Cruise Itineraries by Region
The typical routes, lengths and seasons in each cruise region.
Find My ItineraryEach cruise region has its own itinerary “grammar” — typical lengths, typical ports, typical seasons. Knowing the patterns makes it much easier to compare offers.
Caribbean and Bahamas
- Short Bahamas cruises of three to five nights, often including a cruise line’s private island.
- Eastern Caribbean: typically islands such as St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Puerto Rico, often with sea days for the longer sail.
- Western Caribbean: typically Mexico’s Yucatan coast, Belize, Honduras and the Cayman Islands or Jamaica.
- Southern Caribbean: islands farther south such as Aruba, Curacao, Barbados and St. Lucia, often from San Juan or on longer voyages from Florida.
Port-by-port guides: Caribbean Cruise Ports.
Alaska
Alaska cruises run in the warmer months. Inside Passage round trips from Seattle or Vancouver typically visit Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, with a day of scenic glacier cruising. Gulf of Alaska one-way cruises sail between the Vancouver area and a port near Anchorage, making it easy to add a land tour to Denali. Plan port days at Alaska Port Excursions.
Mediterranean
Usually port-intensive. Western Mediterranean routes link ports in Spain, France and Italy; Eastern Mediterranean routes focus on Greece, Croatia, Turkey and the Adriatic. Many are one-way between two cities, and gateway ports such as those for Rome or Florence involve a long transfer inland.
Northern Europe
Summer itineraries to the Norwegian fjords, the British Isles, Iceland and Baltic capitals, with long daylight hours. Fjord routes include scenic cruising days; Baltic routes are port-heavy. Our sister site Europe Port Excursions covers both.
Other Regions in Brief
Panama Canal
Full transits are usually one-way between coasts and include a day in the locks; partial transits enter and return.
Mexican Riviera
Round trips from California to Pacific Mexico ports.
Hawaii
Inter-island cruises, or longer round trips from the West Coast with several sea days each way.
Canada and New England
Autumn favorites between New York, Boston and Canadian ports such as Halifax and Quebec City.
Transatlantic
Repositioning crossings in spring and autumn with many sea days.
Asia and South America
Longer, often one-way voyages; see Asia Shore Excursions and South America Shore Excursions.
Seasons at a Glance
| Region | Main cruise season |
|---|---|
| Caribbean and Bahamas | Year-round; busiest in winter and school holidays |
| Alaska | Late spring to early autumn |
| Mediterranean | Spring to autumn, with some winter sailings |
| Northern Europe and Norway | Late spring and summer |
| Canada and New England | Summer and the autumn foliage season |
| Transatlantic crossings | Spring and autumn repositioning |
Seasons vary by line; check the dates of the specific sailing you are considering.
Which Region Suits Your Dates?
Tell us when you can travel. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest the regions in season and quote itineraries there.
Find My Itinerary