The lagoons of French Polynesia are more accessible in custom-built small ship Gauguin.
There are many good reasons to cruise, among them elegant ease, no organisational hassle and the shipboard experience. Put those aside, however, and that leaves you with the biggest reason of all: some places are simply better experienced via an ocean-going cruise ship.
Most cities, founded in the age of sail, are designed to intimidate and impress from the water. Arrival by ship is also so much more glamorous than by plane and even train. So are many islands.
Even in mainstream destinations such as the Mediterranean and eastern seaboards of Australia or North America, you get a different experience on a cruise ship, and see landscapes, history and urban settings from a maritime angle.
Then, of course, there are places you really can’t get to any other way unless you’re a parachutist or survival specialist.
Expedition cruises can get you to the Arctic tundra and Amazonian rainforest and onto isolated atolls strung across sapphire seas. Landing on uninhabited islands is always a thrill. So is crunching through ice packs at the Earth’s end.
Yes, there are places where you could give cruising a miss, go it alone, and enjoy a fine experience by land instead. But here are 15 of the best destinations where being on a ship gives you the advantage.
FRENCH POLYNESIA, THE PACIFIC
Don’t miss the chance to go snorkelling with (small) sharks in French Polynesia.Credit: iStock
The non-cruise way Daily ferries (except to Tahiti-Moorea) are irregular in the Society Islands. Further afield you’ll have to charter a yacht. Inter-island flights cost as much as $500, and international flights arrive and depart Papeete at ungodly hours.
The cruise way Avoid the island-hopping tribulation. Instead, on your cruise ship, you relax over dinner and a good sleep and next day – voila! – you’ve wafted somewhere new. A ship’s elevated deck couldn’t be a better viewing platform as you approach flamboyant islands ringed in lagoons, or low-lying atolls rising from reef-studded waters. In this romantic destination, there is no more romantic way to travel.
The Gauguin’s small size allows it to manoeuvre from deep seas to shallow lagoons as nimbly as a yacht.Credit: Paul Gauguin Cruises
Going ashore Don’t miss the chance to swim with stingrays, small reef sharks and (if you’re lucky) the occasional turtle in the lagoon near Opunohu Bay in Moorea. You can wade into the warm, electric-blue water off sandy islets or snorkel from a boat. It’s an extraordinary and exhilarating wildlife encounter.
Sail away Paul Gauguin Cruises’ seven-day “Tahiti & the Society Islands” cruise return from Papeete visits Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Taha’a and Bora Bora. Multiple departures March and June-December 2026, from $4220 a person. See pgcruises.com
AEGEAN SEA, GREECE AND TURKEY
The town of Poros, Greece.Credit: Getty Images
The non-cruise way Not all islands have airports, although ferries get you around. But these are smaller and less stable than cruise ships, so prepare for seasickness. Book well in advance or you might be stranded.
The cruise way A light-flooded ship, a sail-away party to the backdrop of a beautiful port such as Poros, Mykonos or Santorini, a seafood dinner as the sun sets: who’s complaining? It feels good to follow in the historical wakes of ancient mariners. And it isn’t just Greece. The Turkish coast too, is splendid, and sail-ins to ports such as Marmaris and Bodrum are sensational.
Ephesus Terrace Houses.Credit: Getty Images
Going ashore Greco-Roman city Ephesus in Turkey is undoubtedly a world-class ruin, so take advantage of the private access that shore excursions can provide and visit the Domitian Galleries and Terrace Houses with an expert, where you can admire inscriptions, mosaics and frescoes, and learn about Roman living.
Sail away Seabourn Cruises’ 21-day “Ephesus, Grecian Gems, Turkey & Rome” cruise from Piraeus to Civitavecchia visits Naples, Saranda in Albania, and multiple destinations in Greece and Turkey. Other itineraries operate June-October 2026. Departs October 11, 2026, from $22,324 a person. See seabourn.com
ANTARCTICA
Penguins on South Georgia.
The non-cruise way Sign up with the Australian Antarctic Program if you have skills in fisheries stock assessment or ice-core drill systems. Or venture across the wild Drake Passage in a yacht – yes, some mad people do. Otherwise, there’s no alternative.
The cruise way Okay, you still have to risk storms on the Drake Passage but after that, sailing past icebergs or surfacing whales beats viewing them from afar. Zodiacs take you further, accompanied by naturalists and other experts for added insight. Landing close to a vast penguin rookery is an unforgettable wildlife experience to beat almost any other. After a big day out in icy environments you have a luxe retreat and brandy at the bar.
Polar snorkelling in the Arctic with Aurora Expeditions.
Going ashore You generally get out on Zodiacs twice a day, and these often take you ashore on beach – or ice-pack – landings. Aurora Expeditions ups the ante with unusual adventure options such as kayaking, snowshoeing, ice-camping and even polar snorkelling for brilliant boasting rights.
Sail away Aurora Expeditions’ 15-day “Antarctica Active” cruise return from Ushuaia visits the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Departs November 24 and December 6, 2026, from $15,721 a person. See aurora-expeditions.com
MEKONG RIVER, INDOCHINA
Deluxe Suite, Scenic Spirit, on the Mekong.
The non-cruise way Roads will take you up the Mekong, but some sections of highway are well away from the river. Traffic is busy and chaotic, so you won’t be relaxed, and you’ll have to cross an international border too.
The cruise way All that heat, humidity and hustle and yet there you are, drifting gently along, cool breeze on the river, cold cocktail in hand, as you admire passing golden-tipped temples and verdant hills. Locals wave from passing boats and ferries. The sail into Phnom Penh, where skyscrapers clash with palace roofs, is splendid. All travel should be this relaxing, but seldom is.
Apsara dancers at Angkor Wat.Credit: Getty Images
Going ashore An advantage of cruising is the exclusive experiences it sometimes offers, and at Angkor Wat you don’t want to miss Scenic’s gala dinner at 10th-century Prasat Kravan temple, illuminated by candlelight, during which Apsara dancers give a show: the same elegant dancers you see carved into temple walls at this magnificent World Heritage site.
Sail away Scenic’s 16-day “Journey Along the Mekong” cruise-tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok sails Vietnam and Cambodia with land extensions to Angkor Wat and Luang Prabang. Multiple departures January-May 2026, from $11,630 a person. See scenic.com.au
For great deals on Asian cruises, visit mycruises.com.au
FJORDS, NORWAY
Lofoten Islands, Norway.Credit: iStock
The non-cruise way Nothing wrong with Norway’s roads, but do you want to be focused on the tarmac amid all this scenery? Besides, Norway is bigger than you might think. It’s a 26-hour drive from Bergen to Tromso, and much longer if you hug the fjord-indented coast.
The cruise way Days that last long into the evening will have you pinned to the deck, your floating opera box onto the drama of Norway’s island-scattered, indented and mountainous coastline. Besides, there’s no better way to see a fjord than from the middle of it, your ship dwarfed by colossal cliffs and spritzed by waterfalls.
Scenic views from the famed Flamsbana, or Flam, railway.Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Going ashore From the port of Vik, hop aboard a train on the rightly famous Flam railway, one of the world’s steepest and scenic as it hauls you past fjord cliffs, frothing rivers, waterfalls and tidy farming villages. The return by road is just as stunning and takes in a stop at wooden Hopperstad Stave Church.
Sail away Silversea’s 10-day “Copenhagen to Copenhagen” cruise visits six ports in Norway plus Skagen in Denmark. Similar itineraries operate June-August 2026. Departs July 25, 2026, from $14,000 a person. See silversea.com
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Madang, Papua New Guinea.Credit: Getty Images
The non-cruise way PNG has poor or unsealed roads and often no roads much beyond towns. You could charter a small boat, but pirates are a risk. Flying could be an option, although you’d miss out on atolls and some other scenic destinations, and then you’ll need transfers, accommodation and more.
The cruise way As your cruise ship glides along PNG’s coastline you’ll know why you’re on board: the jungle-clad coastline is magnificent with mountains so rugged as to be almost impenetrable. Our neighbour offers superb scenery, and an expedition ship the opportunity to slip into the Tufi “fjords” or anchor off a reef-ringed atoll with nobody about, only a traffic jam of tropical fish.
Coral reef at Tufi, Papua New Guinea.Credit: Tufi Resort
Going ashore The approach to Madang along lush waterways is lovely, but the town’s highlight is the Madang festival, a showcase of the region’s many different cultural groups. Join in cultural performances, a sing-sing and admire a wonderful display of traditional costumes from coastal, midland and highland communities.
Sail away Ponant’s 17-day “New Guinea Odyssey” cruise from Cairns to Darwin visits Alotau, Tufi, the Tami Islands, Madang and Kopar, as well as several destinations in Indonesia. Departs October 24, 2026, from $14,150 a person. See au.ponant.com
ALASKA, US
Eldred Rock Lighthouse, Lynn Canal, Alaska. Credit: Getty Images
The non-cruise way Certainly you can get around parts of Alaska by road or rail, but many places – even Juneau, the state capital, and the wonderfully historical but island-trapped Ketchikan – are unconnected to the outside world by land.
The cruise way Wiggle your way up the Inside Passage that runs between islands and the British Columbian coast, haunt of eagles and bears, and dense with forest backed by mountains. Then navigate an even more dramatic convolution of magnificence in Alaska, which adds glaciers and some of the continent’s highest peaks. So awesome even the whales seem to leap in agreement.
Ice avalanche at Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, Alaska.Credit: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Going ashore Ketchikan is a characterful gold-rush era town, but get out for a sea kayak around the coast of Tongass National Forest to Eagle Island for an up-close look at the landscape and wildlife such as seals and bald eagles. You may see salmon leaping or, thrillingly or sight surfacing humpback whales.
Sail away Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ seven-night “Northern Explorer” cruise from Vancouver to Whittier cruises the Inside Passage, Icy Strait and Hubbard Glacier and visits Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Similar itineraries operate May-September 2026. Departs May 20, 2026, from $9920 a person. See rssc.com
PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA AND CHILE
The non-cruise way Getting around isn’t impossible but is headachy, since it involves road, ferry and perhaps domestic flights. Patagonia is vast and sparsely populated, and requires outback-style caution and planning.
The cruise way What traveller doesn’t love seafaring stories of Cape Horn and the Magellan Strait? On a cruise ship, you get the thrill of making an iconic journey that brings the history of exploration to life – without the weevils and mutinies, thank you. Patagonia is a land of legends, showcased from the sea. The super-indented tip of South America is encrusted with mountains, volcanoes and glaciers, but as a bonus, your holiday is bookended by lively cities.
Going ashore From Ushuaia in Argentina, take the opportunity to head into Tierra del Fuego National Park on a shore excursion, which stretches towards the Chilean border. It combines forest, peat bogs, meadows studded with wildflowers, and icy blue rivers with snow-capped Andean peaks in the background.
Sail away Viking Cruises’ 18-day “South America & the Chilean Fjords” cruise from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso visits Argentina, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands and the Chilean fjords. Several departures January-February and December 2026, from $9595 a person. See vikingcruises.com.au
THE BALTIC SEA, NORTHERN EUROPE
Malbork Castle in the town of Malbork, Poland.Credit: Getty Images
The non-cruise way In theory, no problem. In practice, you’ll spend a lot of holiday time on transport logistics if you want to link the Baltic’s nine countries, whether by plane or ferry. Only one road bridge links the northern and southern coasts.
The cruise way Sometimes cruising seems the appropriate way to go, no more so than in this compact sea with its history of maritime trade and dense array of historical ports with architecture that showcases merchant wealth. Get to the next destination – or even the next country – while happily sleeping, then spend the whole day in port with nothing else to think about, only enjoying yourself. You get chic harbours, lots of islands, pine-scented coasts and temperatures much more bearable than Mediterranean summers.
The 13th-century Malbork Castle, Poland.Credit: Getty Images
Going ashore From Gdansk in Poland you can visit Malbork Castle, the 13th-century, brick-built headquarters of the Teutonic Knights. It’s one of the world’s largest castles, surrounded in huge defensive walls and sitting attractively above the Nogat River. The lovely chapel, refectory and ogre-sized kitchens are highlights.
Sail away Azamara’s 11-night “Baltic Cruise” from Copenhagen to Stockholm visits Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Sweden. Departs July 9, 2026, from $12,180 a person. See azamara.com
THE KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Montgomery Reef’s waterfalls in the Kimberley, only accessible by ship.Credit: Tourism WA
The non-cruise way Not possible. Only one sealed road and the unsealed Gibb River Road cross the inland Kimberley. No proper roads run along the coast, let alone to top sights such as waterfalls, gorges and reefs.
The cruise way Don’t rule out a destination just because you think it requires camping, dusty drives and outback skills. The most magnificent corner of our continent is terrific from a ship: a showcase of rearing cliffs, shattered islands and sunset colours you’ll hardly believe. You can see mid-ocean waterfalls at Montgomery Reef, ancient rock art, and evidence of European exploration at Careening Bay. Easily one of Australia’s greatest experiences on many counts.
King George River in the Kimberley.Credit: Getty Images
Going ashore In a destination of landscape superlatives, King George River takes the prize. A long excursion by Zodiac brings you 13 kilometres upriver between towering orange cliffs 400 million years old to twin King George Falls, where the river tips over an escarpment. The scenery will astound you.
Sail away Coral Expeditions’ 10-night “The Kimberley Cruise” from Broome to Darwin (or reverse) visits Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, King George River and several other destinations. Multiple departures March-August 2026, from $10,700 a person. See coralexpeditions.com
Five more cruise-is-best destinations
Amazon River
Unless you have considerable survival and machete skills then you’d best stick to a boat when exploring the world’s greatest river. It’s a steamy, jungly, intense experience of a unique and alien environment. APT’s 22-day “Best of South America with Amazon” cruise-tour from Santiago to Iquitos departs March 17, July 21, October 6 and October 20, 2026. From $27,995 a person. See aptouring.com
Indian Ocean
You couldn’t do a journey that takes in the Tanzanian coast, remote Aldabra Atoll and Farquhar Islands and the Seychelles any other way. Zanzibar is the cultural highlight, while for the rest you get corals, giant tortoises and world-beating beaches. Emerald Cruises’ 13-day “Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure” cruise from Mombasa to Mahe departs March 5, 2027. From $13,395 a person. See emeraldcruises.com.au
Galapagos Islands
Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Endeavour II in the Galapagos.
A remote location and many disparate islands make this a destination for expedition cruising. Giant tortoises, iguanas, seals and seabirds are the famously approachable drawcard, but the arid volcanic scenery of coloured earth is surprisingly wonderful too. Lindblad Expeditions’ 10-day “Exploring Galapagos” cruise return from Quito or Guayaquil has multiple departures January-December 2026. From $7939 a person. See expeditions.com
New Zealand
You could drive around New Zealand, but the fabulous harbour settings of most of its ports beg to be admired on an ocean approach and freed from the steering wheel you can enjoy cocktails on the deck. The sail into Milford Sound is a top cruise experience. Oceania Cruises’ 15-day “Collector’s New Zealand” cruise from Sydney to Auckland departs March 15, 2026. From $12,180 a person. See oceaniacruises.com
Caribbean Sea
Most of us will probably want an overview of the under-visited (by Australians) Caribbean’s myriad islands, and a cruise delivers the easy way, taking you through a diverse range of cultures, landscapes and reefs – not to mention languages and cuisines, too. Explora Journey’s 17-day “Between Idyllic & Volcanic Isles” cruise return from Bridgetown departs January 3, 2026. From $13,555 a person. See explorajourneys.com