Top Underrated Cruise Destinations
Cruise Ship Destinations You May Have Missed
Are you getting just a little bit tired of seeing the same several holiday destinations when searching through all the latest last minute cruise deals and upcoming luxury cruise getaways for your next holiday? Well, you’re not alone. From Bali and the Bahamas to Alaska and Amsterdam, a cruise is an excellent way to see some of the most popular holiday hotspots and best cruise destinations around the world – and, of course, enjoy all the stunning sights and delicious dishes they offer.
However, while all of these popular places are worth visiting when you get the chance, cruising is also a fantastic way to explore places you may have never even considered visiting before. We don’t want to rely too heavily on the term ‘hidden gems’ here, but there really are some truly wonderful hidden gems out there for travellers looking to explore underrated cruise destinations and places off the beaten path.
So, if you’re sitting there looking at all the best cruise deals available right now wondering which one you should go for, why not let the destinations decide? Below, in no particular order, we’re going to talk through some of the most underrated cruise destinations out there at the moment and why you should consider a cruise with an itinerary including one of these incredible places for your next holiday.
Kotor, Montenegro
An ancient port city sitting in the secluded Montenegrin Bay of Kotor on the Adriatic Sea, this is one of the most often-overlooked Mediterranean cruise destinations and a part of the world steeped in history, sensational sights, and captivating culture. Surrounded by fortifications constructed throughout the Venetian period and set against a truly sensational mountainscape (which is where Montenegro gets its name), you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more cosy-yet-awe-inspiring city in the Balkans.
With a population of just over 13,000 people, which is only actually double some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, the imposing Cathedral of Saint Tryphon is but just one of the numerous excellent sights worth seeing here – when you’re not tucking into the local cuisine, or visiting one of the many quaint shops throughout the city.
Some of the best places to eat and drink in Kotor, Montenegro include:
- Konoba Scala Santa – epitomising authentic Montenegrin cuisine, this cosy family-owned restaurant in Kotor’s old town delivers delicious locally-sourced delicacies and homemade dishes.
- Pescaria Dekaderon – offering a sensational seafood menu, caught fresh daily, and a carefully curated wine menu, this charming restaurant celebrates the bounty of the Adriatic Sea (and great food).
- Galion Kotor – an excellent fine dining experience with awesome views of the Bay of Kotor, this restaurant blends traditional Mediterranean flavours with international cuisine to create a unique menu well worth enjoying.
If you want to hop on a cruise heading to this corner of the globe, you’ll find that Cunard and Celebrity Cruises are among those with itineraries including the Kotor cruise port. However, there are plenty of Mediterranean cruises to check out right now, with many sailings over 10 nights stopping off here for a day in the sunshine.
Panama Canal & Panama City, Panama
You might not think of the Panama Canal as anything more than a convenient cut-through for container ships looking to take cargo from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic (and vice-versa, of course), but this little stretch of waterway is surprisingly stunning and – when you throw the beautiful Panama City and its historic centre, Casco Viejo, into things – is well worth your time. To cruise through the Panama Canal is something special, yet Panama Canal cruises aren't nearly as popular when compared to Caribbean cruise destinations and itineraries that stop off at several sensational ports in Central America.
A true marvel of modern engineering surrounded by some gorgeous Central American landscapes, you’ll be surprised at just how much there is to do when you disembark here. Ancon Hill, in particular, is a fantastic spot to soak up some sensational views during any one of the available cruises through the Panama Canal.
Some of the best places to eat and drink by the Panama Canal and Panama City, Panama include:
- Tantalo Roofbar – with live music every day of the week and fantastic views of the Casco Viejo, this bar atop the Tantalo boutique hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a drink.
- Caleta – a modern brasserie-style restaurant with an impressive menu from Michelin star chef Lorenzo Di Gravio, delivering delicious food inspired by local cuisine and flavours.
- Casa Popino – this fine dining venue blends traditional Panamanian cuisine with modern trends, an experience complete with live jazz performances.
If this sounds like something right up your alley (or canal, in this case), you can find out more about cruises sailing through the Panama Canal right here and the latest best Panama Canal cruise deals here. Sailings from Virgin Voyages and P&O Cruises are particularly worth looking out for here.
Anguilla, Caribbean
Often talked about by those in the know as one of the best kept secrets of Caribbean cruises, this small British Overseas Territory sits just north of Saint Martin and is nothing short of paradise. With stunningly beautiful beaches just the beginning of everything this island can offer cruisers, you’ll find even a short stop at the Anguilla cruise port beyond fulfilling. Catered primarily by smaller luxury ships, Anguilla offers everything you’d expect from a Caribbean island (like scuba diving and snorkelling) at a much more relaxed pace than some of its neighbours – making it an ideal destination for anyone and everyone.
Some of the best places to eat and drink in Anguilla, Caribbean include:
- Straw Hat – this open-air beachfront restaurant is the perfect place for a bite to eat, serving island-inspired dishes with fresh, local ingredients.
- Ember – a restaurant specialising in local dishes flame-grilled with a wonderful selection of vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu items.
- Sunset Lounge – offering a sensational selection of Asian-inspired dishes, this open-air restaurant blends Caribbean culture with Pan-Asian cuisine to create a truly unique dining experience.
So, whether you’re after some active recreation or a relaxing shore excursion in the sunshine, you can find out more about cruises to Anguilla right here. Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, and Explora Journeys all offer exciting itineraries including this island.
Nafplio, Greece
Nearly every inch of Greece is overflowing with captivating culture, sensational scenery, and fantastic food, and the small resort town of Nafplio is no different. Without all the hustle and bustle of a busier Greek city like Athens, or crowds of sun-seekers like Corfu, cruisers stopping off in the Nafplio cruise port can enjoy everything this beautiful Argolis town has to offer at their own pace – whether that’s a stroll in the sun to soak in all the views, a quick trip to the impressive Mycenean Acropolis, or sitting down to enjoy a refreshing Horta Salad.
Some of the best places to eat and drink in Nafplio, Greece include:
- Arapakos – right in front of the port, this delightful destination delivers traditional Greek cuisine, showcasing some of the best foods and flavours this corner of the world has to offer.
- Kellari Restaurant Nafplio – with a menu full of flavourful seafood dishes and a blend of both traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, this restaurant also offers stunning views of the Venetian fortress of Bourtzi.
- Omforo Tavernaki – this cosy traditional Greek restaurant features an impressive wine list and an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy delicious dishes and first-class service.
For those of you who like the sound of all that, or that want to find out a little more about all the Greek Island cruises available, you can find all the cruises sailing to Nafplio right here. It’s a popular itinerary item aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Caribbean cruises and you’ll also find some Azamara Cruises stopping here for a day.
Kiel, Germany
Kiel might not be the first German city you think of when it comes to planning your holiday – or, realistically, even the second or third – but it’s location on the Jutland peninsula looking out at the Baltic Sea has led to it becoming one of the European nation’s major maritime centres and an excellent stop on any European cruise heading that way.
Boasting a selection of fantastic maritime museums, sensational seafood restaurants, and several sandy beaches to enjoy, you’ll find yourself wanting to come back as soon as you head off to your next destination. Better yet, if you find yourself with enough time, the Kiel cruise port is a great starting point for a trip to another German city centre; Hamburg is only an hour away by train, and another brilliant city to visit.
Some of the best places to eat and drink in Kiel, Germany include:
- Fischers Fritz Restaurant – found inside the family-run Hotel Birke, this delightfully elegant restaurant specialises in regional specialties and sensational seafood, perfect for authentic Kiel cuisine.
- Das Wirtshaus – a Bavarian-style tavern, this casual venue is the perfect place for a beer and a bratwurst with a menu full of flavourful Bavarian dishes.
- Gaststätte Ratskeller – this old-style restaurant serves a variety of rustic German game and seafood dishes, and a wonderful selection of beers, in a central location perfect for a quick pit-stop while exploring.
If this sounds like somewhere you would like to visit, you can find out more about cruises sailing to Kiel here. Some of the best Baltic cruises from P&O Cruises, Cunard, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Line include a stop in Kiel.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Tucked away behind Prince of Wales Island, facing the Inside Passage, this quaint Alaskan town is truly breathtaking and a fantastic destination for anyone thinking about an Alaskan cruise anytime soon.
Offering rich culture and stunning scenery in equal measures, Ketchikan is perfect if you want to immerse yourself in the rugged Alaskan wilderness – while still being within touching distance of some sensational seafood, of course. Both the in-town Totem Heritage Center and the nearby Totem Bight State Historical Park are both well worth your time while you’re here, too.
Some of the best things to do in Ketchikan on a cruise include:
- 108 Taphouse – with a full Alaskan craft beer line-up, a selection of artisan cocktails, and a menu of flavourful North American classics, this burger joint promises good food and a chance to mingle with Ketchikan’s colourful community.
- Annabelle’s Famous Keg & Chowder House – this restaurant may not sound too flashy, but that doesn’t stop it delivering some truly delicious seafood dishes, with Bering Sea Crab, wild caught fish, and housemade creamy Clam Chowder all available on the menu.
- Uncharted Alaska Distillery – a distillery and bar offering carefully crafted Alaskan spirits (gin, vodka, and whisky mainly), this watering hole is an excellent spot to stop for a drink as you soak up the incredible Ketchikan scenery.
If Ketchikan, Alaska is somewhere you want to check out, you can find out more about all the upcoming North American cruises and all the itineraries including the Ketchikan cruise port right here. Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America Line are among the cruise lines offering sailings including Alaska.
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