Explore Cruise Destinations
A cruise can take you from glaciers and wildlife to tropical beaches, historic cities and remote islands—all while unpacking only once. The right destination depends on the experience you want, the time of year you plan to travel and how far you are comfortable traveling to reach the departure port.
Memory Making Adventures helps travelers compare destinations, ships and itineraries so they can find a cruise that fits their interests, schedule and budget.
Alaska Cruises
Alaska offers dramatic scenery, wildlife, glaciers and distinctive port communities. It is an excellent choice for travelers who enjoy nature, photography, sightseeing and cooler weather.
Common Alaska itineraries visit ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka and Icy Strait Point. Some cruises also include scenic viewing of Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm, Endicott Arm or Hubbard Glacier.
When comparing Alaska cruises, consider:
- Seattle versus Vancouver departures
- Glacier-viewing opportunities
- Time available in each port
- Inside Passage scenery
- Round-trip versus one-way itineraries
- Balcony and observation-space options
- Transportation to the departure port
We have cruised Alaska ourselves and can help compare itineraries based on more than the ship or advertised price.
Caribbean and Bahamas Cruises
Caribbean cruises are popular for warm weather, beaches, water activities and a wide variety of ships. Itineraries may focus on the Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean, and many include a cruise line’s private island or beach destination.
The experience can vary significantly depending on the ports:
- Eastern Caribbean itineraries often emphasize beaches, shopping and ports such as St. Thomas or San Juan.
- Western Caribbean cruises may visit Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Belize or Honduras.
- Southern Caribbean sailings may include Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire or other islands farther south.
- Bahamas itineraries are often convenient for shorter cruises and private-island visits.
We can help compare port schedules, ship atmosphere, beach opportunities and the amount of time available ashore.
Mexico and Pacific Coast Cruises
For travelers in Oregon and the western United States, cruises from Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego and San Francisco may reduce the travel required to reach the ship.
Mexican Riviera itineraries commonly visit Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Ensenada. Pacific Coast cruises may include California destinations, British Columbia or repositioning voyages between seasonal regions.
These cruises can be a practical option for travelers who want warm-weather destinations without flying across the country to Florida.
Europe and Mediterranean Cruises
European cruises make it possible to visit several cities and countries during one vacation. Popular regions include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the British Isles and the Greek Islands.
These itineraries can be port-intensive, so it is important to consider:
- Flight time and arrival dates
- Distance between the airport, hotel and cruise port
- Passport and entry requirements
- Time available in each destination
- Excursion options and physical activity
- Whether the itinerary includes enough rest days
Arriving before embarkation is particularly important for international cruises because flight delays could cause travelers to miss the ship.
Canada and New England Cruises
Canada and New England cruises combine coastal scenery, history and distinctive port communities. Depending on the itinerary, ports may include Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Québec City, Bar Harbor and Boston.
These cruises are especially appealing to travelers interested in fall scenery, maritime history, local food and a more relaxed alternative to tropical destinations. We have experienced Eastern Canada by cruise and appreciate how different each port can feel.
Transatlantic and Repositioning Cruises
Repositioning cruises occur when ships move between seasonal regions. They often provide longer sailings, several sea days and attractive per-night pricing.
These itineraries can be ideal for travelers who enjoy the ship itself and have flexibility for a longer vacation. However, they may require one-way international airfare, additional hotel nights and more detailed transportation planning.
How Do You Choose?
Consider these questions when comparing cruise destinations:
- Do you prefer warm beaches, scenery, history or wildlife?
- How long do you want to be away?
- How far are you willing to fly?
- Do you enjoy active port days or relaxing sea days?
- Are there specific destinations you want to visit?
- What time of year can you travel?
- Which expenses should be included in your overall budget?
You do not need to have every answer before contacting us. We can help you narrow down the possibilities based on what matters most to you.
Find Your Next Destination
Browse available cruises through our worldwide cruise search, or submit a cruise-planning request for personalized destination and itinerary recommendations.