12 Stunning Cruise Destinations Even Experienced Travelers Are Surprised By

Photo of David Beren
By David Beren Published

Key Points

  • A cruise rewards you with seeing some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

  • There are so many excellent cruise opportunities that everyone must experience at least once.

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12 Stunning Cruise Destinations Even Experienced Travelers Are Surprised By

© Pride of America (CC BY 2.0) by Eric Tessmer

One of the absolute best reasons to go on a cruise isn’t the food or the experience of sailing in a floating hotel. Instead, the most convincing reason to sail the ocean blue is that you will see some incredible destinations in any number of countries worldwide. 

Whether your cruise begins in Florida, Italy, or even Galveston, there is no doubt a beautiful destination awaits you. Cruising may be the best opportunity for millions of travelers every year to see some of the world’s most remote destinations. 

12. Japan

large white cruise ship anchored off the coast of a tropical island in japan in turquoise blue ocean water on background blue sky clouds. cruise vessel in Pacific Ocean. safety boats with liner
Artem Pachkovskyi / Shutterstock.com

Japan is full of incredible cruise destinations.

Experience the sights and sounds of Japan on an Oceania Cruise voyage that takes you through much of the Pacific Ocean area around Japan. You’ll have a chance to see Kobe, famous for its beef, and Shimizu, which has breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. 

11. Costa Rica

Puntarenas, Costa Rica with a cruise in the main dock at the end of the beach
Joshua ten Brink / Shutterstock.com

Costa Rica is one of the most underappreciated cruise destinations in the world.

If you want to explore more of South America, taking a cruise that begins in Costa Rica is one way to get started with beautiful destinations. This will include a stop in Peru and the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest and world-famous sites like Machu Picchu. 

10. Danube River

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Seeing the Hungarian government building up close is magical.

Suppose you desire to slow down and take a river cruise down the Danube River. In that case, you’ll be treated to world-class scenery across Austria, Germany, and the iconic Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest. 

9. Tahiti

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You can’t say no to this view, which can only be found in Tahiti.

Jump on a Regent Seven Seas cruise ship and take a trip to the beautiful island of Tahiti. This not-so-typical cruise destination is one of the most stunning locations in the South Pacific. 

8. Barcelona

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There is something so magical about all the sights you can see in Barcelona.

The homeport of multiple cruises that take off for the Mediterranean and other parts of Europe is a must-visit location. Whether trying Catalan cuisine or historic architecture, Barcelona is a must-visit stop on any cruise. 

7. Bermuda

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The pink sandy beaches of Bermuda are breathtaking.

Whether it’s the crystal clear water or visiting English forts, stopping in Bermuda is something every cruise aficionado must do at least once in their lifetime. Best of all, spend some time on its pink sandy beaches.

6. Panama Canal

Gatun Locks at Panama Canal first sight of canal looking back.
Elmar Langle / Shutterstock.com

Everyone must use the Panama Canal at least once in their life.

One of the world’s most exciting architectural marvels, sailing through the Panama Canal won’t take more than a few hours. However, it’s still incredible to experience as you switch from one ocean to another. 

5. Norwegian Fjords

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The fjords are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’re into the various Vikings television shows, visiting Norway and the Norwegian fjords is a must for everyone. There is no question that this is a spectacular opportunity to see the trade routes through which the Vikings sailed hundreds of years ago. 

4. Aruba

dbvirago / Getty Images

Aruba is “One Happy Island” for many different reasons.

This “One Happy Island” location in the southwest Caribbean is a stunning location to visit. Visiting Eagle Beach or the California Lighthouse are just incredible opportunities to do something truly unique in this part of the world. 

3. Alaska

ericharding / Getty Images

Alaskan cruises require staying on deck at all times.

Seeing the Alaskan wilderness outside your cabin balcony is just something spectacular. You must stop and catch your breath to visit locations like Ketchikan or Hubbard Glacier, as they are so beautiful. 

2. The Galapagos

DC_Colombia / Getty Images

There is something magical about visiting the Galapagos islands.

If you can take the Silversea Silver Origin to the Galapagos islands, jump at the opportunity. There is nowhere else on the planet you can safely expect to see stunning wildlife in one place. 

1. South Georgia Island

Mlenny / Getty Images

You will not forget the beauty of South Georgia Island.

With over 900 miles of space between South Georgia Island and the nearest airport, the best way to see this stunning and remote location is by sea. Snowcapped mountains decorate the landscape, and so does the opportunity to photograph the world’s largest king penguin colony.

 

Photo of David Beren
About the Author David Beren →

David Beren has been a Flywheel Publishing contributor since 2022. Writing for 24/7 Wall St. since 2023, David loves to write about topics of all shapes and sizes. As a technology expert, David focuses heavily on consumer electronics brands, automobiles, and general technology. He has previously written for LifeWire, formerly About.com. As a part-time freelance writer, David’s “day job” has been working on and leading social media for multiple Fortune 100 brands. David loves the flexibility of this field and its ability to reach customers exactly where they like to spend their time. Additionally, David previously published his own blog, TmoNews.com, which reached 3 million readers in its first year. In addition to freelance and social media work, David loves to spend time with his family and children and relive the glory days of video game consoles by playing any retro game console he can get his hands on.

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