Top Cruise Destinations for 2025: Data Report | Squaremouth
If you’re planning to set sail in 2025, 2026 or beyond, you’re definitely not alone. Data from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) showed that 82% of previous cruisers planned to take a cruise again, and that cruising remains popular for travelers of all ages.
But, where do consumers want to cruise? Squaremouth asked travelers which cruise destinations interest them the most for future trips, and the answers might surprise you. Here’s a rundown of all the places consumers hope to cruise in the near future, based on our recent survey:
- Europe 28.93%
- The Caribbean & Mexico 19.02%
- Alaska 15.98%
- Australia & New Zealand 8.95%
- Antarctica 7.32%
- Asia 5.50%
- Other 14.29%
Top Cruise Destinations Travelers Are Visiting in 2025
Squaremouth data also found that travelers chose a range of popular destinations for cruises already planned for this year. Read on for an overview of the top places travelers chose, the average trip cost and length for these trips and some of the reasons these destinations made the list.
The Bahamas
- Average Trip Length: 7 days
- Average Trip Cost: $2,909.21
It’s not surprising that cruisers flocked to the stunning chain of more than 700 islands and cays that make up the Bahamas in 2025, although most visited mainland ports like Nassau and Freeport. Proximity to the United States means many cruises visit the Bahamas by default, especially those departing from Florida ports in Miami, Port Canaveral and Tampa.
Convenience aside, Bahamas cruises can be scenic and relaxing, with common excursions like snorkeling, diving and swimming with pigs on Big Major Cay luring travelers back again and again.
United States
- Average Trip Length: 12 days
- Average Trip Cost: $6,469.66
Cruises in the United States offer a range of diverse itineraries that take travelers along the country’s most scenic coastal regions and riverways. Popular routes tour Alaska’s rugged wilderness, the Pacific Northwest and New England, along with the awe-inspiring islands that make up Hawaii. Visitors also find extensive river cruise options along iconic waterways like the Mississippi River where guests can learn about the country’s history and explore charming villages.
Whether you’re seeking breathtaking landscapes, whale sightings, tropical beaches or picturesque riverside towns, cruising in the U.S. delivers a variety of experiences for every type of traveler.
Mexico
- Average Trip Length: 8 days
- Average Trip Cost: $2,756.49
Mexico cruises can be part of itineraries that depart from the western U.S. or major ports throughout Florida. It’s not uncommon for travelers to stop in destinations like Cozumel and Costa Maya on Caribbean itineraries, just as those departing from California ports like Los Angeles or Long Beach may stop in scenic locales like Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
Due to the close proximity of Mexico to the United States, itineraries include everything from weekend Baja Mexico cruises to lengthy journeys throughout the Mexican Riviera.
Italy
- Average Trip Length: 16 days
- Average Trip Cost: $9,066.26
Italy has been a top choice for cruisers in 2025, especially for those seeking longer itineraries that last two weeks or more. This is partly because of the beauty and history Italian cruise ports offer, but also because there are so many places to visit. Italy has 25 major cruise ports in total, including popular destinations like Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Palermo along with smaller villages like Amalfi and Portofino.
Cruises throughout Italy offer an excellent way to enjoy coastal views of this stunning country while enjoying world class cuisine and cultural experiences.
Canada
- Average Trip Length: 13 days
- Average Trip Cost: $6,450.32
While Canada may not be top of mind when you think of cruises, the “Great White North” offers some of the most breathtaking scenery and most diverse experiences in North America. From the dramatic fjords and glaciers of British Columbia to the historic ports of Atlantic provinces like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Canadian cruises offer a unique alternative to the tropical cruises that depart elsewhere in the U.S.
While Canadian cruise itineraries are all unique in their own right, travelers can explore charming coastal towns, spot whales and wildlife and enjoy fresh seafood on each journey they take.
Spain
- Average Trip Length: 17 days
- Average Trip Cost: $8,306.00
Spain cruises tend to be long because, like other popular cruise destinations in Europe, there’s just so much to do and see. There are 15 major cruise ports throughout the country, including those in popular resort destinations like Barcelona, Ibiza and Valencia. Spain cruises also take travelers to remote destinations like the Canary Islands — a Spanish archipelago that sits just off the coast of Africa.
When cruising Spain, travelers can explore historic landmarks, stroll along sun-soaked beaches, sample authentic tapas and wines and visit world-famous museums.
Great Britain (UK)
- Average Trip Length: 20 days
- Average Trip Cost: $7,826.63
While the United Kingdom may seem like an unlikely destination for a cruise, its combination of history, culture and dramatic coastal scenery makes it a compelling choice for travelers. There are over 30 cruise ports in total, which could be why U.K. cruises are so long. Cruises around Great Britain often include stops in iconic cities like London, Edinburgh and Liverpool, as well as picturesque coastal towns like Bristol and Dundee.
Depending on where Great Britain cruises make their port of call, passengers can explore ancient castles, historic ports and scenic landscapes, from the rugged Scottish Highlands to the serene Cornish coast.
Dominican Republic
- Average Trip Length: 9 days
- Average Trip Cost: $3,625.28
The Dominican Republic is popular for cruises since it has a variety of ports and a prime location in the middle of the Caribbean. Cruisers who stop in the D.R. may visit destinations like Amber Cove, La Romana and Punta Cana, which are all known for their stunning white sand beaches. Meanwhile, cruises that stop in Santo Domingo give travelers the chance to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
Greece
- Average Trip Length: 15 days
- Average Trip Cost: $9,592.85
With more than 1,200 islands and beautiful weather most of the year, the fact Greece is a top cruise destination for 2025 is no surprise. Greek Island cruises typically depart from Athens, which is known as the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization. From there, travelers can explore the whitewashed villages of Santorini or check out the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos. Crete, Greece’s largest island, features ancient ruins, rugged mountains and traditional villages, while Rhodes is known for its medieval architecture and Rhodesian cuisine.
Japan
- Average Trip Length: 22 days
- Average Trip Cost: $8,618.81
While Japan might seem like a surprising destination for cruises, the country has seen a massive influx of tourists over the last few years. Obviously, cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore multiple destinations with ease on a single trip. If you don’t know a ton about Japan or you want to sample different ports of call, a cruise in this country can make a lot of sense.
Cruises to Japan vary in length but often visit other destinations throughout Asia. Within Japan, popular cruise destinations include Beppu (famous for its hot springs), Hiroshima and Tokyo (Yokohama), to name a few.
Which Cruise Destination is Right for You?
The right cruise itinerary can create the trip of a lifetime, but choosing the right destination is crucial. When selecting your cruise destination, consider your ideal trip type and plan around that. For example:
- If you are an adventure seeker: Consider a cruise to Alaska or the Dominican Republic for the opportunity to partake in unique adventure activities.
- If you prefer relaxation: Check out the Bahamas or Mexico for a relaxing Caribbean cruise.
- If you want to experience unique cultures: Cruises around Italy, Spain, the U.K., or Greece offer unique experiences.
- If you love taking in nature and scenery: Cruise through Canada or Japan for breathtaking scenic views.
Consumers Biggest Cruise Travel Concerns for 2025
While travelers are definitely eager to cruise overall, they still have ongoing concerns. When we inquired about what worries travelers the most, getting sick or hurt was the top concern overall at 27.19%. Potential cruisers also worry about having to cancel their booking and not being able to cruise (15.57%), and about dealing with bad weather during their trip (6.97%).
Travelers also worry about delays that make it difficult to get to the cruise departure destination (5.66%).
It’s not surprising that becoming sick or injured during a trip is the biggest worry most travelers face. Canceling or rescheduling a cruise is also a major concern for cruisers, especially since cancellations can be triggered by illness, work conflicts, unexpected scheduling changes and other circumstances travelers can’t always plan for.
Bad weather and travel days are also major considerations for travelers, especially those who plan to cruise. Fortunately, all of these risks can be mitigated with a comprehensive travel insurance plan.
How Travel Risks Can Impact Your Cruise Plans
Cruises can be disrupted by a variety of risks, and travelers need to be prepared. Consider the following problems that often impact cruises specifically:
- Weather disruptions: Inclement weather can cause problems for any type of cruise, but this is especially true in the Caribbean and along the Atlantic hurricane belt. Fortunately, Hurricane & Weather travel insurance can apply if your trip is impacted by bad weather, a natural disaster or a severe weather event.
- Medical issues at sea or in port: Cruisers who are jetsetting around the world frequently worry about getting sick or injured at sea, especially since U.S. health plans and Medicare do not work outside the country. That’s why most purchase travel insurance with Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation coverage for each cruise they take.
- Trip cancellations: Many travelers book cruises a year ahead or even earlier, and so much can change in that time. Travel insurance with Trip Cancellation coverage works when a trip must be cancelled due to an injury or illness, the death of a family member, political unrest in a travel destination and more.
- Missed connections: Many travelers also worry about flight cancellations resulting in missing a cruise entirely. Missed Connection insurance can help in these situations and is especially important if your itinerary involves multiple connecting flights
Final Tips for Planning and Protecting Your Cruise in 2025
Whether your goal is spotting whales in Alaska or Hawaii, strolling the cobblestone streets of Europe or snorkeling with incredible sea life in Aruba or the Cayman Islands, cruises can be a high-risk investment. After all, this type of vacation comes with similar risks as other types of travel, including the risk of getting hurt, dealing with inclement weather or flight delays ruining your trip before it even starts.
This is why you should purchase cruise insurance as early in the process as you can — ideally within a few days of making your initial cruise deposit. Using Squaremouth to compare multiple policies in one place can help you get more coverage for a price you can afford.
Written by Holly Johnson