Some of the world’s best and most exotic cruising destinations have been selected by the people who should know – the world’s cruise lines.
Both river and ocean ships are venturing to more remote destinations, says Cruise Lines International Association, the cruise company’s representative body.
There are now nearly 1,000 ports and destinations the lines are exploring, with the number growing every year. Check out the list below and join the conversation by telling us your favourites.
Ocean
The South Pole
Guests who want to explore one of the most remote destinations in the world. Ponant, one of the best luxury lines in the world, offers guests bespoke yacht cruises which includes excursions to see penguin colonies.
Cruise the Panama Canal
A number of cruise lines cruise the exotic Panama Canal including Crystal Cruises, Princess, Oceania, Azamara Club Cruises and more. Guests will visit destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Cartagena, Puerto Vallarta and the stunning Gatun Lake.
African river and ocean cruises
Africa is one of the most exotic destinations to visit. Cape Town is South Africa’s major cruise hub with lines like Cunard and Holland America visiting the region. Guests can take a cruise down the Chobe River and see wild animals like lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos.
Beautiful Bora Bora
If you’re looking for beautiful clear waters and white sandy beaches, Bora Bora is one of the hottest destinations to cruise to. Lines like Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises sail to region as part of either world cruises or Pacific cruises. Or if you’re looking for something more localised, Paul Gauguin will sail to their exclusive in inlet Motu Mahana.
Mysterious Japan
Princess Cruises has the strongest presence in Japan with the line offering a vast array of shore excursions for guests to explore the beautiful country. See the tropical south islands like Okinawa which is famous for its beaches or visit the vibrant capital, Tokyo and feast on some of the freshest seafood.
River
Bustling Bucharest
Uniworld offers cruises from the North Sea to the Black Sea. On the journey, you’ll see Romania’s capital city and see the largest parliament building in the world. Guests will also get to experience some quaint cities along the way.
The Nile
While some cruise lines pulled out their fleet from Egypt after political unrest, there has been a resurgence of tourist interest in the area. Avalon Waterways does a round trip from Cairo where guests will get the chance to visit the Luxor Temple, the Temple of Isis and the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Experience the holiday cheer
The Christmas Market cruises are some of the most popular. A number of river cruise lines organise special tours of Germany’s most famous Christmas market in Nuremburg. There are also markets in Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Rudesheim.
