Cruise Destinations Cruise Holidays 2026 2027
Expect calmer seas, active wildlife and opportunities for Zodiac exploration. A world voyage is the classic cruising experience, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore new destinations and circle the globe. The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September, with the busiest period from June to August. Most Alaska cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver (Canada) and follow the Inside Passage route through southeastern Alaska. Cruising the New England coast in September and October is one of the most visually stunning voyage experiences available anywhere. New England cruises typically depart from New York or Boston and combine US and Canadian https://rufs.ca/ ports for a comprehensive fall foliage experience.
Asia & Far East
Discover grand piazzas, charming ports and glamorous resorts on a journey where every day reveals something new. Expect lush scenery in Costa Rica and Belize, and calmer seas through the Panama Canal. The rainy season runs from May to November, with September and October seeing the most rainfall. Embark on a Baltic cruise and uncover a world of elegance, history and northern beauty.
Spring and autumn offer clear skies and calm seas, ideal for exploring ports such as Dubai, Muscat, and Aqaba. Summer sailings exist but bring extreme heat, best suited to shorter itineraries or repositioning voyages. Other cruise lines include Hawaii as part of longer Pacific or repositioning itineraries. Vancouver is the primary embarkation port for Alaska cruises operated by most major lines. Expedition operators including Ponant and Hurtigruten also offer voyages along Canada’s Arctic coast and through the Northwest Passage. West coast cruises to Alaska and British Columbia run from May to September, with June to August offering the warmest weather and longest daylight hours.
What are the best cruise destinations?
Small expedition vessels such as Silversea’s Silver Origin and Celebrity Flora offer eco-friendly luxury. Travel with Seabourn, Silversea, Ponant or Oceania, combining exploration with refined comfort. Walk the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, visit its medieval castle and explore atmospheric closes. Tasmania’s rugged coastline offers pristine nature and a flourishing food scene. The best time to cruise Australia and New Zealand is December to February, during the southern hemisphere’s summer.
Northern Europe
Enjoy effortless travel, refined service and curated excursions showcasing the best of the British Isles. Most voyages last 10–14 nights, often beginning in Sydney or Auckland. Embark on an unforgettable journey Down Under with an Australia and New Zealand cruise.
South America & Antarctica Cruises
On the Pacific side, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada are the main ports. Yes, whale watching is one of the highlights of cruising Canada’s east coast. The Bay of Fundy is also an important feeding ground for right whales and humpbacks. West coast Alaska cruises from Vancouver operate from May to September.
June and early July offer the most daylight, while May and September promise quieter ports and pleasant temperatures. A Middle East cruise blends centuries of culture with futuristic cities rising from the desert. From the golden domes of Muscat to Dubai’s gleaming skyline, this region offers contrasts unlike anywhere else on Earth. The Mediterranean enjoys a long cruising season, with April to October offering the best blend of sunshine and calm seas. Even in winter, southern ports such as Athens and Valletta enjoy pleasantly mild temperatures. A Hawaii cruise offers an unforgettable escape to the Pacific’s most iconic islands.
Follow in the footsteps of the world’s great explorers on an Antarctica cruise and experience the planet’s last untouched frontier. Sail through shimmering icebergs, witness vast glaciers, and encounter extraordinary wildlife, including whales, seals, and penguins. Hawaii cruises offer the opportunity to visit all of Hawaii in one leisurely and relaxing vacation. Visit many islands, explore many cultures and relax on the warm beaches surrounded by turquoise waters.
New England is spectacular in autumn, while Florida offers sunshine year-round. California’s Pacific coast enjoys warm summers and mild winters, ideal for combining cities with outdoor adventures. Alaska cruises are dominated by Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian.