Think ‘sun, sea and sand’ – a summer cruise ticks all the boxes when it comes to an ultimate holiday! Chase the sun in some of the world’s most-loved sun-kissed locations with our best summer cruises in 2024, 2025 & 2026. The Caribbean and Mediterranean are popular destinations for sun-seekers, where you’ll enjoy a mix of jewel-toned waters, sun-dappled peaks and fascinating cultures. Summer is also the best time to set sail for bucket-list destinations like Alaska, Galapagos Islands and the Norwegian Fjords.
Best Summer Cruise Destinations
Antigua & BarbudaCayman IslandsQueen Emma Bridge, Curaçao
Caribbean
The tropical dream of lazing on a powder-white stretch of sand, with the sunshine warming your body and soul, becomes a reality on Caribbean cruises. Explore the 365 beaches of Antigua & Barbuda, discover the fascinating underwater world of Cozumel, Mexico and let your hair down in the Seven Mile Beach at Cayman Islands. Although the golden beaches are the Caribbean’s main claim to fame, it doesn’t fall short of fascinating culture, awe-inspiring landscapes and delicious cuisine. See St. Lucia’s towering Pitons, admire the colourful Dutch buildings in Curacao and sample the famous Barbados rum – for a taste of culture, cuisine and nature!
Mendenhall Glacier, JuneauAlaska Brown BearKetchikan
Alaska
Nicknamed ‘The Last Frontier,’ Alaska is a place of endless wonders – much of it is yet explored! On an Alaska cruise, your cruise ship will navigate the icy waters and transport you to the quaint cities and towns, with an opportunity to marvel at the rugged coastline, stunning scenery and wildlife as you sail there. Juneau, the state’s capital, is where Mother Nature puts on quite a display at the Mendenhall Glacier – one of the most-visited glaciers in the world! Ketchikan is an oasis for culture and history buffs, known for its impressive collection of totem poles that are handcrafted by the indigenous Tlingit people that call this paradise home.
The Mediterranean is an idyllic summer destination bordered by 22 countries across three continents. Greece easily reigns top of the list of the most sought-after locations, packed with extraordinary experiences – from the ancient ruins and classic architecture in Athens to the dramatic sunsets in Santorini. The Italian cities of Rome, Venice and Portofino offer some of the most picturesque settings in the region, home to the Colosseum, gorgeous canals and glitzy resorts. The Mediterranean is also the gateway to the impressive arts and architecture of France, the mediaeval monuments and terracotta-capped towns of Croatia and the imposing sites and beaches in Spain.
Seas the Day with Summer Bliss
Bucket-list Summer Experiences
Galápagos IguanaBlue Footed Boobies BirdSea Turtles in Galápagos
View wildlife in the Galápagos Islands
With a wealth of wildlife and natural diversity, Galápagos is the world’s foremost destination for wildlife-viewing. Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, these stunning islands boast almost 9,000 rare and unique species of animals that aren’t found anywhere else in the world – this exotic haven of astonishing flora and fauna makes for an unforgettable trip for any intrepid explorer. From nesting land iguanas to albatross and giant tortoises, wildlife rule to roost and nature is left to take the roost here with the barest minimum human interference. Beyond the fauna found on land, the surrounding waters are home to a thriving marine life, including schools of barracudas, manta rays, hammerheads, whale sharks and more.
Geiranger FjordFlåm RailwayBergen
Cruise through the Norwegian Fjords
Norway is home to over 1,7000 breathtaking fjords formed during the Earth’s last Ice Age. Whether you want to white-water raft in the Arctic summer, travel north along the coastline, explore abandoned mines, or seek out the midnight sun — there’s so much for everyone on a Norwegian fjords cruise! The city of Bergen is known ‘the gateway to the fjords,’ where the postcard-perfect natural scenery wonderfully blends with the cobblestone streets and delightful museums. Some of the most dramatic fjords you’ll get to admire aboard the ship are the Geiranger Fjord, which inspired numerous films for its fairytale-like beauty, Sgnofjord, dubbed the ‘King of Fjords’ and Aurlandsfjord famous for scenic train rides and sightseeing galore!
The high season for a Baltic Sea cruise is during summer, when the streets become alive with festive events, the forests are the greenest and the temperatures are warm. This fascinating corner of Northern Europe offers spectacular sceneries, including narrow coastal inlets and beautiful architecture embracing each port city. Get lost in time as your feet wander the Old Towns of Tallinn, Kėdainiai and Riga — a treasure trove of old and ornate buildings housing historic sites, boutique shops and cafes! Saunter around Stockholm, the 'World's Smallest Big City,' dotted by colourful buildings and world-famous museums. Calling by Copenhagen and Berlin ensures that you’ll go home with happy memories and a content heart!
Summer Cruises FAQs
Which cruise lines offer summer cruises?
Summer is arguably the busiest cruise season, so you’ll find plenty of choices for your next summer escape. Holland America Line is an excellent pick if you’re planning to visit Alaska for the summer; the cruise line has been sailing to Alaska for over 75 years now. The Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line are great for Caribbean cruises, with exclusive private cays included in the cruise itineraries. Cruise lines with expedition ships like Silversea and Celebrity Cruises are perfect for Galapagos getaways.
How to enjoy your time on board a summer cruise?
Summer fun can not only be experienced on the shores but also during sea days while the cruise ship takes you to your destination. Maximise your time on board in the ship’s pools and waterparks to soak up some sun and enjoy a refreshing drink after a few laps. You can also indulge in cuisines that are perfect for the summer. If you’re not a fan of lounging under the sun, there’s plenty of exciting indoor activities to enjoy as well, such as spa sessions, watching theatre productions and casino gaming.
What to pack on a summer cruise?
Packing for a summer sailing is relatively easier than packing for a winter cruise. For clothes and shoes, just throw in casual outfits like shirts, shorts, dresses, swimwear, flats or sneakers and you’re good to go. For essentials, be sure to bring your sun protection like sunscreen, hats, sun glasses and moisturiser.
What are the most popular summer cruise destinations?
There are destinations that are highly seasonal and only can be visited by cruise during summer, including Alaska, Scandinavia and the Baltics. Most cruise lines heavily lean on offering summer sailings to the Mediterranean as well, making it somewhat a seasonal destination too. The Caribbean is also a hot destination, literally and figuratively, attracting thousands of visitors seeking the summer sun. If you’re looking for bucket-list-worthy places, the Galapagos Islands and Norwegian Fjords are the best bets. Other excellent summer cruise destinations include Canada & New England, the Bahamas, Hawaii and the South Pacific.
What are the excursions for summer cruises?
Most shore excursions for summer cruises are related to water sports, beach days and hiking, depending on the destination you’ll visit. Itineraries going to Alaska likely include wildlife viewing, scenic train journeys and rainforest tours. For Norwegian Fjords cruises, some of the available shore excursions include scenic train rides, culture immersion tours and mountain hiking
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