Cruising is one of the best ways to take on a single trip, not to mention some killer sea views in multiple destinations. For all those reasons and more, we look forward to Cruise Critic’s annual Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards. Based on vent ratings from cruisers and readers, Cruise Critic picks 15 destination winners each year.
Listed below are 10 of our favourite port destinations from the award listing this year. Want more? Head over to Cruise Critic’s Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards page for the full list of the best cruise destinations for 2017.
Greatest Cruise Destinations for 2017
Best Cruise at the U.S. & Canada: Quebec City
This winner is fitting for Canada’s 150th anniversary party: “Quebec City offers a savory taste of Europe right here in North America. Consider it as France. Friendly locals convey that feeling of romance and Old World charm located throughout the Atlantic, making Quebec City a beautifully unique port of call on Canada/New England cruises.”
What Cruisers Say: “To my surprise; this really is among the most gorgeous cities I’ve ever seen. The people and very walkable are so friendly. We’ll return” –Cruise Critic Member louieandlorrie
Best Cruise European River Destination: Budapest
Hungary and Budapest are with a second this year and a river cruise is among the best ways to experience them both: “Budapest is also the world’s only capital city to boast over 80 active thermal springs and wells; soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters is a real experience. Szechenyi is the largest, with indoor and outside pools, and Gellert is famous because of its architecture. Many lake cruise operators offer trips to the baths as an excursion option.”
What Cruisers Say: “We didn’t know what to expect from Budapest, and were pleasantly surprised. It was a really exotic, friendly, and enjoyable town. We loved the food, the baths, along with the sights.” –Cruise Critic Member Supcoop3
Best Cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean: Dubrovnik
If you are at all into Game of Thrones, you’ll recognize this now-famous medieval port city. “Dubrovnik is a great walking city for fans of culture and history, with centuries-old monasteries, churches, synagogues and even among the oldest running pharmacies in Europe. However, if you’re searching for a day of comfort between active tours in marquee cities, then it’s also a stunning spot to just sit and watch the world go by red-roofed stone buildings along with the sparkling, aqua Adriatic Sea.”
What Cruisers Say: “Fabulous, and a true highlight of our vacation. Opportunities for sightseeing, purchasing souvenirs walking the walls, and shooting photos of amazing scenery. Should be on everyone’s bucket list” —Cruise Critic Member LTC Dan
Best Cruise from the Western Mediterranean: Villefranche
Lesser-known Villefranche is quickly becoming a cruiser-favorite port in the Mediterranean: “More laid back compared to other–splashier–Cote d’Azur resort towns like Nice, Cannes and Monaco, Villefranche, whose old town dates back to the 14th century, also evokes a romantic, historical feel. For those weary of sightseeing, it is a terrific port for hanging out and relaxing”
What Cruisers Say: “Lovely port. Simple to walk around or spend time. You may take the train to Nice or Monaco and the station is simply 1/2 mile in the tender dock” –Cruise Critic Member lostnemo
Best Cruise in the British Isles & Western Europe: Amsterdam
Since it’s possible to explore nearly the capital via foot, Amsterdam is an excellent port citynew structure around the Passenger Terminal gives even more reason to rank this port among the best cruise destinations such as 2017.
“The canal streets of the city are protected by ordinance and won’t ever alter, but Amsterdam is expanding outward and design buffs will find both modern and historic neighborhoods to explore … Muziekgebouw aan het IJ, a concert hall to get jazz and modern music, is adjacent to the terminal, along with ongoing structure will bring a lot more amenities, such as hotels. With so much to do and see, Amsterdam makes for a profitable stay before or after cruising.”
What Cruisers Say: “Amsterdam is a refined and worldwide port-city. It is a soulful European jewel, the Venice of the north” –Cruise Critic Member acousticsolo
Best Cruise at Australia & New Zealand: Akaroa
Akaroa, New Zealand, is definitely best seen by sea : “Sailing up the strait to the Port of Akaroa in New Zealand is a not-to-be-missed experience, together with green towering mountains topped with craggy rock from a long extinct volcano.
The port is also a great family destination: “Swimming with dolphins, sailing, glorious character walks, penguin experiences, motorbike tours and historical walks are just a couple of the activities available. Take pleasure in the village, since you can happily explore Akoroa within one hour or so if you are not one for excursions. After that’s done you’re free to grab a coffee or glass of local wine, settle back and take in the picture-perfect vista of sparking sanctuary waters surrounded by green rolling hills.”
What Cruisers Say: “Totally loved this tiny city. Only walked around for hours. The scenery is so awesome that you don’t have to do anything” –Cruise Critic Member pmennen
Best Cruise in Asia & South Pacific: Singapore
Because of its cleanliness and sophistication, Singapore takes the best spot as one of the best cruise destinations in Asia and the South Pacific: “Like Hong Kong, Singapore is a city with great cultural diversity, well-developed infrastructure and an extremely cosmopolitan feeling. Popular with cruise lines to get day-long port calls, in addition to embarkation, Singapore is easily navigable, with the majority of tourist attractions concentrated in three regions: Orchard Road, the southern district and Sentosa.”
What Cruisers Say: “Fabulous town–not to be overlooked! Be sure to see the Gardens by the Bay at night time. The lights are spectacular.” –Cruise Critic Member putertutor
Best Cruise in the Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas & Bermuda: King’s Wharf
Bermuda’s King’s Wharf is your top choice among cruisers: “King’s Wharf is full of naval history, with an unlimited array of activities for all ages, be it culture, sports, sports, fantastic food, shopping or kicking back at the shore. In addition to galleries, craft markets and museums, you may include world-class golf courses, parasailing, scuba-diving and dolphin swims on the short list of things to do.”
What Cruisers Say: “Among our favourite places to go to. Something for everybody, and quite easy to navigate on your own.” —Cruise Critic Member nodumblond
Best Cruise at the Mexican Riviera, Central & South America: Cabo San Lucas
While there’s no escape pier, so you could have to plan your time offshore more carefully, Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of water activities: “Together with its elegant and much quieter sister town of San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas is the ideal place for adventure-oriented interests. The clear waters make for great snorkeling, biking paddleboarding, parasailing, sailing, and jet ski, if conditions are appropriate. The Sea of Cortez is one of the most biologically richest places in the world, with pods of whales that winter abroad; if you are here in season (late December through late March), a whale-watching trip is crucial.”
What Cruisers Say: “Best port of call. Gorgeous scenery. Lively town. Inadequate time.” —Cruise Critic Member fastscot
Best Cruise in the Southern Caribbean: Curacao
Curacao edged out the other “ABC” islands this season for high Southern Caribbean port for its architecture, beaches, and shopping: “Willemstad, where cruise ships dock, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with waterfront shops and cafes. It’s walkable and always warm, but not hot. The town is divided into two chambers–one on either side of a narrow but deep channel, traversable with a landmark pedestrian bridge that was floating. Past Willemstad, Curacao is rife with opportunities to dive and swim, with more than 35 uncrowded beaches”
What Cruisers Say: “The best port of the cruise. Close to shopping and the famous downtown area with its gorgeous Dutch colonial architecture.” –Cruise Critic Member mzliza3