MyCruise blog
Guide: Where Should Your Next Cruise Take You?
A cruise is much more than just a way to travel; it’s a unique opportunity to combine adventure, relaxation, culture, and experiences all in one journey. But where should your next trip take you? Let us help inspire your next dream voyage!
For Those, Who Don’t Want to Travel Too Far from HomeFortunately, the big experiences don’t have to be far away. If you’re the type who can’t face the thought of a 10-hour flight or a drastically different climate, Northern Europe is the perfect choice. There are incredible natural wonders just around the corner. Sail, for example, to the Norwegian fjords and take in stunning mountain landscapes and charming towns in abundance. You can also explore the historic cities of the Baltic Sea, such as Stockholm, Tallinn, and Helsinki, or be captivated by the lush, unspoiled beauty of Iceland.
Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in Northern Europe here!
For Those, Who Love Unique CulturesDo you feel that the point of travelling is to discover and learn about places that are very different from what you know at home? If so, you might want to head east and explore the diverse wonders of Asia, where unique cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities await. Perhaps your journey should take you to Japan? A cruise is an ideal way to experience this beautiful archipelago, as it avoids expensive hotels and the hassle of travelling between locations. Or how about a combination of stops in exciting destinations like Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Hong Kong? A cruise in Asia allows you to explore the continent’s rich cultures in comfort, far more conveniently than backpacking.
Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in Asia here!
For Those, Who Just Want to Relax on a Palm-Lined Beach
Do you just want to unplug and fully unwind while travelling? Is there really a better place to do that than on one of those postcard-perfect sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, swaying palms, and colourful coral reefs? Where the pace is slow and the mood is high. That’s exactly what you’ll find across the Atlantic, where the Caribbean offers fascinating and vibrant islands with rich culture and plenty of space for ultimate relaxation. Believe it or not, it’s even more beautiful in real life.
Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in the Caribbean here!
For Those, Who Appreciate History and Culinary Experiences
Do you enjoy strolling through charming streets, savouring authentic meals at local restaurants, and being captivated by cities full of history and impressive monuments? If so, the Mediterranean is the perfect choice. The region is rich in history, romance, and culinary delights, with fantastic cuisines such as Italian, Greek, French, and Spanish. Ideal for those who want to indulge in the good life and treat their senses in cities full of character.
Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in the Mediterranean here!
For Those, Who Are Adventurous Nature Lovers
Are you seeking excitement and extraordinary natural experiences on your trip? Then Alaska is the next destination you should explore. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the grandeur of nature up close. With glaciers, fjords, bears, whales, and countless opportunities for unique adventures like dog sledding, kayaking, whale watching, and hiking in stunning surroundings. When you visit Alaska on a cruise, you also get to enjoy breathtaking views from the water. You could easily spend hours simply watching the passing landscapes from your balcony or the sun deck on such a trip!
Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in Alaska here!
For Those, Who Want to Combine Relaxation with an Active HolidayAre you dreaming of the perfect combination of city life, sandy beaches, and spectacular nature? Then it’s time to head ‘Down Under’! Australia and New Zealand are ideal destinations if you’re fascinated by breathtaking natural wonders and unique wildlife. While Australia offers metropolises like Sydney and Melbourne, the world’s largest coral reef – the Great Barrier Reef – and fascinating animals such as koalas and kangaroos, New Zealand awaits with spectacular landscapes of deep fjords, lush valleys, and majestic mountains.
Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in Australia and New Zealand here!
For Those, Who Have Already Tried It AllAre you already well-travelled and have ticked off many destinations on your bucket list? Then perhaps it’s time to head to the “end of the world,” Antarctica, which offers a unique opportunity to experience untouched nature, wildlife such as penguins and seals, and the awe-inspiring majesty of icebergs. An expedition cruise allows you to get up close to the raw, pristine wilderness, guided by destination experts who provide fresh insights into parts of the world few ever see.
Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of cruises in Antarctica here!
For Those, Who Want a Bit of Everything
Can’t decide? Why limit yourself? You could embark on a world cruise, which over several months allows you to experience one continent after another. Imagine seeing everything from the Caribbean to South America, Australia, and Asia all on the same journey! Several cruise lines offer these kinds of trips, making it a brilliant way to see much more of the world if you can spare a few months from your schedule.
Does this sound like you? Check out the selection of World Cruises here!
We hope our guide has given you a better understanding of the many possibilities available, depending on what you’re looking for in your next trip. At MyCruise, you’ll always find a wide selection of cruises around the world – and if you need help finding the perfect one, our experts are ready to guide you.
Read moreA weekend with MSC Virtuosa
Cruise in October? A weekend with MSC Virtuosa from SouthamptonWhat is it really like to go on a cruise from the UK in mid-October? We recently had the opportunity to find out when we spent an extended weekend sailing from Southampton to northern France and back. Here, you can read more about our experiences with MSC Cruises, and in particular, MSC Virtuosa.
First Impressions of the ShipYou probably know it well – no matter how many times you’ve been on a cruise, it never really stops being exciting to step on board a new ship for the first time. And this trip was certainly no exception. After a day in London enjoying fish & chips, the ABBA Voyage show, and a bit of shopping, we headed south by bus to the ship in Southampton.“MSC Virtuosa is an impressive ship – modern, elegant, and packed with facilities,” says Otto. “Once on board, you are quickly struck by the distinctive features of the Meraviglia class: the sparkling Swarovski staircases, the stunning promenade with its digital LED sky, and the cohesive design throughout.”
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A Spacious Balcony CabinAfter boarding and taking in our first impressions of the ship, we made our way up to our balcony cabin on Deck 13. A spacious cabin with a lovely bathroom and plenty of closet space – exactly what you need when “moving in” for a few days. Shortly after our arrival, we were introduced to Densil from St. Kitts, our friendly cabin steward, who went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of throughout the trip.Even though we were sailing in mid-October, having the balcony was wonderful. “It was perfect for enjoying the autumn sun, the beautiful sea views, and a cold beer – it allowed us little breaks and was a lovely spot to round off the day’s experiences,” notes Cecilia.
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Life On Board the ShipIf you’ve been on an MSC ship, you know there are an incredible number of activities to enjoy – whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or with friends. We experienced the same on this trip. “The ship’s facilities offer experiences for every taste. For example, we loved that each bar had its own theme, allowing us to choose between beautiful piano music, lively jazz, or sports in the sports bar, depending on our mood,” says Cecilia, highlighting the robot that mixes drinks to order at the Starship Club as one of the fun experiences.“I was particularly impressed by how cohesive everything felt,” adds Otto. “The atmosphere on MSC Virtuosa is lively, and there really is something for everyone. The gym is state-of-the-art, the kids’ club is popular with younger guests, and the Sky Lounge Bar offers a relaxed, child-free zone.”
As always, you’ll also find inviting pool areas, a relaxing spa, and plenty of activities for guests of all ages.
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Impressive EntertainmentEvery evening offered entertainment, and with different shows in the theatre, such as Hall of Fame and Dirty Dancing, there was always something new to experience each night. We managed to see three different shows, all beautifully produced with talented performers and a suitable length of around 35 minutes.
In addition, we had pre-booked seats for Ajerdez – Carousel Productions by Sea, an acrobatic and theatrical performance in the Carousel Lounge, best compared to Cirque du Soleil. “The Carousel Lounge was absolutely fantastic – real acrobatics, stunning costumes, and a truly professional experience, which I highly recommend if you’re looking for extraordinary entertainment,” says Linnea.
In addition to the impressive shows, we experienced both a silent disco and the famous White Party, where the majority of guests on board dress in white. “The atmosphere at the White Party was extra special, and if you enjoy a good celebration, it’s a fun evening to take part in,” highlights Cecilia.
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A Wide Range of Dining ExperiencesAnother highlight of our trip was the specialty restaurant Teppanyaki, which quickly became a favourite for us. If you haven’t tried this unique dining experience before, we can highly recommend it. Here, you get a combination of delicious food prepared by skilled chefs and entertainment as your meal is cooked right before your eyes.
“The dinner became an experience in itself, with extra attention paid to every detail,” says Cecilia, while Linnea highlights the food at Teppanyaki: “It was really good! The salmon was perfect, and the meat was cooked exactly as ordered.”Altogether, there are 11 different restaurants on board the ship – a mix of included dining options and specialty restaurants where you pay extra for a meal – offering a wide and varied selection.
An autumn cruise from the UK turned out to be both refreshing and cosy. Even without strong sun and warm temperatures, MSC Virtuosa delivered an experience full of energy, comfort, and memorable moments – exactly how a cruise should be, if you ask us.
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Our Top Tips for Your MSC Cruises Trip
Download your boarding pass digitally: This makes check-in seamless – no paper, no stress.
Book shows on the first evening: They sell out quickly, so make sure to secure your spot early.
Add the Easy Drinks Package: It’s well worth it – even if you don’t drink alcohol. It gives you the freedom to enjoy a cappuccino, take a soft drink ashore, and generally order beverages without worrying about the bill once on board.
Sound like your kind of trip? Check out the range of voyages with MSC Virtuosa and the rest of the Meraviglia-class ships here.
Read moreWinter cruises: 5 destinations with guaranteed sunshine
Winter cruises with guaranteed sunshineWhen winter darkness and cold settle over the UK, there is nothing better than heading for warmer climates. A winter cruise combines relaxation, experiences, and guaranteed sunshine – all without having to unpack your suitcase every day.
1. The Caribbean – winter cruise to paradise islandsThe Caribbean is the very definition of paradise: crystal-clear turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and an atmosphere that soothes even the most stressed soul. On a winter cruise here, you can wake up on a new island every day – perhaps Barbados with its lively beach bars, St. Lucia with dramatic mountains, or the famous Bahamas.Experiences in the Caribbean:
Colourful markets with local delicacies
Historic colonial towns with charming architecture
Snorkelling among corals and tropical fish
Tip: Choose a route that combines both large ports like San Juan and smaller, authentic islands – it provides the perfect balance between activity and relaxation.
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2. The Canary Islands – sunny winter cruise closer to the UKThe Canary Islands are the obvious choice for those seeking sun without a long flight or time difference. With temperatures of 20–25°C even in the middle of winter, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote are ideal destinations for a relaxing winter cruise.Experiences in the Canary Islands:
Black volcanic beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs
Lush mountain landscapes and charming villages
Spanish tapas and fresh fish in small harbour towns
Tip: On Tenerife, make sure to take a trip to Mount Teide – the view from the top is one of Spain’s most spectacular.
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3. The Emirates – luxury, sun, and desert adventuresA winter cruise to the United Arab Emirates is a journey into a world of contrasts: futuristic skyscrapers side by side with traditional souks, luxurious shopping centres, and tranquil desert landscapes. Dubai boasts the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, while Abu Dhabi entices with lavish architecture such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.Experiences in the Emirates:
Shopping in the world’s largest malls
Visits to grand mosques and palaces
Desert safari with sunset
Tip: If your cruise docks overnight, be sure to book an evening desert tour – a sunset over golden sand dunes is a sight you’ll never forget.
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4. Australia & New Zealand – adventures on the Southern HemisphereWhen it’s winter in the UK, it’s high summer in Australia and New Zealand – perfect for swapping cold for warmth. A cruise Down Under can take you from Sydney’s iconic harbour to New Zealand’s dramatic fjords. Here, you get the best of city life and relaxed leisure amid stunning landscapes.Experiences Down Under:
Koalas, kangaroos, and penguins in their natural habitats
City life in Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland
Wine routes, national parks, and world-famous beaches
Tip: Extend your trip with a few days on land so you can explore the Great Barrier Reef or New Zealand’s wine regions.
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5. Asia – culture, spices, and paradise beachesA winter cruise in Asia combines sun and warmth with culture, history, and gastronomy. You can sail from bustling cities like Singapore to tranquil islands in Thailand and Vietnam, where life moves at a slower pace.Experiences in Asia:
Visits to Buddhist temples and historic cities
Colourful markets with the scents of coriander, lime, and chili
Beach days on white sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters
Tip: Experience local traditions and crafts – small villages and markets showcase the culture up close.
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Ready to find your winter favourite?Whether you long for the gentle waves of the Caribbean, the glamour of the Emirates, or the adventurous nature of Australia, there’s a winter cruise that’s perfect for you.Also, check out our guide: The ultimate packing guide for your cruise
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