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Everything looks different from the deck of a cruise ship – and that includes Mother Nature. Cruise ships reach into areas far off the beaten path, offering scenes we might otherwise never see.
From the islands of Maine to the fjords of Norway, the view from the deck of a cruise ship is incredible.
Here are our top 7 favorite scenic cruises.
Norwegian Fjords Cruise
With cascading waterfalls, majestic mountains, and clear, deep waters, the Norwegian fjords are a world of their own. Cruises here are peaceful and unhurried, offering guests the chance to relish the natural beauty, regional wildlife and rural countryside of Norway.
Ports range from the picturesque town of Bergen to the storybook hamlet of Flam (population 400). While there are beautiful views around every bend, some of the most dramatic scenery is found in the Geiranger Fjord and the Sognefjord, which stretches halfway to Sweden.
To get a taste of Oslo and the Norwegian countryside as well as the fjords, consider the “Norway in Nutshell” tour. The trip starts off by train from Oslo and crosses the Hardangervidda mountain plateau to Myrdal, where guests change to the small Flam Railway and continue on to the fjord village of Flam.
There, guests board a ferry for a 2-hour cruise through the fjords and then continue by train to the town of Bergen.
Book this trip: Norway in a Nutshell
Other booking options: Norwegian Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America, Norway in a Nutshell
When to travel: May to September
Sailing Cruise in the Mediterranean
A Star Clippers Mediterranean cruise offers one of the world’s most scenic voyages due to its unique combination of stunning sailing ships and top Mediterranean destinations in Europe.
Unlike large cruise ships, Star Clippers’ tall ships (they have three) are modeled after classic clipper ships, allowing you to experience the thrill of sailing as it was in the golden age of exploration.
Sailing on one of their beautiful tall ships, with its majestic white sails billowing in the wind, instantly transports you back to a time when the sea was a place of wonder and exploration.
There’s something incredibly special about being on a ship that isn’t just another huge cruise liner—here, you’re part of the journey itself, feeling the rhythm of the ocean as you glide past some of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world.
The Mediterranean, known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty, provides the perfect canvas for this sailing adventure.
You can choose from Eastern Mediterranean and Western Mediterranean itineraries. Depending on the cruise itinerary, you can stop in iconic ports in the Greek Islands, along the Amalfi Coast, Croatia’s beautiful Dalmatian Coast, or the French Riviera.
A Mediterranean itinerary offers so much to see, whether it’s the whitewashed buildings of Santorini, the colorful seaside towns of Cinque Terre, or the glamorous beaches of Monaco.
One of the key attractions of a Star Clippers cruise is the opportunity to visit hidden gems that larger cruise ships can’t access. These smaller ports and secluded coves offer a more intimate experience, allowing you to explore small towns and regions often off the beaten path.
The experience on board the Star Clippers ship itself is a treat, too. We loved watching the sails billow in the wind, listening to the sound of the wind propelling the vessel forward, and feeling the sun and sea breeze while sailing.
The Star Clippers fleet, which includes the Star Flyer, the Star Clipper, and the Royal Clipper, also sails in the Caribbean. The sailing cruise line offers a full lineup of scenic cruise itineraries, stopping in top Caribbean destinations such as Saint Martin, Antigua, Barbados, and more.
When to Travel: Our favorite time to cruise in Europe is early fall, when there are fewer crowds and it’s not as hot. Mediterranean cruises are also very popular in spring and summer.
Book This Trip at Starclippers.com
French Polynesia Cruise
Crystal blue waters, lush green islands, and white sand beaches — the combination is breathtaking in French Polynesia. No wonder the region is such a popular cruise destination. Cruise ships often stop at ports like Tahiti, Bora Bora and Huahine, but one of the most scenic destinations is Moorea Island.
Just 12 miles from Tahiti, this heart-shaped island is encircled by a lagoon of azure blue Polynesian sea, and has both white and black sand beaches. Craggy volcanic peaks covered in foliage and dotted with waterfalls rise up from the island’s interior.
Cruise passengers visiting the island can spend the day snorkeling, visiting pearl and vanilla farms, swimming with stingrays and scuba diving.
Book this trip through Princess Cruises and find more information here.
Other booking options: Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Bora Bora Cruises, P & O Cruises
When to travel: Any time of year. The dry season runs from May to October.
Antarctica Cruise
Antarctica covers one-tenth of the world’s surface, yet only 30,000 tourists visit this vast continent yearly. Visitors are privy to abundant wildlife, including thousands of penguins, whales, seals, and birds.
The best way to view this snow-covered wilderness is from the warmth and safety of a cruise ship. Itineraries vary by cruise line, but many ships visit the South Shetland Islands and the 1,000-mile Antarctic Peninsula.
Antarctica has no actual ports, but highlights include Deception Island, Half Moon Island and the Lemaire Channel. Itineraries can change depending on conditions and safe passage.
Smaller vessels carry inflatable landing craft so passengers can venture off the ship; larger cruise ships provide viewing from the deck. Most Antarctica cruises depart from South American ports.
Book this trip through Princess Cruises and find more information here.
Other booking options: Voyages of Discovery, Orion Expedition Cruises, Holland American
When to travel: During the summer in Antarctica (mid-November to March). The best time to see penguin chicks is mid-January to March.
Windjammer Cruise in Maine
True to their roots in 19th-century tall ships, windjammers in Maine are powered by the wind. Thirteen traditional sailing schooners make up the Maine Windjammer Association, and each vessel offers its own unique cruise experience.
Read More: Sailing on a Maine Windjammer
Many ships were built near the turn of the century, and several are registered National Historic Landmarks.
Cruises depart and end in Penobscot Bay, a protected body of water filled with hundreds of islands and surrounded by miles of rugged Maine coast. No cruise is the same; destinations are based on weather and the captain’s whim.
Trips range from weekend getaways to week-long journeys. Each windjammer offers comfy accommodations and delicious food, including the ever-popular lobster bake.
Where to book: Maine Windjammer Association
When to travel: End of May to October
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska Cruise
Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of any Alaskan cruise experience. No roads lead to the park, so cruising is one of the best ways to see this rugged natural beauty up close.
Ocean cruise ships can glide through the fjords, providing a good view of ice walls, tidewater glaciers and snow-capped mountains. Glacier Bay has more active calving glaciers than anywhere else in the world and the sound is thunderous when ice splits off and plunges into the sea.
This unique ecosystem is home to humpback whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, orcas, sea lions, and more.
Sure, it can be chilly in Alaska, but you can watch this splendor from a deck chair, warmed by a thick blanket and hot cup of chocolate.
Book this trip through Princess Cruises and find more information here.
Other booking options: Holland America, Carnival, American Safari Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises
When to travel: May through September
A Scenic River Cruise in France
If you’re hoping to see some of the beauty of France, you might want to consider a French river cruise.
Cruising through the heart of Provence in France on a scenic river cruise with AmaWaterways is an ideal choice. Provence, known for its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage, is best explored at a leisurely pace.
Why rush when there is so much to see?
On a recent cruise with AmaWatereways along the Rhône River, we were treated to panoramic views of sun-drenched vineyards, historic towns, and picturesque lavender fields that define the region. We also visited several wineries and got to talk with local winemakers.
Of course, seeing all this beauty while enjoying the luxury and comfort of an AmaWaterways river cruise ship enhances the experience. We dined very well on our French river cruise.
One of the best parts of a European river cruise with AmaWaterways is the chance to explore some of the region’s most iconic destinations while enjoying the convenience of a floating hotel.
We stopped at ports like Avignon, Arles, and Viviers, where we met with guided tours that shared the destination’s unique history, architecture, and local culture.
Whether wandering through the medieval streets of Avignon, visiting the ancient Roman amphitheater in Arles, or exploring the well-preserved Renaissance architecture of Viviers, each stop offered a unique window into Provence’s rich past and vibrant present.
AmaWaterways has multiple river cruise itineraries in France and throughout Europe.
Where to book: AmaWaterways
Best time to travel: April through October
Doubtful Sound, New Zealand Cruise
Located in a remote section of New Zealand’s South Island, Fiordland (as the Kiwis spell it) National Park is a national treasure. Often called the “Switzerland of the South Pacific,” the region is known for its dramatic mountain peaks and abundant wildlife. It’s been the backdrop of several movies, including the “Lord of the Rings.”
Cruising on Doubtful Sound is one of the best ways to experience the national park. To reach Doubtful Sound, visitors must take a 45-minute boat ride across Lake Manapouri and then ride a bus over Wilmot Pass, New Zealand’s steepest sub-alpine tourist route, before finally reaching the water.
Real Journeys is a trusted local company which operates overnight cruises on the Fiordland Navigator, a 70-passenger sailing vessel with private cabins, a dining area, and full meal service. Although not an ultra-luxury vessel, the Fiordland Navigator is comfortable, and the camaraderie onboard is fun.
The unspoiled wilderness of Doubtful Sound is home to bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Each day, the Fiordland Navigator drops anchor and allows guests to explore the inlets and coves by kayak. Day cruises are also available.
Where to book: Real Journeys, Fjordland Cruises, Fiordland Expeditions, Holland America
When to travel: Cruises run all year, but some guests prefer the summer months (December to March) when they can swim in the water.
Where to book: Real Journeys, Fjordland Cruises, Fiordland Expeditions
When to travel: Cruises run all year, but some guests prefer the summer months (December to March) when they can swim in the water.
Book a Cruise
Find more insider knowledge before you book your vacation on different trips, cruise lines, specific reviews and personal experiences through Cruise Critic.
Love cruising? Read more on the top cruises around the world.
Janna Graber is an award-winning American travel journalist who has written for national magazines, newspapers and websites. She is the managing editor of Go World Travel Magazine, and a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Since studying abroad in Austria, she’s been in love with world travel, and has covered travel in more than 60 countries. She’s the author of three travel anthology books, including “A Pink Suitcase: 22 Tales of Women’s Travel” and “Adventures of a Lifetime”.
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