Cruising is one of the best ways to explore and discover some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. And as the demand for cruising increases, the cruise industry continues to expand its reach, specialising in different themes and activities.
But with so many options available, choosing the destination can be daunting. To help you with this, we’ve rounded up some of the best destinations for cruising, from island hopping adventures in Greece to wildlife cruises in the Galapagos Islands.
1. Croatia
Famous for its magical turquoise waters and gorgeous islands with historic towns and villages, Croatia is one of the world’s best destinations for a cruising adventure. Most Croatian islands are not far from each other, and the winds are calmer, allowing for a more comfortable sailing adventure. With each island you visit, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to explore, from majestic lakes to lush forests, gorgeous beaches, and ancient ruins.
Most cruises in Croatia are on the Dalmatian coast along the eastern portion of the Adriatic Sea. The area is home to quaint harbours and some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands like Zlarin Island where I lived for one month. You can start your cruising adventure in Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”
Split is another popular destination for cruising in Croatia. It’s a vibrant coastal town famous for its beaches and the ruins of the Palace of Diocletian.
From Split, most cruises would sail to the sophisticated island of Hvar. It’s a popular spot for yachting and parties and has many beautiful ancient buildings. The other popular destinations for cruising in Croatia are the areas of Zadar, Sibenik, Korcula, Vis, and Brac.
2. Greece
There are many excellent cruising options around Greece, the perfect way to see many of the country’s beautiful islands and will open you to a world of ancient wonders.
The country offers some of the world’s longest coastline and is home to thousands of beautiful islands scattered between its mainland. The calmer waters along the Ionian and Saronic Seas are perfect for novice sailors, while the North and South Aegean seas present more challenging conditions.
Begin your cruise in Athens and spend a few days discovering its world-famous archaeological sites and ruins. Travel west to discover the ancient seaside villages of Peloponnese or head southeast into Cape Sounion, where you’ll find the Temple of Poseidon. Stop by Monemvasia, a medieval town carved into a rocky hillside.
You can also cruise through the Saronic islands, a cluster of islands close to Athens. Known for their lovely beaches and ancient ruins, they are popular day trips and weekend destinations from the capital city. You can visit the islands of Aegina, Hydra, Agistri, and Poros directly from the Port of Piraeus in Athens. Take your time exploring the islands, each having a unique character.
Check out these excellent swimming beaches on Santorini.
3. The Galapagos Islands
If you are fond of discovering incredible wildlife, you should cruise the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Ecuador. There are various islands to explore in the Galapagos, each offering something different, home to unique and exciting wildlife, with many of the creatures that make their home here found nowhere else in the world.
For a more luxurious way to explore the Galapagos, you can book tailor-made cruises for several days or weeks, depending on how long you want to cruise. The excursion will take you to the famous islands of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela. If you prefer to go to more remote locations, you can cruise to Genovesa in the north and Floreana or Española in the south.
What’s great about cruising the Galapagos is you can enjoy many fun activities during your excursions. You can go diving, snorkelling, swimming, and surfing, on top of the wildlife explorations you’ll do on every island you visit. There is plenty to see and discover when cruising the Galapagos, including numerous hidden beaches home to fascinating wildlife species, from marine iguanas to giant tortoises and Galapagos penguins.
4. Indonesia
Cruising around Indonesia is one of the best ways to explore more of this beautiful country while also catching a glimpse of its local wildlife. The Southeast Asian nation consists of five main islands and smaller archipelagos, making it an ideal destination for cruising. It offers an incredibly unique sailing experience with its beautiful islands, lush forests, pristine beaches, and rare wildlife.
There are many options for cruising Indonesia, but one of the most popular excursions starts on the famous tourist island of Bali and takes you to Komodo Island, home to the Komodo dragons, the largest species of lizard. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Komodo National Park is a truly incredible place to explore. Aside from being home to the Komodo dragons, it has spectacular terrains and picture-perfect hills and beaches.
Another popular destination for cruising in Indonesia is the Tanjung Puting National Park. Most journeys require travelling on a traditional boat, known as klotok, a converted wooden vessel that you can have to yourself along with a small team of crew, offering a more intimate cruising experience. The boat has an upper deck, offering the perfect vantage point for seeing wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
5. Norway
Norway is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for cruising, and it’s easy to see why. It boasts thousands of miles of dramatic fjords and has the second-longest coastlines in the world. There are numerous things to discover in this beautiful Nordic country, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than on a cruising adventure.
The Norwegian fjords are some of the most popular spots to discover on a cruise to Norway. During your cruise, you can expect to see majestic waterfalls tumbling down verdant cliffs and other incredible landscapes you won’t find anywhere else in the world. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy hiking and kayaking trips during your cruise.
If you are up for something more adrenaline-pumping, you can cruise into Norway’s arctic regions and discover polar bears and the midnight sun. There’s also a cruise designed for those who want to see the Northern Lights!
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲