As the cruise industry moves beyond the impact of the pandemic, travel has not only recovered but is now booming, with passenger numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels across the world’s top cruise destinations.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) tracks data to identify trends in the global cruise industry. Their reports help understand the factors driving the popularity of these destinations, from their unique cultural appeal to on-board and land experiences tailored to each region.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding these destinations can help you plan a trip that best suits your travel desires.

5. Alaska

Once a niche region for adventure-focused travelers, Alaska is today a major cruise destination for most major cruise lines.

With its dramatic fjords, glaciers and unique wildlife, Alaska offers an experience unlike any other cruise destination.

The season here is shorter, usually from May to September, which increases demand and makes Alaska a very competitive market for cruise lines.

Alaska cruises available in two main types: Inside Passage round-trip and one-way to the bay. Both offer glacier and wildlife viewing, varying by season.

Seven-night Inside Passage cruises, departing from Seattle or Vancouver, visit Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, often including Glacier Bay National Park. For more adventure, the Gulf voyages combine Inside Passage highlights with ventures closer to the Arctic Circle, starting or ending in Whittier or Seward near Anchorage.

Longer itineraries, especially on smaller ships or expedition ships, can explore remote locations such as Kodiak Island and the Aleutian Islands.

4. Asia

Cruising Asia combines the excitement of discovering ancient temples, vibrant street food and neon-lit cityscapes with the convenience and comfort of luxury travel.

However, the Asia cruise region (with China, Japan and Southeast Asia) was the only major region yet to recover to 2019 levels. Even so, there is a good selection of cruise lines from American giants to lines that focus on exploring the region’s rivers.

Asian cruises offers different itineraries that make it easy to explore multiple countries in one trip. Shorter cruises can focus on regions such as Southeast Asia, with popular routes from Singapore, or a China-Japan round trip.

Longer itineraries often include unique one-way or layover routes, such as a 12-night trip from Singapore to Tokyo, with stops in destinations such as Vietnam, Hong Kong and Japan.

For travelers, organized tours are particularly popular in Asia, allowing for in-depth exploration of cultural sites, farms and temples in places where language barriers can present challenges.

3. Northern Europe

When thinking about cruising in Europe, the Mediterranean may come to mind first.

But Northern Europe – which includes the British Isles, Iceland, Norway, Scandinavian and Baltic cities, as well as parts of France, Germany and the Benelux – has become increasingly popular.

One factor driving demand is the flexibility of itineraries all year roundwith Christmas market cruises and Northern Lights themed trips gaining traction every year.

Shorter cruises from the UK to France and the Netherlands, as well as fast routes around the Scottish Isles from the north of England and history-focused itineraries, offer extra variety.

The popularity of Norwegian fjord cruises is a dominant factor in this region. Towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and quiet coastal villages make for a dramatic cruise experience, rivaled only by Alaska.

The Norwegian fjords are especially stunning in June and July, when long daylight hours allow for scenic late-night cruises.

2. The Mediterranean Sea

Cruising the Mediterranean gives passengers the chance to experience multiple cultures, cuisines and landscapes within a single voyage, which is a big part of its growing popularity. Still not all Mediterranean cruises are the same. Far from it, actually.

The region offers one of the most diverse cruising experiences, ranging from sun-drenched Greek islands to historic cities and monuments.

Popular itineraries include the Western Mediterranean, with stops in Spain, France and Italy, and the Eastern Mediterranean, with Greece, Turkey and Croatia being favorite destinations.

Some of the world’s largest cruise ships sail through the Mediterranean, taking passengers to popular ports such as Barcelona and Marseille while offering a full range of onboard amenities.

In the meantime, smaller cruise ships can access lesser-visited destinations such as Kotor in Montenegro or Italy’s Amalfi Coast, providing a more intimate and off-the-beaten-track experience for those seeking a unique perspective on the region.

1. The Caribbean

With more than twice as many passengers as other cruise regions worldwide, the Caribbean (including Bermuda and the Bahamas) tops the list of cruise destinations. According to CLIA, the Caribbean region received almost one million new cruise visitors in 2023 compared to 2019.

Cruise itineraries typically fall into Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean itineraries, each highlighting different attractions.

Eastern Caribbean cruises often include stops in the Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Maarten, where passengers can enjoy duty-free shopping, snorkel over coral reefs and explore historical sites.

Western Caribbean itineraries may include destinations such as Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.

For those looking off the beaten path, cruises in the southern Caribbean venture to islands like Aruba, Barbados and Curaçao. Many cruise lines also include stops on their private islands, providing exclusive beach experiences with amenities provided for guests – a unique feature of Caribbean cruises.

The Caribbean’s proximity to major cruise ports in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico make it an accessible and convenient option for travelers from North America and beyond.

With a wide range of cruise lines operating in the region – from family-friendly to luxury brands – there’s a Caribbean cruise to suit every traveler’s taste and budget.

Other popular cruise destinations

Not inspired yet? Other popular cruise destinations include Australia and New Zealand, the West Coast of North America and South America, and the Panama Canal.

If it is tempting to explore historic cities along rivers such as the Mississippi in the United States or the Danube and the Rhine in Europe, river cruising offers a unique experience with intimate access to the city not possible on ocean cruises.

However, travelers accustomed to ocean cruises may find river cruises simpler and more structured, with smaller ships, set restaurants, and group excursions similar to organized tours. It’s a distinct, immersive way to see the world, and offers a change from the typical ocean cruise destinations.

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