Top 2025 Cruise Destinations and Itineraries
Where to Set Sail Next
If you’re currently dreaming of your next holiday, 2025 cruises are shaping up to deliver incredible experiences. With brand-new ships, reimagined itineraries, and unique adventures, cruises in 2025 offer the perfect chance to explore your bucket-list destinations, including the Baltics, Antarctica, Japan and more!
So, grab your sun hat, scarf, or parka – depending on where we’re headed – and let’s dive into the top must-sail destinations for 2025.
1. Japan: Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Marvels
Japan takes out the number one spot for best cruises for 2025, and with good reason.
Imagine gliding into a Japanese port where centuries-old temples share the skyline with gleaming skyscrapers. As a must-see destination, Japan has it all: tea ceremonies, cherry blossoms, and bustling street markets that make your senses come alive. Whether you’re exploring the historic peace memorial in Hiroshima or slurping ramen in Tokyo, every port has a story to tell – and a dish to taste.
⚓Top Picks:
Princess Cruises stands out with their “More Ashore” program, offering longer port stays so you can fully explore Kyoto’s serene temples or Tokyo’s neon-lit streets. And if a “2025 family cruise holiday” is on your to-do list for the year, you can’t go wrong with MSC Cruises. It is perfect for multi-generational groups, with spacious family cabins, kids’ clubs, and even onboard Japanese language lessons.
Tokyo, Japan
2. The Baltics & Scandinavia: Nordic Wonderlands
If fairy tales were real, they’d be set in the Baltics and Scandinavia. Think colourful harbours, medieval castles, and fjords so stunning they’ll leave you speechless. From Tallinn’s old town charm to the fjords of Norway, 2025’s Northern European cruise experiences offer postcard worthy-views and magical moments at every stop along the way.
Pro tip: Visit in the northern hemisphere summer for the magical midnight sun or in their winter for the bucket-list Northern Lights.
⚓ Top Picks:
In 2025 Viking Cruises is bringing this region’s rich culture to life through onboard activities like local food tastings, Nordic folklore performances, and glassblowing workshops, alongside shore excursions exploring Tallinn’s medieval charm or the palaces of Stockholm.
Saint-Nicolas church in Tallinn, Estonia
3. Greek Islands: A Slice of Mediterranean Magic
Sun-drenched beaches, whitewashed buildings, and sparkling turquoise waters – welcome to the Greek Islands! Whether it’s strolling the cobblestone streets of Santorini, partying in Mykonos, or uncovering myths in Rhodes, these islands blend relaxation with history in the best way possible. A Greek cruise isn’t just a trip; it’s a love letter to the Mediterranean.
⚓ Top Picks:
Combine one of 2025’s new cruise ships – Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, launching in October this year – with immersive Mediterranean voyages and you’ll discover luxury reimagined. And for a family-friendly holiday in the Mediterranean, you can’t go past Royal Caribbean’s 2025 cruise itineraries that feature iconic destinations like Santorini and Mykonos while also keeping everyone entertained with snorkelling tours, guided hikes, and onboard thrills.
Santorini, Greece
4. Alaska: Nature at Its Most Breathtaking
Calling all adventurers – a 2025 Alaska cruise has your name all over it! Alaska is where towering glaciers, majestic wildlife, and jaw-dropping vistas take centre stage. Cruise past Hubbard Glacier, watch eagles soar over Glacier Bay, or spend a day whale watching in Juneau. Whether you’re kayaking through icy waters or enjoying the view from your ship, The Last Frontier is as wild and wonderful as it gets.
⚓ Top Picks:
Holland America Line leverages over 70 years of Alaskan cruising expertise to deliver unforgettable experiences, from scenic cruising in Glacier Bay to wildlife-spotting excursions. With onboard naturalist talks and eco-conscious sailings, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Alaska’s untamed beauty.
Sunrise at Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
5. Southeast Asia: A Feast for the Senses
Southeast Asia is a kaleidoscope of experiences, making it perfect for a “best cruises of 2025” list! Picture this: the urban buzz of Singapore, the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, the culinary delights of Penang, and the vibrant culture of the Philippines. From tranquil beaches to bustling cities, every stop is an adventure. And let’s not forget the food – each port is a culinary celebration waiting to happen.
⚓ Top Picks:
Many major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises, visit this region. But for Southeast Asia cruises in 2025, you can’t beat Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Freestyle Cruising”, which offers unparalleled flexibility to tailor your trip, including overnight stays in Bangkok, and excursions ranging from cooking classes in Vietnam to snorkelling in the Philippines.
Singapore Flyers in Full View
6. Repositioning Cruises: Unpack Once, See the World
Ever dreamed of crossing oceans while waking up to a new view every day? Repositioning cruises from Africa to Europe or Asia offer just that. Encompassing multiple top destinations into one voyage, the 2025 repositioning itineraries on offer all give you the perfect combination of relaxing sea days with busy stops at iconic destinations like Cape Town, Lisbon, and Singapore. Perfect for those who want a mix of adventure and lazy afternoons at sea.
⚓ Top Picks:
Silversea’s 2025 repositioning cruises take travel to a whole new level with luxurious long-haul journeys that feature cultural enrichment programs, from wine tastings to lectures on regional art and history; while Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2 offers the best in cruising – traditional cruising that is, with ballroom dancing, traditional high tea, and Black Tie events, making the journey just as extraordinary as the destinations.
7. Antarctica: A Journey to the Edge of the World
Antarctica isn’t just a destination; it’s an adventure. Picture yourself zipping through icy waters in a Zodiac, standing among a colony of penguins, or marvelling at the otherworldly beauty of towering glaciers. The White Continent is remote, pristine, and unlike anything else on Earth. Every moment here is unforgettable.
⚓ Top Picks:
These days there are more cruise companies than ever visiting Antarctica, but for unparalleled adventure and luxury, you can’t go past Scenic Eclipse. With their Polar Class 6 rating, Scenic’s “Discovery Yachts” are purpose-built for polar exploration, and they feature helicopters, submarines, and Zodiacs for up-close encounters with glaciers and wildlife – all wrapped in ultra-luxury comfort.
Icebergs Floating around Antarctica
8. Greenland: The Arctic’s Best-Kept Secret
Greenland a must-see cruise hotspot for 2025. With new airports opening and a tourism boom on the horizon, now is the perfect time to visit and still beat the crowds. Cruise through ice-filled fjords, visit tiny coastal villages, and learn about Indigenous Arctic culture – all while surrounded by untouched natural beauty.
⚓ Top Picks:
Hurtigruten excels in sustainable Arctic cruising, combining expert-led lectures and Zodiac landings with meaningful cultural exchanges in Greenlandic villages; while Ponant blends adventure and indulgence, offering unforgettable cruises through Greenland’s fjords.
Tiilerilaaq, Greenland
9. Egypt/Nile River Cruising: History on the Water
The Nile isn’t just a river; it’s a living museum. A 2025 river cruise along the Nile will transport you back in time, taking you past temples that date back thousands of years; and giving you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the Great Pyramids and discover the treasures of Luxor. River cruising here combines cultural immersion with the kind of relaxation only a cruise can provide.
⚓ Top Picks:
Viking Cruises’ custom-built river ships provide spacious rooms and insightful voyages that include private tours of the Great Pyramids and expert-led visits to the Valley of the Kings; while Uniworld’s boutique approach ensures a luxurious Nile cruise, complete with gourmet dining and exclusive excursions guided by Egyptologists.
Alexandria Harbour, Egypt
10. Event Cruises 2025: Be Part of Something Extraordinary
So not really a “destination”, but we had to include it – because why just go on a cruise when you can also combine it with a 2025 world-class event or a unique theme? Event and themed cruises are all the rage for 2025, offering everything from exclusive access to global spectacles to immersive onboard experiences. Imagine sailing to the Monaco Grand Prix with Windstar Cruises, where you’ll enjoy VIP race viewing and luxury excursions, or experiencing the vibrant energy of Mardi Gras on Celebrity Cruises’ specialised voyage departing from Tampa. Norwegian Cruise Line also hosts a variety of music-themed cruises, featuring performances by top artists across genres.
⚓ Top Picks:
For something truly different, Virgin Voyages leads the way with themed sailings like drag brunches, LGBTQ+ celebrations, and immersive wellness retreats.
FINAL VIEW FROM THE DECK
Whether you’re watching the sun set over the Greek Islands or feeling the crunch of Antarctic snow under your boots, cruising in 2025 is about making memories you’ll cherish forever. At Cruiseabout, we’re here to help you find the best ship, destination and 2025 (or 2026) cruise itinerary to match your dream holiday.
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Contact us today and let Cruiseabout’s experts help you plan your next holiday and find the best cruise deals for you!