I started cruising with my family when I was just 3 years old on the Big Red Boat by Premier Cruise Lines. Each year, my family would embark on a cruise together, typically over school holidays like spring break or Christmas. Years of cruising with my family slowly turned into a passionate love of international travel. Now, I’ve sailed on 53 cruises across six continents and visited more than 60 countries.
Cruising continues to be my favorite way to travel, as I can experience so many different destinations with one vacation. While most people might think of the Caribbean, Mexico, or Alaska when they think of cruising, I prefer to choose more far-flung itineraries.
For instance, this spring I cruised from Singapore to Tokyo while exploring ports of call in Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan. I was able to visit four new countries without even unpacking my bag, all from the comforts of our cruise ship. In addition, last winter I cruised across South Africa on a safari cruise for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Of course, I’ve taken my fair share of cruises to popular destinations like Cozumel, Mexico, and the Bahamas!
As a destination-focused cruiser, I prefer to spend my time and money on cruises that take me somewhere new. I’m definitely not the type who wants to visit the same beach, island, or country over and over again. Instead, I’d rather experience something entirely new each time I cruise.
That said, not every itinerary is one I feel the need to repeat, and that’s perfectly fine. Some cruises are meant to be once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Just because I wouldn’t sail the same route again doesn’t mean I’m not grateful for the memories and unique experiences.
On the other hand, there are a few itineraries I’d rebook in a heartbeat. If I’m willing to return to the same destination, you can bet it’s worth it. Here are the cruises I’d happily sail again, and a few I’m fine leaving as a one-time trip.
Repeat: Norwegian Fjords
Last summer, my husband and I sailed on Celebrity Apex from London throughout the Norwegian Fjords. Our itinerary included stops in Olden, Bergen, and Flåm, along with scenic sailings through the fjords. Although I had actually visited Norway twice before, this was my first time cruising through the fjords.
This itinerary quickly became one of my all-time favorites. The scenery was unlike anything I’d seen, with breathtaking cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and charming villages tucked in between the mountains.
Every moment felt like a postcard was coming to life! From wandering the charming streets of Bergen with my husband to standing at the foot of Olden’s Briksdal Glacier, every port felt unique and unforgettable.
Sailing through the fjords was completely different than visiting the country on a land trip. In fact, I’ve booked another cruise through the Norwegian Fjords for next summer on the same ship.
My experience was so magical that I couldn’t wait to book another itinerary back through the fjords. This time, I’ll be visiting a few different ports, including the iconic Geirangerfjord. Needless to say, a Norwegian Fjords itinerary is one I would sail again in a heartbeat.
Skip: Greek Isles
Greece is one of the most popular Mediterranean destinations for cruisers. In fact, I’ve cruised to Greece four different times, but I’m not planning to return anytime soon. First, I cruised to Athens and Crete with my family back in high school. During college, I returned to Athens with Semester at Sea and visited Santorini for a few days with my roommate.
My husband and I also honeymooned across Greece and Croatia together, including stops in Santorini, Athens, Crete, and Corfu. Finally, I revisited Greece again on a Mediterranean cruise with my parents a few years ago. This itinerary included ports of call in Santorini, Rhodes, and Crete.
During my last cruise, I couldn’t believe how busy the ports were, especially the island of Santorini. Each visit to Santorini has been exponentially more crowded. With multiple ships docked in Santorini each day, the tiny island can barely handle all of the tourists. Comparatively, my land trip in college allowed for more leisure time to explore the island with fewer crowds.
Additionally, the temperatures in Greece can be extremely hot and humid. If you aren’t someone who can handle the heat or heavy crowds, consider taking a land trip to Greece in the offseason. Cruising can be a great way to see multiple Greek Isles, but look for itineraries that visit some of the quieter islands, such as Paros and Rhodes.
Read more: I went on a 7-day cruise to Europe. Here are 12 things that surprised me the most
Repeat: Australia and Bali
If you’re wanting to visit the Land Down Under, consider cruising from Sydney, Australia. Last fall, I flew across the globe to embark on an epic cruise from Sydney to Singapore on Celebrity Solstice. We visited four ports across northern Australia, including an overnight stay in Bali, Indonesia.
I had never visited Australia and Indonesia before, but cruising across the continent for 15 nights was an incredible way to experience both countries for the first time. From feeding kangaroos in Brisbane to snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and sweating through our clothes in the Australian outback, we loved this itinerary.
In addition, being able to spend two days in Bali, Indonesia, was a highlight. The vibrant culture is unlike anywhere I’ve visited before, and exploring the island for two full days provided a true Indonesian experience.
Because we were traveling so far from North America, we wanted to visit multiple destinations across the region. Booking this type of port-immersive itinerary gave plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the destinations. If Australia and Bali are on your bucket list, this is the kind of itinerary is one I wouldn’t hesitate to book again!
Skip: South Africa
I had always dreamed of visiting South Africa and going on a true African safari. My first trip to the continent came during a study abroad program, when I visited Morocco and Senegal. Both destinations were eye-opening and offered cultural experiences unlike anywhere else I had been.
After a disappointing safari in Senegal, I was determined to have a better experience. I ended up booking a 12-night cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, sailing from Mauritius to Madagascar, Mozambique, and finally, South Africa. This was the adventure I had been waiting for!
Unfortunately, the trip wasn’t without its issues. Cruising across Africa is a stark contrast from other common cruise ports, and I wasn’t confident that Norwegian Cruise Line was prepared for the logistical challenges.
As such, some ports were dropped right before embarkation, and we missed one port in Madagascar while sailing. In addition, Norwegian messed up one of our excursion reservations, and we were downgraded from an open-air safari truck to a coach bus.
I had the chance to go on incredible safari excursions across South Africa, including three unforgettable game drives. Cruising across the country provided the opportunity to see less common cities, and I appreciated the safety and comfort of the cruise ship each night. From seeing herds of elephants bathing to holding lemurs in Madagascar, the adventure was truly once-in-a-lifetime.
I don’t regret taking this cruise, but it’s not one that I would book again. This far-flung itinerary was one-and-done for me, but I will always cherish the memories I made with my friend, Rosina!
Repeat: Iceland
Two years ago, my husband and I embarked on a long-awaited cruise from Amsterdam to Iceland. The itinerary included an overnight stay in the country’s capital, Reykjavik, and stops in Ísafjörður and Seydisfjordur. Cruising around Iceland was at the top of our bucket list for many years, and it did not disappoint!
First, Iceland is an expensive destination. From accommodations and food to rental cars and fuel, nearly everything comes with a high price tag. Being able to spend the night in Reykjavik’s city center without spending a fortune on a hotel was a huge perk to cruising.
We also appreciated being able to visit more remote and less popular cities. Had we wanted to visit Ísafjörður and Seydisfjordur, we would have been spending multiple days driving across the country. Both of these sleepy towns felt authentic and untouched.
Most importantly, Iceland’s landscapes felt otherworldly, with scenery that was truly unmatched. Like Norway, the experience of sailing into each port was a highlight in itself. I wouldn’t hesitate to cruise around Iceland again, and my husband is already asking when we can return!
My only qualm with our trip was the older ship we booked, as we were cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas. The ship was more than 20 years old, and we did miss some of the modern amenities you’ll find on newer ships.
For instance, our balcony cabin was quite worn and rusty. In the future, I’d like to book a newer cruise ship to revisit Iceland, although the destination was more important than the ship itself.
Read more: I booked a cruise and didn't care which ship it was on
Skip: Western Caribbean
Although this is one of the most popular cruise itineraries, it’s actually one of my least favorite cruises. These itineraries usually include stops like Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan, Belize, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman. These sailings are popular from departure ports across Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
However, most of these ports are overly touristy and run down, while some even feel unsafe. For instance, Costa Maya in Mexico is a total tourist trap, while Jamaica is continually ranked among the worst cruise ports. Additionally, Belize City can feel unsafe at times, although many would argue you need to leave the city for the country’s highlights.
I’ve visited Cozumel more times than I can count — probably around 15 if I had to guess. After trying nearly every excursion and hitting the same beaches over and over, it’s one port I’m in no rush to return to anytime soon.
I tend to prefer Eastern or Southern Caribbean itineraries, especially those that include the Virgin Islands. Ports like St. Maarten and St. Thomas feel cleaner and offer better infrastructure than many others. In my opinion, the pristine beaches throughout the Virgin Islands can’t be compared to the Western Caribbean.
Repeat: Portugal and the Canary Islands
Ever since we met, my husband and I dreamed of visiting the Canary Islands. A few years ago, we finally made that dream a reality! We booked a 12-night cruise to Portugal, Spain, and the Canary Islands from London, England, on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas.
Our sailing included ports of call in Spain, such as Vigo and La Coruna, and Portugal, including Lisbon and Madeira. However, the highlight of our cruise was heading south to the Canary Islands. We spent three days sailing around the Canary Islands with ports of call in Tenerife, Las Palmas, and Lanzarote.
Each island we visited had its own distinct landscape and culture. For instance, we marveled at Lanzarote's striking volcanic terrain with its rugged, Mars-like landscape; it was unlike anywhere else in Europe! While visiting Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, we explored rolling sand dunes that looked more like the Sahara than a typical beach destination. And in Tenerife, we relaxed on the vibrant beaches and rented scooters to discover the city.
In contrast, the ports we visited in mainland Spain and Portugal offered a completely different experience. The smaller towns of La Coruna and Vigo felt very quiet and authentic. In Lisbon, we spent the entire day exploring the city on foot, wandering up and down its famous cobblestone streets, discovering local coffee shops, colorful neighborhoods, and sweeping city views.
If you’re looking for a European cruise outside the usual Mediterranean or Northern Europe routes, consider heading south to the Canary Islands. With their diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and comfortable year-round climate, the Canary Islands offer a unique cruise experience that’s perfect for any season.
Skip: China and Japan
One of the most unique cruises I’ve ever taken was a Royal Caribbean sailing from China to Japan. Cruising ended up being the perfect way for us to visit multiple destinations in one trip, but I wouldn't need to do it again.
In 2019, we flew to Beijing to visit the Great Wall of China, which had long been on my dad’s bucket list. After a few days sightseeing, we took a high-speed bullet train to Shanghai before embarking on an 8-night cruise across China and Japan.
My family and I boarded Spectrum of the Seas, a ship specifically built for the Asian market, which made the onboard experience quite different from any other Royal Caribbean cruise I’ve been on. Visiting China also came with its own logistical challenges, including the need for an expensive entry visa. We had to adjust to local restrictions, too, such as limited access to social media.
Visiting China was an item checked off my bucket list, and we really enjoyed exploring the ports of call in Japan. While the cruise was both memorable with my family, the logistical challenges make it an itinerary I don’t feel the need to repeat.
I actually preferred my recent cruise from Singapore to Tokyo, which included stops in other countries like Hong Kong and Taiwan. This itinerary visits multiple countries without the same logistical challenges.
Repeat: Mediterranean
One itinerary that I’ll continue booking time and time again is a Mediterranean cruise. I’ve taken six cruises in the Mediterranean, and it’s one place I simply can’t get enough of. There are a variety of itineraries across the region with most mainstream and luxury cruise lines, but most will include stops in France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, or Montenegro.
To start, the Mediterranean is packed with culturally rich cities and historic destinations, such as Rome, Italy, and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Some might argue that one day doesn’t provide enough time for these ports. While that might be true, you can truly maximize your vacation by squeezing in multiple countries with ease. You’ll unpack once and wake up each day in a new historic city.
My favorite Mediterranean itineraries include Italy and Croatia. My husband proposed to me in Venice and we honeymooned through Croatia, so I have fond memories of getting lost in the alleyways of Venice. And there’s no other city like it in the world, even if there are crowds.
Additionally, I spent five days in Dubrovnik while studying abroad on Semester at Sea. This was one of the biggest highlights of my program, from kayaking in the Adriatic Sea and wandering the cobblestones of the old town. The glistening waters of the Adriatic Sea were mesmerizing!
I can’t wait for my next Mediterranean cruise next spring when I’ll get to visit another new country in the region: Malta! Other places I’d love to visit in the Mediterranean include Slovenia and Albania, although these are less popular cruise ports.
If you want to see as much as possible in Europe, I’d highly recommend a Mediterranean cruise to ease your logistics and maximize your time.
Allie Hubers
Allie Hubers has been cruising since she was a tiny toddler. What started as a yearly vacation with family quickly turned into a passion for travel, cruising and adventure. Allie's been on over 45 cruises all over the world. She even studied abroad on Semester at Sea, sailing the world on a ship while taking courses for college and visiting 4 continents.
