Summer cruises are all about seeing the sun sparkle off turquoise waters, meeting new local cultures and exploring different lands.
Bid farewell to your daily grind and discover Mexico, a perfect destination for an early summer cruise, where you can spend your days dreaming on the pristine Paradise Beach in Cozumel or exploring the mystical Mayan ruins in Tulum. Or sail to the Bahamas to snorkel through the turquoise waters off the coast of Nassau. And summer is really the only time to visit Alaska.
Europe is also a popular cruise destination in the summer months. Several cruise lines allow you to immerse yourself in the incredible history, diverse culture, delectable cuisine, and undeniable beauty of the Old World in Europe. Visit iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Acropolis, or soak up the sun on picturesque beaches in the Greek Isles or the French Riviera. If you opt for a Northern Europe cruise, some itineraries include Scandinavia, the Baltic region, and the British Isles. Still trying to decide which part of Northern Europe you want to visit? Consider a cruise that sees a wide range of destinations, including Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and England. You’ll get a mix of incredible arctic landscapes, Norwegian fjords, and picturesque cityscapes.
Between the many destinations to choose from and the countless splash-worthy activities, these top summer cruises are sure to make this season one you will never forget. Let Damon’s Getaways book your summer cruise vacation. With summer fast approaching, book early for the best cabin selection!
Mexico
With its warm beaches, plenty of things to do, and nice locals make Mexico an ideal place to spend some downtime. And the best way to get down there is through a cruise line. Cruises from the Atlantic or Gulf coasts of the U.S. head for the Yucatan Peninsula and Caribbean resort towns like Cozumel, while ships sailing from the West Coast visit Pacific ports like Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. Whether your Mexico cruise style is west-coast Riviera with its Pacific charm, east-coast Caribbean and its island mojo… or perhaps Baja and its out-of-this-world coastal scenery, you’ll find Mexico central to a great vacation.
On a Mexico cruise, you’ll find everything from volcanoes, jungles, deserts, and beaches to enjoy outdoor and urban adventures of all kinds. Head to museums to see the surreal works of Frida Kahlo and ancient artworks excavated from the Maya civilization. Or see Mayan ruins up-close-and-personal — remnants of ancient temples, like Chichen Itza and Tulum, stand just a stone’s throw from pristine beaches so that you can take a soak or surf after your history lesson. And be sure to immerse yourself in the colonial architecture, bustling parks and lively, spice-fragrant marketplaces in Mexico City, Puebla, and Cancun. Several cruise lines offer Mexico cruises, including Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line.
The Bahamas
Soak in island views and aquatic adventures with a cruise to the Bahamas this summer. The Bahamas is a respite for sun and sand seekers and home to endless beaches, translucent underwater caves, and rich royal heritage, which can be found throughout the string of 700 islands (most uninhabited). Cruise to the Bahamas to dive into turquoise waters, witness a majestic coral garden at Orange Bowl reef or shop resort fashion in Paradise Island or Nassau. The Bahamas has an island for every taste and style, and it’s easy to enjoy its subtropical charm during a week-long cruise. Discover the magic with a Bahamas cruise. Cruise lines that offer sailings to the Bahamas include MSC Cruises, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line.
Alaska
Unlike other destinations you can cruise to during different seasons, summer is the only time to visit Alaska. The Alaskan cruise season kicks off in May and ends in early September. In summer, the temperatures are warmer, and the days are longer. The Last Frontier is a wildlife lover’s paradise where you can watch wild bears, catch salmon or witness humpback whales breaching. In Juneau, hike up the Mendenhall Glacier or take a boat to see Tracy Arm Fjord. In Icy Strait Point, soar over treetops on a zipline, or explore the legacy of the Gold Rush in Skagway. Other popular ports of call include Ketchikan and more. In Ketchikan, keep your eyes open for bald eagles on local Sitka trees. Also, you won’t want to miss a day of cruising through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Cruise lines that offer sailings to Alaska are Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Viking Ocean Cruises.
The Mediterranean
Cruise the Mediterranean if you’re looking for the best European beaches and sun on your summer cruise. Experience some of Europe’s most coveted destinations on a summer cruise to the Mediterranean. Drink in the striking blue-domed roofs and whitewashed buildings sprinkled across the black cliffs of Santorini. Meander through the ancient streets of Split, Croatia. Explore fascinating Pompeii and try the city’s famous pizzas in Naples.
Several cruise lines offer a wide variety of European summer cruises depending on what you want to see or do. Choose a Greek Isles cruise to visit some of the most photographed islands, like Santorini and Mykonos. If it’s historical sights you’re after, consider a cruise that visits destinations like Rome, Barcelona, Florence, and Naples. You can visit world-famous landmarks such as the Roman Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, La Sagrada Familia, or Pompeii. Cruise lines that offer sailings to The Mediterranean are Cunard, Royal Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess, Celebrity, MSC Cruise Lines, Holland American Line, Viking Lines, Carnival and several others.
Northern Europe/Greenland & Iceland
If you opt for a Northern Europe cruise, some itineraries include Scandinavia, the Baltic region, and the British Isles. Still trying to decide which part of Northern Europe you want to visit? Consider a cruise that sees a wide range of destinations, including Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and England. You’ll get a mix of incredible arctic landscapes, Norwegian fjords, and picturesque cityscapes.
Travelers wanting to explore some arctic destinations should book a 2023 cruise to Greenland and Iceland. You’ll cruise to some of the most remote parts of these islands. Depart from Reykjavik and cruise to quaint fishing villages and remote Icelandic towns before making your way to even more remote landscapes in Greenland.
There’s no shortage of incredible excursions on these itineraries. Spend your days whale watching, looking out for polar bears and puffins, soaking in hot springs, and more. You’ll see glaciers and icebergs, stunning mountainous landscapes, and experience 24 hours of daylight, depending on when you are there. Several cruise lines offer sailing in Northern Europe, including Cunard, Royal Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess, Celebrity, MSC Cruise Lines, Holland American Line, Viking Lines, Carnival, and others.
Can’t decide what cruise is right for you? Please read our blog on how to pick the right cruise for your next vacation. Or call us today, and we’ll help you find just the right sailing and ship for your next summer cruise!