Boat cruises are truly the ultimate form of luxury vacationing. It hardly matters how big the boat is; you can still expect to feel pampered and still expect many chill days lounging against a background of beautiful, soothing water with chef-prepared meals and bartenders right around the corner. You can cruise just about anywhere too! Cruises are a stately way to see the world. There were more cruises we could have put on the list, and we encourage you to check out options for regions you’d love to visit—but if you’re looking for suggestions, consider the ones below.
Quebec City to Miami on Crystal Serenity / 12 nights / From $8,800
It’s perfectly possible to experience all the pleasure of a cruise without going far from home! Hop on Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity in Quebec City and hug the coast of North America until you reach Miami, Florida. The ship stops at several cities along the way, including Halifax and Boston. Spend three days on sea after pausing at New York and finish in sunny Miami. Along the way, you can relax in a spacious, elegant room, suite, or penthouse suite with ocean views and a butler a call away. Or you can get a massage at the spa, sunbathe by the pool, or grab a bite to eat in one of the ship’s many restaurants.
Iceland on Le Bellot / 8 nights / From $12,650
This cruise, hosted by Tauck, gives you the opportunity to become familiar with the captivating and picturesque Iceland. Learn about the fascinating island’s volcanos and glaciers, uncover its deep Norse history and take in its myths of elves and spirits, watch out for local whale populations, and birdwatchers should keep their eyes peeled for puffins and arctic terns. The ship departs from Reykjavik, circling around until it crosses over the Arctic Circle and reaches Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city and important cultural site. Other stops on the cruise include Grímsey Island, Grundarfjordur, Isafjordur, and Westman Islands. Enjoy days and nights on the cozy Le Bellot and unwind in its spa or warm up in its Jacuzzis.
Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Society Islands on The Gauguin / 13 nights / From $7,900
Have your tropical bliss moments on Paul Gauguin Cruises’ The Gauguin! If you’ve always wanted to go on a tropical cruise, it might as well be this one, by which you’ll be visiting plenty of islands. The cruise starts in Lautoka, Viti Levu Island in Fiji, which is famous for its fields of sugarcane. The ship then takes passengers around to Suva, the largest city in the South Pacific, before heading to Tonga, which is surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons that house more than 100 species of tropical fish as well as dolphins. You’ll have the unique experience of crossing the International Date Line before passing through Cook Islands, after which you’ll make a stop in Bora Bora, then finish up in Tahiti. It’s a chance to explore gorgeous sunny islands, taste local foods, snorkel with tropical fish, and snag handmade crafts from local markets.
Arabian and India Pearls on Seabourn Encore / 16 days / From $9,773
This thrilling cruise, hosted by Seabourn, provides passengers glimpses into multiple cultures across many parts of the world. Starting in the United Arab Emirates, in the famously dazzling city of Dubai, the ship eventually parks at the ports of Mumbai, India before sailing into Cochin, India. After days at sea, the Seabourn Encore drops by Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia before the cruise ends in Singapore. If you want a cruise that covers a lot of ground (and sea), this one is a wonderful option. You’ll be granted the gift of seeing a lifetime of sights in just over two weeks! When you’re at sea, visit the ship’s on-board spa and bars, and grab a slice of freshly baked pizza at the patio buffet.
Lyon, Provence and the Rhineland on Viking Longship Kara or Hermod / 15 days / From $7,198
On this Viking River Cruise, visit some of the most idyllic cities in the world and wonder if you’ve stepped into a painting! Boarding the intimate Viking Longship Kara or Hermod at either Amsterdam or Avignon, depending on preference, you’ll travel along the Rhône and Rhine rivers, visiting quaint medieval-style towns, streets lined with churches, and historic castles. Another thing to look forward to on this cruise are the tastes—sample wines produced from grapes grown on vineyards that have been around since the Roman Empire and indulge in traditional European dishes; savour coffee and cake while you lounge against a backdrop of cobblestoned streets.
Jacob Carmichael | Staff Writer
