From breathtaking sailings around Alaska to fun-filled, island-hopping journeys in the Caribbean, there are dozens of particular types of cruises you should experience at least once.
With itineraries that visit tropical beaches, charming towns, and natural wonders—sometimes all in the same trip—cruising offers a unique vacation that often can’t be experienced any other way. Sit back and relax while all of the details—meals, accommodations, activities, and entertainment—are all taken care of for you.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next awe-inspiring vacation, here are the best types of cruises to consider.
- Weekend Cruise
Even if you don’t have a lot of vacation days on your calendar, you can still experience the thrill of a cruise over the weekend. Typically departing from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida, weekend cruises to the Bahamas make for the perfect escape.
Departing either Friday or Saturday afternoon, these short cruises to the Bahamas allow you to enjoy two nights of fun and entertainment on board and an entire sun-filled day in Nassau, where your ship will be docked from early in the morning until the late afternoon.
- Fjords Cruise
Experience the magic of sailing through one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular wonders on a fjords cruise. There’s nothing like cruising down these ancient inlets of water, where you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery.
There are a few different destinations where you can experience the beauty of sailing through fjords. One of the best things to do on New Zealand’s South Island is to visit the massive wonderland known as Fiordland National Park, where you’ll sail past soaring waterfalls, craggy cliffs, and lush rainforests.
During a New Zealand fjords cruise, you’ll sail down Milford Sound, one of the country’s most popular destinations and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its landscapes are so beautiful, that it was once described as “the eighth wonder of the world” by the author of the Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling.
- Repositioning Cruise
For a truly memorable journey at sea, consider going on a transatlantic or transpacific cruise. These types of cruises, also known as repositioning cruises, offer longer itineraries that spend several consecutive days at sea.
Relive the glamour of taking a journey across the ocean on a cruise to Europe from the USA or South America to Europe (or vice versa). Embark from cosmopolitan cities like Rome, Lisbon, Boston, and Barcelona, and stop in exotic destinations like the Canary Islands or the Azores on your way to your disembarkation port.
- Anniversary Cruise
What better way to celebrate your love than with an anniversary cruise vacation? On one of the best cruises for couples, sail off to romantic destinations that you’ve always wanted to visit together. Explore the gorgeous island of Hawaii, the charming seaside cities of the Mediterranean, the rugged beauty of Alaska, or the tropical allure of the Caribbean.
Go on thrilling shore excursions like diving into the Caribbean Sea for a snorkeling session, kayaking in Alaska near icebergs, or whale watching in California. If you’re looking for more laidback activities, you can also go on walking tours through dazzling European towns and cities, take a couple’s cooking class, or simply spend a lazy day by the sparking ocean in the Bahamas.
