It’s not long to go until the new year, and with the darker, colder days now upon us, we are all dreaming of sunnier climates to enjoy. If you haven’t yet planned any getaways for 2025, let us help you consider one type of holiday that can give you a bit of everything. With the promise of multiple destinations to visit and plenty to do in between, a cruise is still one of the best ways to travel.
If you’re already a big fan of cruises and are looking to book again, or are open to different holiday options, below you will find some of the top cruise destinations for next year along with some handy tips when looking to book.
Emerging Cruise Hubs – Montenegro, Japan & Costa Rica
Whilst there are many classic destinations that will always be popular, 2025 is an opportunity to visit some new locations you may not have considered before.
Kotor, Montenegro – This hidden gem in the Adriatic Sea boasts a stunning coastline that rivals the most popular ports of Europe. With its medieval old town and dramatic mountain backdrop, Kotor offers plenty of natural beauty and historical intrigue, making it a must-visit port for any Mediterranean cruise looking for something a little different.
Ishigaki, Japan – Another top cruise destination, Ishigaki Island is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, something you would usually associate with a Caribbean cruise rather than Japan. This subtropical paradise is an ideal port for those interested in diving and snorkelling. Beyond the bay, there is plenty to keep you busy with rich Japanese culture including a visit to Torinji Temple and Yaeyama Museum amongst many more highlights.
Puerta Limon, Costa Rica – Gaining attention for its rainforests and diverse wildlife, Limon feels like a world away from the UK. With a focus on eco-tourism, Limon is a natural paradise where visitors can enjoy the Veragua Rainforest and its aerial tram and skywalk, as well as the vintage railway through the jungle, making it a standout destination for those who love nature and adventure.
Revamped Classics – Spain, The Bahamas & Italy
In 2023, the most popular cruise destinations were the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda, with approximately 12.6 million visitors, according to data from Statista. This is no surprise given that the tropical weather has long been a huge attraction for cruises here making them all classic destinations. Even if you have visited one or all of these locations before, expect cruise lines to update and revamp their itineraries to both classic European and worldwide destinations that make them worth revisiting.
Barcelona, Spain – Already a favourite for its architecture and vibrant street life, Barcelona has upgraded its port facilities in recent years so that the largest ships can visit, with it being the 4th largest in the world. Exploring the city’s famous sites, like La Sagrada Familia and the bustling Las Ramblas, means Barcelona remains a great destination to start or end a Mediterranean cruise.
The Bahamas – Transforming the cruise experience, there are new private islands exclusively for cruise passengers opening in The Bahamas and Caribbean. These islands are designed to offer a bespoke, luxurious beach day with various amenities that cater exactly for those visiting. These include Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club, which from 2025 will have a new alternative in Nassau on Paradise Island, with beach bars, pools and private cabanas across 17 acres.
Venice, Italy – Long known for its romantic waterways, Venice is addressing overtourism by redirecting larger cruise ships to less congested ports. This move not only preserves the integrity of its historic canals but also improves the visitor experience. You’ll still be able to visit but you will start your adventure from further away, with operators like MSC Cruises porting at Marghera instead.
Adventure and Eco-Friendly Cruises – Alaska, Galápagos Islands & Scandinavia
Looking for adventure and eco-friendly cruises? These are gaining momentum, especially among those seeking both thrills and sustainability with their next getaway. In 2025, these cruises are focused on offering experiences that are as enriching for the passenger as they are respectful of the planet.
Alaska, USA – Continuing to be the ideal destination for adventure cruises, Alaska offers breathtaking glaciers, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for everything from kayaking to hiking in pristine wilderness areas. Excursions using smaller hybrid-electric ships and other sustainable technologies help to minimise the environmental footprint in these sensitive habitats, so you can enjoy the stunning scenery without worry.
Galápagos Islands – For eco-conscious travellers looking further afield, the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific offer an unparalleled encounter with nature. The number of visitors allowed each year is being controlled with an entry fee which helps preserve the islands’ unique ecosystems. It’s a bucket list location where you’ll get to explore the national park and encounter wildlife including the giant Galápagos tortoise.
Scandinavia – Another exciting option, particularly for those interested in the Northern Lights and Arctic explorations. Cruises in Scandinavia are adopting cleaner fuels, such as Norwegian cruise line Havila Voyages which has the biggest passenger-ship batteries to allow silent and emissions-free cruising in the fjords.
Top Tips for Cruise Travel in 2025
Planning your next cruise to one of the destinations above is made easier with a checklist of things to remember. Here are a few tips to help you arrange the ideal cruise holiday without issue:
- You’ll want to book early to find the best deals and secure your spot on popular routes. Many cruise lines often offer early bird discounts that are too good to miss, so be sure to start your search as early as possible.
- Packing for a cruise is also key as you’ll ideally not want to take too much with you. Remember to bring layers for changing weather and formal attire for some dinner events on board if required. It can be a good idea to create a packing list well before you leave to ensure you have everything.
- It’s wise to explore the ship’s amenities and activities ahead of time so you can make the most of your time at sea. This way, when travelling between destinations, you’ll already know what there is available.
- Don’t forget to arrange travel insurance that will cover the entirety of your trip. With all the fun and excitement of cruising, having the peace of mind that you’re covered for any unexpected events allows you to fully relax and enjoy your adventure.
- Check your passport expiry well in advance and renew as soon as you can. This along with any necessary visas for those destinations that require them is essential before you go anywhere, so give yourself plenty of time to arrange.
- If you are flying to your cruise start destination, be sure to book flights with plenty of time before the ship is due to embark. Delays can happen, and if your flight gets cancelled due to airline strikes, for example, it’s your travel provider’s responsibility to find an alternative flight as soon as possible, according to travel insurer Staysure. Give yourself as much time as possible between flight arrival and boarding the ship when booking.
So, are you all ready to book your next cruise? The above should give you plenty to think about so that you can have the best experience. The hardest part is selecting just one type of cruise to book, with so many great destinations available in 2025. Whether you want something relaxing to take in the sea air along the way or are looking for something more exciting with day excursions that help you explore the best each port has to offer, you certainly won’t be disappointed with everything a cruise has to offer.
