Planning a summer getaway at sea? From the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords in June to the wildlife-rich landscapes of Alaska in July and the scenic British Isles in August, discover the best summer cruise destinations for every type of traveller.
It’s the most popular time of year to head out on a romantic or family holiday, but summer is also one of the best periods to set sail on a cruising escape. No matter where guests want to go, there are so many cruise destinations to choose from, but what are the best summer cruise destinations? Join Odysia Cruise as we go month by month to pick out the top summer destinations from some of the best cruise lines.
When summer first begins, it doesn’t take long for thoughts to turn to hot beaches, city breaks and tropical getaways. June marks the start of this exciting time of year, so let’s look at some of our top destinations for this month.
There are several reasons the Norwegian Fjords are perfect for early-summer exploration. Not only does this time of year offer the most daylight hours, which is ideal for hiking through the region’s beautiful mountains or enjoying long days exploring authentic ports like Ålesund and Stavanger, but it also features comfortable temperatures that make northern ports a joy to visit.
For those craving a memorable holiday that sails directly from the UK, Norwegian itineraries in June make the most of the month’s climate with visits to the magnificent lakes and glaciers of Olden and the Viking landscapes of the Lofoten Islands.
June cruises to the Norwegian Fjords are available from MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.
Before the weather turns too hot, June offers a wonderful window to explore the highlights of the Mediterranean. Ports on the Atlantic side of the region are cool and inviting in early summer, making city tours through places like Barcelona and Lisbon both comfortable and relaxing.
June is also the ideal time for those looking to avoid the larger crowds that the later summer months bring. Before many schools close, this period offers guests seeking a blissful mini-cruise the chance to immerse themselves in the Mediterranean’s most beautiful and historic cities and take their holiday at their own pace.
June cruises to the Mediterranean are available from MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises and Cunard.
The days are long, and the sun is out, so why not make July a month to remember with an epic cruise holiday? It’s a long month, so let’s pick some of the destinations we know will make each day a resounding success.
Alaska may conjure up ideas of wintry wonderlands and frozen seas, but in the summer sunshine of July, this North America destination blossoms into a colourful and lively paradise. With forests and mountain ranges of lavish green, Alaska’s temperatures can reach highs of 20 degrees in July, which is ideal for exploring these landscapes and spotting wildlife such as bears and eagles.
With clear summer skies, Alaska’s powerful glaciers also become easier to appreciate in all their glory. Not to mention, ports like Ketchikan and Skagway come to life, putting authentic Alaskan culture and history on display for guests to enjoy.
July cruises to Alaska are available from Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean.
Just like Alaska, Northern Europe enjoys warmer weather and longer days in July, bringing the streets of its iconic capital cities to brilliant life. From Stockholm and Copenhagen to Tallinn and Riga, the historic places guests visit on a single itinerary are even more fun to explore under the July sun.
Not only does July make it possible to sit in the street cafes of these wonderful cities long into the evening, but music events like the Roskilde Festival (Denmark) and Pori Jazz (Finland) also make the region a thriving hotspot for fun and festivities.
July cruises to Northern Europe are available from MSC Cruises, Cunard and Fred. Olsen Cruises.
As summer reaches its end, there’s so much sunshine and warm weather still to enjoy. For families, August is the month to go away and give little ones the holidays they’ll remember forever, so let’s cover our suggestions for the best cruises to take in August before school starts again in autumn.
While popular favourites like the Mediterranean and the Norwegian Fjords are top destinations to visit in August, somewhere that can’t be overlooked is the British Isles. Offering the most reliable weather for the year, August makes visiting the castles, coastal towns and cities that line our familiar shores easier and more enjoyable to explore.
August’s ideal conditions also make the more northerly ports of the UK and Ireland more accessible for casual cruisers. Walking tours through Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and the Orkney Islands can be appreciated for everything they are at this time of year, and the seas that would usually make sailing a chilly affair can offer pleasant conditions for sitting out on deck and enjoying some scenic cruising.
August cruises to the British Isles are available from Ambassador Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen Cruises and Holland America Line.
It’s one of the best times of year to set sail on an amazing adventure, and now is the best time to book a summer cruise. At Odysia Cruise, we have itineraries available from leading cruise lines that are certain to make June, July and August your new favourite months of the year.
If you have more questions about summer cruises, be sure to contact us. Our team of Cruise Experts will help you make the best decision and guide you on your way to the cruise experience of a lifetime!
