Each day will bring a new horizon, and what’s better than experiencing it by setting sail on a cruise? Whether you’re looking to sit in the warm, tropical sun or explore distant icy waters that hold some of the most ancient animals on earth, there’s bound to be a cruise that tickles your fancy. Go on adventurous expeditions or relax on a luxurious voyage with these 15 cruises you’ll have to experience at least once in your life!
Fall Foliage Cruise
Cruises through landscapes of fall foliage give you a front-row seat to some of the world’s most colorful displays. Some popular destinations include eastern Canada and New England, a spectacle of leaves turning orange, red, and gold. You may stop in ports like Boston, Quebec City, and even Bar Harbor, with certain cruises including excursions to the local towns, lighthouses, and national parks.
Wildlife Cruise
Those who love nature will find wildlife cruises perfect, as they can see various animals in their natural habitats. Whether you’re spotting penguins in Antarctica, humpback whales in Alaska, or birds in the Galápagos Islands, these voyages will give you a new appreciation of our oceans and the creatures that live in them. In many cases, there will be an experienced naturalist onboard, offering their insight into the animals you’ll see on your journey.
Holiday Cruise
If you want to spend Christmas or any holiday far away from any homely stresses, then a holiday cruise sounds right for you. These ships will often have decorations of the holiday they’re celebrating, featuring many activities like special entertainment, exchanging gifts, and even themed dinner parties. Couples can enjoy the start of a new year together, or families may welcome a visit from Santa while sailing through the Caribbean!
Expedition Cruise
Expedition cruises are rugged exploration-based voyages that take passengers to remote locations filled with educational experiences. Destinations like the Amazon or Antarctica, as well as various islands, are the most common. These cruises mainly consist of smaller vessels that are necessary as you’ll be navigating through hard-to-reach areas that will often require hiking, kayaking, or even swimming. An expedition cruise is more about getting to the destination than the cruise itself.
Weekend Cruise
Looking to get away for a weekend? Well, weekend cruises offer all the fun included in a normal cruise but without spending weeks on the water. Weekend cruises often last 2 to 4 days, where you’ll sail to areas like Mexico or the Bahamas, or even more local areas like Los Angeles or Miami, depending on your port of origin. First-time cruisers or those looking for a bit of an escape should consider taking a weekend cruise.
Tropical Cruise
Tropical cruises take you to sun-soaked destinations like Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, or the South Pacific. You can expect to see swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters that offer scuba diving and snorkeling. Onboard, you’ll be served tropical cuisine and drinks, swim in the ocean, and hop from island to island as you look for a spot to rest or tan.
World Cruise
World cruises are the ultimate travel experience that can often last for 3 to 6 months, depending on the number of countries you’d be visiting. Each journey immerses you in the culture of the country you visit, which will range from remote islands to bustling cities. These cruises offer many amenities like gourmet dining, enrichment programs, and spa services. If you’re a digital nomad, a traveler, or a retiree, you should look into booking yourself a world cruise.
Repositioning Cruise
Repositioning cruises are one-way voyages that are often more affordable and longer than your average round-trip cruises. Many repositioning cruises take place when the seasons shift and travelers want to take a journey to a warmer climate but don’t feel like sitting in a cramped airplane. If you like a slower-paced journey and exploring new waters, then get on board a repositioning cruise.
Adults-Only Cruise
Adults-only cruises were designed to give you a kid-free space where adults can just be adults. Many of these cruises focus on key aspects like romance, relaxation, and sophistication. There is usually a vibrant nightlife, combined with elegant fine dining and adult entertainment for you and your travel buddy or buddies. It doesn’t matter if you’re cruising solo or as a couple. Adults-only cruises will give you the perfect grown-up escape from your issues.
Fjords Cruise
Fjord cruises often take place in areas like New Zealand’s Milford Sound or Norway’s dramatic coastline that features peaceful, yet freezing waters with their fairytale-like landscapes. You’ll often stop at spots of great beauty, like natural landmarks or picturesque towns tucked away from most of the world. You’ll spend most of your days enjoying the scenic cruise from the deck or private balcony.
Single Cruise
Single cruises cater to solo travelers looking to make a romantic connection, a new friend, or just have some fun. Most of the cabins onboard are single-occupancy, with many social mixers being held throughout the cruise that help passengers get to know each other. However, if you’re not interested in meeting people, you can always enjoy the natural beauty of locations across the Mediterranean coast as well as many Caribbean islands.
Glacier Cruise
Glacier cruises bring you up close to icy views of massive ice formations and icebergs. Sailing past these behemoths, seeing how pieces crash into the sea, makes you think of their sheer scale. Many glacier cruises are equipped with a magnificent observation deck, expert guides who tell you more about glaciers, and even heated outdoor pools!
Anniversary Cruise
If you’re looking to celebrate your relationship milestone, it might be a good idea to take a memorable anniversary cruise. These cruises will offer couples packages like spa treatments, private excursions, and candlelit dinners served with fresh cuisine. You can blend adventure, luxury, and love to create the perfect, unique anniversary getaway for you and your loved one.
Panama Canal Cruise
The Panama Canal cruise lets you take in the marvel of modern engineering and the beauty of the canal itself. It takes you more than 50 miles between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which often stops near South or Central America, depending on the cruise. Throughout your journey, you’ll be able to learn everything there is to know about the Panama Canal while being able to see it in person!
VIP Cruise
VIP cruises are the most luxurious public voyages available, offering guests exclusivity, top-tier service, and privacy. You’ll have the option of having a personal butler, priority boarding, private dining, and access to many restricted areas on the ship. Some cruises have even had celebrity chefs cook the meals of guests, as you travel to the most breathtaking areas on Earth.
