5 Must-See Cruise Destinations

When it comes to relaxing, luxurious and lavish vacations, there’s nothing quite like a cruise. A cruise offers a chance to see several places in a relatively short period of time, and sailing on a cruise ship is like spending time at a world-class resort with incredible amenities and fun-filled adventures. While destinations such as the Caribbean and Mexico are always popular, there are many other options for your cruising holiday that might not be on your radar but should definitely be considered.

1. Croatia

Long considered a best-kept secret among international travelers, Croatia’s popularity has grown immensely in recent years, and with good reason. With more than 1,000 miles of coastline and a host of outlying islands to explore, Croatia not only gives cruisers the sun and fun they seek, but also a wealth of ancient history that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into long-ago times. You can visit a first century Roman amphitheater in the city of Pula, or discover the walls and forts of Dubrovnik, where parts of the HBO hit series “Game of Thrones” was filmed. Trips to Croatia are offered by several different cruise lines, from smaller and more exclusive companies such as Windstar or Elegance, to more mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean.

2. British Isles

If you’ve dreamed of visiting England, Scotland and Wales all in one go, a British Isles cruise makes it easy to see everything you want and more. Since the isles are small and close together, you’ll get plenty of shore time and be able to explore those rolling green hills, stand in Stonehenge or raise your glass in cheers at a traditional British pub. This year-round destination is favored by both small and mid-size cruise lines, including Cunard, Marella and Celebrity.

3. Bermuda

While cruises are generally considered more expensive than other modes of travel, a cruise to Bermuda can sometimes be more affordable than flying. Rather than paying for airfare, hotel and food, all of which can be pricey in exclusive Bermuda, an all-inclusive cruise can accommodate any budget while still giving you the highlights of this lovely island. Rated by both Condé

Nast and Outside Magazine as one of the top islands to visit, Bermuda features incredible white sand beaches, five-star restaurants and plenty of fun excursions. Popular on the cruise circuit, most of the major lines go to Bermuda, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Holland America.

4. Nile River

If you’ve dreamed of traveling back in time to the days of pyramids and pharaohs, a Nile River cruise might be the one for you. Visit the Valley of the Kings and explore ancient Egyptian tombs, or temples such as Luxor, Edfu and Karnak. While the river cruise lines are usually smaller and offer less amenities than the fancier big ships, the amazing history you see all around you makes a Nile cruise worth it. Cruise lines that travel the Nile include Viking River Cruises, Uniworld and Avalon Waterways.

5. Alaska

As the biggest state in the U.S., Alaska’s vast regions make it virtually impossible to see everything the great state has to offer in just one trip. An Alaska cruise can, however, give some of the best highlights of the physical beauty, wildlife and native history that make Alaska so unique. Take a tour of Alaska’s inside passage, stopping in at gold rush towns such as Juneau and Skagway, or watch glaciers calve as you navigate the waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait. Alaska cruises are operated by all the major cruise lines, including Carnival, Celebrity and Norwegian.