Home - Award-Winning Travel Gems - The Best Cruise Destinations To Sail To In 2026 — Why You Should Stop Dreaming and Start Booking
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Every year, the World Cruise Awards crown the very best cruise destinations across the globe. And 2025’s winners? They’re not just places to pin on your bucket list — they’re places to go. Each one offers something so unique, so unforgettable, that you’ll want to swap “someday” for “let’s book it now.”
Here’s why each of these award‑winning spots deserves to be your next adventure:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — This isn’t just a mosque, it’s a jaw‑dropping work of art. Imagine walking across gleaming marble floors while the domes glow in the evening light — it’s one of those “pinch me” moments that makes Abu Dhabi feel like the best cruise destination in the world.
Desert safari adventure — Ever wanted to ride the dunes like a roller coaster? A desert safari gives you that thrill, followed by a traditional dinner under a sky full of stars. It’s the kind of memory that sticks forever.
Louvre Abu Dhabi — Even if you’re not a museum person, this one will win you over. The building itself is futuristic and stunning, and inside you’ll find treasures from every corner of the globe.
Corniche beaches — Right in the city, you’ve got golden sand and calm waters waiting for you. Perfect for a quick dip or a lazy stroll before heading back to the ship.
Shopping, souks to malls — Whether you’re bargaining for spices in a bustling souk or splurging in a luxury mall, shopping here feels like part of the adventure.
💡 Travel Tip: A half‑day city tour is the sweet spot — you’ll see the mosque, the Corniche, and the souks without feeling rushed.
Table Mountain views — Take the cable car up and you’ll see Cape Town spread out below you like a postcard. It’s the kind of view that makes you whisper “wow” without even realizing it.
Wine country nearby — Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are just a short drive away, and sipping world‑class wine in the sunshine is the perfect way to spend a cruise stop.
Safari add‑on — Yes, you can cruise and still spot lions, elephants, and rhinos. A quick safari trip turns your holiday into a once‑in‑a‑lifetime adventure.
Robben Island — History buffs, this is Mandela’s prison turned museum. It’s sobering, powerful, and unforgettable.
Cape Point & penguins — Where two oceans meet, dramatic cliffs rise, and penguins waddle past your feet — it’s pure magic.
💡 Travel Tip: Pair your cruise stop with a 2‑day safari add‑on — it’s the ultimate combo.
Victoria Peak skyline — Head up to the Peak and look down at the city lights — it’s like standing above a glittering jewel box.
Street food heaven — Dim sum, egg waffles, roast goose… trust me, you’ll want to eat your way through the city.
Temple Street Night Market — Bargains, fortune tellers, neon lights — it’s buzzing with energy and perfect for soaking up local vibes.
Star Ferry ride — For just a couple of coins, you’ll get the best view of Hong Kong’s skyline. It’s the cheapest million‑dollar view you’ll ever buy.
Theme parks — Disneyland and Ocean Park are right there if you’re traveling with family — fun for all ages.
💡 Travel Tip: Grab an Octopus card — it makes hopping around the city effortless.
Dunn’s River Falls — Imagine climbing hand‑in‑hand up a natural staircase of waterfalls, with cool water rushing around you. It’s playful, refreshing, and one of those “only in Jamaica” experiences.
Reggae everywhere — You don’t just hear Bob Marley here, you feel him. The rhythm is in the streets, the bars, the people — it’s impossible not to sway along.
Blue Hole swimming — Hidden in the hills, these turquoise pools are like nature’s own spa. Jump in, float, and let the world melt away.
Jerk chicken & rum punch — The flavors are bold, smoky, and unforgettable. Trust me, you’ll be talking about that first bite long after you’ve sailed away.
Montego Bay beaches — White sand, warm water, and a laid‑back vibe that makes you want to stay forever.
💡 Travel Tip: Hire a local guide — they’ll take you beyond the tourist trail and into Jamaica’s heart.
Levadas hikes — Walking along these ancient irrigation channels feels like stepping into a secret garden. The scenery is lush, dramatic, and so peaceful.
Funchal’s flower markets — Bursting with color and fragrance, they’re a feast for the senses and a reminder of Madeira’s nickname: the “floating garden.”
Cable car to Monte — The ride up gives you sweeping views, and the way down? A wicker toboggan ride that’s quirky, fun, and totally unique.
Madeira wine — Sweet, rich, and steeped in history. Sip it where it’s made, and you’ll never forget the taste.
Botanical gardens — Exotic plants overlooking the Atlantic — it’s like nature showing off just for you.
💡 Travel Tip: Comfortable shoes are a must — Madeira’s hills are steep, but every step is worth it.
Pristine beaches — Think powder‑soft sand and water so clear you can see your toes. Anse Lazio and Anse Source d’Argent are the kind of places you’ll want to pinch yourself to believe.
Snorkeling & diving — Coral reefs alive with tropical fish, turtles gliding past — it’s like swimming in a giant aquarium.
Giant tortoises — Meeting these gentle giants on Curieuse Island feels like stepping back in time. They’re slow, wise, and unforgettable.
Creole cuisine — Coconut curries, grilled fish, and island spices — every meal feels like a celebration.
Nature reserves — Vallée de Mai is home to the rare coco de mer palm, a true natural wonder.
💡 Travel Tip: Pack reef‑safe sunscreen — it protects both your skin and the fragile ecosystem.
Mayan ruins — Standing in front of Chichen Itza or Tulum, you’ll feel the weight of history and the brilliance of ancient civilizations.
Cenotes swimming — These mystical underground pools are cool, clear, and magical — perfect for a refreshing dip.
Street tacos — Al pastor with pineapple, eaten standing at a street stall… it’s the kind of flavor explosion you’ll crave forever.
Mariachi music — Live bands in plazas bring joy and energy that’s contagious — you’ll be clapping along before you know it.
Cancún & Cozumel beaches — Caribbean‑blue waters, soft sand, and snorkeling that will leave you wide‑eyed.
💡 Travel Tip: Carry pesos for small purchases — not everywhere takes cards, and it makes life easier.
Volcanoes National Park — Walking across lava fields and seeing active craters is like visiting another planet.
Surf culture — Waikiki is the birthplace of modern surfing, and even if you don’t surf, watching locals ride waves is mesmerizing.
Luau feasts — Roast pig, hula dancing, and island hospitality — it’s a party you’ll never forget.
Waterfalls & rainforests — Hidden cascades on Maui or Kauai make every hike feel like a discovery.
Whale watching — In winter, humpbacks breach spectacularly — it’s nature showing off in the most dramatic way.
💡 Travel Tip: Rent a car for a day — it’s the best way to explore beyond the port.
Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge — These icons are right by the cruise terminal, so you can tick off two bucket‑list sights the moment you arrive.
Bondi Beach — Whether you surf, sunbathe, or walk the coastal trail to Coogee, Bondi is pure Aussie beach culture.
Blue Mountains — Just outside Sydney, dramatic cliffs and eucalyptus forests make for breathtaking day trips.
Hunter Valley wines — Australia’s oldest wine region is perfect for sipping and savoring in the sunshine.
Wildlife encounters — Koalas, kangaroos, and unique Aussie creatures — it’s like meeting the cast of a nature documentary in real life.
💡 Travel Tip: Grab an Opal card — Sydney’s transport system is easy, affordable, and tourist‑friendly.
These aren’t just names on a list — they’re living, breathing adventures crowned as the best cruise destinations of 2025. Cruises make them accessible, but it’s the shore excursions, the food, the culture, and the people that turn them into memories. So stop pinning photos and start packing — 2025 is the year to sail into your dream.
💡 Travel Tip: It’s best to book excursions well ahead of time. If you don’t, you risk missing out on those once‑in‑a‑lifetime sights and end up just wandering the streets without purpose. The difference between “meandering” and “memorable” is often just a ticket booked in advance.
Which of these best cruise destinations would you love to experience first? Drop your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear where you’re dreaming of sailing next!
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