Cruise Destination Guide
Where to cruise, when to go and how long to sail — region by region.
Get Free Cruise QuotesChoose the Region First, Then the Ship
Most cruise planning starts with a ship or a deal. We think it should start with the place. The region you choose decides the season you sail, how long the cruise is, how many sea days you get, what you pack and even which ships are available. This guide walks through the world’s main cruise regions one at a time, with honest notes on when to go and who each one suits.
Every region page links to the live site in our network that covers it in more depth — port guides, shore excursions and regional cruise planning — so you can go from “where?” to “what will we do there?” in a click.
Caribbean & Bahamas
Year-round sunshine, short getaways and week-long island-hopping from Florida and beyond.
Alaska
Glaciers, wildlife and the Inside Passage, in a short summer season.
Mediterranean
Ancient cities, islands and food, from Barcelona to the Greek islands.
Northern Europe
Norwegian fjords, Baltic capitals and the British Isles under long summer days.
Asia & the Pacific
Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific islands and Hawaii.
South America & Antarctica
Cape Horn, Patagonia’s fjords and the White Continent in the southern summer.
Transatlantic & World
Ocean crossings, repositioning voyages and long world cruises for those with time.
The World’s Cruise Regions at a Glance
| Region | Main season | Typical length | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean & Bahamas | Year-round (Atlantic hurricane season June–November) | 3–5 or 7 nights; longer southern routes | First-timers, families, beach lovers |
| Alaska | Roughly May to September | 7 nights; longer with a land tour | Scenery, wildlife, multi-generation trips |
| Mediterranean | Spring to autumn; some year-round sailings | 7–12 nights | History, food, island hopping |
| Northern Europe | Late spring to early autumn | 7–14 nights | Fjords, capital cities, cooler summers |
| Asia | Varies by country; many routes in the cooler, drier months | 7–14 nights and longer | Culture, cities, food |
| Australia, NZ & South Pacific | Southern-hemisphere spring to autumn | 7–14 nights | Scenery, islands, long holidays |
| Hawaii | Year-round | 7 nights inter-island; longer from the mainland | Volcanoes, beaches, no passport needed for U.S. citizens on inter-island cruises |
| South America & Antarctica | Southern summer, about November to March | 10–20+ nights | Adventure, wildlife, bucket lists |
| Transatlantic & world | Spring and autumn crossings; world cruises usually start in January | 7 nights (liner crossing) to 100+ nights | Sea days, value per night, long trips |
Seasons and lengths are general patterns, not rules — every line sets its own schedule each year. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can show you exactly what sails when.
Four Questions That Narrow It Down
- When can you travel? If it is winter, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Southeast Asia, Australia or South America. If it is summer, Alaska, Northern Europe or the Mediterranean.
- How long do you have? Short breaks favor the Bahamas and Caribbean. Two weeks opens up Europe, Asia and the South Pacific.
- Sea days or port days? The Mediterranean is port-intensive; transatlantic crossings and Hawaii from the mainland are mostly sea days.
- How far will you fly? Sailing from a homeport near you keeps costs and jet lag down; a long flight is worth it for regions that cannot be reached any other way.
Planning Port Days Once You Have Chosen
Once you know the region, the next question is what you will do ashore. Our network has a site for nearly every part of the world: Caribbean Cruise Ports for the Caribbean, Alaska Port Excursions, Europe Port Excursions, Asia Shore Excursions and South America Shore Excursions, plus Shore Activities for ports everywhere else. For the year’s cruise promotions across all regions, see Wave Season.
Cruise Destination Guide is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
Choosing a Cruise Region
What is the best cruise region for a first cruise?
For most first-timers from North America, a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise is the easiest start: short flights to the homeport, warm weather, lots of ship choice and sailings from three nights up. Alaska is a close second for travelers who prefer scenery to beaches.
Which cruise regions are seasonal?
Alaska, Northern Europe and the polar regions are strictly seasonal. The Mediterranean is busiest from spring to autumn. The Caribbean, Hawaii and Southeast Asia have cruises year-round, with seasons that affect weather and price rather than availability.
How far ahead should I book a cruise to a seasonal region?
For Alaska, Northern Europe and Antarctica, the best cabins and dates often go a year or more ahead. Promotions still appear closer to sailing, but choice narrows.
Not Sure Where to Cruise?
Tell us when you can travel, how long you have and what you enjoy. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest regions and itineraries and send free quotes.
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