Top cruise destinations in the world

By Julius Choudhury

Cruise Critic, the world's leading cruise review and planning site, has announced the winners of the 2017 Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards. The awards named the best cruise destinations of the year – across 15 regions around the world – based entirely on reviews posted to CruiseCritic.com from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017. Take a look at the winners.

Best in Alaska: Glacier Bay

Member quote: “Highlight of the trip. Being so close to glaciers and seeing them calve was spectacular. This was what Alaska was about.” — Cruise Critic member BryanHS

Best in Asia & the South Pacific: Singapore

Member quote: “Fabulous city not to be missed! Be sure to see the Gardens by the Bay at night. The lights are spectacular.” — Cruise Critic member putertutor

Best in Australia & New Zealand - Akaroa

Member quote: “Totally loved this little town. Just walked around for hours. The scenery is so awesome that you don't need to do anything.” — Cruise Critic member pmennen

Best in the Baltic & Scandinavia: St. Petersburg

Member quote: “What a charming city whose old town is located blocks from the ship. Loved it.” — Cruise Critic member Royal City Cruiser

Best in the British Isles & Western Europe: Amsterdam

Member quote: “Amsterdam is classy and international port-city. It is a soulful European jewel, the Venice of the north!” — Cruise Critic member acousticsolo

Best Cruise Line Private Island: Castaway Cay

Member quote: “Love this place. We want to go back... we want to live there. Gorgeous beaches, fun snorkeling and easy to maneuver. Best day ever!” — Cruise Critic member Shannon Robbins

Best in the Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas & Bermuda: King’s Wharf

Member quote: “One of our favorite places to visit. Something for everyone, and very easy to navigate on your own.” — Cruise Critic member nodumblond

Best in the Eastern Mediterranean: Dubrovnik

Member quote: “Fabulous, and a real highlight of our vacation. Wonderful opportunities for site seeing, walking the walls, buying souvenirs, and taking pictures of beautiful scenery. Should be on everyone's bucket list.” — Cruise Critic member LTC Dan

Best European River Destination: Budapest

Member quote: “We didn't know what to expect from Budapest, and were pleasantly surprised. It was a very exotic, friendly, and fun city. We loved the food, the baths, and the sights.” — Cruise Critic member Supcoop3

Best in Hawaii: Kauai

Member quote: “Our favourite stopover simply because it was so easy to relax and enjoy the surroundings.” — Cruise Critic member expc

Best in the Mexican Riviera, Central & South America: Cabo San Lucas

Member quote: “Best port of call. Gorgeous scenery. Lively town. Not enough time there.” — Cruise Critic member fastscot

Best in the Southern Caribbean: Curaçao

Member quote: “The best port of the cruise. Close to shopping & the famous downtown area with its stunning Dutch colonial architecture.” — Cruise Critic member mzliza3

Best in the U.S. & Canada: Québec City

Member quote: “To my surprise; this is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. Very walkable and the people are so friendly. We will go back.” — Cruise Critic member louieandlorrie





Best in the Western Caribbean & Riviera Maya: Cozumel

Member quote: “I wouldn't be disappointed to return here cruise after cruise. So much to do & see. Every time I've visited, I've returned to the ship thinking, ‘Best day ever.’” — Cruise Critic member Teri808

Best in the Western Mediterranean: Villefranche

Member quote: “Lovely port. Easy to walk around or spend time on the beach. You can take the train to Nice or Monaco and the station is only 1/2 mile from the tender dock.” — Cruise Critic member lostnemo