Hi Reader,

If you’ve been dreaming of waking up in a new place every day without packing and unpacking constantly, it might be time to book a cruise. Summer and early fall are perfect seasons to set sail—fewer crowds, better weather, and more deals.

Here are some of my top cruise recommendations for 2025 based on personal experience and traveler favorites:

1. ​Greek Isles Cruise For crystal-clear waters, postcard-perfect villages, and ancient ruins, you can’t beat a cruise through the Greek Islands. Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes are just the beginning. Bonus: fall sailings mean cooler weather and fewer crowds.
2. Alaska Cruise (Summer) If you’ve never done an Alaska cruise, this is your sign. Summer sailings still offer glacier views, whale sightings, and scenic ports like Juneau and Skagway. It’s one of the most breathtaking (and peaceful) cruise routes I’ve ever taken. I'm heading out on an Alaska cruise this summer!
3. ​Mediterranean Cruise from Rome or Athens Sail the Med with stops in Italy, France, Croatia, and Greece. These cruises pack in culture, food, and coastal beauty, all in one trip. I love how you can combine big cities like Rome with smaller gems like Kotor or Nafplio.
4. ​Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida If you’re looking for ease and sunshine, cruising from Port Canaveral is a great option. It’s convenient to fly or drive into, and ships head to top islands like Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and St. Thomas. You can even add a pre- or post-cruise stop at Orlando’s theme parks if you’re traveling with family. Just took a cruise from Port Canaveral in January and have another one planned for the fall!
5. New England & Canada Fall Cruise If you want fall foliage with a coastal twist, try a New England to Quebec cruise. You’ll hit charming ports like Bar Harbor, Halifax, and Quebec City, with cool temps and colorful leaves. Great food and history, too. This one is on my bucket list.

💡 Cruise Tip: Book a cruise at least 60–90 days in advance for the best cabin selection and pricing. If you’re flexible, shoulder season sailings (late August or October) often offer better rates and fewer kids on board.

🌍 My Recommendation: If I had to pick one right now (and I have 😀), I’d go with the Alaska cruise in late August. It’s calm, scenic, and feels like sailing through a nature documentary—with glaciers, eagles, and whales just outside your balcony.

Looking for cruise packing tips or excursion ideas? Follow me on Benable for curated cruise gear and travel lists: 👉 Follow Travel Must Do’s on Benable​

Until next time, Melodie at Travel Must Do’s​

P.S. Join the Travel Must Do’s Facebook group to ask cruise questions, share tips, or see where others are sailing this season.

P.P.S. Some of the links I share may be affiliate links—which means if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for helping support the blog!