10 Dream Cruise Destinations

In the U.S., cruises are often associated with multi-day experiences in the Caribbean or the occasional cruise to Alaska, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Cruises dock at some of the most jaw-dropping, diverse cities and ports all around the world. Whether you're wanting a wintery adventure in the Arctic Circle or the opportunity to see the Russian ballet, you'll want to check out our list of the dreamiest cruise destinations around the globe.

Cape Town sits below Table Mountain, one of the most iconic sights of South Africa. This historic city has structures that date to the 17th century, a vibrant dining scene, and white sandy beaches that attract water enthusiasts who enjoy surfing and paragliding. Cape Town offers the cruise-goer so much in one space, making it unlike anywhere else in Africa.

The Antarctic is a cruise destination filled with adventure and animals. A cruise to the Antarctic can result in sightings of penguins, whales, and seals as travelers navigate on smaller boats through ice and frigid waters. Some may even catch a glimpse of newborn penguins or other sea animals frolicking between icebergs and glaciers in this winter wonderland.

Singapore is a multicultural city-state island off the coast of Malaysia and it's one of the most phenomenal cruise destinations to visit. Colonial landmarks from the 19th-century intermix with large and architecturally fascinating skyscrapers. Those that have Singapore on their cruise itinerary will want to take advantage of their best sights such as the Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, and Universal Studios.

Travelers may be surprised to learn that cruises stop at St. Petersburg, but a closer look reveals why. This marvelous city of tsars was built on islands linked by canals and bridges, nicknaming it the "Venice of the North." This cultural center is the perfect place to catch a ballet or admire stunning architecture and design among the palaces. Some cruises even set up exclusive concerts with the Hermitage Museum as the background.

Willemstad is the capital of Curacao, a small island off the coast of Venezuela with a culture that's a mix of Dutch, Afro-Caribbean, and Spanish. This city delights travelers in many ways from their pastel-colored buildings to the floating Queen Emma Bridge. Tourists will want to check out the floating market in the mornings or enjoy a drink by the beach at one of the popular beach bars in the evening.

There sits a crescent-shaped island in the Aegean Sea called Santorini, and it's a beloved cruise ship port. The whitewashed cubiform buildings that cover the rugged landscape of Santorini are as beautiful up close as they are from the deck of a cruise ship. Make sure this island is on your itinerary if you love wine, hiking, and laying out at the beach.

Oslo is one of the top cruise ship destinations in Norway. The numerous museums tell tales of the Vikings, while the local ski-jumping hill provides travelers with views of the fjord. Sometimes the simplest vacation pleasures are found in enjoying a Norweigan meal, walking around Oslo's city center, relaxing in one of their public parks, or exploring the inside of their royal palace.

Most of Greenland may be covered in ice, but cruises steer to this massive island for thrilling adventures and icy sights. Glaciers, fjords, and whales are common sights around the Arctic Circle island and cruise itineraries often provide travelers an opportunity to see them up-close and personal. Be sure to book a trip that takes you along the small cities of the various coasts to have the opportunity to interact with the Inuit culture, eat the local cuisine, and admire the country's artistic aspects like Greenland's notorious colorful wooden houses.

Colon is an amazing cruise destination that sits at the entrance of the Panama Canal. Hop off the cruise ship at Colon and head to the rainforest for a hike filled with tropical animals or spend the day tax-free shopping in the Free Trade Zone. Of course, a visit to Colon would be remiss without snorkeling, diving, and visiting its most famous historic attractions like Fort San Lorenzo.

The South Seas is home to some of the clearest water in the world and you'll find that and so much more in Tahiti. This iconic cruise destination is popular among those who love exploring islands for lagoons and waterfalls or catching some rays at the beach. Tahiti offers great opportunities above and below water for relaxing or participating in water activities like scuba diving and interacting with marine life.