The 6 Best Cruise Destinations
For Your Next Trip

Discovering the Charm of the Greek Islands

The picture-postcard Greek Islands are laced with legend and tradition, alongside idyllic beaches, white-washed villages, and traditional tavernas serving delicious local specialities. They make the perfect island-hopping holiday, and there is no better way to experience them than on a relaxing small ship cruise.

Hidden Gems Beyond Santorini and Mykonos

Discover the wonders of the Aegean, from the serene Cyclades archipelago centred around the sacred island of Delos, to the tranquil Sporades Islands of Skiathos and Skopelos, featured in the much-loved film Mamma Mia. The Dodecanese archipelago includes picturesque Patmos, home to the Sacred Grotto where St John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelation, while the Ionian Islands scattered off the west coast of Greece each have their own distinct character.

Lefkada is renowned for its stunning beaches, and Kythira for its twin bays and striking Venetian architecture in the sleepy capital, Chora. Folegandros, one of the lesser-known islands of the Cyclades, is just a stone's throw from the iconic island of Santorini but worlds apart. Traditional fishing boats bob on the calm waters, and donkey trails connect secluded coves and authentic Greek tavernas. North of Folegandros is the tiny island of Syros, the perfect place to experience the real Greece with quaint villages and stunning 19th-century buildings, a real contrast to the lively bars and boutiques of neighbouring Mykonos.

Why a Cruise Is the Best Way to Explore the Greek Islands

This region remains one of the top cruise destinations in Europe and one of the best places to cruise for sunshine, swimming, and rich local culture. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for unique cruise destinations that combine relaxation with discovery.

Explore our range of Greek Island Hopping cruises for your next Mediterranean escape.

Land of Fire, Ice, and Endless Discovery

Experience nature at its most dynamic and awe-inspiring in Iceland. This breathtaking island is constantly being shaped by mighty forces; geysers gush, volcanoes rumble, waterfalls cascade down majestic mountains, and huge glaciers carve great pathways through the landscape. Some of the world’s most beautiful cruises include Iceland for its dramatic scenery and elemental energy.

Highlights Along Iceland’s Golden Circle

Thingvellir National Park can be reached from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik. This UNESCO-listed site is often visited as part of the popular Golden Circle route and is one of the best cruise locations to view the mesmerising Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Highlights include the majestic Nikulásargj Gorge and Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, with lava fields feeding into the lake from the north.

The region of Geysir in south-west Iceland is renowned for its geothermal activity and home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts daily, while Gullfoss — meaning 'golden falls' — is a sight to behold.

Wildlife and Scenic Wonders to Look Out For

Bubbling mud pools, lava formations, and dramatic volcanic craters combine in picturesque Mývatn, a paradise for birdwatchers where Gyr Falcons soar and Tufted Ducks grace the calm waters. If you’re wondering where the best place to cruise for raw natural beauty is, Iceland’s rugged coastline is hard to beat. It’s ideal for travellers seeking cruises for nature lovers.

Ready for an adventure? Discover dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife with our range of Iceland Cruises.

Chasing the Northern Lights by Sea

A winter voyage along the coast of Norway high into the Arctic Circle is a beautiful experience with the chance to see the magical Aurora Borealis, one of nature’s most mesmerising phenomena. The Northern Lights are caused by solar particles entering the Earth’s atmosphere, creating ghostly wisps of green, yellow, red, and violet; a celestial ballet of light that dances across the night sky.

Arctic Landscapes and Coastal Highlights

During the Arctic winter, the sun never fully rises over the horizon, creating a twilight that bathes the water and snow-capped mountains with a silvery light. There is no better way to experience this spectacle than on a voyage through Norway’s fjords — one of the best cruise destinations in the world for scenic exploration and stargazing.

A Cruise Experience Like No Other

Ports visited on one of these once-in-a-lifetime voyages include the medieval city of Trondheim with its impressive 14th-century cathedral, Bergen’s colourful Bryggen Wharf, and the tranquil Lofoten Islands dotted with traditional fishing villages. Tromsø is home to the iconic Arctic Cathedral, where the famous Midnight Concert provides an incredible musical experience.

Norway is among the great cruise destinations for those seeking dramatic landscapes and unforgettable experiences under Arctic skies.

Choose from our excellent range of Northern Lights Cruises and Norwegian Cruises for your chance to experience this natural spectacle.

Cruising Through Burgundy and Provence

Sample the gastronomic delights and fine wines of picturesque Burgundy and Provence on a cruise along the Rhône, past dramatic terraced vineyards and medieval walled towns. It’s one of the best cruises for food lovers, combining scenic beauty with rich culinary traditions.

Vineyards, Villages, and Gourmet Pleasures

The prized wine Châteauneuf-du-Pape is named after a hilltop château once used as a summer residence for Avignon’s popes; today, there are over 300 wine producers in the area, many offering tours and tastings. The picturesque region of Mâconnais is known for its Mediterranean charm and Chardonnay wines, while Beaujolais is famous for its light, fruity reds.

The steep terraced vineyards of Hermitage tower above the Rhône and produce stunning full-bodied wines that take years to mature. A perfect accompaniment to Burgundy wines are the region's specialities — coq au vin, escargots, and boeuf bourguignon — as well as desserts like pears poached in local red wine.

A Feast for the Senses in Lyon and Beyond

Provence is famous for exquisite cuisine, with colourful markets displaying regional fruit and vegetables. In Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, you can sample countless gourmet delights at the city’s famous Les Halles de Lyon market. It’s an exceptional option among European cruises for art, food, and history, perfect for those who travel with their taste buds.

Ready to taste the wonders of the Rhone region? Discover our range of Rhone river cruises exploring Burgundy and Provence.

A Paradise of Islands and Beaches

Indonesia is a growing cruise destination and the world’s largest archipelago, made up of around 17,000 islands. One of these paradise islands is Bali, renowned for its alluring beaches overlooked by verdant mountains and rice paddies. These are some of the best places to cruise if you love tropical landscapes and turquoise seas.

The Most Beautiful Beaches to Visit by Cruise

To the east of Bali is Komodo, famous for its resident dragons and its Pink Beach — one of the world’s most beautiful cruise stops, where the sands shimmer in shades of rose and white. Bali and Indonesia are great cruise destinations for travellers seeking relaxation, snorkelling, and natural wonders.

Explore our Far East cruise collection to experience the beauty of Bali and other islands in the Indonesian archipelago.

Sailing Through Centuries of History

The River Rhine winds through glorious landscapes, overflowing with history and cultural charm. The steep riverbanks are scattered with ancient castles and medieval villages, with vibrant cities and quaint towns that burst with art, architecture, and stories from centuries past.

Cultural Highlights Along the Rhine

Discover the myriad churches of Amsterdam or soak up culture in world-renowned museums such as the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, or the Rijksmuseum. Explore Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities and home to the magnificent Gothic cathedral, Kölner Dom.

Charming Towns and Timeless Architecture

Venture to the 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz and the fascinating Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, or visit the Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame in Kehl. Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university city, enchants visitors with its 16th-century castle ruins and romantic old town.

The Rhine is one of the top 5 cruise destinations for cultural immersion, offering something for cruises for history lovers. It’s worth considering if you want to experience Europe’s heritage up close through a mix of cities, villages, and scenic cruising.

Cruise along the Rhine today - browse our collection of Rhine River cruises to experience this hub of European culture and history.