Bucket-List Cruises You Have To Do At Least Once In Your Lifetime

Set sail on an adventure of a lifetime as we take a look at the best bucket-list cruises, where you'll discover hidden gems, unique cultures and tick-off a famous landmark or two!

The Mediterranean Odyssey, Europe with Viking Ocean Cruises

If you’ve always fancied exploring different regions of Europe in one fell swoop then this one is for you. Sailing along the shimmering coastlines of Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece and Croatia, where centuries of history meet picturesque seaside villages and lively port cities, you’ll spend just under a fortnight perusing the Mediterranean’s most historic ports.

Highlights

Eat your way through Barcelona: You’ll have one night to spend in the vibrant Spanish city before starting the cruise, so be sure to load up on plenty of tapas and great value local wines.

Discover the French Riviera’s seaside pleasures in Marseille and Monte Carlo: While you’re at it, be sure to check out the former’s 17th century fortresses and the latter’s Casino de Monte-Carlo.

Soak up culture in Dubrovnik: Walk the marbled Stradun, pass Sponza Palace and see the 15th century Onofrio’s Fountain.

Spend a few days in Venice: Your cruise will disembark in the most romantic city in the world, so why not extend a day or two and wander St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. Take a look at dedicated Venice guides for inspiration on where to eat, sleep and visit.

Cruise time: 13 days

Price: From £5,190 / $6,950

Did you know? Dubrovnik is a regular on the silver screen, having served as the setting for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones as well as scenes in Star Wars: Episode VIII and Robin Hood: Origins.

The Alaska Inside Passage, USA, with Holland America Line

A cruise through the Alaska Inside Passage is nothing short of breathtaking, meandering through a network of stunning fjords, remote islands and serene waterways, all framed by towering snow-capped mountains. Embarking from Vancouver before passing through into Alaska, the region’s pristine beauty is complemented by opportunities to observe an incredibly diverse wildlife including whales, bald eagles and bears, who you might spot fishing for salmon along the shores.

Highlights

Glacier Bay National Park: Witness enormous tidewater glaciers calving into the ocean.

Mendenhall Glacier: Take a guided hike up to this magnificent glacier near Juneau, or even land by helicopter.

Whale Watching in Icy Strait Point: Spot humpback whales, orcas and seals in their natural habitat.

Dog Sledding in Skagway: Fancy getting active? Hop onto a sled for an exhilarating ride across the snowy terrain with a team of eager huskies.

Cruise time: 7 days

Price: From £1,449 / $1,940

Fun fact: Alaska is home to more than 100,000 glaciers, covering 5% of the state’s total area!

The Norwegian Fjords, Norway with Scenic

The Norwegian Fjords cruise is a voyage into one of the most dramatic and stunning landscapes on Earth, and Scenic is the crème de la crème. Offering a luxurious yet adventurous experience on its two 228-passenger ships, Scenic Eclipse I and II, passengers can enjoy unique perspectives by taking a ride in one of the ship's two helicopters to view breathtaking waterfalls or diving underwater in the Scenic Neptune submarine, capable of carrying six passengers down to depths of almost 300 meters (1,000 feet). After these exhilarating excursions, relax back onboard in the champagne bar or unwind in their spacious suites, some of which feature private hot tubs.

Highlights

Culinary Delights – Indulge in world-class dining with a variety of restaurants offering gourmet cuisine crafted by expert chefs, paired with premium wines, all included as part of the all-inclusive experience.

Bergen – Visit the charming city of Bergen, known for its colourful wooden houses, UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf and vibrant fish market.

Geirangerfjord – Offering some of Norway's most picturesque and awe-inspiring views, expect plenty of towering cliffs and dramatic waterfalls like the Seven Sisters.

Enjoy a little R&R – make time to unwind in the ship’s swanky spa which offers rejuvenating treatments, a sauna and a plunge pool, all designed for ultimate relaxation after a day of exploration.

Cruise time: 11 days

Price: From £9,183 / $12,295

Fun fact: Norway's fjords were carved out during the Ice Age by glaciers, creating some of the deepest and longest fjords in the world.

The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador with Hurtigruten Expeditions

It’s hardly surprising that a Galápagos Islands cruise is a bucket-list experience for many -embarking on a Hurtigruten Expeditions journey around the eastern Galápagos Islands aboard MS Santa Cruz II is like stepping into a live wildlife documentary. From sea lions surfing the shores to hawks soaring above, the trip offers an immersive experience in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.

Highlights

Incredible wildlife encounters – the journey kicks off with Mosquera Islet, where guests can witness an abundance of wildlife including pelicans, Sally Lightfoot crabs and blue-footed boobies. Throughout the trip, you'll encounter everything from lava lizards to giant tortoises.

Snorkelling and water activities – Dive into turquoise waters, snorkel alongside sea turtles in Santa Fe Bay and explore marine life like never before. Kayaking and birdwatching boat trips provide even more opportunities to enjoy the pristine environment up close.

Unique Galápagos species – Witness extraordinary behaviours such as the waved albatross’s unique courtship dance on Española and explore Santa Cruz's jungle highlands to see the famous giant tortoises up close.

Expertly guided, small group experiences – Hurtigruten ensures a carefully managed experience with timed permits and a maximum of 100 guests per ship. This allows for exclusive visits to each site, ensuring minimal disruption to the ecosystem and a more personal encounter with nature.

Cruise time: Between 11-15 days

Price: From £6,461 / $8,650

Did you know? 97% of the island’s land mass has been declared a national park, and the surrounding waters have been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

A Caribbean Jaunt with Icon Of The Seas

As the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas by Royal Caribbean created quite the stir when it launched in January 2024. Combining luxury, adventure and a seemingly endless list of activities, this floating city, which departs from Miani and sails through the Caribbean, stopping at tropical islands such as the Bahamas, St. Maarten, and Cozumel, is designed for both relaxation and fun. With over 20 decks, it boasts eight distinct neighbourhoods including a Central Park filled with real trees and an array of world-class dining options.

Highlights

Surf at the FlowRider Surf Simulator: Try your hand at surfing without ever leaving the ship.

Relax by one of its seven pools: Our favourite has to be the adults-only Hideaway Pool, which is the first suspended infinity pool at sea. If you have grandkids in tow, they’ll love the onboard waterpark which is home to the tallest waterslide at sea.

Visit Perfect Day at CocoCay: Spend an entire day at Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, which offers everything from an incredible overwater cabana experience to a hot air balloon ride.

Dine at Wonderland: With one of the most comprehensive dining experiences on board a cruise ship to date, dig into everything from caviar, Maine lobster and freshly shucked oysters to premium cuts of steak hand-selected for you.

Cruise time: 7 nights

Price: From £1,251 / $1,675

Did you know? The most expensive (and spacious) room on the ship, the Ultimate Family Townhouse, costs roughly $100,000 for a full seven-night sailing.

Palau with Four Seasons Explorer

For those quite literally looking to push the boat out, the Four Seasons Explorer yacht is the biggest thing in cruising right now. While more a superyacht experience than a cruise, those with deep pockets can head to the breathtaking archipelago of Palau which, 1500km east of the Philippines and with 340 islands, over 200,000 square miles of protected marine territory and some of the world's most pristine dive sites, is known as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World. The boat itself is an 11-cabin catamaran-cum-floating hotel complete with private chef, allowing guests to embark daily from Koror for unforgettable experiences in this remote corner of the Pacific.

Highlights

World-class diving – Dive with PADI instructors at famous sites like Peleliu Wall, where you can encounter diverse marine life including pygmy killer whales, silvertip sharks and vibrant coral ecosystems.

Unique snorkelling adventures – Snorkel in Clam City and Jellyfish Lake under the guidance of marine biologists, discovering Palau’s rich underwater biodiversity in these one-of-a-kind locations.

Land-based excursions – Venture inland for a hike to the stunning Ngardmau waterfall or indulge in a rejuvenating bath in the mineral-rich mud of Milky Way Lagoon.

Cruise time: 12 days

Price: On request.

Did you know? The Palauan society is based on a strict matrilineal system. Women are the decision makers, with matrilineal practices prevailing in inheritance, marriage, funeral,and all other aspects of life in the country.