Top Cruise Destinations of 2025
With so many incredible destinations to choose from, Iglu Cruise take a look back at some of the more popular destinations of 2025.
Cruise continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors of the travel industry. From the sunny Mediterranean to cooler destinations like Alaska and Antarctica, cruises enable guests to explore every corner of the globe.
With so many incredible destinations to choose from, we want to look back at some of the more popular destinations of 2025. Natalie Draper, our Head of Partnerships and Planning, has provided insight into why these destinations attracted so many cruise travellers.
Keep reading to find out more!
Contents:
- Central America
- Baltic
- Pacific Islands
- Europe
- Caribbean
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- Mexico
- Antarctica
- Norwegian Fjords
1. Central America
Natalie Draper said, “Central America saw an increase in demand in 2025, and for good reason. With pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes, it is a popular destination for all types of cruise travellers. The area is home to extensive tropical rainforests, particularly in Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize, which offer a range of offshore activities, including kayaking and wildlife tours. We've seen a huge uptick in demand from customers wanting to do a full transit of the Panama Canal. Naturally, we have to focus on slightly smaller ship products, so we have built some luxury cruise and stay tours, incorporating Miami stays.”
Top destinations: Roatan Island, Mahogany Bay, Belize City
Popular cruise lines that sail to Central America: Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises.
Explore our range of cruises to Central America here.
2. Baltic
Natalie said, “During a Baltic cruise, you'll be able to see the best of Scandinavia and the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea, visiting the enchanting cities of Copenhagen, Helsinki, Tallinn and Stockholm. While cruises to the Baltic have been occasionally overlooked in previous years in favour of destinations such as the Mediterranean, 2025 saw more travellers wanting to visit this striking region of the world. With cruises available from Southampton and other UK ports, enjoying a Baltic cruise has never been easier.”
Top destinations: Tallinn, Riga, Klaipeda,
Popular cruise lines that sail to the Baltic: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Holland America Line.
Discover our collection of Baltic cruises here.
3. Pacific Islands
Natalie said, “A cruise in the Pacific Islands is like no other, offering unparalleled natural beauty in destinations such as Bora Bora, Tahiti and New Caledonia. Spanning an area of over 11 million square miles, the Pacific Islands offer an ideal option for those seeking to island-hop in this incredible part of the world. Divided into the three main regions of Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, each region offers guests the opportunity to experience its unique culture, traditions, and stunning landscapes. There are also opportunities to see incredible wildlife, such as sea turtles, manta rays and colourful reef fish.”
Top destinations: Papeete, Nouméa, Huahine
Popular cruise lines that sail to the Pacific Islands: Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.
See a variety of cruises to the Pacific Islands here.
4. Europe
Natalie said, “Demand for Europe has increased in 2025, with high numbers of passengers enjoying to versatility of the continent. Many major cruise lines offer incredible itineraries across Europe throughout the year, meaning there is something for everyone to enjoy. From luxury cruises exploring the stunning coastlines of the South of France, to all-inclusive family sailings to Portugal, Spain and Greece, Europe offers plenty of options. Both no-fly and fly cruises are available, so you can tailor your adventure to your specific needs.”
Top destinations: Lisbon, Rome, Malaga
Popular cruise lines that offer European cruises: P&O Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Cunard.
Here at Iglu Cruise, we offer a wide array of cruises to Europe.
5. Caribbean
Natalie said, “The Caribbean is a very popular destination that has steady growth year after year, and is the perfect destination for those looking for some winter sunshine. From December to April, the weather is dry and warm, with low humidity, making it an ideal time to explore destinations like Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Lucia. There’s also the option to embark on a cruise-and-stay option, visiting the likes of Miami and Tampa, too, all in one trip.”
Top destinations: Philipsburg, Nassau, Bridgetown
Popular cruise lines that sail to the Caribbean: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises.
See our extensive collection of cruises to the Caribbean here.
6. Hawaii
Natalie said, “Hawaii is an idyllic paradise, known for its stunning volcanic landscapes and unique Polynesian culture. Thanks to warm, pleasant weather all year round, demand for cruises to the islands remains steady throughout the year. Travellers can visit many of Hawaii’s beautiful islands, including Kauai, known for tropical rainforests and waterfalls, and Oahu, home to the capital, Honolulu. This destination should definitely be added to your bucket list if you love the outdoors and want to experience the natural beauty of the Aloha State.”
Top destinations: Honolulu, Hilo, Kona
Popular cruise lines that sail to Hawaii: Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Cunard.
View our cruises to Hawaii on our dedicated page here.
7. Alaska
Natalie said, “We have experienced steady demand for destinations to cooler climates such as Alaska. These types of itineraries offer a completely different cruise experience, with unique landscapes and activities. The Alaska Inside Passage is a scenic journey through coastal waterways, islands and fjords along the Pacific Northwest, offering calm waters and incredible glacier views. For those who sail from September to April, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.”
Top destinations: Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway
Popular cruise lines that sail to Alaska: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
We offer a large collection of cruises to Alaska. Explore our extensive range here.
8. Mexico
Natalie said, “Demand for Mexico has grown in 2025, with travellers searching for a mixture of sunshine, delicious food and ancient history. Itineraries along the Mexican Riviera on the western coast are a popular option, with many sailings offering cruise-and-stay options in bustling cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. On the eastern coast, you’ll visit destinations such as Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya, which offer a more relaxed experience.”
Top destinations: Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, Cabo San Lucas
Popular cruise lines that sail to Mexico: Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Discover our variety of cruises to Mexico here.
9. Antarctica
Natalie said, “An Antarctic cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the most extreme places on the planet. These cruises are ideal for intrepid explorers wanting to discover the wilderness of the South Pole. A land of spectacular scenery and unique wildlife, many cruises of the southern hemisphere enable you to see Antarctica, but only dedicated itineraries with smaller ships can actually take you ashore.”
Top destinations: King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Paradise Bay
Popular cruise lines that sail to Antarctica: Silversea Cruises, HX Expeditions, and Scenic Discovery Yachts.
See our Antarctica cruises here.
10. Norwegian Fjords
Natalie said, “Finally, we have the Norwegian Fjords. A fjord cruise offers views like no other, allowing guests to see the dramatic valleys and steep walls that form the iconic landscape. During summer, you'll be rewarded with long summer days and warmer weather, while the winter months offer the chance to see the Northern Lights. These are also a great option for those looking for a no-fly cruise option, with sailings departing from Southampton, Newcastle, Liverpool and more, meaning you can start your adventure from right here in the UK.”
Top destinations: Alesund, Bergen, Olden
Popular cruise lines that sail around the Norwegian Fjords: Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, and P&O Cruises.
View our collection of cruises to the Norwegian Fjords here.
Are you ready for your next cruise adventure in 2026?
With 2026 just around the corner, there are plenty of incredible cruise destinations to see. From family-friendly sailings to all-inclusive luxury cruises, Iglu Cruise has an incredible range for you to choose from throughout the year.