When it comes to cruising, the options are endless. Whether you’re looking to Explore the tropics or embark on an epic expedition to Antarctica, there’s something for everyone.

For example, a Cruise to Scandinavia is a feast for the eyes with its mix of historic palaces and brash modern culinary and design innovations. Meanwhile, a trip to the South Pacific islands is paradise for beach lovers and snorkelers alike.

1. Mediterranean

One of the most popular cruise destinations, the Mediterranean has century-spanning sites that are sure to impress. On Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, you can stroll the streets of Athens and visit the ancient temples and ruins of Dubrovnik, Croatia. In Greece, a stroll along the whitewashed streets of Santorini can leave your jaw dropping.

The Western Mediterranean offers plenty of foodie and culture-minded ports, too. Glide along the Grand Canal of Venice and admire its medieval affluence, or explore the eye-catching, flower-laden buildings of Positano on an Oceania cruise.

Those craving exotic locales can explore the pristine fjords of southern Chile on a cruise that goes from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso, or spend two weeks sailing between Buenos Aires and Santiago. Marvel at icebergs the size of cathedrals and spot seals and penguins in the waters off Antarctica.

2. Cayman Islands

When it comes to cruising, Caribbean destinations are where it’s at. These sunny spots boast gorgeous beaches, bold cuisine and rich culture from around the globe.

The Cayman Islands are a popular pitstop on Caribbean cruises, with Grand Cayman being the most cosmopolitan of the three islands. Its miles of gorgeous sand and top-notch diving sites are complemented by restaurants, bars, shops and cafes.

The capital of George Town offers an array of things to do, with wooden buildings in jewel colors lining the waterfront. You’ll find everything from duty-free stores and jewelry boutiques to art galleries and vegan cafés. You can also hike along nature trails or try your luck at snorkeling and scuba diving at Bloody Bay Wall, where you may see a kaleidoscope of marine life and even tarpon at certain times of year.

3. Casablanca

The cosmopolitan capital of Morocco offers a glimpse into African, Arabian and European culture. White-washed homes line the streets of the old medina in the original Arab section, while souks hum with contented shoppers bargaining for leather goods and fine handicrafts.

Architecture buffs will geek out over Casablanca’s diverse building styles, from Art Deco to radically modern. And the city’s stunning Hassan II Mosque is a testament to incredible craftsmanship that took more than seven years and 10,000 artisans to complete.

Whether you’re looking for a tropical paradise or an epic adventure, there’s a cruise destination out there for everyone. Find your perfect trip with a world-class cruise. From Ho Chi Minh City and Angkor Wat on a Vietnamese river cruise to the Norwegian fjords on a spectacular ocean voyage, these are the best cruise destinations in the world.

4. Santorini

The dramatic scenery of Santorini is a sight to behold. Its cliffs boast whitewashed villages and iconic blue domes that are built right into the side of plunging volcanic rocks. The cliffs also shelter coves and beaches with black, red, and volcanic pebbles.

Get a stunning view of the rocky landscape and villages perched on its sides when you sail around Santorini’s caldera on a catamaran or motor yacht. After sailing past Akrotiri and the Indian Rock, make a stop at the hot springs to swim for half an hour or visit secluded White Beach for more swimming and snorkeling.

Other top destinations to explore on a cruise around Santorini include Imerovigli, a coastal town with gorgeous views; Kamari, a popular beach; and Megalochori, a traditional village. You can also visit Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni—the two lava-formed islands—for a dip in their thermal waters.

5. Japan

Whether you crave the bustle of Tokyo or the tranquility of Kyoto, Japan offers cruises of all lengths. Explore the country’s imperial past and distinct architecture in Tokyo and Osaka, or honor harrowing histories at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In Kyoto, stroll among the 1,600 temples and shrines to discover the intricate balance of old and new Japanese culture.

Whether you’re exploring the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo or hiking on Akita’s Godzilla Rock, Japan is one of the world’s most fascinating cultures. Cunard’s stately Queens offer a wide array of itineraries, including full circumnavigations of the country on voyages lasting up to 30 days. Alternatively, Silversea’s small ships nimbly navigate off the beaten path ports, while offering unparalleled comfort onboard. For families, the 2,138-passenger Celebrity Millennium has a rooftop terrace and a kids’ club called Camp at Sea.

6. South Africa

South Africa is a dazzling destination, with pristine beaches, majestic wildlife and a rich culture. You can experience all of this on a cruise to South Africa.

Visit the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, climb the mighty Table Mountain, and visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. You can also explore the historic streets of Port Elizabeth or sample the region’s world-class wine.

Then, hop on a day trip to Walvis Bay to discover its beautiful lagoon and dune fields and indulge in some of the freshest seafood in the world. South Africa has a lot to offer for all types of travelers.

7. Antarctica

Enter an icy realm first traversed by legendary explorers on a cruise to Antarctica. Spot penguins scurrying along the shore and whales gliding through the waters as you delve into this otherworldly destination.

Embark on an expedition ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions to glide around massive tabular icebergs and explore abandoned whaling stations. On this trip, you’ll encounter a world of natural beauty as scores of penguins teeter on beaches and humpback whales breach the water’s surface.

Attend lectures from expert scientists onboard. Our Holland America cruise featured two who shared their intimate knowledge of this polar landscape. Their lessons on wildlife, the landscape, and the area’s history were fascinating. It also helped that we were traveling during the Antarctic summer when the days are long. That’s a big difference from the weeks in winter when it’s pitch black.

8. French Riviera

It’s easy to see why the French Riviera, or Cote d’Azur, is a must-visit cruise destination. The glitz of Cannes Film Festival, the yachts at St. Tropez, and palatial hotels and beaches make this Riviera a favorite spot for celebrities, royalty, and jet-setters alike.

Until the 19th century, roads to the Riviera were bad or nonexistent; sea travel was fraught with dangers from marauding pirates. Then first Thomas Jefferson and later Napoleon Bonaparte opened the Riviera to the world as a balmy winter escape.

Enjoy a gastronomic tour of the region or linger on a pristine beach under the warm azure sky. You can also explore the beautiful villages and towns of the Riviera on a Mediterranean cruise.

9. Caribbean Islands

Sun-kissed beaches, crystalline waters, and bold cuisine are what most cruisers think of when it comes to Caribbean destinations. Fortunately, many cruise lines sail to the region year-round and from a number of U.S. ports.

From the soaring walls of Citadelle Laferriere to the endangered hawksbills of Anegada, this half of Hispaniola has a lot to offer visitors. In between, scuba divers head to Grand Turk and Salt Cay to explore the biggest cave network in the Caribbean, while cricketers and tourists alike flit between beaches and bars listening to a steel-drum band and sipping Red Stripe on the beach.

The capital of the Bahamas is a busy port where many cruise ships dock multiple times a day. But onshore, you can find serene stretches of white sand and visit 18th-century forts in Nassau. Meanwhile, on the island of Jamaica, Bob Marley fans search out his birthplace at Nine Mile and rum-swillers enjoy a sunset while lounging in a tiki bar.

10. South America

A cosmopolitan continent of sultry music, dazzling beauty and ancient historical sights, South America offers a variety of unique cruise destinations. Explore Inca ruins, lush rainforests and mighty glaciers on a trip around Brazil, Peru or Chile’s Andes Mountains.

Glimmering capitals like Rio and Buenos Aires blend European-inspired architecture with a cowboy culture in their lively streets. Learn about the country’s historic connection with Europe at UNESCO-listed sites in Santiago and Montevideo. See the soaring splendour of Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio’s Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) and take a cog railway up to the Christ the Redeemer statue above its iconic Copacabana Beach.

Many cruises to South America visit Antarctica, especially those departing from Buenos Aires or Santiago. The ice typically recedes enough in January and March to allow non-polar class ships into the region. Other favourite itineraries include two-week voyages between Buenos Aires and Valparaiso, passing the famed landmark of Cape Horn.

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