If you’re a traveler who sees the beauty in every view, from tropical beaches to iconic architecture, a cruise will afford you the opportunity to visit multiple destinations in one vacation—and the ultimate conveniences to boot. Whether on a romantic getaway, an adventure-packed family vacation or a wellness escape with best friends, expansive lush landscapes, azure ocean views, distinct architecture and colorful sunsets await. You can choose from more than 240 destinations when you vacation with Royal Caribbean, and have your pick of world-class ships to take you there.
Wondering where to start? Here are seven swoon- and wow-worthy destinations, no matter the vacation occasion, you can visit on your Royal Caribbean cruise:
Don’t miss seeing green monkeys on a shore excursion to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
Credit: ROYAL CARIBBEAN
1. Lush Landscapes – Barbados
If you want to go green and find flora and fauna, Barbados is a great place to explore. This tiny—but mighty—island is easy to navigate so that you can check out its many beautiful places. From walking the grounds at Andromeda Botanic Gardens in Bathsheba to observing green monkeys at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, there are many ways to discover the natural world across just 21 miles.
Discover cruises to Barbados here.
Relax in a private floating cabana and soak up gorgeous sea views at Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Credit: Tim Aylen
2. Azure Waters – Perfect Day at CocoCay
At Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, the azure waters of the Caribbean meet the picture-perfect, glimmering white sand. It’s the making of a day in paradise—exclusively for our guests. Beachfront lounging and private floating cabanas make it easy to chill at island spots like Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, or Coco Beach Club. And 13 waterslides, including the tallest in North America, and helium balloon adventure Up, Up & Away await those travelers looking for thrills.
Pro tip: The tranquility of turquoise water abounds throughout the Caribbean, so you can find a new favorite island every day—because on a cruise you can always visit more than one destination.
Here are cruises that will take you to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The majestic Dawes Glacier, known for its calving displays that produce huge icebergs, caps the 30-mile journey through Endicott Arm fjord.
Credit: iStock
3. Natural Wonders – Alaska
The world just looks and feels different in Alaska. From glacier ice that seems to glow blue to majestic mountains that dominate the view, you’ll find awe-inspiring natural wonders that make for a lifetime of memories. Along the journey through Endicott Arm fjord to Dawes Glacier, the stunning backdrop of granite cliffs, mountain valleys and drifting icebergs complements the incredible place harbor seals, brown bears, bald eagles, moose and wolves call home.
Pro tip: Book a helicopter glacier walkabout excursion for an up-close-and-personal scenic experience.
Find your perfect cruise vacation to Alaska here.
The world-renowned historic architecture in Greece includes iconic spots like Acropolis Hill in Athens.
Credit: iStock
4. Iconic Architecture – Greece
Head back in time and explore Athens, Greece, where the Acropolis, one of the world’s most complete ancient complexes, still stands today. Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. These three temples, dedicated to the different aspects of the goddess Athena, are a working archeological site and serve as a testament to the enduring beauty of classical architecture and ancient civilization.
Find a Royal Caribbean cruise to Greece and the Greek Isles here.
Make a point to soak up the view at Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, Italy.
Credit: iStock
5. Romantic Interludes – Amalfi Coast
There are few places more dreamy than a cruise to the Amalfi Coast. Inspire a day of romance and head to Ravello, Italy, where the dramatic sights of the Moorish-style Villa Rufolo, famous for its outdoor concerts, local pasta dishes like scialatielli ai frutti di mare, and the town’s secluded beach are sure to make anyone swoon. If you’re in search of an intimate spot for a stroll with an ocean view—and maybe to pop a certain question—visit Villa Cimbrone, the crown jewel of this gorgeous town.
Book a cruise to Italy and its famed Amalfi Coast here.
Explore natural grottoes and caves amidst turquoise waters at Virgin Gorda.
Credit: Shutterstock
6. Fire and Ice – British Virgin Islands
Beautiful white sand beaches meet the rocky shoreline at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Day-trippers delight in the trek to Baths National Park, where granite—first formed from hot magma from the region’s volcanoes—eroded into piles of boulders on the beach. Be sure to see The Baths’ Cathedral Room, a natural pool within a small cave, and bring snorkel gear to explore the ocean’s beauty around the craggy boulders. After a refreshing dip, order a Painkiller over ice, the island’s famous cocktail.
Check out a cruise vacation that visits the British Virgin Islands here.
Catch the stunning sunsets in Ensenada, a vibrant Mexican town on the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula.
Credit: iStock
7. Most Colorful – Mexico
While incredible hues may dance across the night sky, Ensenada, Mexico is just as colorful during the day, especially at mealtimes. As the defacto seafood capital, you can order Baja fish tacos on every corner in town, from Zona Centro, to Independencia, to Playa Ensenada and Bahia Ensenada. And just like the sunsets, the colors in the catch of the day are sure to complement the rainbow of sides, like salsa, guacamole, elote and cilantro lime rice.
Book a cruise to Mexico here.
Ready to see and dive into the world’s natural beauty, rich history and vibrant colors? Start planning your cruise vacation here.
