Destinations Fly-cruises Mediterranean

Six incredible destinations for a cruise vacation

Does the idea of getting lost in glacial landscapes, sipping rum punch under the tropical sun, or exploring ancient wonders excite you? If you answered “yes!” to any of these questions, these six incredible cruise destinations should be at the top of your vacation list.

3 min 02 Oct 2025

Cristina Azorin

Cunard writer

Best for foodies - Italy

Best for history - Greece

Best for outdoor adventures - Croatia

Best for sightseeing - Alaska

Best for relaxation - Caribbean

Best for families – Spain

How to book your fly-cruise

Best for foodies - Italy

Wherever you dock in Italy, food is a serious affair. Some of the world’s most beloved dishes originated here, and Italians have a gift for transforming simple ingredients into unforgettable meals.

Italy is a dream destination for food lovers, and our Shore Experiences in Italian ports are the perfect way to explore the country’s signature flavors. Sample Sardinia’s famous Pecorino cheese in Alghero. Learn the time-honored art of mozzarella-making in Sorrento. And savor authentic stone-baked pizza in Naples, the birthplace of pizza itself.

You can visit Italy on our Mediterranean cruises, sailing from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Trieste, Pireaus (Greece), and Istanbul.

Best for history buffs - Greece

Few places rival Greece when it comes to historical significance. As the birthplace of democracy and philosophy, Greece is home to some of the world’s most iconic architecture—from Roman baths and Greek temples to Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques.

No cruise to Greece is complete without exploring at least one ancient wonder, and our Shore Experiences offer an effortless way to tick one or two off your list. Tour the Acropolis and the Parthenon on a tour to Athens from Pireaus. Admire the Palace of the Grand Masters in Rhodes or the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia in Lindos.

Our cruises to Greece depart from Barcelona, Trieste, Istanbul, and Civitavecchia - or fly directly to Athens and board your ship in Pireaus.

Best for outdoor adventures - Croatia

Croatia’s natural beauty and diverse terrain make it a paradise for adventure seekers. With eight national parks, rugged mountains, and a stunning coastline, it’s ideal for hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Our Croatia Shore Experiences offer both land and sea adventures, led by local experts. Paddle beneath Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls. Snorkel in the crystal-clear Adriatic. Or hike through Krka National Park, where you can swim beneath waterfalls and explore lush trails.

Cruises to Croatia depart from Barcelona, Civitavecchia, and Trieste.

Best for sightseeing - Alaska

With its towering glaciers, icy fjords, and untamed wilderness, Alaska is a sightseers’ dream. Whether you’re hoping to spot a whale rising from the depths or an iceberg calving, there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping moments, especially when you’re wrapped in a blanket on Queen Elizabeth’s decks, sipping hot chocolate.

Stepping ashore in Alaska also offers some prime sightseeing opportunities. You could find yourself gliding over glaciers in a small seaplane, winding your way through snow-tipped trees on the White Pass Scenic Railway, or exploring the Misty Fjords National Monument on a boat from Ketchikan. These, and many more scenic Shore Experiences, can be booked in My Cunard, up to one year before your Alaska voyage.

Alaska cruises on Queen Elizabeth start and end in Seattle. You can book flights through us when reserving your cruise, by calling our U.S. Contact Center, or through your travel advisor.

Best for families – Spain

With heaps of kid-friendly attractions and some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches, Spain is a fantastic cruise destination for families. Dining out with children is part of the culture, so you’ll find restaurants that welcome young guests—just like on board your Cunard Queen.

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained ashore? Our family-friendly Shore Experiences make it easy. Submerge yourself in Palma Aquarium, make waves at a waterpark, or ride the rollercoasters at Barcelona’s PortAventura. With travel from your ship included, these organised excursions make it fun and easy to explore as a family.

Cruises to Spain on our Queens sail from Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Trieste, and Istanbul.

Best for relaxation - Caribbean

With white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a laid-back vibe, the Caribbean is the ultimate escape. The sunshine is endless, the locals are warm and welcoming, and the rhythm of calypso music drifts from beach bars as palm trees sway in the breeze.

Just like the islands themselves, our Caribbean Shore Experiences are tailor-made for relaxation. Sink your toes into the powder soft sands of Accra Beach in Barbados. Swim in secluded bays in the shadow of St Lucia’s UNESCO-listed pitons. Or cruise along Aruba’s coast on a catamaran as the sun glints like gold in the mist of the sea’s spray.

Embarking on one of our Caribbean fly-cruises couldn’t be easier. You can choose to join your Cunard Queen in Miami or New York, both of which offer convenient international airports - see our New York or Miami airport guides for more information.

Explore our cruise vacations

Our Queens sail from ports around the world, making it easy to explore destinations like Italy and Greece—even if you’re short on vacation days. We also offer a wide range of Shore Experiences in every port, so you can make the most of every stop on your cruise.

Ready to explore more? Whether you’re cruising from a U.S. homeport or flying to meet your ship overseas, you can book directly on our website, through our U.S. Contact Center, or with your travel advisor. You can also choose to book your flights and cruise separately—or let us handle the entire journey for you.

Explore our cruises now and start planning your dream getaway. Plus, discover the added benefits of booking your flights and cruise together with Cunard with our fly-cruise guide.