A cruise ship can take you to amazing places, and a few itineraries are truly remarkable.
Royal Caribbean has the most cruise ships of any single line, and they sail to multiple continents every year. Even the commonly visited ports of call are still noteworthy for being the sort of places people want to visit.
When I speak with frequent cruisers, inevitably one of the common discussion topics are what is your favorite cruise port you've visited?
Inevitably the answer tends to be fall into a few popular choices and I think these are the places you'll definitely want to consider visiting as well.
Royal Caribbean tends to offer the most sailings to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. These are popular places to visit, and each has crown jewels of vacation spots to see.
In addition, there are a handful of ships that visit Australia and the South Pacific, along with Asia.
With so many places to visit, how do you pick the best ones? What are the bucket list worthy places someone should absolutely get to at least once?
Here's my list of must-sees on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
I know this sounds almost cliched, but Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas is so darn good, it's what every other cruise line uses as the standard to measure itself against.
Located in the Berry Islands, CocoCay is available exclusively for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises passengers. No other lines can visit there.
It's the ultimate beach day without any hassle or thought. Royal Caribbean operates it all, and you simply walk off the ship and enjoy it. An enclosed playground for passengers to do exactly what most people want out of a cruise vacation: a memorable day in a beautiful location.
Royal Caribbean designed CocoCay to deliver the perfect beach day experience. "Perfect" is subjective, so they offer a lot of choices. The perfect water park, the perfect beach for partying, the perfect beach for adults, the perfect upscale getaway, etc.
There's no worrying about where and when to eat, or where to go because there are multiple choices.
While you won't find any true authentic experiences that immerse you in a culture or history, but you will almost certainly have the Caribbean beach day you envisioned.
Inside passage cruise to Alaska
Everyone told me how amazing Alaska was, but until I experienced it, I could not properly appreciate it.
Royal Caribbean offers seasonal cruises in the summer to Alaska on four ships, operating from Seattle, Vancouver, or Seward, Alaska.
The reason why Alaska is one of the best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean cruise is because of the amazing landscapes you can experience.
Glaciers, local culture, wildlife, and scenery will draw you in, and it seems like every day there's something else amazing to see.
The top two draws are probably the glaciers and animal viewing, and they do not disappoint in Alaska.
There are glaciers your ship will bring you close to, as well as glaciers you can get right up to with a shore excursion. It's magnificent to see these giant sheets of ice and rock.
Then there's the bears, whales, eagles, salmon, and many other animals you can see all around you. The vast wilderness of Alaska is unparalleled.
I know it seems almost counterintuitive to go somewhere "cold" for a cruise, but Alaska is worth visiting every single year.
Great Barrier Reef
Located on the coast of Queensland, Airlie Beach is a gateway to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
Cruises tender near the town of Airlie Beach, with a walkable main street and several attractions in the town itself, such as the Airlie Beach Lagoon, white sand beaches, and cafes, shopping, and restaurants.
Most visitors to Airlie Beach will opt for an excursion to discover the area’s natural beauty. Catamaran tours to the Whitsunday Islands, for example, give the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the archipelago of 74 small islands floating off the coast.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider a flightseeing tour over the Great Barrier Reef, where you can spot the massive reef and nearby Whitsunday Islands from above.
Regardless of what you choose to do in port, Airlie Beach is sure to exceed your expectations for a gorgeous beach day.
Greek isles
When you combine natural beauty and a rich culture, you get the Greek Isles.
Cruise ships are well-suited for visiting the small Greek island that make up the southern part of the country, and it's where you'll find white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and iconic cliffside villages with whitewashed buildings.
The best part is not all the islands are the same. There's the volcanic islands like Santorini, and lush landscapes like Corfu. You can relax on Mykonos’ beaches, or go hiking in Crete.
Of course, Greece is synonymous with history, and there are so many ancient sites to explore Greek mythology. Ancient ruins dot the landscape, and it's going to draw you in just as much as the stunning landscapes.
If you're not sold yet on Greece, then you also get a chance to experience the amazing cruising. Fresh seafood, moussaka, baklava, and locally-produced olive oil are all must-eats. You'll be able to sample authentic Greek wines and enjoy traditional taverna dining.
A cruise makes seeing it all so much easier, because you can visit several islands without the hassle of ferries or constant packing/unpacking.
Norwegian fjords
If the dramatic landscapes are your thing, the fjords of Norway will not disappoint.
Cruises to Norway offer visits to its major cities and natural beauty of its fjords. You'll find towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery.
The iconic fjords like Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Hardangerfjord, are known for their breathtaking vistas. Cruise ships can provide the perfect vantage point because they will sail deep into fjords that are otherwise inaccessible by land.
Royal Caribbean's ships sail around Northern Europe during the summer, and it's the perfect way to see the region.
The history of the Viking people is also waiting for you here, and there's Viking museums, traditional Norwegian wooden churches, and picturesque fishing villages.
Bergen, Ålesund, and Flam, are all known for their colorful wooden houses, bustling harbors, and friendly locals.
Cruises around Asia
Royal Caribbean has a major presence in Asia, and you'll find cruises that can take you to China, Japan, and Thailand.
Their ships sail from China and Singapore, but the sailings from Singapore stand out as a fabulous choice for North American cruisers.
There's a mix of different cruises to offer something for everyone. Short 3- to 4-night shorts visits Malaysia and Thailand, whereas 10-night Southeast Asia cruises go to popular spots in Vietnam and Thailand.
When you think of Thailand, you’ll likely picture crystal clear beaches, green mountains, colorful temples, and spicy street food. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, offers all of those attractions and more.
In short, you'll be able to visit the most sought-after destinations across Southeast Asia.
Bermuda
There are around 34 beaches and coves to discover in Bermuda, although the most famous is Horseshoe Bay, known for its clear waters and pink sand. The island also boasts excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities including underwater visits to shipwrecks.
Bermuda has an efficient public transportation system that makes exploring the island a breeze. You’ll enjoy taking a stroll around the colorful, colonial buildings in Bermuda’s capital of Hamilton, visiting Bermuda’s crystal caves, or touring the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Simply put, there’s no shortage of ways to keep busy in Bermuda despite the island’s small size.
You’ll find most Bermuda itineraries departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey or Baltimore, Maryland, making visiting this Atlantic paradise convenient for those living in the northeast.
