruise Line include intimate ships with a yacht-like atmosphere, ocean-front suites, complimentary caviar, and extraordinary entertainment experiences.

Now that you know all of the best luxury cruise lines, it’s time to set sail. The world of luxury cruising provides travelers with unforgettable experiences, and each luxury cruise line presents a unique blend of incredible service, top-notch amenities, and carefully curated itineraries. So, whether you are dreaming of relaxing on a warm beach, exploring ancient ruins, admiring glaciers, or indulging in delicious cuisine, let the best luxury cruise lines whisk you away on the trip of a lifetime.

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Cruising is a wonderful way to explore incredible destinations while also enjoying luxury accommodations and onboard entertainment. However, before you step foot on the cruise ship, it is smart to understand the documentation requirements to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. So, do you need a passport to go on a cruise? Let’s dive into the details.

Do you need a passport to go on a cruise? Can I go on a cruise without a passport? Whether or not you need a passport to get on a cruise ship depends on several factors, such as your nationality, the cruise itinerary, and the ports you will be visiting. As a general rule of thumb, if your journey starts and ends at the same U.S. port, you will likely be fine without a passport. This is called a closed-loop cruise, and it allows you to visit several international destinations without ever needing to present your passport.

The open road gives you opportunities to explore. Whether you embark on a set route or want to take it as you go, traveling by car puts you in the driver’s seat. But to ensure you stay on course, you’ll need a full-featured mapping app with accurate directions and useful features.

Apple Maps and Google Maps are popular navigation apps with particular nuances and visuals that may appeal to different users. While both offer trustworthy directions, their varying user experiences give consumers a unique choice either way.

These days, the phrase "there’s an app for that" can easily be replaced with "there’s, like, 50 apps for that." Now that warm weather is almost upon us, we’re helping you cut through some of the noise with the best, must-have road trip apps to help you eat, sleep, and sightsee your way across America. All we ask is that you let your co-pilot work them while en route. Otherwise, you’re gonna need a "Send an Ambulance" app. Google Maps: Navigation

This one shouldn't be a surprise, but we can't round up the best road trip apps without including the world's best navigation app. Even if this is your very first road trip, Google Maps is probably already on your phone. You can plan your route ahead of time and easily share it with friends and family.

Best Cruises in June: Everything You Need to Know!

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2024

Welcome aboard to a world of sun-kissed horizons, gentle ocean breezes, and unforgettable adventures—welcome to the Ultimate Guide to cruises in June!

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time explorer , we’ve charted a course to help you choose the right destination, plan your journey, and make the most of your cruise vacation.

Choosing the Right Cruise Destination

June, the month when summer blooms in full splendor, beckons adventurers and travelers to set sail on captivating journeys across the world’s oceans.

Choosing the perfect cruise destination is the first step toward creating unforgettable memories. In this chapter, we’ll explore the top cruise destinations for “cruises in June” and delve into the pros and cons of each.

Whether you’re seeking the Mediterranean’s rich history, the Caribbean’s tropical paradises, or Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness, we’ll help you make an informed decision for your dream June cruise.

The Allure of June Cruises

June is a special time for cruising enthusiasts. The weather is generally warm, the seas are calm, and the daylight hours are long, allowing for extended exploration of exciting ports of call.

This makes it an ideal month to embark on your cruise adventure.

Top Cruise Destinations for June

Mediterranean magic.

The Mediterranean, with its charming coastal cities and ancient ruins, is a prime choice for June cruises. Countries like Italy, Greece , and Spain offer a blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery.

Explore the picturesque Greek Isles, indulge in Italian cuisine along the Amalfi Coast, or wander through the historic streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia .

Caribbean Bliss

The Caribbean is synonymous with tropical paradise, and June offers favorable weather with fewer crowds than the winter months.

Discover the pristine beaches of the Bahamas, go snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs of Belize, or experience the colorful culture of Jamaica. The Caribbean’s diversity ensures there’s a perfect island for every cruiser.

Alaska’s Wilderness

For nature enthusiasts, Alaska beckons with its rugged landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife. June is the beginning of the Alaskan cruise season when the wilderness awakens.

Witness breaching whales, calving glaciers, and towering fjords. Ports like Juneau and Skagway offer a taste of the Last Frontier’s unique charm.

Northern European Charms

June is an excellent time to explore Northern Europe’s historic cities. Cruise the Baltic Sea to visit Copenhagen, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg, each steeped in history and culture.

Experience the phenomenon of the “White Nights” in St. Petersburg, where the sun barely sets, allowing for extended exploration.

South Pacific Paradise

For those seeking exoticism, the South Pacific islands are a dream come true. June is a fantastic time to visit destinations like Tahiti, Fiji, and Bora Bora. Immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and Polynesian culture.

Pros and Cons of Each Destination

While each destination offers unique experiences, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons:

• Mediterranean : Rich history, diverse culture, and cuisine, but can be crowded in popular ports.
• Caribbean : Beautiful beaches and warm waters, but June is the start of hurricane season.
• Alaska : Stunning natural beauty and wildlife, but cooler temperatures and occasional rain.
• Northern Europe : Historic cities and unique cultural experiences, but may require more extensive travel.
• South Pacific : Paradise-like scenery and tranquility, but long flight durations from many locations.

As you plan your June cruise, keep these factors in mind to choose the destination that aligns best with your interests and preferences.

In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into planning your June cruise, including booking tips, budget considerations, and selecting the right cruise line to match your desires. So, let’s set our course for an unforgettable June cruise adventure!

Planning Your June Cruise

Now that you’ve decided on your dream June cruise destination, it’s time to delve into the essential planning steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

This chapter will guide you through the process of booking your cruise, budgeting effectively, selecting the right cruise line, and choosing the cabin that suits your needs. Let’s embark on this exciting voyage of preparation!

Booking Your Cruise: Early Bird or Last-Minute Deals?

One of the first decisions to make is when to book your June cruise. Cruise lines often offer two primary options: booking well in advance or seeking last-minute deals. Each approach has its advantages and drawbacks.

Booking Early

• Advantages: Secure your preferred itinerary and cabin, access to early booking promotions, more time to plan excursions.
• Drawbacks: Higher upfront costs, limited flexibility for changes.

Last-Minute Deals

• Advantages: Potential for significant savings, flexibility in cruise choice.
• Drawbacks: Limited availability, fewer cabin choices, shorter planning time.

Consider your preferences, budget, and willingness to take some risks when deciding on the timing of your booking.

Budgeting for Your Cruise

A well-planned budget is crucial for an enjoyable cruise experience. Here are key financial aspects to consider:

• Cruise Fare: This includes the base fare for your cruise, which varies based on the cruise line, cabin category, and destination. It’s essential to understand what’s included in this fare, such as meals, entertainment, and some activities.
• Additional Costs: Be prepared for additional expenses, including gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, beverages, spa treatments, and souvenirs. Research and estimate these costs to avoid surprises.
• Travel Insurance: It’s highly advisable to invest in travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: Don’t forget to account for pre-cruise and post-cruise expenses, such as flights, pre-cruise hotel stays, and transportation to and from the port.

Selecting the Right Cruise Line

The cruise line you choose can significantly impact your cruise experience. Different cruise lines cater to various demographics and interests. Consider the following factors when selecting a cruise line:

• Cruise Style: Are you looking for a family-friendly cruise, a luxury experience, an adventure-focused expedition cruise, or a romantic getaway?
• Cabin Categories: Determine which cruise cabin category suits your needs and budget. Options range from interior cabins to luxurious suites with balconies.
• Onboard Amenities: Research the onboard facilities, including dining options, entertainment, spas, pools, and fitness centers. Ensure they align with your preferences.
• Itineraries: Explore the cruise line’s itineraries and destinations. Some lines specialize in certain regions, so choose one that aligns with your chosen destination.
• Cruise Duration: Consider the length of your cruise. Shorter cruises may be more suitable for first-timers, while longer voyages offer more in-depth exploration.

Cabin Types and Their Advantages

Selecting the right cabin is crucial for your comfort during the cruise. Here are some common cabin types and their advantages:

• Interior Cabins: Affordable option, complete darkness for sound sleep.
• Oceanview Cabins: Natural light and views without the cost of a balcony.
• Balcony Cabins: Private outdoor space with beautiful sea views.
• Suite Cabins: Enhanced amenities, larger living space, and exclusive privileges.
• Connecting Cabins: Ideal for families or groups traveling together.

Travel Insurance for Your Cruise

Travel insurance provides peace of mind during your cruise. It can cover unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more. Review and compare insurance policies to find one that suits your needs and the specifics of your June cruise.

In the upcoming sections, we’ll explore packing tips for your June cruise, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your journey. From clothing essentials to specialized gear, we’ll help you pack efficiently to make the most of your cruise experience.

Packing Tips for a June Cruise

Packing for your June cruise is an art that requires a delicate balance between practicality and style. The right clothing and accessories can enhance your cruise experience and ensure you’re prepared for different scenarios.

In this chapter, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive packing guide tailored to the unique needs of a June cruise, covering everything from clothing essentials to specialized gear. Let’s set sail on the journey of packing smartly for your upcoming adventure.

Weather Considerations for June Cruising

June is a transitional month in many cruise destinations, and understanding the weather patterns is essential. Here are some general weather considerations:

• Mediterranean: Expect warm and sunny days with occasional rain. Pack lightweight clothing, a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, and rain-resistant gear.
• Caribbean: Warm and humid weather prevails, but be prepared for brief rain showers. Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must, along with a light rain jacket or poncho.
• Alaska: Variable weather is typical, ranging from chilly to mild temperatures. Layering is key, with items like thermal shirts, waterproof jackets, and insulated gloves.
• Northern Europe: Temperatures can vary, so pack layers, including long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and a waterproof jacket. Be prepared for potential rain.
• South Pacific: Expect warm and humid conditions. Lightweight, breathable clothing and swimwear are essential. Don’t forget sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.

Essential Clothing Items and Accessories

Clothing essentials.

• Daywear: Casual clothing like shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses are suitable for daytime activities and excursions.
• Evening Wear: Depending on the cruise line, evenings may range from casual to formal. Bring a mix of smart-casual and formal attire, including cocktail dresses, dress shirts, and suits or elegant gowns.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for excursions, flip-flops for poolside lounging, and dress shoes for formal evenings.
• Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for pool days and beach excursions.
• Outerwear: A lightweight jacket, cardigan, or shawl for cooler evenings and possible rain.

Accessories

• Hats: Sun protection is crucial. Pack a wide-brimmed hat and a baseball cap.
• Sunglasses: UV protection sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare.
• Scarves: Versatile accessories that can add warmth and style to your outfits.
• Waterproof Bags: Keep your belongings dry during water-based activities and rainy days.

Packing List for Different Cruise Destinations

Tailor your cruise packing list to your specific cruise destination. Here are some destination-specific items to consider:

• Mediterranean: Sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites, and a travel adapter for electrical outlets.
• Caribbean: Snorkeling gear if you have it, reusable water bottles, and insect repellent for jungle excursions.
• Alaska: Binoculars for wildlife spotting, a rain poncho, and warm, moisture-wicking clothing.
• Northern Europe: Power adapters for various European outlets, an umbrella, and a lightweight daypack for city tours.
• South Pacific: Lightweight, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and underwater camera gear for snorkeling adventures.

What Not to Pack

While packing is essential, it’s equally important to avoid overpacking. Leave behind items that you won’t need on your cruise, such as:

• Excessive Clothing: Stick to versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.
• Heavy Books: Consider e-books or audiobooks to save space and weight.
• Too Many Shoes: Limit yourself to a few pairs that serve multiple purposes.
• Valuables: Leave expensive jewelry and valuables at home to reduce the risk of loss or theft.

Now that you’re well-equipped with the knowledge of what to pack for your June cruise, the next section will guide you through essential pre-cruise preparations, including travel documents, vaccinations, and planning shore excursions.

Pre-Cruise Preparations

Your June cruise adventure is on the horizon, and there are essential pre-cruise preparations to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey.

In this chapter, we’ll guide you through the process of gathering necessary travel documents, understanding vaccination and health-related considerations, planning shore excursions, and embracing cruise etiquette and behavior.

Let’s embark on these vital preparations to set the stage for a memorable cruise experience.

Travel Documents and Passport Requirements

Passport and visa.

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your cruise’s return date.
• Check visa requirements for the countries you’ll visit during your cruise.
• Make photocopies of your passport and store them separately for emergencies.

Cruise Tickets

• Print or electronically store your cruise tickets, which typically include important information about boarding times and embarkation procedures.

ID and Citizenship Proof

• Carry a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
• For international cruises, bring proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate.

Travel Insurance

• Keep copies of your travel insurance policy and emergency contact information readily accessible.

Vaccination and Health-Related Considerations

Vaccinations.

• Check if your cruise destination requires specific vaccinations or immunizations.
• Consult your healthcare provider well in advance for recommended vaccines and travel health advice.

Medications

• Bring an adequate supply of any prescribed medications, along with a copy of your prescriptions.
• Include over-the-counter remedies for common travel ailments like motion sickness or allergies.

Medical Emergencies

• Research the ship’s medical facilities and services.
• Pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes.

Shore Excursions Planning

Research and book early.

• Research and plan your shore excursions in advance, especially for popular activities.
• Consider booking excursions through the cruise line for added convenience and reliability.

Budget Accordingly

• Shore excursions can be a significant part of your cruise expenses, so include them in your budget.
• Look for excursions that align with your interests, whether it’s cultural exploration, adventure, or relaxation.

Be Mindful of Timing

• Ensure your excursions fit with the ship’s schedule to avoid missing the ship’s departure.
• Allow extra time for unexpected delays when returning from excursions.

Dining and Special Requests

Dining reservations.

• If your cruise offers dining reservations, consider making them in advance to secure preferred dining times and venues.
• Notify the cruise line of any dietary restrictions or special requests ahead of time.

Special Occasions

• If you’re celebrating a special event, such as a birthday or anniversary, inform the cruise line for possible surprises or special arrangements.

Cruise Etiquette and Behavior

• Familiarize yourself with the cruise line’s dress code for various venues and evenings.
• Be respectful of formal attire requirements on formal nights.

Onboard Behavior

• Follow the ship’s rules and guidelines, including those related to health and safety.
• Be considerate of fellow passengers in shared spaces.
• Review the cruise line’s tipping policy to understand gratuity charges and procedures.
• Prepare cash for additional tipping for exceptional service.

By completing these pre-cruise preparations, you’ll set the stage for a smooth and enjoyable experience on your June cruise.

In the next chapter, we’ll delve into life on board, exploring the ship’s amenities, dining options, entertainment, and activities to help you make the most of your cruise vacation.

Life on Board

Your cruise adventure has officially begun! As you step on board your cruise ship, you’ll enter a world of endless possibilities, from world-class dining to entertainment, relaxation, and exploration.

In this chapter, we’ll explore the various aspects of life on board, including ship amenities, dining options, entertainment, activities, and family-friendly features.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant cruise ship experience and make the most of your journey.

Ship Amenities and Facilities

Modern cruise ships are designed to provide a wide range of amenities and facilities to cater to every passenger’s preferences. Here are some common ship amenities you can expect:

Dining Venues

• Main dining rooms serving gourmet meals.
• Specialty restaurants offering unique cuisine.
• Buffet-style dining with a diverse selection of dishes.

Entertainment

• Broadway-style shows and musical performances.
• Comedy clubs, live bands, and DJs.
• Movie theaters and outdoor movie screens.
• Pools, hot tubs, and water slides.
• Sports facilities for activities like basketball, mini-golf, and rock climbing.
• Fitness centers with state-of-the-art equipment.
• Spas and wellness centers offering massages and beauty treatments.
• Quiet lounges and sun decks for serene relaxation.
• Libraries and card rooms for a peaceful escape.
• Boutiques and duty-free shops for fashion, jewelry, and souvenirs.
• Art auctions and galleries for art enthusiasts.

Dining Options and Dining Times

Cruise ships offer a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. Here’s what you need to know:

• Main Dining Room: Most cruise ships have a main dining room where you can enjoy daily changing menus and attentive service.
• Specialty Restaurants: Explore specialty restaurants that offer unique dining experiences, such as steakhouse grills, seafood restaurants, or fine Italian cuisine. Reservations may be required for some.
• Buffet: Buffet-style dining is typically available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a casual option with a wide selection of dishes.
• Room Service: Many cruise lines offer 24/7 room service, perfect for breakfast on your private balcony or late-night snacks.
• Dining Times: Check your cruise schedule for assigned dining times or opt for flexible dining options to dine at your leisure.

Entertainment and Activities

Cruise ships are renowned for their diverse entertainment and activities. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Broadway-Style Shows: Enjoy dazzling performances with elaborate costumes, live music, and captivating storylines.
• Live Music and Nightclubs: Dance the night away to live bands, DJs, and themed parties in onboard nightclubs.
• Trivia and Game Shows: Participate in fun and challenging trivia games, talent shows, and themed competitions.
• Educational Programs: Attend enrichment programs, workshops, and lectures on a variety of topics, from cooking to astronomy.
• Casinos: Try your luck at onboard casinos with slot machines, card tables, and roulette.

Onboard Spa and Fitness Options

Maintaining your health and well-being during your cruise is easy with onboard spa and fitness facilities:

• Spa Services: Treat yourself to massages, facials, and wellness treatments in the ship’s spa.
• Fitness Centers: Stay active with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group fitness classes, and jogging tracks.
• Sports Activities: Engage in sports like basketball, volleyball, and tennis on multi-purpose sports courts.

Kids and Family-Friendly Features

Cruises cater to families with children, providing various options for kids and teens:

• Kids’ Clubs: Supervised activities and play areas for children of different age groups.
• Teen Lounges: Exclusive spaces for teenagers to hang out, play games, and socialize.
• Family Activities: Family-friendly excursions, shows, and dining options for shared experiences.
• Babysitting Services: Some cruise lines offer babysitting services for parents’ night out.

As you explore the ship’s amenities and activities, you’ll find something to suit every age and interest. In the next chapter, we’ll dive into the excitement of shore excursions and ports of call, helping you make the most of your time in each destination.

Shore Excursions and Ports of Call

Your cruise adventure isn’t limited to life on board; it extends to the fascinating cruise ports of call you’ll visit along the way.

Shore excursions are your ticket to exploring new cultures, historical landmarks, and natural wonders. In this chapter, we’ll help you make the most of your time in each destination, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion.

Get ready to plan and enjoy unforgettable shore excursions during your June cruise.

How to Make the Most of Your Port Days

Research in advance.

• Study the excursions offered at each port and their duration.
• Consider your interests, physical abilities, and the time available when choosing excursions.
• Popular excursions can sell out quickly, so make reservations as soon as possible.
• Ensure your chosen excursions align with your ship’s arrival and departure times.

Mix and Match

• Balance your excursions with a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
• Explore independently or join guided tours based on your preferences.

Popular Shore Excursions for Each Destination

Mediterranean.

• Explore the historic ruins of Rome, Athens, or Ephesus.
• Savor wine tasting in the vineyards of Santorini.
• Embark on a scenic boat ride along the Amalfi Coast.
• Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Belize.
• Zip-line through the lush rainforests of St. Lucia.
• Visit ancient Mayan ruins in Cozumel, Mexico .
• Witness glaciers up close on a glacier cruise in Glacier Bay.
• Go bear-watching in Ketchikan’s rainforests.
• Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway for breathtaking views.

Northern Europe

• Explore the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
• Visit the historic castles of Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Take a scenic fjord cruise in Norway’s Geirangerfjord.

South Pacific

• Snorkel in Bora Bora’s coral gardens.
• Discover ancient Polynesian culture in Tahiti’s museums.
• Go whale-watching in Fiji’s azure waters.

Exploring the Local Culture and Cuisine

Cultural immersion.

• Engage with locals through guided tours or independent exploration.
• Visit museums, markets, and historic sites to learn about the region’s heritage.

Culinary Adventures

• Sample local cuisine and specialties at restaurants and food markets.
• Take cooking classes to learn how to prepare regional dishes.

Tips for Staying Safe During Shore Excursions

• Follow your guide’s instructions and stay with the group.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and cruise ship contact information.
• Be cautious when buying souvenirs and use reputable vendors.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and adhere to any safety guidelines provided.

By planning and enjoying your shore excursions thoughtfully, you’ll have the opportunity to create enriching and unforgettable memories at each port of call.

Dealing with Common Challenges

While a June cruise promises adventure and relaxation, it’s essential to be prepared for common challenges that can arise during your journey.

By addressing these challenges proactively, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable cruise experience.

Seasickness and Motion Sickness Remedies

1. medications:.

• Consult your healthcare provider before your cruise to discuss suitable over-the-counter or prescription motion sickness medications.
• Start taking medications as directed before boarding the ship to allow them to take effect.

2. Motion Bands:

• Wear motion sickness wristbands or acupressure bands, which can help alleviate nausea.
• These bands apply pressure to specific points on your wrists to reduce discomfort.

3. Natural Remedies:

• Ginger supplements, ginger tea, or ginger candies are known for their anti-nausea properties.
• Sip on ginger ale or eat dry crackers to help settle your stomach.

4. Choose Your Cabin Wisely:

• Book a cabin in the middle of the ship, as cabins located near the ship’s center tend to experience less motion.
• Opt for a cabin with a balcony to get fresh air and natural light.

Weather-Related Issues

1. rainy weather:.

• Pack a compact, travel-sized umbrella and a lightweight, waterproof jacket to stay dry during rain showers.
• Be flexible with your plans and consider indoor activities or excursions on rainy days.

2. Wind and Rough Seas:

• Be prepared for windy conditions by bringing a windbreaker or lightweight jacket.
• Hold onto handrails when moving around the ship to maintain balance in rough seas.

3. Port Changes:

• Understand that weather conditions can lead to changes in port itineraries or excursions.
• Trust the ship’s crew and captain to prioritize passenger safety and comfort.

Handling Medical Emergencies

1. ship’s medical facilities:.

• Familiarize yourself with the ship’s medical facilities, including the location of the infirmary and available services.
• Know the ship’s medical staff’s contact information and operating hours.

2. Travel Insurance:

• Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including evacuation if necessary.
• Keep a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact information readily accessible.

3. Medications and First Aid:

• Pack essential medications and a basic first-aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes.
• Consult the ship’s medical staff for minor health concerns and follow their advice.

4. Communication:

• Stay in contact with your travel companions and inform them of your whereabouts, especially if you’re feeling unwell.
• If you experience a medical emergency, immediately alert the ship’s crew or medical staff.

By proactively addressing seasickness and motion sickness, preparing for various weather conditions, and being knowledgeable about the ship’s medical facilities and your travel insurance coverage, you can ensure a safer and more comfortable cruise experience.

In the next chapter, we’ll explore strategies for handling lost belongings and security concerns, allowing you to focus on enjoying your June cruise to the fullest.

June Cruise Deals and Discounts

Planning a June cruise can be a thrilling adventure, but finding the right cruise deals and discounts can make it even more rewarding.

With these tips, you can make the most of your cruise budget and embark on your June journey with confidence.

Finding the Best Cruise Deals

• Cruise lines often offer early booking promotions and incentives, including lower fares, cabin upgrades, and onboard credits.
• Research and book your cruise well in advance to take advantage of these deals.

Leverage Price Alerts

• Use price tracking tools or subscribe to cruise deal newsletters to receive notifications when fares drop for your selected cruise.

Flexible Travel Dates

• If your schedule allows, consider departing a few days earlier or later than your initial preferred date. Flexible travel dates can sometimes lead to significant savings.

Travel Off-Peak

• June is a popular month for cruising, but you can find more affordable options by choosing departure dates that fall outside peak travel times.

Bundle Packages

• Some cruise lines offer bundled packages that include airfare, pre-cruise hotel stays, and transfers. These packages can offer cost savings and convenience.

Travel Agent Expertise

• Consult with a knowledgeable travel agent who specializes in cruises. They can often access exclusive deals and provide valuable insights.

Maximizing Cruise Loyalty Programs

Join loyalty programs.

• Sign up for loyalty programs with cruise lines you frequently sail with. These programs often offer perks like priority boarding, discounts, and onboard credit.

Earn Points and Levels

• Cruise loyalty programs reward frequent cruisers with points or levels. Accumulate these points to unlock higher-tier benefits.

Take Advantage of Benefits

• Loyalty program benefits can include priority dining reservations, spa discounts, and exclusive events. Make sure to utilize these perks during your cruise.

Refer Friends and Family

• Some cruise lines offer referral bonuses for bringing new passengers onboard. Share your positive cruise experiences with others and earn rewards.

Last-Minute Booking Opportunities

Cruise line sales.

• Keep an eye out for last-minute sales and promotions from cruise lines. These can offer substantial discounts for cruises departing in the near future.

Flexible Itineraries

• Be open to exploring different destinations and itineraries. Last-minute deals might lead you to an unexpected adventure.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance that allows you to cancel or reschedule your cruise with minimal penalties. This flexibility can be especially valuable when booking last-minute.

Travel Auctions

• Some websites offer cruise auctions where you can bid on available cabins. While competitive, you can sometimes secure a fantastic deal through this method.

Follow Social Media and Cruise Forums

• Stay connected with cruise communities online , where fellow cruisers often share last-minute deals they come across.

By utilizing these strategies, you can navigate the world of cruise deals and discounts, allowing you to make the most of your budget and embark on your June cruise with added value and peace of mind.

Your June Cruise Checklist

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the final chapter of our comprehensive guide to cruises in June.

With your cruise adventure on the horizon, it’s time to ensure you’ve covered all the essential details to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Let’s go through a checklist of crucial tasks and preparations to finalize before setting sail on your unforgettable June cruise.

1. Travel Documents:

• Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Verify visa requirements for your cruise destinations.
• Cruise Tickets: Print or electronically store your cruise tickets and review embarkation information.
• ID and Citizenship Proof: Carry government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, if required.
• Travel Insurance: Verify your travel insurance coverage, including medical emergencies and trip cancellation.

2. Packing and Gear:

• Packing List: Review and finalize your packing list, including clothing, toiletries, and any specialized gear.
• Medications: Pack all necessary medications and prescriptions.
• Travel Adapter: Ensure you have the appropriate travel adapter for electrical outlets at your destinations.
• Travel Wallet: Organize travel documents, including passports, cruise tickets, insurance details, and emergency contacts.

3. Pre-Cruise Preparations:

• Shore Excursions: Confirm your shore excursions, book any last-minute activities, and check the schedule for any changes.
• Dining Reservations: If applicable, make dining reservations for specialty restaurants or preferred dining times.
• Special Occasion Celebrations: Notify the cruise line if you’re celebrating a special event on board.

4. Health and Safety:

• Motion Sickness Remedies: Pack motion sickness medications or remedies, if needed.
• Vaccinations: Ensure you’ve received any required or recommended vaccinations for your cruise destinations.
• Emergency Contacts: Share your itinerary and contact information with a trusted friend or family member.
• First-Aid Kit: Pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes.

5. Onboard Planning:

• Travel Documents: Double-check that you have all necessary travel documents, including cruise tickets and identification.
• Luggage Tags: Attach cruise line-provided luggage tags to your bags before arriving at the port.
• Payment Methods: Set up payment methods for onboard expenses, such as linking a credit card to your cruise account.

6. Communication and Connectivity:

• Roaming and Data: Review your mobile phone’s international roaming plan or consider purchasing a local SIM card if needed.
• Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan with travel companions, including meeting points and schedules.

7. Currency and Budget:

• Currency Exchange: Obtain some local currency for your first port of call, but be mindful of exchange rates.
• Budget: Review your budget and track expenses to ensure you stay within your planned spending limits.

8. Pre-Departure Checklist:

• Home Security: Secure your home, set alarms if applicable, and ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect mail and keep an eye on your property.
• Travel Insurance Cards: Keep copies of your travel insurance cards and emergency contact numbers.
• Itinerary Sharing: Share your full itinerary, including flight details and cruise information, with family or friends.
• Pack Essentials: Ensure you have your passport, medications, cruise tickets, and travel wallet within easy reach.
• Check Weather Forecast: Stay informed about the weather conditions for your departure city and cruise destinations.

By completing this checklist, you’ll have covered all the important aspects of your June cruise preparation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey from start to finish.

Thank you for exploring our comprehensive guide to cruises in June. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights and tips for planning and enjoying your upcoming cruise adventure. May your June cruise be filled with incredible experiences and cherished memories! Safe travels!

FAQs on Cruises in June

As you prepare for your June cruise adventure, you may have questions about various aspects of cruising during this month.

In this section, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide you with quick answers and insights into some common concerns and queries related to cruises in June.

1. Is June a Good Time for a Cruise?

Yes, June is generally a fantastic time for a cruise. The weather is often favorable in many cruise destinations, offering warm temperatures and sunny skies.

Additionally, June falls within the peak cruise season, providing a wide range of itinerary options and excursions.

2. What Should I Pack for a June Cruise?

When packing for a June cruise, consider the weather at your specific destination. Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes for daytime activities.

Bring some smart-casual and formal attire for evening events and dining. Don’t forget essentials like travel adapters, toiletries, and any specialized gear for activities like snorkeling or hiking.

3. Are June Cruises More Expensive?

June cruises can be more expensive than cruises during off-peak seasons due to high demand. However, you can still find good deals by booking early, being flexible with your travel dates, and taking advantage of promotions and discounts offered by cruise lines.

4. What Are the Best June Cruise Destinations?

The best June cruise destinations vary based on your interests and preferences. Some popular options include the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, Northern Europe, and the South Pacific.

Consider what type of experience you’re seeking, whether it’s cultural exploration, adventure, or relaxation, and choose a destination that aligns with your interests.

5. How Can I Avoid Seasickness in June?

To avoid seasickness during your June cruise, consider taking motion sickness medications or using wristbands or acupressure bands.

Choose a cabin in the middle of the ship, where you’ll feel less motion. Additionally, stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and focus on the horizon to help alleviate motion sickness symptoms.

6. What Should I Know About Shore Excursions in June?

Shore excursions in June offer a wide range of activities and experiences. It’s essential to research and book your excursions in advance, especially for popular activities.

Be mindful of the weather in each destination and plan accordingly. Flexibility is key in case weather conditions impact your chosen excursions.

7. How Can I Find the Best Cruise Deals in June?

To find the best cruise deals in June, consider booking early, using price tracking tools, and being flexible with your travel dates.

Explore bundled packages offered by cruise lines and consult with travel agents who specialize in cruises. Keep an eye out for last-minute sales and promotions, and consider joining loyalty programs to access exclusive deals.

8. What Should I Do in Case of Medical Emergencies?

In case of a medical emergency during your cruise, familiarize yourself with the ship’s medical facilities and contact information for the medical staff. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and provides evacuation if necessary.

If you require medical assistance, notify the ship’s crew or medical staff immediately.

9. How Can I Stay Safe During My June Cruise?

To stay safe during your June cruise, follow the ship’s rules and guidelines, including those related to health and safety.

Be cautious when exploring ports of call, use reputable vendors, and carry a photocopy of your passport and cruise ship contact information. Stay in contact with your travel companions and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

10. What Are Some Packing Tips for a June Cruise?

Packing for a June cruise involves a balance between lightweight, comfortable clothing for warm days and layers for cooler evenings. Don’t forget essential items like sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, and a waterproof jacket.

Research your specific cruise destination to pack accordingly, and remember to leave behind items you won’t need to avoid overpacking.

11. What Are the Benefits of Booking a June Cruise?

Booking a June cruise offers several benefits, including:

• Great weather in many destinations.
• Extended daylight hours for more outdoor activities.
• A wide range of itinerary options.
• Opportunities to explore vibrant summer festivals and events.

12. Can I Find Family-Friendly Cruises in June?

Yes, many cruise lines offer family-friendly cruises in June, complete with children’s programs, supervised activities, and family-oriented excursions. Check with the cruise line for specific family-friendly amenities and activities.

13. Are There Any June Cruise Packing Restrictions?

Cruise lines often have specific guidelines and restrictions on items you can bring on board, including alcohol, sharp objects, and certain electronics. Check with your cruise line for their packing policies to avoid any surprises.

14. How Do I Stay Informed About Cruise Itinerary Changes Due to Weather?

Cruise lines prioritize passenger safety and may adjust itineraries due to adverse weather conditions. You’ll typically receive updates and announcements through the ship’s public address system, daily newsletters, and your stateroom’s television. Pay attention to these communications for the latest information.

15. Can I Celebrate Special Occasions on a June Cruise?

Absolutely! Cruise lines often go the extra mile to help you celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons. Inform the cruise line in advance, and they can arrange special surprises, decorations, or dining arrangements to make your celebration memorable.

16. What Should I Know About June Hurricane Season in Certain Regions?

While June is not typically the peak of hurricane season in the Caribbean, it’s essential to be aware of potential weather-related issues. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and have a contingency plan in case your cruise is affected by a hurricane or tropical storm.

17. Can I Find Vegetarian or Vegan Dining Options on a June Cruise?

Most cruise lines offer a variety of dining options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Notify the cruise line of your dietary preferences in advance, and they can accommodate your needs. It’s also a good idea to discuss your dietary requirements with the dining staff when you board the ship.

18. What Types of Activities Are Available Onboard During Sea Days?

Sea days provide an opportunity to enjoy a wide range of activities onboard. You can participate in cooking classes, fitness classes, spa treatments, trivia contests, art auctions, or simply relax by the pool. Cruise lines often provide daily schedules outlining the day’s activities.

19. How Can I Stay Connected with Loved Ones Back Home?

Cruise ships offer various communication options, including Wi-Fi packages and satellite phones. While Wi-Fi is available, it may be slower and more expensive than on land. Consider purchasing an internet package or using messaging apps that work over the ship’s network.

20. What Are the Tips for Staying Healthy During My June Cruise?

To stay healthy during your June cruise, wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and follow any health and safety guidelines provided by the cruise line. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and maintain a balanced diet. If you have specific health concerns, consult with the ship’s medical staff.

I've been on 50 cruises. Here are 3 routes I'd sail again in a heartbeat and 3 I'd probably skip.

• I've been on 50 cruises (at least six a year), and some routes are better than others. 
• I try to avoid cruises that make stops at Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas.
• My favorite cruise I've ever been on was a Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. 

I've taken 50 cruises with family and friends, and I'm always looking to try out new routes with different port stops .

Before I ever book a cruise — which I do about six times a year — I try to find either a new-to-me ship or a new-to-me route. If neither of those options works for my budget or timeframe, I opt for a familiar favorite.

Here are my favorite cruise routes that I'm always happy to book, and the ones I don't need to sail again.

My favorite route is a Mediterranean cruise that starts and ends in Barcelona, Spain.

Mediterranean cruises start and end in various ports of call around Europe, typically throughout the summer sailing season.

Last year, my family and I took a Disney Cruise that started and ended in Barcelona, with stops in France and Italy.

My favorite part of this trip was splitting a day between Nice and Eze in the French Riviera . I was able to walk through cobblestone streets overlooking the ocean while sipping on limoncello.

I love Caribbean cruises along the western ports.

I've taken many western Caribbean routes over the years on Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line, and they never disappoint.

The route usually includes stops at Cozumel, Mexico, and Georgetown, Grand Cayman. But it may also include ports of call at Falmouth, Jamaica; Costa Maya, Mexico; or Roatán, Honduras.

I always get off the ship in Cozumel, even if it's just to have lunch at a taco shop. Don't get lured into the restaurants right at the docks because the best food is in the spots farther down the main street.

I also love getting off in Roatán. On a recent cruise, I took an excursion to Roatan Island Brewing Company to try different beers made with local ingredients.

I also enjoy routes that only stop at private islands.

Every once in a while, I can find a short three-night cruise on Royal Caribbean or Disney that only visits the brand's private islands.

These short cruises are ideal weekend getaways and go to some of my favorite ports of call, like Royal Caribbean's CocoCay and Disney's Castaway Cay.

I love both of these destinations because there's so much to do — you really can spend the entire day at the beach or exploring the various parts of the island. I also love that food and drinks are all provided, so I don't have to return to the ship for lunch.

On the other hand, I don't need to go to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas again.

I love short cruises from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but they often mean stopping at Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas .

I don't really think there's much to see at either stop once you've done it once or twice. If my route includes them, I usually stay on the ship to enjoy the less crowded pool and spa.

The trade-off for these two ports is often getting to visit a cruise line's private island , so I think it's worth it for that. But I don't need to go on another long cruise through the Bahamas.

I'm also not a big fan of Bimini, Bahamas.

Many cruise lines, like Carnival and Virgin Voyages , are now taking cruisers to Bimini for an easy beach day. But if you're not a big fan of chilling at the beach, there's not much else to do on the island.

I’d probably skip cruising to Key West.

I love Key West in the Florida Keys , but as a port stop, it was hard to see a lot of the island and explore beyond Duval Street.

I'd prefer to spend a few days in the destination to explore all that it has to offer instead of making it a cruise stop.

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The Best Ways to Book a Cruise

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Not all cruise sites are created equal. While you may find comparable prices on different sites, each site has its own benefits, offers and cancellation policies. 

So, what's the best way to book a cruise? From our findings, here are the top cruise booking sites for your next vacation, plus the pros and cons they offer travelers.

The best cruise websites and how they sweeten the deal 

For sailings across the caribbean, mexico or central america: cheapcaribbean.

CheapCaribbean.com is the best cruise website for the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America. It offers a best-price guarantee plus limited-time offers and discounts.

If you find a better deal within 24 hours of booking, CheapCaribbean will price match and beat it by $25. The company's customer service is available seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

Best-price guarantee.

Customer service is available seven days a week.

Charges a $24.99 processing fee on reservations.

Must provide an email address to receive the best deals and promos.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

For reviews from other cruisers: Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic is an independent website that encourages community members to post reviews and share tips.

Its message boards offer ways for website visitors to ask questions and share feedback with others based on their personal experiences and opinions. The site also acts as a metasearch for cruise deals, pulling in prices from multiple cruise websites.

Read cruise reviews from travelers who've been on that itinerary before.

"Deal Score" ranks deals to find the best value.

Price tracker shows 90-day trends for cruise prices.

Must click through the deal to book your cruise on other websites.

Prices are not guaranteed and can change before booking due to fees and restrictions on the sites where the cruises are being sold.

To review several cruise prices at once: CruiseDirect

CruiseDirect is the best cruise website when all you want are cruise prices. It doesn't offer hotels, flights, rental cars or other reservations you may want for your next vacation. CruiseDirect does, however, offer bonuses for travelers booking through its site.

Travelers can filter search results by destination, cruise line or departure port on various ships. This site offers cruises for every type of traveler, from budget to luxury, and every type of ship, from riverboats to mega-ships.

Bonus offers on every reservation provide extra value.

Best-price guarantee and free reservation holds.

Buy now, pay later financing options.

Promos offered by cruise lines aren't exclusive to CruiseDirect.

Customer service can be unfriendly.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

For budget-friendly options: Priceline

Priceline was originally known for its "Name Your Own Price" promotions, but has grown into a full-service online travel agency offering flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises, saving consumers more than $1 billion dollars per year.

Travelers who book a cruise with Priceline receive up to $2,000 to spend at sea, plus waived deposits on their reservations.

Up to $2,000 to spend on board.

Waived deposits of up to $500 when booking your cruise.

110% best-price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Ability to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more from the same site.

Must call Priceline to get exclusive offers and unpublished fares.

Restrictions make the best-price guarantee harder to benefit from.

» Learn more: Tips for getting the best cruise deals

For booking travel experiences beyond the cruise: TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is an online reviewer community where travelers share their experiences, pictures and ratings of hotels, suggested activities and more. This honest feedback and travel inspiration also make it one of the best websites to book a cruise.

Search over 70,000 cruise deals from more than 60 sites at once.

Dedicated ship pages share details, reviews, photos and itineraries.

Too many search results make it harder to narrow down your choices.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

To match with a vacation planner: Avoya Travel

Avoya Travel is a family-owned website that matches travelers with a vacation planner based on their preferences. It's the best way to book a cruise using a travel planner because it offers a low-price guarantee without charging extra fees for the planner.

The downside is that online pricing is not "live." Therefore, you must speak with a travel planner to get the latest prices and book your cruise.

Match with cruise planners according to your needs.

Does not charge Avoya fees for booking, changes or cancellations.

Get a low-price guarantee and the expertise of a vacation planner without extra fees.

Must become a member to unlock the best deals.

Pricing on the website is not "live" pricing, so actual cost may vary.

Cannot book a cruise online. You must speak with an independent vacation planner.

» Learn more: The best cruise insurance right now

To book a vacation package with an airline or hotel

American airlines cruises.

American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn airline miles when booking cruises at BookAACruises.com . All members earn one mile for every dollar they spend on cruise reservations, up to 10,000 miles. Some cruise specials offer up to 100,000 miles based on your selected cruise.

If you have an American Airlines credit card, you'll earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles. These miles and Loyalty Points count toward airline elite status. Additionally, trips booked through this site are eligible for promotions offered by the cruise lines.

Earn miles and Loyalty Points toward travel and elite status.

Cardholders earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles on cruises.

Cruise experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cruise reservations are offered by a third party, so customer service issues can be a challenge.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Delta SkyMiles Cruises

Delta Air Lines is another airline that allows members to earn airline miles when booking cruises through its portal. Booking through SkyMilesCruises.com helps you earn Delta SkyMiles on your purchase.

Members get up to 10,000 miles on most cruises and up to 100,000 miles on luxury cruises. Plus, the site waives deposits on eligible cruise reservations.

Can earn up to 100,000 miles when booking a cruise.

Waives deposits when booking eligible cruises.

110% price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Most cruise awards are capped at 10,000 miles.

Miles earned are based on the length of the cruise, not the amount spent.

United Airlines Cruises

United Airlines MileagePlus members can earn up to 25,000 miles when booking a cruise through United at Cruises.United.com .

When you have a United Airlines credit card, you'll earn up to 45,000 miles. By offering up to 4x miles per dollar spent (or 7x as a cardholder), this site is the best way to book a cruise and earn airline miles on your purchase. If you have Premier status, you receive additional perks on select cruise lines, like wine and onboard credits.

Earn up to 7x miles on cruises.

United MileagePlus Premier members receive additional perks.

Can redeem miles to pay for some or all of your trip.

Not all cruises can be booked online.

Prices do not include a nonrefundable $24.99 processing fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Cruises

If you want to earn hotel points on your cruise, Marriott Cruise with Points is the best cruise website for you. You'll earn up to 6x points on your cruise purchase, or you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points to pay for your trip.

Plus, Marriott cardholders can earn an extra 2x points when they use that card for their purchase. While most cruises max out at 25,000 Bonvoy points earned, some luxury cruise lines offer up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Earn up to 6x points on your cruise, up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Marriott cardholders receive an extra 2x points when paying with their cards.

Can use Bonvoy points to pay for your cruise.

Redemption value of Bonvoy points is only 0.4 cent.

Must call to book cruises using points.

Processing fee of $24.99 per reservation.

» Learn more: Airline credit cards vs. hotel credit cards

For cruise package deals: Costco Travel

Costco is a retailer that offers exclusive products and pricing to its members. Through its Costco Travel website , members receive exclusive prices and benefits when booking hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel packages.

Executive Members earn 2% back on Costco Travel purchases and receive additional benefits on select packages. Plus, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders earn 3% cash back rewards on Costco Travel purchases.

Earn 2% rewards and extra perks with Executive Membership.

Some cruises offer Costco gift cards or onboard credit.

Must be a member to book reservations with Costco Travel.

Directly with the Cruise Line

In some cases, booking directly with the cruise line can be best because it eliminates a third party. If there's a problem with your reservation or you need to make a change, you don't have to worry about the booking site and the cruise line pointing fingers at each other.

This may be the best approach if you know which cruise line you want to book and which cities you want to visit. However, you may miss out on promotions offered by third-party sites.

Simple search functions.

No hassles with third parties for problems, changes or cancellations.

Less likely to get scammed by fraudulent sites.

Miss out on deals offered by third-party sites.

Harder to compare prices, benefits and routes from multiple cruise lines.

Comparing cruise prices across websites

Without being able to compare prices, it can be a challenge to determine the best site for booking a cruise. To make it easier to compare, we priced out a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two adults. 

We selected the lowest-priced balcony room on Royal Caribbean departing from Miami in August 2023. Here are the results:

Mitigate cancellation policy risks with travel insurance

If you're worried your trip plans being disrupted by bad weather or a change of plans, travel insurance might help. This optional standalone insurance can be purchased separately from your cruise bookings.

But you might not even need to pay out-of-pocket for trip insurance because many credit cards offer travel insurance as a built-in benefit to customers who pay for travel expenses on that card.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for cruises

Booking a cruise recapped

When looking for the best way to book a cruise, the price is virtually the same on every website. The difference lies in how each seller sweetens the deal.

Several cruise booking sites set themselves apart from the competition by offering additional benefits to encourage booking through them. Additionally, being able to book other parts of your trip — like flight and excursions — on the same site, or offering access to a travel agent, distinguishes some of the best cruise websites. 

When prices are the same, we recommend cruise bookers compare the perks being offered, then book on the site with the most appealing bonuses, like onboard credits, airline miles, hotel points or cash back.

If you're searching for cruises on a third-party website, you may question the legitimacy of that site. This is especially true if the site doesn't look professional or some of the information is outdated.

For this reason, you should stick with one of the best cruise booking sites on this list because they've been vetted for legitimacy and have a good track record with travelers.

Yes, last-minute deals can be the best way to book a cruise. If your travel plans are flexible, these deals can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that you may not be able to book your preferred destination or routing if it is sold out.

Unfortunately, most cruise lines do not offer free cancellations or changes to take advantage of price drops after you book. Passengers can always negotiate with a booking site or cruise line, but they aren't obligated to refund the difference. Instead, they may offer you onboard credit, complimentary excursions or credit toward another cruise booking.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

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15 Best Places for Solo Travel in Europe

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: March 27th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

The best places for solo travel in Europe beckon with the promise of adventure and connection. Europe is packed with exciting cultural attractions, imaginative activities, and friendly bars and cafés where it’s easy to strike up a conversation and get to know the locals.

Europe is generally safe for solo travelers, and plenty make the journey. Yes, you’ll need to navigate different cultures, currencies, and customs, but that’s all part of the fun of exploring.

So unleash your inner adventurer, whether you’ve always dreamed of trying tapas in Barcelona, visiting Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, or belting out ABBA’s greatest hits in Stockholm.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Friendly Amsterdam is a great city for solo travelers. Many people speak English, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation.

There are enjoyable ways to see the city, too, in a group of like-minded people. Join a guided cycling tour, or take a paddle boarding excursion along some of the quieter canals. Spend time browsing Amsterdam’s art museums , such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

Something no visitor to Amsterdam should miss is the poignant Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht. You’ll see the annex where the teenager and her family hid from the Nazis, and where Anne wrote her famous diary. It’s both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, and a visit here raises all kinds of debating points to discuss with your newfound friends.

After your visit, stroll the pretty neighborhood of Jordaan in Downtown Amsterdam and stop for refreshments in one of the famous brown cafés.

Berlin, Germany

Museum Island in Berlin, Germany

If you’ve never been to the cool, edgy German capital of Berlin before, by far the best way is to take a tour as there’s a vast amount to see. Take in the 18th century Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, where Parliament sits, and the remnants of the Berlin Wall that once divided the city.

Visit the Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie and learn about the struggle for human rights during the days of communism and the ingenious ways locals dreamed up to get over the wall.

Alternatively, Berlin is also known as one of the best cities for art in the world. Lose yourself on Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where there are five superb museums dedicated to art and archaeology on an island in the Spree River.

Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

The capital of Catalunya is a buzzing, dynamic city, packed with art, culture, and nightlife, and a popular destination for solo travel in Europe.

Stroll the Ramblas and watch the street entertainers. Browse the colorful La Boqueria market, one of the best places to shop in Barcelona , where you can perch on a bar stool with a snack and watch the world go by.

Wander the narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter and visit Le Seu, the towering cathedral. For more dazzling architecture, don’t miss the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s spectacular basilica, a complex riot of organic shapes, bright colors, slender columns, and impossibly tall towers.

One of the best ways to get chatting with locals in Barcelona is to go out for tapas. A great way to do this is to join a tapas tasting tour to sample local specialties and meet fellow foodies.

Seville, Spain

Plaza de España in Seville, Spain

Seville is an easy and safe place to explore on your own. Wander around the dramatic Plaza de España, designed for the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929, and admire the elaborate architecture and intricate tiles.

Pre-book your ticket to the Royal Alcázar, an exquisitely beautiful palace dating back 1,000 years and still used by the Spanish royals today.

You’ll find some of the best tapas bars in the tangle of streets that’s the Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter. There are flamenco schools here, too, where the evocative sounds of the music float on the breeze. You could even join a 60-minute class for an initiation into the heel-clicking and dramatic hand movements.

In summer, locals head for the open-air pop-up bars along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, which bisects this beautiful Spanish city . This is a great place to sit and people-watch with a cold drink and strike up a conversation.

Stockholm, Sweden

Beautiful Stockholm drapes across 14 islands, so there’s water everywhere you look. There’s plenty to see here, and a guided walking tour of Gamla Stan, the old center, is the best way to get under the skin of the Swedish capital in like-minded company.

If you’re feeling brave, join one of the guided rooftop tours which take you over the roofs of some of the ancient buildings—complete with safety gear, of course.

Stockholm has some great museums to explore. Head for the Vasa Museum to admire the Vasa, a 16th century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and has been painstakingly raised from the bottom of Stockholm harbor.

ABBA fans can sing along to their favorite tracks with wild abandon at ABBA, The Museum.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s laid-back capital is enjoying a moment in the sun, as digital nomads from all over the world take up residence here to make the most of the enviable lifestyle and climate.

As such, there’s a cosmopolitan buzz in Lisbon , and you’ll hear an eclectic mix of languages spoken in the bars and restaurants.

Take in the sights, including the Castelo de São Jorge and the Jerónimos Monastery. One of the best things to do in Lisbon is to see the 16th-century Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal’s maritime power during the age of exploration.

For a fun and social activity, head to the superb Time Out Market, a dazzling display of food, drink, and flowers. There are also numerous little restaurants where you can sample Portuguese specialties.

At the center, there’s a cooking school. Here, you can join a class to learn how to make pasteis de nata, the delicious custard tarts that Portugal is famous for .

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a safe, friendly, and relatively compact city to explore, so you won’t have any problems getting around on a solo trip.

Some of the best things to do in Copenhagen include touring the grand Christiansborg Palace and gazing in awe at the lavish reception rooms and salons, as well as soaking up the lifestyle of the Danish royals at Amalienborg Palace.

Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark

Snap a shot of the Little Mermaid, perched wistfully on her rock, and stroll the leafy Tivoli Gardens, where locals come to picnic and listen to music. Drop into the Food Hall, where there are 15 different stalls offering street food from around the world, if you prefer not to sit at a table in a more formal restaurant.

If you only have a day in Copenhagen , you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet locals at colorful Nyhavn, the 17th-century waterfront packed with lively bars and restaurants.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges may seem like a city for romantics, but you can have just as much fun on your own. Take a canal boat ride along the network of waterways that criss-crosses the city, overlooked by half-timbered houses and window boxes crammed with scarlet geraniums.

Belfry in Bruges, Belgium

One of the best things to do in Bruges is to climb up the Belfry that overlooks Markt, the market square at the heart of the city, for fantastic views over the medieval rooftops. Reward yourself with a steaming bowl of Belgium’s national dish, garlicky moules-frites, or mussels with fries.

To meet like-minded travelers, join a tour that includes a chocolate-making demonstration, and taste some of the creamy truffles for which the city is famed. Or take part in a beer tasting experience and learn more about Belgium’s age-old brewing traditions.

Athens, Greece

Parthenon in Athens, Greece

Bring Ancient Greece to life with a visit to Athens , where the compact center is easy to explore. The best way to see the Acropolis and the Parthenon is with a guide, who will explain the context of this world-famous site.

Afterward, spend time in the beautifully laid out Acropolis Museum. There’s an excellent café at the top with uninterrupted views of the Parthenon.

At night, the tangled alleys of the popular Athenian neighborhood Plaka are buzzing with life and are safe to wander alone. Shop here for clothing, jewelry, and local crafts, and stop for a mezze feast in one of the vine-shaded tavernas.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is known as one of the safest countries in the world, and as such, is one of the best places for solo travel in Europe.

While the capital, Reykjavik , has some interesting sights and its fair share of cool bars, getting out of town is the best way to discover the wild scenery that’s been shaped by fire and ice.

There are dozens of choices. Join a horseback riding tour, or share the adrenaline rush of white water rafting with others. Take a guided hike to see some of Iceland’s plunging waterfalls , or a movie locations tour that incorporates the starkly beautiful countryside with insider gossip about the many movies and TV series that have been shot here.

Rome, Italy

Sitting in the sunlit Piazza Navona in Rome with a morning cappuccino while watching the world go by is one of Italy’s simple yet satisfying pleasures, especially for solo travelers.

Or join a behind-the-scenes tour of the Colosseum, once the location of brutal gladiatorial fights. Take a foodie tour around colorful Trastevere for an in-depth insight into Roman cuisine , led by a local.

Gaze in awe at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, and admire the splendors of the Vatican Museum. One of the joys of traveling solo is that you can take as long as you like to soak up these priceless treasures.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Stradun in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatians have a term, fjaka , which translates loosely as the great pleasure of doing very little, whiling away time with friends over a coffee. Take a seat in any of the hole-in-the-wall coffee shops or bars in the narrow streets of Dubrovnik leading off the Stradun and you’ll find locals happy to chat.

Later in the day, find a shady table in one of the many al-fresco restaurants in Dubrovnik’s Old Town for a glass of chilled white to wash down a platter of local cheese and air-dried ham.

Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Head to Fort Lovrijenac next to the old city and climb up to the top for sweeping views down over the terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic beyond. A kayaking tour is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik to explore the walls from the outside.

Tallinn, Estonia

Compact Tallinn is like a scene from a fairy tale, with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered buildings and graceful spires. Join a walking tour to get more perspective on this enchanting city, then relax in Town Hall Square with a cold beer and watch the world go by.

For something different, one of the best things to do in Tallinn is to visit the KGB Museum in the Hotel Viru. This was Estonia’s first skyscraper, and when the country was still under Soviet rule, it served as a listening post for the KGB. You can see the secret room, still filled with gadgetry that the Soviets used to spy on the hotel’s guests.

Porto, Portugal

The beautiful old city of Porto , which clings to the south bank of the Douro River, is a great option for singles.

There’s plenty of things to do in Porto , from learning about the port wine production for which the city is famous to soaking up the atmosphere of the many riverside bars and restaurants. Fans of old books should visit the Livraria Lello, regarded as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

Check out the incredible scenery on a tour that takes you deep into the Douro Valley, where sinuous vineyards snake around the contours of the hills.

London, England

You’d need weeks to do London justice as there’s so much to see in Britain’s buzzing capital, one of the best places for solo travel in Europe.

A cruise along the Thames will show you the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, and the iconic Tower Bridge. There are galleries and museums galore; visit the Tate Modern and wander along the South Bank, soaking up the atmosphere and snacking from food trucks.

Portobello Road in London, England

Join a guided walking tour of the City, the oldest part of London. There are various themes, from literary London to haunted London and the atmospheric Jack the Ripper tour. Explore some of the street markets; you’ll recognize Portobello Road from various movies, while Petticoat Lane is great for antiques and Columbia Road is a gorgeous flower market.

Ready to set out and explore the cultural and culinary delights of Europe’s most exciting cities? Browse our Europe cruises and plan your adventure with Celebrity Cruises.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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7 of the best places to cruise in Italy

F ew countries can compete with Italy’s tourist appeal . Anyone who visits can enjoy fantastic cities, quaint villages, a string of picture-perfect coastlines, amazing cuisine and a fascinating history.

Alhough skiing , city breaks or a trip to one of the Italian lakes all have their own merits, there is a way to get a taste of several different parts of the country in one whirlwind trip.

Cruises around the Bel Paese give passengers the opportunity to see Italy ’s full range of sights. You can start with the romance of Venice and wind around to the rugged island beauty of Sicily and Sardinia, or begin surrounded by the stark coastal beauty of the Cinque Terre and end in hectic, characterful Naples , via the enchanting capital of Rome .

Whether you just want to see one destination or a handful, there’s likely a cruise to suit you; we’ve rounded up some of the best below.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast contains a little bit of everything that has made Italy so famous: beautiful coastlines, golden sands, picturesque towns, ancient historic sites and a hearty slice of la dolce vita .

The main towns along this coast include Amalfi, Sorrento and Positano , each renowned for offering a taste of the highlife in often luxurious surroundings, whether that be laid-back beaches or grandiose hotels. Pompeii lies close to these towns, offering an incredible insight into a famous bit of world history, while driving part of the Amalfi Coast’s winding roads is the best way to get amazing views while taking in some delightful towns.

How to do it

See both Sicily and the Amalfi Coast with the ‘ Amalfi & Sicily ’ seven-night package offered by Star Clippers. It starts in Civitavecchia, taking you to Amalfi and Sorrento before moving on to Messina and circling back to Rome.

Prices from £3,629pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and select entertainment. Departing 6 July 2024.

Read more on the best hotels on the Amalfi coast

The capital is a beautiful fusion of historic and contemporary Italian life, from the modern cuisine and nightlife of Monti to the old houses and trattorias of Trastevere or Parione.

The Eternal City is also Europe’s most landmark-filled destination , with everything from Roman ruins to 18th-century fountains. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon are the undoubtably highlights, as are the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The Vatican City is also contained within Rome, and you don’t want to miss the Sistine Chapel or St Peter’s Basilica.

Most cruises to this part of the country actually dock at nearby Civitavecchia, which is roughly one hour from the capital. Rome is often a starting point for cruises too, as passengers can head north to the Cinque Terre, east to Sardinia and south to Naples and Sicily.

The  Italian Treasures  cruise offered by Atlas Ocean Voyages begins in Valletta , the historic Maltese capital, but after departing very much focuses on the eastern Italian coast. It stops for a night in both Syracuse and Giardini Naxos (on Sicily), before departing to the Amalfi Coast and Capri and then finishing in the capital, where you can explore at your leisure before flying home.

Prices from £2,946pp including eight nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and onshore excursions. The company is currently running a promotion where the ‘second guest sails free’, so it is possible to get the entire package for just £2,946. Departing 1 September 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Rome

Venice is perhaps the most beautiful of all Italian cities, situated on a vast lagoon and criss-crossed by dozens of bridges that hang over its canals. Its waterways are lined with the colourful facades of centuries-old buildings, many of which carry a Venetian style that is unique to the city, making for an eclectic cityscape.

A gondola trip, a stroll around St Mark’s Square, a walk over the Ponte Rialto and a visit to the Doge’s Palace are customary for those seeing the city for the first time, though for many the real attraction is getting lost in the sea of mazy alleys and historic bridges .

Many cruises start and end in Venice too, though due to its location at the top of the Adriatic, it can take a while to cruise down to other popular destinations like Bari, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. If you’re visiting on a cruise, chances are it’ll be a longer one, or that it’ll stop in destinations in northern Croatia , Dubrovnik or northern Greece .

Azmara Cruises’ ‘ Italy Intensive Voyage ’ takes passengers all the way from Rome to Venice. It begins by going north to Florence , then turning back on itself and going south to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. After a brief stop in Kotor, Montenegro , you’ll finish in Venice, with the opportunity to explore at your leisure before flying home.

Prices from £2,060pp including 10 nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks, evening entertainment and select onshore excursions. Departing 10 April 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Venice

Sicily is another of Italy’s famous islands, sharing a part of the Mediterranean with neighbouring Sardinia. It is equally as charming as Sardinia, and filled with similarly beguiling towns, a variety of natural landscapes and some of the finest culture and history that the country has to offer.

Tradition is paramount here, something that is reflected in a proud local populace. It is also visible in towns and cities like Palermo, and the timeless beauty of Syracuse, as well as on the olive groves and vineyards that dot the slopes of Mount Etna. It makes Sicily a great place to come if you want to see modern-day Italian living with a dose of outdoor adventure, in places like the Parco dell’Etna, along with historic charm (such as that at Syracuse).

Windstar Cruises’ ‘ Sicilian Spendours ’ cruise begins and ends in the Italian capital, but as the name suggests, this trip very much focuses on the largest island in the Mediterranean. It begins by heading to the Amalfi Coast, but then moves on to three Sicilian towns – Trapani, Porto Empedocle and Catania, via Gozo and Malta .

Prices from £3,105pp including 10 nights’ accommodation, meals and onboard entertainment. Departing 28 May 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Sicily

Sardinia, which sits off the eastern coast around six hours from Civitavecchia by ferry, is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations. A favourite among both tourists and Italians, it is home to a slew of great beaches – including Cala Goloritzé and the Costa Smerelda – and so is a good choice for days spent flitting between water sports and lying in the sun.

Though it’s understandable if you want to spend most of your time here on the sands, it would be remiss not to visit some of the pastel-hued towns and verdant national parks that lie inland and on the coast. Places like Alghero, Bosa and San Teodoro contain plenty of history throughout their cobbled streets, while Asinara and Gennargentu are two of the most picturesque natural areas.

Sardinia’s southerly location means that cruises that stop here often carry on to Sicily and Malta, and may go further on to the Balearics, Greek islands or even Tunisia .

The ‘ Enchanting Italian Coastlines ’ tour from Emerald Cruises covers both Sardinia and the eastern coast over a period of seven nights. It begins in the capital, moving first to Sorrento and Amalfi and then crossing the Mediterranean to Sardinia and Corsica before looping back.

Prices from £3,379pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and airport transfers. Departing 27 April 2024.

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre competes with the Amalfi Coast for the title of Italy’s most famous coastal area, but the Italian Riviera offers a different kind of beauty in its emerald waters and pastel-coloured towns. The region is part of Liguria, and consists of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. 

Each one has an abundance of old Italian charm, from the faded colours that come alive at sunset to the mazes of alleys leading up from tiny harbours. Only Monterosso has a proper beach, but this village quintet isn’t the place for solely a beach holiday, despite the coastlines. Instead, wander aimlessly through the villages, enjoy a laid-back meal or take to any of the surrounding hiking paths.

These once isolated villages are now tourist hotspots in their own right, with the Cinque Terre Express one of the best ways to get between them. Most cruises dock at La Spezia, the province’s main city, which lies just 20 minutes from the nearest Cinque Terre village, Riomaggiore.

The Cinque Terre is a less frequented destination on longer cruises, so the best bet is to visit as part of a multi-country cruise. Celebrity Cruises offers one such option with their ‘ Italian Riviera & France ’ package, which departs from Rome and initially heads south to Naples before circling around to La Spezia and Santa Margherita. After some time spent enjoying the Italian Riviera, you move on to the French one, seeing Cannes and Marseille before finishing in Barcelona.

Prices from £1,209pp including nine nights’ accommodation, return flights, all meals, daily activities and entertainment. Departing 4 June 2024.

Naples is a fascinating city, buoyed by a vibrant and chaotic energy and blessed with beautiful surroundings – including Mount Vesuvius and an azure bay – and an eclectic blend of architecture.

The city itself has a wealth of culture and history, from the recent and immaterial – such as its devotion to pizza or its football club – to the ancient and pertinent, including the Duomo cathedral and a large collection of Greco-Roman artefacts at the National Archaeological Museum. Be sure to talk a walk around the Spanish Quarter, Centro Storico and Spaccanapoli (the city’s main thoroughfare) to get a real sense of how life is lived in this hectic city.

Naples is the closest major city to the Amalfi Coast, and as such many trips here are combined with a visit to towns like Sorrento or Positano.

You’re spoilt for choice when including Naples in a cruise itinerary, and many cruises that stop here also include visits to parts of Greece and Croatia. A seven-day Mediterranean cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line takes advantage of these stops, taking guests from Rome to Venice via Valletta, Split and Corfu. Nevertheless, the focus is still on Italy, taking in the historic capital, the romantic canals of Venice and all of Naples’ characterful chaos (with an added stop in Messina, Sicily).

Prices from £1,573pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and onboard entertainment. Departing 14 August 2024.

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Princess cruise food: The ultimate guide to restaurants and dining on board

Booked on a Princess cruise ? Then it's time to start figuring out your dining strategy. With everything from casual seafood shacks and barbecue joints to refined steakhouses, sushi bars and even experiential, sensory dining, the food on Princess Cruises has something to pique everyone's palate, from those looking to indulge to guests who want to stick to a healthy diet at sea .

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Alfredo's/Gigi's Pizzeria by Alfredo/Alfredo's Pizzeria

Fixed price or a la carte

If one pizzeria isn't enough, Princess has another option. Alfredo's and Gigi's are sit-down pizzerias with decor inspired by the colors and vibe of Amalfi Coast. The venues serve authentic Neapolitan pizza made from scratch.

Available on: Coral, Diamond, Discovery, Enchanted, Grand, Island, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sapphire, Sky, Sun Princess

Related: Which line has the best cruise pizza? I tasted slices from 7 brands

Burger & Hot Dog Grill

Included, but a la carte pricing applies for a few menu items on select ships

This poolside American grill serves up hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries.

Available on: Coral, Diamond, Island, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sapphire

Chopsticks Noodle Bar

Chopsticks is a casual spot with a rotating menu of cooked-to-order Asian fare. Options include wonton noodle soup and wok-fried dishes like Sichuan dan-dan noodles.

Available on: Majestic Princess

Horizon Court/World Fresh Marketplace

All Princess cruise ships feature a buffet restaurant, called World Fresh Marketplace on some ships and Horizon Court on others. Either way, the buffet is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ever-changing options include regional specialties, comfort food, fresh fruit, salads, vegetables and desserts.

Available on: All ships

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Sushi and sashimi specialties, appetizers, nigiri and maki rolls including tempura shrimp, spicy tuna and hamachi scallion are available separately or in a set menu or combination at Kai Sushi.

Available on: Diamond Princess, Sun Princess

Main dining room

Princess Cruises' main dining rooms offer a waiter-served, sit-down dining experience. Multicourse menus of global cuisine are offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some options change daily, but a selection of "Princess Favorites" signature dishes is always available.

Ocean Terrace Sushi/Seafood Bar

Overlooking the Piazza, this sushi and sashimi bar was inspired by the view of the ocean. Starters, sushi, sashimi, raw, cooked and torched rolls are available a la carte.

Available on: Discovery, Enchanted, Regal, Royal, Sky Princess

O'Malley's Irish Pub

A contemporary Irish pub with traditional tunes and interactive entertainment, O'Malley's serves pub fare like pan-fried Guinness chicken, ribeye burgers, Scotch eggs and fried pickles.

Available on: Enchanted Princess, Sun Princess

This casual, rustic eatery serves ample portions of barbecued meats, including pulled pork, tri-top, smoked sausage, smoked chicken and pork ribs, along with sides, sauces, salads and more.

Available on: Caribbean Princess, Emerald Princess

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Reserve Collection dining

Included for guests in Reserve Collection cabins

Passengers booked in Reserve Collection cabins can access an exclusive area of the main dining room with a private entrance, expedited seating, no reservations required and a dedicated waitstaff. On Star Princess and Sun Princess, Reserve Collection Dining also includes access to a private restaurant.

Salty Dog Gastropub

The Salty Dog Gastropub features handhelds like burgers, chicken sandwiches and grilled cheese, as well as elevated takes on comfort food including lobster mac and cheese and stout-braised short ribs. It's located inside the Wheelhouse Bar on certain days.

Available on: Crown, Discovery, Emerald, Ruby Princess, Sapphire, Grand, Coral, Island Princess

Salty Dog Grille/Cafe

The famous Hilton Head, South Carolina eatery takes to the seas on Princess Cruises. This casual poolside restaurant is a great pitstop between dips. Order from their menu of craft burgers (including a veggie burger), sandwiches, chicken strips, street tacos, loaded fries and hot dogs.

Available on: Caribbean, Crown, Discovery, Emerald, Enchanted, Grand, Ruby, Sky Princess

Related: Which line has the best cruise burger? Here are TPG's top picks

This poolside pizzeria has plenty of pie options, including thin crust and deep dish, as well as stromboli and avocado and caprese toasts.

Steamers Seafood

At this casual eatery, you can satisfy your seafood craving with steamed shellfish pots with mussels, scallops, kielbasa and corn on the cob. The most popular pot arrives with broiled scallops, shrimp and crab-stuffed flounder; lobster and crab can be added to any dish.

Vines Wine Bar

Located in the Atrium, with an extensive list of wines and Champagnes, Vines Wine Bar serves light bites, including antipasti and tapas.

Available on: Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Grand, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sapphire, Sky Princess

Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse

Fixed price

Prime steaks and seafood are served in a laid-back, New Orleans-inspired setting, with live music on select nights. Highlights include Chilean sea bass with king prawns, New York strip and New Zealand rosemary double lamb chops.

Available on: Coral Princess, Island Princess

Related: The best cruise ship steakhouses and steak-serving restaurants

The Catch by Rudi

Seafood-focused collaboration with renowned Austrian chef Rudi Sodamin featuring playful takes on sustainable seafood like Asian-fried calamari, lobster with garlic butter crust and tiered shellfish towers. Order the Salzburger Nockerl for dessert; it's a can't-miss Austrian souffle baked over tangy fruit jam.

Available on: Discovery, Enchanted, Majestic, Sky, Sun Princess

Churrascaria Brazilian Grill

Servers carve grilled meats including picanha, sirloin, lamb, linguica and sausage tableside at this South American-inspired steakhouse. Round out your meal with options from the teeming salad bar.

Available on: Diamond Princess

A rustic seafood pop-up, Crab Shack will serve casual starters including popcorn shrimp and Manhattan clam chowder, as well as steamed and boiled pots of shellfish, potatoes, corn and herbs.

Available on: Forthcoming, ships to be announced

Crown Grill

Princess' signature steak and seafood house with a theater-style open kitchen is a perennial favorite with guests. On the menu are aged and hand-cut steaks and chops, seafood and a selection of salts curated from around the world to sprinkle on dishes.

Available on: Caribbean, Crown, Discovery, Emerald, Enchanted, Grand, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sky, Sun Princess

Related: 7 reasons you should treat yourself to a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Harmony is a contemporary Chinese restaurant with a five-course menu of dishes. Highlights include Peking duck salad, braised pork belly ribs with star anise and fried rice with scallops.

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria

At the cruise line's signature Italian restaurant, traditional flavors meld with regional influences. Handmade pastas like pappardelle alla Bolognese are joined by ossobuco Milanese, heirloom cheeses and air-cured salume.

Available on: Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Discovery, Emerald, Enchanted, Grand, Island, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sapphire, Sky, Sun Princess

Sterling Steakhouse

This premium chophouse features high-quality cuts of meat from corn-fed beef, including Kansas City strip, filet mignon, Madeira-glazed veal and surf and turf, served with shareable sides like loaded baked potatoes and sauteed wild mushrooms. (Sterling Steakhouse is similar to the Crown Grill, but the two steakhouses have different menus.)

Available on: Sapphire Princess

Love by Britto

Princess Cruises has collaborated with Romero Britto, the Brazilian artist known for his bold and joyful style, to create a seven-course, prix fixe artistic-inspired dining experience on its newest ship. Standout dishes include oysters with Champagne pearls, Wagyu Chateaubriand Rossini and hot chocolate souffle with hot Bing cherries.

Available on: Sun Princess

Umai Teppanyaki

Your meal at Umai Teppanyaki is a three-act show of Japanese cuisine prepared on an iron teppan grill. Starters include pork belly yakitori and spicy tuna on the rocks, followed by dishes like black cod in soy reduction and filet mignon with Champagne Cognac flambe and a chocolate bento box.

Related: 12 dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

The Butcher's Block by Dario

The Butcher's Block is another collaboration, this time a partnership with renowned eighth-generation butcher Dario Cecchini, who owns a butcher shop and restaurants in the Tuscan village of Panzano, Italy. Enjoy a meal of his signature cuts of meat at one large shared table with friends old and new.

360: An Extraordinary Experience

This seven-course, wine-paired dinner is enhanced by immersive technology, including a 360-degree projection screen displaying scenes of the Mediterranean and additional images projected onto the tabletop. You'll find yourself as captivated by the food as the music and storytelling that will virtually transport you to Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona and Provence. The dining experience is invite-only, so if you're not some kind of VIP (suite guest, top-tier loyalty program member, casino high roller and the like), don't expect you will be able to dine here.

Available on: Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess

Chef's Table/Chef's Table Lumiere

Fixed price (with or without wine)

The Chef's Table is a unique culinary experience that kicks off with Champagne and hors d'oeuvres and a stroll through the kitchen to meet the executive chef, followed by a multicourse dinner paired with wines. For Chef's Table Lumiere, the table is surrounded by a curtain of lights after guests are seated.

Available on: Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Emerald, Grand, Island, Ruby, Sapphire Princess (Chef's Table); Discovery, Enchanted, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sky Princess (Chef's Table Lumiere)

Balcony Breakfast/Dinner

Start or end the day with an intimate, romantic meal for two served on your cabin balcony. Dinner is a four-course affair including hors d'oeuvres, lobster and steak and your choice of beverages.

Caymus Winemaker's Dinner

During this intimate dining event, a five-course dinner is paired with wines from Chuck Wagner's Napa Valley winery, Caymus Vineyards. This recently launched experience for just 12 guests is offered two to three times per sailing.

Silverado Winemaker's Dinner

A collaboration with winemaker Jon Emmerich of Silverado Vineyards, this dinner pairs five courses (not including a palate cleanser) with the Napa Valley winery's sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon.

Available on: Discovery, Enchanted, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sky Princess

Princess cruise dining FAQ

Is food on Princess Cruises included?

Sit-down meals in the main dining room, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, are always included on a Princess cruise, and the menu varies somewhat daily. Also included is a buffet, either called World Fresh Marketplace or Horizon Court, depending on the ship, as well as fast casual and grab-and-go spots on board that serve pizza, tacos, burgers, pastries and ice cream.

Specialty restaurants including Crown Grill, Princess's steak and seafood house, and Sabatini's, the signature Italian restaurant, require a surcharge that's priced at a flat rate per adult or child; some menu items also require an additional surcharge no matter the age of the guest.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries

Are drinks included on Princess cruise ships?

Select beverages are always included: iced tea, hot tea, brewed coffee, hot chocolate, milk, fruit juice, lemonade and tap water. Everything else, including soft drinks, wine, beer, cocktails, spirits and specialty coffees, must either be purchased a la carte or through one of the cruise line's beverage packages .

Do I need reservations?

Reservations are encouraged for the main dining room and the specialty restaurants, and it's best to make them as early as possible ; walk-in parties will be accommodated on a space-available basis. Guests can make reservations via the Princess MedallionClass app or at guest services once you're on board. If you wish to eat at the same time every night, you can do so by reserving your tables in advance.

Platinum and Elite Captain's Circle members have early access to reservations. Passengers booked in a Full Suite or Reserve Collection Mini-Suite don't need to make dining reservations as they will always be accommodated; they also have access to a dedicated space in the main dining room with expedited seating and an expanded menu.

Does Princess Cruises have an evening dress code?

"Smart casual" attire will be appropriate for the main dining room, buffet and fast-casual restaurants. You might want to pack something dressier for the specialty restaurants or one of the more upscale dining experiences like Chef's Table, 360 or a winemaker dinner.

On sailings that are five nights or longer, there will be one or more formal nights, which do require adhering to a dress code in the dining venues . Cocktail dresses, evening gowns or dressy pantsuits are appropriate for women, while dark suits, tuxedos or dinner jackets and slacks are required for men , along with dressy footwear. If you don't want to dress up or forgot appropriate attire, you're welcome to dine at the buffet or any of the other casual dining options on board during formal night.

Is there assigned seating in the main dining room?

There is no assigned seating at any dining venues on board Princess ships. However, if you are a solo diner or part of a couple or small group, your host might ask if you would like to sit with another party of a similar size in the main dining room; the choice is up to you.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

You can use the Cruise Personalizer to indicate your dietary preferences, including requests for low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar and vegetarian diets. Kosher meals and baby food are available with advanced written requests. If you have allergies or medical needs related to food, you must inform Princess in writing — check the line's website for more details. Princess Cruises also recently introduced a series of vegan menus for dinner in the main dining room, including starters, soups, salads, pastas and main dishes.

Where can I get snacks on board?

You'll find lots of spots to grab a quick bite, dessert or coffee, including Coffee & Cones, Patisserie, Swirls Ice Cream Bar, The Pastry Shop, International Cafe and Gelateria — options vary depending on the ship. Food at these venues is included, but there is a charge for specialty coffees and teas unless you have a beverage package.

Is room service included on Princess Cruises?

Guests can use the designated button on their cabin's phone to order room service 24 hours a day; each order incurs a $5 delivery fee, which is waived for those with Princess Plus or Princess Premier status.

You can also use the OceanNow feature in the Princess Medallion Class app to order food to be delivered to your cabin or anywhere else on the ship, like the pool deck. This feature is included with Princess Plus and Princess Premium; otherwise, there is a one-time access fee of $14.99 per person per voyage and a $5 delivery fee per order. Food and beverage surcharges may apply for some items ordered via room service.

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The Best Places to Learn How to Sail, From the Greek Islands to the Florida Keys

By Hannah Towey

Sailing is one of the best ways to explore some of the most beautiful, untouched coastal destinations around the globe. But from the outside, learning how to sail might seem like an intimidating—and expensive—pursuit.

However, learning to sail isn’t as difficult as it might seem. And contrary to what some may believe, “sailing is for everyone,” Zeke Quezada, the Director of Communications at American Sailing (ASA) tells Condé Nast Traveler.

“It is important to understand that anyone can sail, and it is really easy to learn,” Quezada says. “Sailing is not just for the affluent; head into a community sailing club at your local marina, and you'll have options to get out on the water for little to no cost.”

While mastering the art of sailing takes consistent practice, hopeful captains looking for a crash-course to jumpstart their journey may consider a sailing vacation . These educational charters allow you to fully immerse yourself in the nautical lifestyle —and you can earn official certifications along the way. On these types of trips, “you have a qualified skipper on board who is offering instruction, as well as advice on how to become a safe and confident sailor,” Quezada explains. “The best part is that you can have your family onboard, and everyone is having a vacation while you check off the bucket list item of learning to sail.”

When planning your first sailing trip , look for trips and schools that offer credentialed schools and instructors; organizations such as ASA, US Sailing, and the Royal Yacht Association are internationally recognized. By following these certification tracks, you can become licensed to sail a charter without a captain on board, also known as a “bareboat charter.” Though not required in some places, a bareboat certification makes it much easier (and safer) to rent your own boat .

No matter which route you take, sailing is a lifelong skill that will open doors to a community of people passionate about getting out on the water and protecting the oceans. “Most importantly, you will learn how to sit back, turn off the phone, and feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face,” says Quezada. “You might start listening to Jimmy Buffet as well.”

Below, we’ve rounded up the best places around the world for learning how to sail—including destinations in North America , Europe , Asia , and Australia —plus, the sailing courses and trips to book in 2024.

The Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands are some of the best training grounds for novice sailors “because of their line-of-sight sailing, predictable wind, and sailor-friendly destinations,” Quezada says. “In the BVI, you can learn to sail and have a beach vacation simultaneously.”

If you’re looking to get your bareboat license, there are several ASA-certified sailing schools in the BVI and US Virgin Islands. Offshore Sailing School , one of the world's preeminent sailing institutions, offers fast track courses for all levels of sailing. Alternatively, charter a captained catamaran, one of the most popular ways to explore the Caribbean.

Florida Keys

Warm temperatures, calm turquoise waters, and consistent easterly winds make the Florida Keys one of the best places to learn to sail in the US. Stay at the Key Lime Sailing Club and cottages resort on Buttonwood Sound in Key Largo and take lessons at the American Sailing Academy , located onsite.

Alternatively, outdoor education organization Outward Bound, which offers program scholarships, is hosting a Florida Keys sailing excursion for adults in March/April 2025. Participants will live on a 30-foot open sailboat for slightly over a week learning beginner, intermediate, and advanced skills in chart and compass navigation, small boat seamanship, weather observation, and anchoring.

Greek Islands

With its calm, clear waters and warm Mediterranean climate, the Ionian sea offers ideal conditions for beginner sailors. Quezada recommends sailing down the western coast of Greece and the island of Corfu, where Fairwinds Sailing School offers “learn to sail” vacations from April to October. For a route closer to Athens, join a flotilla and hop between the Argo-Saronic Islands in the Aegean Sea, but be aware that the Meltemi winds, which are especially strong during July and August, can make for trickier sailing conditions in this region.

Sea of Cortez, Mexico

Sail through crystal clear waters between a whopping 971 uninhabited islands in the Sea of Cortez, located between the Baja peninsula and mainland Mexico. Nautilus Sailing offers liveaboard courses on catamaran and monohull ships for sailors looking to earn their ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114 certifications from January–June and October–December. The curriculum covers sailboat terminology, engine operation, docking procedures, sail trimming, navigation rules, anchoring, weather, and maritime safety, among other skills. Plus, expect to encounter some stunning marine life, including sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, and humpback whales.

Jessica Puckett

Sarah James

Harrison Pierce

New England

There’s no better way to experience a quintessential New England summer than by sailboat. The sailing season in the Northeast runs from April to October, with ASA and US Sailing accredited schools located in major metropolitans like New York City and Boston as well as coastal enclaves like Newport and Cape Cod .

For adults seeking a basic introduction to the sport, US Sailing offers “first sail” lessons in dozens of locations up and down the Eastern seaboard. Pull on a striped sweater, pack a bottle of rosé, and you’re good to go!

Croatia’s Adriatic Coast is home to a vibrant sailing community with picture-perfect weather conditions. Beginner sailors will appreciate the gentle winds of Dubrovnik, the Split Islands, and Kornati National Park , whose sheltered coves and bays supply calm and predictable winds. Enjoy incredible natural wonders only accessible by boat, like the famous Blue Cave.

Student sailors can earn beginner, intermediate, and advanced ASA certifications aboard 8-day learn to sail vacations in July, August, and September 2024. Hosted by American Sailing partner Sailing Virgins, the catamaran and monohull ships—each a minimum of 40 feet with 3-5 cabins—visit the Croatian islands of Brac, Korčula, Šćedro, Komiža, Vis, and Hvar.

Gulf of Thailand

The Gulf of Thailand offers lovely year-round sailing conditions, making it an accessible and exciting destination for both beginner and advanced sailors. Most sailing schools and marinas in Thailand are based in Pattaya. Island Spirit Sailing Schoo l offers an eleven-day “zero to hero” course that combines crew and skipper training, including land-based and overnight sea lessons.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Located in Northeast Australia, the Whitsunday Islands are a year-round sailing mecca and idyllic gateway to the Great Barrier Reef . Brisk southeast trade winds blow throughout the winter season, attracting sailors from across the country to annual sailing races hosted on Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach. For beginner sailors, Mainstay Sailing offers introductory courses certified by the internationally-recognized Royal Yacht Association out of the Coral Sea Marina.

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THE 10 BEST Hotels in Klin 2024

Klin Hotels

Property types, distance from, traveler rating, hotel class, popular hotels in klin right now.

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2. Clever Hotel

3. Kayut Kompaniya Hotel

4. VIP Hotel

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10. Inn ViP

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