This study was conducted by Avanti travel insurance providers. If you’d like to use the graphics or data from the study, please get in touch.
As spring approaches, with longer days and warmer weather, you might be preparing to book a summer holiday and long weekends away. To explore, to find peace, to meet new people, for romance, for personal growth and for making special memories.
Cruise holidays seem to be topping many travellers’ wish lists this year, with searches for ‘cruise destinations’ increasing by 700% between January 2023 and 2024.
If you love the open seas and the idea of exploring multiple destinations on a single trip, then you’re in the right place. Our guide to the best cruise destinations is just what you need. From the azure waters of the Mediterranean to the diver’s paradise of Cozumel, we’ve curated a list of the best cruise holiday destinations.
Key Findings
• Tampa is the top cruise destination for families with small children
• Barcelona is the most popular cruise destination for food and wine lovers, couples searching for romantic escapes and for the money conscious
• Cozumel is the best cruise destination for older travellers.
Best cruise destinations for older travellers
Top destination – Cozumel, Mexico
Runner up – Tampa, United States
To find the cruise hotspots most suited to seniors we reviewed the Trip Advisor reviews of the top ranking cruise destinations analysing the number of reviews that included senior related terms such as ‘OAP’ and ‘elderly’. The findings revealed that Cozumel ranked as the cruise destination most suited to seniors with an index score of 20). Tampa and Grand Turk were in close second and third place, both resulting in scores of 17.5.
Cruises are popular with older travellers for many reasons. It can allow them to travel leisurely while ticking off their bucket list destinations on one trip.
Many also seek a holiday that is comfortable yet refined, culturally enriching, and a little bit adventurous. And like most travellers, they’re looking for the best cruise deals, particularly ones that are all-inclusive.
Our study found that Cozumel Island in the Caribbean Sea is the best cruise destination for older travellers. It comes as no surprise, given its warm weather, welcoming culture and beautiful beaches.
Cozumel beaches, like Playa Palancar and Playa Chen Rio, are particular favourites to relax in the sun or take leisurely walks along the shore. The island boasts many resorts and hotels that offer fine dining and local cuisine experiences, as well as world-class spas, perfect for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.
There are also plenty of things to do on the island for older travellers. From visiting the world famous Mayan ruins to exploring historic museums and traditional villages, Cozumel offers a window into its rich cultural heritage.
Travellers also have the added reassurance of good healthcare facilities, and English is widely spoken.
The next top cruise destination on our list is Tampa, United States. This is followed by Grand Turk Island, Costa Maya in Mexico, and Grand Cayman—the largest of the Cayman Islands.
Best cruise destinations for couples
Top destination – Barcelona, Spain
Runner up – Cozumel, Mexico
To find the most romantic cruise hotspots, we reviewed the Trip Advisor reviews of the top ranking cruise destinations, analysing the number of reviews that included romance related terms such as ‘couple’s break’ and ‘romantic getaway’. The data revealed that Barcelona ranked as the most romantic cruise destination, with a romance index score of 20. This was followed by Cozumel (17.2) and Lisbon (16.4).
Looking for the perfect romantic getaway?
Then Barcelona should be at the top of your list if you’re planning a cruise this year. This capital city of Catalonia is all about romance, ready to sweep you right off your feet. Take a walk hand-in-hand down La Rambla, admire Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces, or explore the beautiful La Sagrada Familia church.
When the sun sets, get cosy with candlelit dinners at one of Barcelona’s many rooftop restaurants or book a romantic sunset cruise. And the best part? There’s still so much more to do and explore. With traditional Catalan architecture, quaint cafés and a lively vibe around every corner, it’s no wonder Barcelona is one of the top all-round cruise destinations on our list.
The runner-ups are the exotic Caribbean paradise of Cozumel, Mexico and the charming city of Lisbon, Portugal. Every one of these romantic hotspots is special – you’ve got culture, great food, and beautiful scenery, all perfect for a couple’s getaway.
Best cruise destinations for families
Top destination – Tampa, United States
Runner up – Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands
In order to assess the most family-friendly cruise hotspots, we reviewed Trip Advisor reviews of the top cruise destinations and found those that mentioned keywords related to family. This included ‘child-safe’ and ‘playground’. The data revealed that Tampa is the most well-suited to families topped the chart with an overall family score of 20. This is followed by Grand Cayman (16) and Grand Turk (16).
Family cruise holidays combine fun, education and relaxation. Kids, teens and adults can all find something just for them, with plenty of fun activities onboard. And, of course, there’s a whole new world to explore.
According to our research, Tampa ranks as the best cruise destination for families. With plenty of popular attractions with fun-filled activities to suit all ages, as well as its warm climate and beautiful beaches, Tampa is an all-round destination for a family cruise this year.
Other top family-friendly cruise destinations include the Grand Cayman and the Grand Turk Island.
The best cruise destinations for food lovers
Top destination – Barcelona, Spain
Runner up – Lisbon, Portugal
To find the best cruise hotspots for food lovers, we examined Trip Advisor reviews of the top cruise destinations that contained terms associated with delicious food, including ‘appetising’, ‘mouth-watering’ and ‘scrumptious’.The study found that Barcelona topped the chart with an overall food score of 20. This is followed by Lisbon (17.9) and Barbados (0.58).
For those who take delight in delicious food experiences, there are a few cruise hotspots that truly stand out. Our study found Barcelona is the top cruise destination for food and wine lovers. It offers scrumptious local delicacies and a world-class dining experience with 28 Michelin-starred restaurants.
Other top culinary hotspots include: Lisbon in Portugal and Barbados in the Caribbean. Lisbon also has 25 Michelin-starred restaurants promising a gastronomic journey like no other.
The best value cruise destinations
Top destination – Barcelona, Spain
Runner up – Lisbon, Portugal
To find the most budget-friendly cruise destinations, we examined the Trip Advisor reviews of top cruise destinations which contained terms associated with low cost such as ‘affordable’, ‘well-priced’ and ‘inexpensive’. The study found that Barcelona, once again, came out on top with an overall budget score of 20. This is followed by Lisbon (14.3), and Naples (13).
Looking for an amazing cruise experience at an affordable price?
Barcelona tops our list for the best budget-friendly cruise destination. It comes with well-priced accommodation, dining and plenty of activities to do. And you can enjoy all this without spending a fortune. A memorable cruise holiday that is as budget-friendly as it is wonderful.
Barcelona is closely followed by Lisbon which was the cheapest place to get a pint of a price, averaging at £1.83. Cheap pint prices can also be found across the Caribbean Islands in Barbados and St Lucia (£2.19).
The best river cruise destinations in Europe
Top destination – Barcelona, Spain
Runner up – Lisbon, Portugal
To find the best river holiday locations we looked at Trip Advisor reviews of popular river cruise destinations based on food and budget as well as their suitability for seniors, couples and families, to give each destination an overall river cruise index score. Barcelona ranked as the top destination, with an overall cruise index score of 14.4 (out of 20). Lisbon came in second place in the overall ranking, with index scores of 14.3. This was followed by Vancouver (7.5)
If you’re someone who enjoys the peaceful serenity of river cruises, Europe offers some of the world’s best river cruise experiences. These river cruises are a unique way to explore the rich history and diverse cultures of the continent. They’re a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the heart of Europe’s iconic cities and stunning landscapes.
Barcelona tops our list once again as the best river cruise destination in Europe. This vibrant city seamlessly blends modern and Gothic architecture, making it the perfect location to kickstart your river cruise before exploring Spain’s waterways.
Nearby countryside and charming, quaint villages paint a scenic contrast. For a unique river cruise experience, Barcelona remains unmatched, as it should.
Other best river cruise destinations include Lisbon, Florence, Venice and Porto. Each city is steeped in rich history and vibrant culture, alongside beautiful waterways for an unforgettable river cruise experience.
Cruises are a great way to see the world. Waking up in a new destination each day is exciting, but they also introduce new things that could potentially go wrong. Thankfully, our Cruise Travel Insurance is built to give you peace of mind no matter where your sea adventures take you.
Want to pick the best cruise for you? Read our guide on how to choose the right cruise to help you find the perfect match. If it’s your first cruise, we also have top tips to help you make the most of your first cruise holiday.
Our methodology involved collecting cruise port data. This was then used to identify cruises and their stop locations. We then looked at Trip Advisor reviews for each cruise ship. We analysed these reviews to create our cruise hotspot indexes.
These indexes reveal the best cruise holiday destinations for older travellers, couples, families, food and wine lovers, budget-minded travellers, and the best river cruise destinations in Europe.
