Top Cruise Itineraries, According to Our Experts

Departs from: Tokyo, Japan
Ports of call: Mt. Fuji – Nagoya – Osaka – Kyoto – Himeji – Naha – Ishigaki – Jeju - Seoul 

Tokyo, Kyoto and Seoul probably aren’t the first places that pop into your mind when you think about cruising — but they should be! A lot of cruise lines offer a wide selection of itineraries that invite you to go on a culturally immersive journey through Asia.

Take this Japan & South Korea itinerary from Norwegian Cruise Line, for example. Over 12 days, you’ll get to take in some incredible sights, sample delicious cuisine, wander through tranquil gardens, hike on a dormant volcano, discover ancient villages and more. 

Here’s why one of our travel consultants thinks you should book it:

Departs from: Sydney, Australia
Ports of call: Airlie Beach – Cairns (Yorkeys Knob) – Willis Island

It’s easy to see why Australia has become one of the world’s best cruise destinations. Surrounded by the Southern Ocean, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean — as well as the Timor, Tasman and Coral Seas — there’s a lot of cruising potential. In fact, you can book circumnavigation cruises that take you around the entire country in approximately 30 days. 

While this Queensland itinerary from Royal Caribbean International won’t take you to every place in Australia, it does cover off a significant portion of the east coast. You’ll sail from Sydney to the picturesque Airlie Beach before making your way to Cairns and Willis Island. Along the way, you can get up close and personal with the local wildlife at both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest (two UNESCO World Heritage Sites). 

Here’s why one of our travel experts has suggested it:

Departs from: Vilshofen, Germany
Ports of call: Passau – Linz – Ybbs – Vienna – Bratislava – Budapest 

If visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites is at the top of your to-do list, a European river cruise is the way to go. This Danube Dreams itinerary from Avalon Waterways, for instance, travels through some of Europe’s top cruise destinations — and gives you the opportunity to visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, among other historical and cultural gems.

Of course, there are also plenty of amazing sights to see from the ship. One of the best things about going on a European river cruise is that you get to sail through quaint towns and villages — ones that larger ocean cruises simply don’t have access to. The Avalon Envision even has “Beds with a View” to help you soak in every moment.  

Here’s why one of our cruise specialists recommends it:

Departs from: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Ports of call: Eidfjord – Alesund – Geiranger – Bergen 

While most cruise vacations are popular for their port destinations, your days spent aboard the 984-foot Rotterdam will be among the most memorable — and not just because of the ship’s incredible amenities. This Norse Legends itinerary from Holland America Line includes two scenic cruises of the country’s famous glacial inlets. 

On day three, you’ll sail Hardangerfjord, the fourth-largest fjord in the world. And on day five, you’ll find yourself among the sheer rock walls of Geirangerfjord. Both journeys offer views of majestic mountains, waterfalls and villages and you can take it all in from the ship’s deck. Inhaling the crisp Norwegian air as the boat makes its way inland is an experience that’s both awe-inspiring and relaxing.

Here’s why one of our travel experts has picked it:

Departs from: Miami, Florida
Ports of call: Puerto Plata – St. Thomas – Tortola – Great Stirrup Cay 

Tropical islands, sandy beaches, fruity cocktails — that’s the stuff sunny cruise vacations are made of. And this Caribbean itinerary from Norwegian Cruise Line is no exception. It departs from Fort Lauderdale, one of the busiest Florida ports, and then sails from one island nation to the next. 

Whether you’re exploring the islands’ glorious beaches, lounging on your stateroom balcony or going on shore excursions, there’s a lot of fun and relaxation to be had. Dine at the on-board Italian restaurant, watch a live musical performance, go on a zipline adventure at Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island destination) and more. 

Here’s why one of our travel consultants loves it: