The best cruise destinations for 2023 and 2024

So many places, so little time - and the best cruises for 2023 and 2024 are ideal for seeing as much of the world as you can.

BROWSE THE BEST CRUISES

One of our favourite things about a cruise is that you can visit multiple bucket-list destinations in one holiday and discover new treasures on your way. The best cruises let you explore places which are difficult to reach on foot, like some of Scotland’s most remote islands and Croatia's hidden coves.

They also open up spectacular views you wouldn’t get on land, such as picturesque fairytale castles dotted along the Garonne, and Dordogne rivers or the whitewashed seaside towns of the Greek Cyclades.

Choosing a cruise means seeking new adventures, perhaps travelling to a continent you’ve never set foot in before or trying new activities like hiking, wildlife spotting or cooking. There are also other ways to expand your horizons on a cruise, such as seeing some local entertainment or making new friends on board.

As it’s become ever-more important to us to take a stress-free holiday, we've rounded up the very best cruise packages that won’t disappoint.

On these incredible cruises for 2023 and 2024, you can expect everything from the best river cruises to amazing cruise ideas for couples and excellent cruises around the UK.

It doesn't matter when you're looking to sail either, as these cruises take in all the seasons. Fancy setting sail for some winter sun? We've got an epic Caribbean cruise for that. Feel like a spring cruise to escape the summer crowds? We've got the perfect springtime cruise around Japan where you'll see the country at the height of cherry blossom season.

However or whenever you want to travel, there's a trip for you and the best cruises in 2023 and 2024 take you to the most incredible destinations. You can travel with celebrities on star-studded holidays, visit lesser-known towns and villages to get a real taste of a location and sail to amazing wildlife destinations.

These are the best cruises for 2023 and 2024.

The sunny Mediterranean coasts of France and Italy boast some of Europe’s most glamorous ports. There’s Alghero in Sicily, with its historic city walls and cobblestoned centre, Cannes, with its iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, and dazzling St Tropez, where you can kick back in chic seafront bistros and bars.

If you want to tick off several of the Mediterranean’s magnificent port towns in one trip, join a voyage on the Royal Clipper, a large, full-rigged sailing ship which mixes traditional elegance with modern comforts.

In September 2023, you'll be joined by Saturday Kitchen's James Martin, who will share some expert cooking skills during a live demonstration and answer questions about his fascinating career during an exclusive Q&A. You’ll spend seven nights on Royal Clipper as you visit St Tropez, Cannes, Alghero, Portoferraio and more.

Making this trip extra special is the chance to watch from Royal Clipper’s deck as hundreds of outstanding sailing ships race by as part of Les Voiles de Saint Tropez regatta.

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Spain’s northern coastline is well-known for its verdant landscapes, fine cuisine, modern cities and picturesque villages along its vast, golden beaches. It’s also packed with art and architecture, making it a great cruise destination for lovers of culture.

From the Biscay town of Getxo, with its UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge, to the Basque capital Bilbao, with its world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, there are gems to discover at every port.

Good Housekeeping's luxury five-night cruise in August 2023 takes you to the highlights of northern Spain as you sail in style on the luxury ship Bolette.

You’ll start in Getxo before heading to Bilbao and on to the magnificent city of La Coruña in Galicia, where you can wander between the medieval old town and the more modern districts to see the architectural contrasts.

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Norway's coast and magnificent fjords are truly captivating - dotted with calm waters, crashing waterfalls, and fishing communities dating back to pre-Viking times. If you follow this dramatic coastline all the way up to the north of the country, you'll find yourself in the Arctic Circle, where fascinating natural phenomena await.

There's a good chance of seeing the breathtaking Aurora Borealis here, allowing you to soak in the magic of these wild landscapes as beautiful waves of light dance in the skies above you.

You can also experience the Polar Night above Norway's arctic circle. Here, instead of total darkness, the skies change to an ethereal shade of cobalt blue, bathing the fjords and mountains in otherworldly hues.

Join Good Housekeeping's 14-night Arctic expedition cruise to discover the magic of Norway’s coast, fjords, fishing villages, and the arctic circle. We have departures between late September and December, when you'll have a good chance of seeing the magical and unforgettable Northern Lights.

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Loch Ness, Loch Nevis, the Sound of Mull, Iona, Eigg, Skye, Fort Augustus, Fort William… the names conjure up images of glistening waters, wild landscapes and towering castles, majestic flora and fauna, and myths and legends.

If you were going to compile a bucket list of British breaks, this is surely a contender, taking you through the Highlands and islands of Scotland to explore the endlessly beautiful Caledonian Canal, the magical islands of Scotland's western shore and hidden sea lochs that are only accessible on the water.

The deluxe Lord of the Glens hosts a maximum of 54 passengers and is one of the best ways to explore the area. Guests stay in outward-facing en suite cabins and enjoy superb cuisine throughout. You can experience the ship in October, when journalist Kirsty Wark joins us for a sailing through the tranquil Caledonian Canal and onwards towards the Sound of Mull.

You'll explore the West Highlands one day by rail, travelling along part of the West Highland Railway route and over the famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Kirsty will be on hand to chat with guests about the history of modern Scotland for the first few days, so you can learn more about the exceptional monuments and landscapes you'll be sailing past.

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As each new spring begins, millions of Japanese residents and tourists wait with anticipation for the first buds of the pink cherry blossom, known as sakura, to appear.

These blossoms are a symbol of renewal, vitality and beauty, and they make Japan's already spectacular cities and landscapes even more breathtaking than usual.

In 2024, you'll have the chance to experience this phenomenon for yourself with Good Housekeeping's once-in-a-lifetime two-week cruise. The cruise begins and ends in Tokyo, where you'll find soaring skyscrapers contrasting with blooming gardens and traditional noodle houses.

Along the way you'll stop in Hiroshima, where you can learn about its devastating Second World War history, Osaka, where you can see some of the country's most ornate shrines and temples, and you'll even make a stop in Busan in South Korea to enjoy the city's subtropical landscapes.

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This cruise will take you from the bustling seaports to tranquil, uninhabited islands of the Cyclades. With their quaint white villages, golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters the Cyclades, 220 pristine islands in the Aegean Sea, are an ever-popular holiday destination.

The eight-day cruise, with departures between May and October 2023, will take you to the famous islands of Santorini and Mykonos, perhaps the most popular of the Cyclades and with good reason, with their stylish restaurants and nightlife.

You’ll also get the chance to visit the more off-the-beaten-track Folegandros, with its high cliffs and beaches that can only be reached by boat. You’ll be cruising on the wonderful MS Galileo, where you’ll be one of just 49 guests on board, meaning the specialist crew can ensure you receive outstanding service, heartfelt hospitality and personal touches.

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Choosing the best Antarctic cruise can seem like a daunting task - it’s an investment of your time and money and likely something you may only do once and remember in exquisite detail. It’s a remote and thrilling part of the world to explore, where 12 million penguins live in the coldest, highest, and driest place on earth.

To get the best out of this monumental experience, you need to go with experts who will take care of everything. Hurtigruten expedition cruises have explored Antarctic waters for over 20 years, and their premium ships have been designed so guests can explore the region comfortably.

Good Housekeeping’s Antarctic cruise on MS Fridtjof Nansen has one of the lowest possible CO2 footprints of all expedition ships in Antarctica, thanks to a special hybrid engine on this future-ready vessel.

You’ll depart from Ushuaia, a city nicknamed ‘End of the World’ and head through the icy waters of the Drake Passage, home to the incredible marine life you may have only seen on screen, where the white wonderland envelopes you on an adventure like no other.

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Another chance to explore the White Continent is on a 13-day expedition cruise on board the well-equipped MS Roald Amundsen. This cruise will also take you to the intriguing Falkland Islands, where you'll find a land of rugged hills, wildflower meadows, sandy beaches, and colonies of penguins.

MS Roald Amundsen is a state-of-the-art expedition ship specifically designed for voyages in polar waters. On board you'll find a science centre, a two-level observation deck, and a range of excellent dining options.

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Springtime is delightful in Venice, and a cruise around the Venetian Lagoon reveals more of this romantic and fascinating destination than a hotel city break.

On a cruise, you can visit the islands of Venice's northern lagoon, including Mazzorbo, Torcello and Burano during a sailing on the luxurious SS La Venezia. Burano is known for its traditional lacemaking and its vividly colourful fisherman cottages lining the lagoon.

The opportunity to visit Burano isn’t the only reason to sail onboard SS La Venezia next spring. On a special cruise departing in April 2024, you’ll sail in the company of Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, who'll join you on a trip to the Rialto food market in Chioggia and host a live cooking demonstration, exclusive talk and Q&A.

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If you'd like to explore the Venetian lagoon this year with fellow lovers of history and fine food as a solo traveller, why not join our cruise in July 2023 with no single supplement? You'll meet your fellow guests as you sail on board the SS La Venezia where exceptional meals are included on board, with chefs creating excellent dishes to enjoy with other guests as you sail.

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If you fancy an autumnal adventure, you might choose to join our eight-day cruise of the Venetian Lagoon in the company of top chef Rick Stein this October.

You’ll have a chance to explore the highlights of the Lagoon on this foodie break and Rick will be with you for a few days, joining a tour of the Rialto food market and hosting a cooking demonstration and Q&A.

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For a slightly different kind of island holiday - one that's more about getting out and about in wild, untamed nature and spotting incredible wildlife - try a cruise around the dramatic Hebrides.

These Scottish islands offer rugged coastlines, varied flora and fauna and delicious local whisky to taste at several historic distilleries.

Each island has its own special charms. There's the outstanding wildlife haven of Arran, the Isle of Mull with its brightly painted harbourfront houses, the 'whisky island' of Islay, world-renowned for its peaty single-malts, and the uninhabited Hirta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Join Good Housekeeping for an unforgettable island-hopping expedition cruise around this beautiful part of the UK in April or May next year. You'll be sailing on the modern and environmentally progressive MS Spitsbergen, which will take you to the Isle of Mull, Arran, Islay, Hirta and more.

When not exploring on land you can make the most of the ship's excellent facilities, like hot tubs, a panoramic sauna, and a well-equipped gym.

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Portugal in October is a splendid time of year. Pleasantly warm temperatures make autumn the perfect season to explore north Portugal on a river cruise along the Douro. This scenic waterway is flanked by rolling landscapes and vineyards, with storybook villages rising from the banks.

The Alto Douro, the name of this wine-producing valley region, holds UNESCO status and is one of the oldest and most renowned wine-making regions in the world.

Good Housekeeping offers an exclusive cruise along the Douro, where you can truly soak in the beauty of this golden valley as you travel.

Whereas some cruises like their passengers to dress in their finest gowns for dinner, A-ROSA ALVA has no such rules. Instead, an eight-day cruise in October 2023 invites its guests to relax on a wine-themed voyage where you’ll have the chance to take part in a traditional grape harvest, including picking and crushing the grapes underfoot in traditional granite troughs.

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A cruise is the perfect way for food and wine lovers to explore the Bordeaux region and be utterly spoiled by the bounty of gourmet treats here. If you’re going to take a food-themed cruise, what could be better than being in the company of legendary French chef, Raymond Blanc?

Discover his French roots on this luxury, exclusive and all-inclusive eight-day gourmet cruise through France, visiting Saint-Emilion, Cadillac, Blaye and Libourne. On an exceptional departure in October 2023, board the splendidly opulent Scenic Diamond for a memorable trip along the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers.

Along with exciting stops and a beautiful ship to enjoy, you’ll have the opportunity to watch Raymond in a live cooking demonstration, and he’ll prepare a wonderful gala dinner. You can also experience the on-board cooking school and visit a local market on this foodie cruise.

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If you'd like to travel to France and meet new people as an individual traveller, why not join a gourmet cruise in July 2023 and enjoy an exclusive no solo supplement offer?

This eight-day luxury river cruise along the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers will take you to the UNESCO-listed citadel in Blaye, traditional wineries and charming châteaux in Cussac Fort Médoc, Cadillac, and Saint-Émilion, as you learn all about this romantic region's history and wine culture.

Your gourmet voyage begins and ends in beautiful Bordeaux, where you'll visit the Cité du Vin museum and learn even more about the region's fine wines.

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Plenty of sleek and modern cruise ships sail the Caribbean Sea, a dream winter sun destination. The trick to choosing the best Caribbean cruise to suit you is finding one with the ideal itinerary, whether one that visits the blockbuster ports or tucks into lesser-discovered harbours.

For a Caribbean journey that’s far from your average cruise, try an exceptional voyage to Costa Rica and Panama aboard Star Clipper, a traditional tall ship with 36,000 feet of billowing sails.

You’ll sail down the west coast of Central America on this opulent vessel that evokes the romance of a grander age. Over the week-long cruise in January, February and March 2024, you'll first get to know Costa Rica, sailing into the shimmering turquoise bays that hold a bounty of exotic marine life.

Heading south to Panama, you’ll then stop at two paradisiacal islands, Coiba Island and Parida Island. Both are celebrated for their white-sand beaches, lapped with jade-hued water.

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Looking for inspiration for your next holiday? Grab a cuppa and browse our brochure packed with unique escapes.

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