9 Best Ocean Cruise Destinations for 2024

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned ocean cruise traveller, there’s a fascinating range of global destinations to discover on a luxury ocean cruise. In Europe, the sun-drenched delights of the Mediterranean and the dramatic landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords beckon. Travel further afield and you’ll discover the spectacular glacial scenery of an Alaskan cruise.

Unlike the mega ocean cruise ships that can carry thousands of passengers, the majority of our cruises are aboard smaller cruise ships that create a more intimate, personal experience with luxurious, well-appointed cabins and attentive staff. You’ll travel in style with fewer passengers – many of whom may become lifelong friends – and be able to enjoy delicious cuisine and incredible excursions, complete with local guides and a dedicated tour manager on hand.

If you’re planning to set sail on an adventure this year, we’ve collected 10 ideas for some of the best cruise destinations you can explore in 2020.

Experience the best cruise destinations, land excursions and sea adventures with our range of ocean cruise holidays – hand-picked cruises with first-class service and exclusive shore excursions.

9 Best Cruise Destinations For 2020

Norwegian Fjords

Dramatic and breath-taking, cruising Norway’s Fjords on the Azamara Pursuit is the perfect way to witness the splendour of the fjords; one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders. From the deck of the Azamara Pursuit – a boutique mid-sized cruise ship with world-class dining and opulent cabins – you can view stunning mountain ranges, waterfalls, and fjords. Onshore excursions are a smorgasbord of absorbing adventures: visit Langfoss, one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls; Bryggen with its colourful 14th-century wooden warehouses; and even take a scenic ride on the Flåm railway, with views of soaring mountains and thunderous waterfalls.

The Mediterranean

It’s not hard to see why the Med is one of the best cruise destinations for first-time cruisers. It’s close to home with a wide range of experiences and excursions, complete with sparkling azure blue seas, golden sandy beaches, and historical ports bathed in brilliant sunshine. While the summer offers fabulous weather, autumn is another good time to visit too with warm temperatures and typically sunny days. Explore the western Mediterranean, and you could be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous in St-Tropez and visiting Fragonard – one of the oldest perfumeries in Grasse. Our Cruising the South of France & Corsica on the Azamara Pursuit cruise includes tours of Barcelona, Marseille, glitzy Monte Carlo, and Nice with its Promenade des Anglais providing plenty of photo opportunities.

Alaska

Immerse yourself in incredible scenery, rich with diverse wildlife. Sail America’s last frontier on our Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise, and it’s akin to stepping into a natural history documentary. Mighty glaciers that tower over 20-storeys can see blocks of ice – some 200 feet tall – calve off into the icy waters. Glacier Bay National Park is a cruise highlight, reflecting the rugged Fairweather Range and its snowcapped peaks in waters where humpback whales and salmon swim. Optional excursions include the chance to take a seaplane to the remote Tongass National Forest – the largest natural forest in the US – where it’s possible to spot bears hunting for salmon. For the adventure-lover, further options include riding a zipline, flying in a helicopter, and sea kayaking.

Arctic

Expedition cruises have been gaining in popularity, with the chance to try a completely different type of cruise that focuses on exploring less-visited destinations. Our Voyage to the Arctic & Spitsbergen is a prime example – where else can you stop at the world’s most northerly settlement, Ny-Ålesund, or climb aboard Zodiac dinghies that take you into the heart of the Arctic’s vast glacial landscapes. For many, an expedition cruise is about wildlife, and here the Arctic doesn’t disappoint: over 80 bird species including guillemots and kittiwakes soar above while sailing the rim of pack ice provides a unique opportunity to spot polar bears in their natural habitat.

Black Sea

For those looking for more classical, historical experiences, cruising the Black Sea on the Azamara Journey is a romantic voyage through some of Europe’s timeless and most treasured cities and museums. Sailing from ancient Athens – the birthplace of Western civilisation – you’ll have the chance to step into the famed Parthenon temple. Other historical sights take you back to the time of Greek legends and the pinnacle of Ottoman culture, with so much to explore: visit the archaeological site of Troy; wander the ancient site of Ephesus where the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood; and marvel at the 17th-century Blue Mosque in Istanbul with its 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles.

South Africa

Not many people know that South Africa plays host to some fascinating cruises, including our Cruising South Africa on the Azamara Journey taking passengers on a voyage of its lush, vibrant landscapes and incredible winelands. Coastal calling points such as Port Elizabeth provide a gateway to an abundance of wildlife. A visit to Addo Elephant National Park is the chance to see elephants up close, as well as leopards, rhinos, lions, and buffaloes. An excursion to Saint Lucia Estuary is a wildlife haven, with hippos, crocodiles, and flamingos.

Antarctica

An ocean cruise to the world’s least-visited continent is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. Appealing to cruise passengers looking for something a little different, our voyage to Antarctica onboard the MV Ocean Atlantic includes insightful and entertaining lectures from expedition guides and even photography advice. You’ll need your camera at the ready as you may spot wildlife including whales, seals, and penguins. There’s no need to worry about frozen fingers either, as temperatures in summer when we sail are above freezing. Zodiac dingy expeditions explore inlets, bays, and historic research stations. Sailing past the Gerlache Strait with its 3,000-foot cliffs of solid ice is a remarkable sight.

New York

Capture the romantic luxury of ocean liner cruises of old with a transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York with our Queen Mary 2 – New York & Niagara Falls cruise. Sailing on the world-famous and indulgently luxurious Queen Mary 2 harks back to the romance of the golden era of ocean cruising. The result of nearly a one-million-hour refurbishment programme, today’s liner is contemporary and one of the most elegant cruise liners afloat. With six restaurants, a library housing over 8,000 books, art gallery, five pools, and a casino, you can indulge yourself in the ultimate of luxury cruising.

Sail past the Statue of Liberty and admire the iconic skyline of New York, before exploring the city that never sleeps including Chinatown, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and lively Times Square. Round off your cruise with a trip to the see the spectacular Niagara Falls, some 400-miles north-east of New York City on the border with Canada. Here, you’ll witness the drama of the 167-foot falls while riding on a famous Hornblower Cruise, providing an incredible view and photo opportunities.

The Maldives

With its incredible underwater sea life and the chance to search for whale sharks and manta rays, our The Maldives: Cruising the South Malé, Vaavu & Ari Atolls holiday is a relaxing, idyllic cruise encompassing stunningly beautiful islands, beach barbecues, and the chance to sample traditional Maldivian cuisine. For breakfast try mas huni – grated coconut mixed with finely chopped tuna, onion and chilli and served with Maldivian flatbread – a delicious start to a carefree day exploring the Indian Ocean. With the hundreds of islands formed from the crowns of the extensive coral reef system, expect to encounter turtles and brightly coloured tropical fish while snorkelling its warm waters.

A World Of Ocean Cruises To Discover

From Antarctica to South Africa and from the Norwegian Fjords to the Maldives, there is an ocean cruise to suit all tastes. Start planning your ocean cruise adventure with our range of extensive cruises and see where we can take you.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.