To help you make a well-informed decision, we’ve created this practical guide—based both on our personal travel experience and the latest data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
🗺️ Itinerary and Destinations
In 2025, cruises will take you to more than 500 ports around the globe. When choosing your cruise destination, think: do you want to enjoy warm beaches, cultural treasures, northern landscapes, or exotic cities? Each region offers a unique experience. Here are some of the most interesting cruise itineraries.
🌍 2025 Cruise Travel: Top Routes, Dates & Prices
🌊 Mediterranean Cruise
Travel through historic and scenic ports like Barcelona, Rome, Genoa, Athens, and Mykonos. This itinerary blends architecture, gastronomy, and sea views.
🏝️ Caribbean Cruise
Perfect for lovers of sunshine and the exotic. Routes include the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and private islands like CocoCay.
❄️ Norwegian Fjords Cruise
Breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages, and the chance to fully experience Scandinavian nature. Routes often include Bergen, Hellesylt, Geiranger, and Stavanger.
🕌 Arabian Sea Cruise
Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Sir Bani Yas – these destinations combine modern architecture with oriental luxury.
🐋 Alaska Cruise
Ideal for nature enthusiasts – offering glacier fjords, whale watching, raw wilderness, and ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.
🌊 Transatlantic Cruise
Long ocean crossings between Europe and America – a classic with a historical feel, often chosen from Hamburg or Southampton to New York.
📌 Practical Tips
To avoid stress related to possible flight delays, it’s recommended to arrive in the cruise departure city 1–2 days before the cruise begins. Also, plan what you want to see at each stop — sometimes this can be done individually, but often it’s more convenient to pre-book organized excursions on board, even before the cruise starts.
📅 Cruise Duration
According to CLIA, 45% of passengers choose cruises of 7–9 nights. However, interest is also growing in shorter (3–5 day) and longer (10+ day) cruises. Choose a duration that fits your vacation time and budget!
🚢 Cruise Line & Ship
Cruise lines differ in style, service, and target audience. Baltic GSA officially represents 23 of the world’s leading cruise lines in the Baltics, including:
- MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International — perfect for families and active travellers. Ships offer countless entertainment options and accommodate larger passenger numbers;
- Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn, Explora Journeys — a more luxurious experience with refined service. Ships are built for fewer passengers;
- Ponant, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — luxury sea voyages with the feeling of traveling aboard a private yacht;
- Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard Line, P&O Cruises — the classic cruise experience;
- Viva Cruises, DCS, CroisiEurope — river cruises in Europe.
When choosing a cruise line, consider the ship’s size, onboard atmosphere, language, entertainment style, and typical guest profile.
💸 Budget & Additional Costs
The ticket price is just one element. When booking a cruise, also consider:
- drink packages
- excursions
- WiFi and spa services
- gratuities (some cruise lines include them)
Remember: early booking secures the best prices and widest choice. Learn more about what’s included in the cruise fare and what’s not [here].
Many think cruises are expensive and only for the wealthy. That’s not true! If booked early, a cruise is a simple and convenient way to travel the world, including places that are hard to reach otherwise.
🍽️ Dining Onboard
Modern cruise ships offer multiple restaurants — from buffets to Michelin-inspired à la carte venues. Explora Journeys and Oceania Cruises especially stand out, where cuisine is considered a core part of the travel experience. NCL and Royal Caribbean also offer diverse culinary options to please even the most demanding travellers.
🎭 Entertainment & Activities
Before booking, check which onboard activities are available:
- pools, water slides, and spas
- evening shows, theatre performances, and karaoke
- gyms and fitness studios
- dance classes
- cooking workshops and wine tastings
Families will also appreciate kids’ clubs and themed events for children during the cruise.
🎯 Conclusion
When choosing a cruise, base your decision on your priorities — be it destination, ship amenities, price, or onboard atmosphere. Trust established companies and find your perfect voyage at travel.cruiseclub.lv, where cruises from all the world’s leading cruise lines are available in one place.