The world’s favourite cruise destinations revealed

Cruise travel insurance specialists at AllClear have analysed the average monthly searches of over 100 popular cruising destinations, to discover which cruising routes are the most sought after in each country worldwide.

The Caribbean is the most coveted cruising destination of the year. Offering tropical beaches in the Bahamas and the sandy shores of the Cayman Islands, Caribbean cruises amounted over 2.8 million searches in the last year alone.

Mediterranean cruises are the second most popular, with 2.1 million searches made within the last 12 months. With key stops often including historic cities like Rome and Athens, travellers can enjoy a blend of culture, history, and seaside relaxation.

Completing the top three most popular cruises worldwide is an Alaskan cruise across frosty glaciers where bears, whales and other creatures can be spotted while onboard. Other notable cruises in the rankings include sailing across the Norwegian fjords and experiencing southern American comfort with a Mississippi River cruise.

Where the world wants to cruise

As cruising experiences see a boost in popularity, every country has a unique set of preferences on where to sail. In South Korea and New Zealand, an Antarctica cruise offering a look at icy landscapes, colossal icebergs, and up-close penguins and seals gathers more searches than any other. People in Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic, meanwhile, are more likely to choose a holiday exploring the ancient temples and pharaohs’ tombs of the Nile River.

The tropical relaxation of the Maldives is most popular for those in Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, where crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and water sports all attract tourists. However, not everyone can easily select just one country to visit: such is the case in Japan, where ‘around the world’ cruises gather the most traction.

Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at AllClear, shared: “It’s fascinating to see the number of travellers eager to set sail on unforgettable journeys around the world’s oceans, seas, and rivers. From the beautiful islands of Greece to chilly Antarctica, it’s been fantastic to see such a rise in interest in cruising holidays taking place all over the world in recent years.”

Meanwhile, the UK’s cruise sector reported significant growth in 2023, with record guest and call numbers in ports up and down the country.