Whether you’re planning your first cruise or you’ve sailed before, there are so many wonderful places to discover or rediscover.
Here’s a list of some of the top cruise destinations around the world. Each has something special to offer, from famous landmarks to unique experiences that will get you excited about your trip.
Don’t forget you’ll need special travel insurance for a cruise when you go. We’ll explain why later.
The Mediterranean is a great place to start your cruise experience if you’ve never been on one before. And it’s so popular with seasoned cruisers, and so varied in its potential destinations, that it draws people back time and again.
Cruises here are full of history, great food, sunny weather and good times. You might stop at vibrant cities like Barcelona, Rome or Athens, each with lots to explore. Or maybe you’ll stop off at some of the many beautiful islands around the Med, perhaps taking in historic sites like Pompeii near Naples.
Taste delicious gelato in Venice. Shop at vibrant markets in Istanbul. Relax on sunny beaches in the French Riviera. Just choose the itinerary that offers most of what you love.
The Caribbean is one of the most popular places to go on a cruise. It often tops the list when people ask: “where is the best cruise destination?” Perhaps because cruising lets you see lots of the region’s island nations in one trip.
Beautiful beaches, bright blue seas, colourful towns and friendly people make this place special. Popular stops include Antigua, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados and St Lucia. There are many more islands too. Cruise companies offer different routes around them.
You could swim with stingrays in Antigua or Grand Cayman. Explore Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica. Or relax on Aruba’s famous Eagle Beach. You might visit historic San Juan in Puerto Rico or snorkel among coral reefs. And taste delicious local food wherever you go. This is true relaxation, Caribbean style.
Alaska is wild and wonderful. Cruises here pass towering glaciers, vast ice sheets and snowy mountains. You might even spot whales or bears. And sailing through places like the Inside Passage is something you’ll never forget.
Visit Glacier Bay National Park, watch whales in Juneau and take a ride on Skagway’s historic White Pass Railway. You’ll explore small towns like Ketchikan, known for its native culture and totem poles, and fish for fresh salmon in pristine Alaskan waters.
The Greek Islands offer pretty white houses, clear waters and sunny days. The best time of year to go is May to October.
Popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos are full of life, while smaller islands like Patmos are quieter and more peaceful. Fancy watching the sunset in Santorini’s Oia? Wandering through Mykonos’ winding streets? Or exploring the Palace of Knossos in Crete, famous from the minotaur myth? These islands offer all this and more.
Lots of trips include walking tours and hikes. You can also relax on golden beaches, enjoy fresh seafood at seaside tavernas and swim in hidden coves. Just make sure your travel insurance covers the activities you’ll be doing.
Warm weather, clear blue water, bright lagoons, coral reefs and amazing sunsets make French Polynesia a perfect place to stop on a cruise.
You can snorkel with colourful fish in Tahiti, take boat tours around beautiful Bora Bora or relax on Moorea’s lovely beaches. There are local markets full of handmade crafts and chances to watch exciting Polynesian dance shows.
Many cruises here also offer trips to small islands where you can swim in quiet bays or learn about island life. It feels peaceful and far away from the busy world. With so much to explore, it’s easy to see why people love cruising in French Polynesia.
Norway’s fjords are vast and stunning. You’ll see tall cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls and quaint Norwegian villages. And, in summer, the sun stays up for most of the night, giving you lots of time to explore.
Highlights include cruising through Geirangerfjord, exploring Bergen’s colourful harbour and riding the scenic Flam Railway. Amble through local towns and villages. Hike scenic trails. Or kayak in calm fjord waters.
Many Nordic cruises leave from the UK. But as the weather can change fast, make sure you have insurance that covers delays or changes to your cruise itinerary.
The South Pacific has some of the most beautiful cruise destinations in the world. You can visit places like Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, where the water is warm and clear. It’s a true tropical paradise.
Swim in Fiji’s Blue Lagoon. Experience traditional ceremonies in Vanuatu. Or relax on the stunning beaches of New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines. Cruises here often include snorkelling trips, cultural shows and chances to meet local people.
You can also hike through lush rainforests, see bright coral reefs full of sea life and taste fresh tropical fruit at local markets. Every island has its own unique culture and scenery, making this a wonderful place to explore by ship.
New Zealand has lovely coastal towns, lofty mountains, green fjords and exciting cities to visit. Many cruises stop at famous places like Milford Sound, Auckland and Wellington. Each place has something special to see.
You can hike on beautiful trails, spot penguins and seals, and learn about Māori culture and stories. You could visit the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings. Or watch dolphins and other sea animals in Akaroa.
You can taste fresh local food and wine in Marlborough, relax on sunny beaches or see bubbling mud pools and hot geysers in Rotorua. Every day feels like a new adventure.
The weather can change fast, so it’s smart to have cruise insurance in case your plans need to change.
Sailing through the Panama Canal is something you’ll never forget. This busy waterway joins two big oceans: the Atlantic and the Pacific. You can watch huge ships moving glacially, flanked by beautiful views.
On a cruise in this part of the world, you might walk among Costa Rica’s lush rainforests. Or visit the old town in Cartagena, Colombia. Then take some time out to relax on sunny beaches in Mexico. There are colourful markets where you can shop, exotic animals, ancient ruins and lots more to keep you occupied.
Cruises here stop in many countries. Make sure your cruise insurance covers every place you visit and any medical help you might need.
Antarctica is the ultimate adventure. Cruises here let you see penguins, seals and giant icebergs. It’s like visiting another planet.
Some of the best parts include going to Deception Island, watching huge penguin colonies on South Georgi, and sailing through the Lemaire Channel. You can learn about polar history from experts or take guided hikes on remote islands.
Cruises to Antarctica are usually more expensive and plans can change due to the weather. So look for cruise cover that reimburses you for unexpected costs due to disruptions and itinerary changes.
River cruises often use smaller ships, so you can get closer to the sights and dock in the heart of each destination you’re visiting.
You can sail along famous rivers like the Danube, which passes through cities like Vienna and Budapest, or the Nile in Egypt, where you can see ancient temples like Abu Simbel and the famous Valley of the Kings.
Just like ocean cruises, you’ll need cruise cover to protect you if your plans change or you need medical help.
An around the world cruise is the biggest adventure you can take by ship. It’s truly the trip of a lifetime.
You’ll visit lots of cruise holiday destinations, from big cities to tiny islands. Every day will bring something new to see and do.
These long cruises need careful planning. You’ll be away for many weeks or months and visit lots of countries. Make sure your insurance covers every place you’ll stop, any medical care you might need and getting you home in an emergency.
An around the world cruise is a real bucket list dream, so you’ll want to protect it properly.
This isn’t a comprehensive cruise destinations list or a top 10 based on any particular research. But it does include several popular parts of the world for this type of trip, and hopefully gives a flavour of the range you can choose from.
Remember, wherever you’re going on your cruise, make sure you go with the right protection. And that’s why taking out cruise travel insurance is so important.
Cruise cover isn’t just a nice extra you can skip. Many cruise companies will ask to see proof you’ve got it before you’re allowed to board. And, if you’ve taken out a Post Office Travel Insurance policy, you must pay extra to add our cruise cover option if you’re going on a cruise. Otherwise, your cover won’t be valid.
Normal travel insurance won’t cover everything that can happen on a cruise. But adding cruise cover makes it easy to get protection for cruise specific risks, up to the limits in your policy. This can include help if you:
Having this cover means you can relax and enjoy your cruise and cruise destinations without worrying about what might go wrong.
The Mediterranean is a popular choice for a first cruise. It has calm seas, short trips and famous places to see. The Caribbean is also good if you want warm beaches and lots to do. Cruising is a good way to get around the area’s many island nations.
Most cruises leave from a few big ports. Southampton is the busiest, with trips to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe and more.
Liverpool, Dover, Tilbury and Newcastle have cruises to places like Norway, Iceland and the British Isles. In Scotland, ships often sail from Edinburgh and Greenock, going to Ireland, the North Atlantic and other spots.
Some cruises also stop at UK ports during longer journeys, so you can join or leave the ship here.
Bring smart clothes for dinner, comfortable shoes for trips, any medicine you take, and all your documents. Keep your cruise travel insurance details and emergency numbers with you.
Our holiday packing checklist includes a list of what to take on a cruise.
Standard travel insurance doesn’t cover everything on a cruise. Cruise cover adds extra protection for medical help, missed ports, cabin confinement and other travel risks specific to cruises.
Order travel money online or in selected branches. Pick up in any branch or get it delivered to your home
The savvy way to spend abroad. One prepaid Mastercard™ you can top up any time with up to 22 currencies
Get your passport application right the first time. We can even complete and submit it for you digitally
There are several ways to get to the top of the class on your flight – whether that's business or even first.
Greece and the Greek islands have long been a popular travel destination for us Brits. But are there any travel risks or other factors to keep in mind before and when ...
Travelling with high blood pressure is fine – but it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right cover in case something goes wrong abroad.
So, you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and activities. What next?
With festivals overseas becoming the new norm, festivalgoers need to do a bit more planning than for a UK festival.
While it’s useful to take hard copies of travel documents away, you can minimise your worry and risk. Here are some handy tips on keeping your travel documents safe.
Satisfy your travel craving while making your holiday budget go further.
For many UK holidaymakers, India is an intriguing and diverse culture with colourful traditions and engrossing history. For many others, it’s a home from home.
Do UK residents need travel insurance for Ireland? And what healthcare is available for Brits if they’re visiting the country?
The arrival of Airbnb has helped to transform the travel industry in recent years. On any one night, over two million people stay in homes advertised through Airbnb in ...
Find out about the safety of travelling to Italy as well as the medical care available to Brits and how to get around.
If you’re jetting off to Japan soon make sure you have good travel insurance to cover your trip. The right policy may offer more protection than the standard medical ...
Discover some top places to visit in Spain, tips on staying safe while you’re there and why travel insurance is essential for an unforgettable Spanish adventure.
Thailand’s idyllic beaches, azure-blue sea, buzzing cities and exciting alternative scene are a draw for Brits. A trip can be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Travelling with kids? Before you get on the plane, read our quick and easy guide to help make sure your journey runs smoothly.
We all know the feeling – getting to the airport, then a wave of panic comes over you. Did you remember your passport? What time's the flight? And where on earth did you ...
The whole idea of lounging around on the beach is to switch off and enjoy the sunshine. But the reality is that opportunistic thieves are on the lookout for unattended ...
There’s nothing worse than falling ill while away from home. Along with the worry of the cost of visiting a doctor and getting treatment, being poorly can put a real ...
Find out about medical care available to Brits in Mexico, as well as travel risks, transport options and the importance of taking travel insurance.
Perched on the northern tip of Africa, Morocco’s long been a popular destination for UK holidaymakers. If you’re heading there soon, make sure you’ve got good travel ...
There are different rules for travelling to the Schengen Area from the UK since Brexit. If you’re visiting this part of Europe, find out if you need a Schengen visa and ...
Travelling solo means freedom and independence, making new connections and never having to compromise.
How safe is South Africa to visit and why is having travel insurance important when you go? Our guide looks at the potential travel risks and the cover you may want to ...
Booking a last-minute holiday can get the blood pumping with the sudden thrill of adventure, but it also makes it easier to overlook things.
Whether you’re heading to the beach for a much-needed break or boarding a boat for a cruise somewhere breath-taking, it’s important to know what to pack in advance so ...
Find out what medical care Brits can access in New Zealand and travel risks to be aware of like natural catastrophes, however rare.
Before your little bundle of joy arrives, you may be considering taking a holiday. But is it safe? And what precautions should you consider before making a booking?
The white stuff is alluring, so make sure you can enjoy it safely, are ready for the unexpected and pack travel insurance for extra reassurance.
Read our guide to travelling in later life. We explore what to look for in your travel insurance, plus taking trips with your grandchildren.
Whether you’re travelling solo because of business, you’re hoping to meet someone, or simply because you enjoy it, being by yourself can sometimes be a daunting prospect ...
If you’re thinking of heading abroad without insurance, think again. This guide explains why doing so can be risky, busts common myths about the need for insurance and ...
There’s no better feeling than planning an amazing trip to an exotic destination. Make staying safe with travel vaccinations top of your to-do list.
Taking your best friend on holiday with you is everyone's ideal situation, but travelling with a dog can be a complicated process. Make sure you know how.
A trip to Turkey offers toasty beaches and tourist treats aplenty. No wonder it’s so popular with holidaymakers from the UK and elsewhere.
Discover top places to visit, tips on staying safe and why travel insurance is essential for an unforgettable USA adventure
Over 60 million people travel from the UK most years for holidays or business. The vast majority enjoy smooth, trouble-free journeys. Sometimes, though, things go wrong.
ATOL stands for Air Travel Organisers' Licensing, a scheme that helps make sure consumers are covered if travel firms fall into financial difficulties.
Some vaccinations for Thailand are recommended and some are mandatory in certain circumstances. It’s important to know which vaccinations or injections for Thailand you ...
Do you need travel insurance for your trip? Is travel insurance worth it? And, if yes, when is the right time to buy cover?
Travel’s a great way to unwind, see the world, open the mind and expand horizons. But rapidly changing situations around the world can soon impact such plans.
If you're the type of sunchaser who looks forward to that sizzling summer break, can’t wait to escape to warmer climes in the UK’s winter months or can't be away from ...
Ready to jet off on a much-needed break but confused about what you can take with you on the flight?
Travel can help teenagers grow and discover new places. This guide shares the best trips for teens, advice for those travelling independently for the first time, plus ...
Looking for holiday destinations that promise warmer days as UK temperatures start to fall? We can help with that.
With the winter sports season upon us, we conducted a Winter Sports Survey for the second year running. It found as many as four in 10 UK travellers (39%) planned to ...
Looking to escape the chilly UK winter? Our Winter Sun Survey reveals the top sunny destinations UK travellers are choosing this season. And learn why travel insurance ...
Looking for holiday destinations that promise warmer days in the UK’s colder winter months? We can help with that.
Spring is a great time to leave the cooler UK and go somewhere sunny. And we can help with that.
Find the best places to visit in Australia, tips on staying safe and why travel insurance is a must for your trip.
Going backpacking is one of life’s great adventures. But before you set off you’ll need some packing tips so you're not weighed down on the way.
It’s one of the most popular holiday hotspots for UK holidaymakers. But what can you expect from a trip to the Balearics?
Thinking of going on a cruise? Learn how cruise travel insurance protects you from unexpected events on board, at sea and on land, for smooth sailing and a stress-free ...
Discover top places to visit, tips on staying safe and why travel insurance is essential for an unforgettable Dubai adventure.
Make sure you’re travelling safely in Egypt with the latest advice and risks, and learn about getting around and local culture.
If you're travelling to an EU country from the UK, make sure you take a Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) with you or existing European health Insurance Card (Ehic), ...
Canada is a vast country of diverse delights – everything from bustling cities to snow-capped mountains, deep forests and crystal clear lakes. If you're thinking of ...
People flock to the Canary Islands from all over Europe. No wonder, with such appealing beaches, landscapes and temperatures to enjoy.
If you're living with cancer but love to travel, can you get travel insurance for your trip?
It's a proud feeling when children turn eighteen and start holidaying on their own. Although, perhaps it's tinged with a feeling of relief. But you can't help but worry ...
Travel insurance is essential for any trip. It can help protect you from things like flight cancellations, medical emergencies and lost luggage.
Today, Cuba is more accessible than it has been for many decades, and those who decide to holiday there can expect a mixture of colourful city life and luxurious ...
The last thing you want to happen on holiday is standing the luggage carousel at the airport waiting for bags that don't appear. It's a huge inconvenience that can cost ...
You should be able to get the right cover to travel abroad if you’re diabetic, making sure that your medical needs are taken care of.
The opportunities to combine business and leisure have never been greater. You could be planning some ‘bleisure’ time, taking a ‘workation’ or diving into becoming a ...
Travel insurance for a holiday in the UK isn't something you must have, but it might be something you want to have.
Learn the difference between embassies and consulates, and why you might need them when travelling.
If you're travelling abroad as a family, it makes sense to take out insurance that covers you all. Especially if you have little ones.
Most of the time, getting a flight is a hassle-free event. If you only take hand luggage, have your boarding pass saved to your phone and everything’s running to plan ...
It may be a short hop away, but a trip to France is not without its travel risks. Make sure you’re clued up on what they are and have travel insurance in place to help ...
Exploring the globe can be scary, but there’s so much to find at the edge of your comfort zone. We look at some of the top destinations to visit on your own – and share ...
Adventure holidays come in all shapes and sizes. They can be full of action or just include a few activities, depending on the type of getaway you’re going for.
Finding out that your airline or holiday company has gone bust is a shock – especially if you’re on holiday at the time. But there are plenty of laws and regulations in ...
Lots of people who need assisted travel at airports are missing out simply because they don’t know how to go about asking for it.