The Norwegian Sea is a bit Atlantic Ocean, a bit Arctic Ocean, deeply indented with fjords, and dense with islands of wondrous Nordic minimalism and beauty.Credit: iStock
Sinbad the Sailor, a fictional character from eighth-century Baghdad, could never resist the lure of travel. Each time he returned home he determined to settle down. Then his “wandering spirit” would overcome him, and he’d begin to hanker for unknown lands, and off he’d sail again.
We may well identify with Sinbad, who was lured on six great journeys. Many more seas have been discovered since then, which tempt us on visits to tropical lagoons, ice-encrusted mountains, distant cultures or startling megacities.
Think the Aegean Sea is all about classical ruins? You can sail it for fun in the sun as well such as here in beautiful St. Paul’s Bay in Rhodes, Greece.Credit: iStock
In reality, you can sail many more seas, and certainly in far greater comfort and safety than adventurers of the past could ever have imagined.
So what type of sea makes you dream of new horizons, and what’s the best cruise line to take you there? The choice is yours, with variety enough to suit everyone.
That variety also provides novelty for those willing to explore beyond their already-experienced comfort zones. Think icebergs and walruses aren’t for you? You don’t know until you’ve tried. Think the Aegean Sea is all about classical ruins? You can sail it for fun in the sun as well.
So anchors aweigh: here’s your guide to the world’s greatest seas, which we hope whets your wandering spirit.
The Aegean
The Greek island of Rhodes. The Aegean offers a brilliant jumble of castles, Greek and Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, jetsetter islands, and resort towns overlooking sparkling seas.Credit: iStock
The ship Luxury company Seabourn’s relaxed ethos, breezy atmosphere, sail-away deck parties and light-flooded ship spaces complement the Aegean. Solis restaurant focuses on light, modern Mediterranean cuisine. Expert-led “conversations” provide informative background.
The cruise Seabourn’s Cycladic Island itineraries have a smart combination of big-name ports and smaller, more tranquil but equally delightful destinations. Athens and Istanbul are the big-city anchors. A 16-day ”Greek Isles, Ephesus & Turquoise Coast″ cruise return from Piraeus (Athens) visits interesting ports such as Gythion on the Peloponnese, the islands of Milos and Patmos, and Turkish resort Cesme.
The lowdown Turkey and Greece border the Aegean. Crete and Rhodes form a barrier to the wider Mediterranean, and the Cyclades archipelago includes Mykonos and Santorini. This sea offers a brilliant jumble of castles, Greek and Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, jetsetter islands, and resort towns overlooking sparkling seas.
Don’t miss Rhodes for the magnificence of its medieval fortifications and streets, Ephesus for the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman town, and Santorini for superb scenery.
Make it happen Departs July 18, 2025, from $13,004 a person. Seabourn has many other Aegean cruises of various lengths departing March-November, 2025. See seabourn.com
The Coral Sea
Expect cliched blue lagoons in New Caledonia.Credit: iStock
The ship Carnival Cruise Line’s ships (which will include rebranded P&O Cruises Australia ships from March 2025) are great for multi-generational family holidays without bother, with plenty to distract kids and adults.
The cruise Carnival’s itineraries from Brisbane and Sydney sail to destinations such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Queensland. The emphasis is on beaches, swimming and cultural encounters. A seven-day ”South Pacific from Brisbane″ cruise visits Lifou, Mystery Island and Noumea, with several sea days to enjoy life aboard Carnival Luminosa.
The lowdown This marginal sea off Queensland lures cruisers with the Great Barrier Reef and archipelagos of Vanuatu, the Solomons and New Caledonia. Expect reefs with abundant marine life, World War II memorials and wrecks, and cliched blue lagoons. Brisbane and Cairns are the local departure ports, but cruises also sail from Sydney.
Don’t miss Noumea has recently been in the news for the wrong reasons but may be ready to receive cruise visitors again by next year or sooner. Whatever the outcome, the New Caledonian capital has a fine setting, French influences and the excellent Tjibaou Cultural Centre highlighting indigenous culture
Make it happen Departs January 26, 2025, from $886 a person. Carnival has many other Coral Sea cruises departing Brisbane between January-March and November-December 2025. See carnival.com.au
The Adriatic
A long sail into Kotor in Montenegro should have you pinned to the deck.Credit: iStock
The ship Azamara Quest, like Azamara’s other premium ships, offers comfort, good value and excellent dining options, including Aqualina Italian restaurant. The line is destination-focused: long stays in port are what you need given their beauty and cultural attractions.
The cruise Azamara’s eight-night “Croatia Intensive” voyage return from Chioggia (Venice) combines Split and Dubrovnik with lesser-known but wonderful alternatives such as 19th-century Hapsburg retreat Opatija, medieval town Zadar and the approach to castle-topped Sibenik, past islands and through a narrow channel into a hidden harbour, is wonderful.
The lowdown This scintillating stretch of Mediterranean, bordered by six countries, separates the Italian and Balkan peninsulas and is scattered with 1300 islands, mostly in Croatia. A youthful population, rugged scenery, age-old history and recent economic resurgence makes this a holiday hotspot.
Don’t miss The long sail into Kotor in Montenegro should have you pinned to the deck. A fjord-like sunken valley framed in biscuit-brown mountains twists and turns, providing marvellous vistas.
Make it happen Departs April 23, 2025, from $3078 a person. Azamara has several other “Croatia Intensive”, “Adriatic Wonders” and other regional cruises departing April-October, 2025. See azamara.com
The Baltic
Estonia features on Celebrity’s 13-day ‘Best of Scandinavia’ cruise.Credit: iStock
The ship Celebrity Cruises’ large ships such as Celebrity Eclipse are varied in their dining, bars, entertainment and wellness options. The decor is chic and feels sophisticated yet relaxed, much like the Baltic ports it visits.
The cruise Kick off Celebrity’s 13-night ”Best of Scandinavia″ cruise return from Amsterdam at the ship’s suave Martini Bar. The four big Nordic capitals are covered (with an overnight in Copenhagen) but so are smaller ports such as Skagen at Denmark’s sandy northern tip. Estonian capital Tallinn is easy to get around and combines a medieval citadel with a revamped industrial waterfront.
The lowdown This almost-inland sea sandwiched between the Nordic and Baltic states, Russia, Poland and Germany has a dense maritime and trade history. Dazzling St Petersburg is now off itineraries, but the Nordic capitals provide glorious medieval, art nouveau and modernist architecture and a rich cultural heritage.
Don’t miss Visby on Swedish island Gotland, a former Hanseatic League trading port well-preserved behind 44 towers and fortifications, and perhaps the Baltic’s prettiest place.
Make it happen Departs May 9, 2025, from $3595 a person. Similar “Best of Scandinavia” itineraries also depart in June and July, 2025. See celebritycruises.com
The Sea Of Japan
Japan-centric cruises usually detour to Busan in South Korea, notable for its seafood restaurants, sweeping beaches and islands.Credit: iStock
The ship If you think Japan might be a daunting for families, board Diamond Princess. The family vibe is complemented by adults-only areas where you can zone out while the kids play. The ship features an Izumi Japanese Bath and Kai Sushi restaurant.
The cruise Princess Cruises’ nine-day ”Sea of Japan″ cruise return from Yokohama visits destinations even repeat visitors to Japan mightn’t know about, such as Akita, Tsuraga and Sakaiminato, where you shouldn’t miss the superb clipped gardens at Adachi Museum of Art. Low-key Kagoshima is backed by an impressive volcano that regularly belches ash.
The lowdown This calm, almost enclosed sea is wedged between Japan, the Korean peninsula and the Russian Far East and is a biodiversity hotspot. Toyama or Sakaiminato are sometimes departure ports, but cruises often originate in (and visit) ports beyond the Sea of Japan itself.
Don’t miss These Japan-centric cruises usually detour to Busan in South Korea, notable for its seafood restaurants, sweeping beaches and islands. Haeundae Beach ranks as one of South Korea’s Eight Scenic Spots.
Make it happen Departs July 1, 2025, from $1858 a person. Princess has many other Japan cruises, some focusing on specific regions, departing April-October 2025. See princess.com
Tyrrhenian Sea
Silversea offers delectable excursion choices, such as the island of Capri.Credit: iStock
The ship Embark on Silversea’s Silver Ray. The company was founded in Italy and the on-board vibe is stately European. The food is top-notch. Atlantide restaurant showcases Mediterranean-influenced seafood; Spaccanapoli dishes up Neapolitan-style pizzas.
The cruise Silversea’s six-day “Civitavecchia to Monte Carlo” cruise kicks off with delectable excursion choices from Naples: the Amalfi Coast, the ruins of Pompeii, or the island of Capri. Next comes chic Tuscan holiday town Porto Santo Stefano, Livorno for another challenging excursion choice (Florence, Pisa or Lucca), and Portofino on the Italian Riviera.
The lowdown This sea ringed by the Italian peninsula, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica mightn’t have the most recognisable name but has an excess of famous destinations. Civitavecchia near Rome is the common turnaround port. Active volcanoes and mountainous landscapes complement the historical drama.
Don’t miss Naples, somewhat overlooked thanks to its seedy reputation, is cluttered with dazzling if crumbling architecture and outstanding art museums, and offers a buzzing street life.
Make it happen Departs June 5, 2025, from $10,100 a person. Similar itineraries are repeated, and Silversea has many other cruises that visit Italy in April-November 2025. See silversea.com
South Pacific
The highlight of Oceania itineraries might be supermodel Bora Bora where the ship overnights.Credit: Adobe Stock
The ship Oceania operates small ships such as the 670-passenger Nautica, which is in the premium category but offers a luxury feel, and some of the best food (and coffee) at sea. The upper deck that rings the pool deck below, and The Terrace Cafe are the perfect perches to admire scenic sail-ins.
The cruise The highlight of Oceania’s 10-day ”Papeete to Papeete″ itineraries might be supermodel Bora Bora where the ship overnights, but you’ll also visit less tourist-charged islands such as kick-back Raiatea and low-lying atoll Fakarava for superb snorkelling. Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas islands has landscapes of isolated, rugged power.
The lowdown This isn’t technically a sea, but the tropical Pacific belt below the equator is a must-cruise destination thanks to upthrust volcanic islands and electric blue lagoons. Many cruise lines visit Fiji and French Polynesia, some take in Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.
Don’t miss Rangiroa, where the ship anchors in a coral-encrusted lagoon swarming with multi-coloured fish. Tiputa Pass is one of the world’s best drift dives.
Make it happen Departs January 26, 2025, from $4650 a person. Oceania has similar itineraries in February, August and September, 2025. See oceaniacruises.com
Norwegian Sea
The stunningly scenic Lofoten Islands, Norway.Credit: iStock
The ship No better match than Viking, a Norwegian company with ships celebrating Norwegian culture, Viking history and chic but cosy Nordic design. A resident historian adds depth to already education-oriented cruises and culture and history-oriented excursions.
The cruise Viking’s 15-day ”Into the Midnight Sun″ itinerary takes you to colossal, waterfall-draped Geirangerfjord, the stunningly scenic Lofoten Islands, and North Cape beyond Honningsvag, where you might be tempted into a king crab safari with local fishermen. Arctic city Tromso is backed by snowy mountain ranges.
The lowdown The Norwegian Sea is a bit Atlantic Ocean, a bit Arctic Ocean, deeply indented with fjords, and dense with islands of wondrous Nordic minimalism and beauty. No surprise that many cruise lines sail the fjords; you can also explore isolated Spitsbergen and the Faroe Islands on expedition ships.
Don’t miss Shetland and Orkney which, although British, have ancient Norse heritage, as well as castles and Neolithic standing stones amid stark, wild landscapes.
Make it happen Departs June 9 and 16, 2025. from London and June 23 and July 28, 2025, from Bergen, from $11,995 a person. Viking has various other Norwegian itineraries too. See vikingcruises.com.au
Sea of Cortez
A Mobula Ray flying over the Sea of Cortez off the coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.Credit: iStock
The ship Lindblad’s National Geographic Venture is a small expedition ship that sails into remote destinations where larger ships can’t go. Naturalists, geologists and other experts lead Zodiac excursions and give lectures, and you can explore without sacrificing creature comforts.
The cruise Lindblad’s eight-day “Living Sea and Desert Isles” cruise has a big focus on encounters with marine wildlife, especially whales, rays, sea lions, frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. You’ll also get the chance to hike on deserted beaches and visit old mining town Santa Rosalia. Its unusual steel church was designed by Gustave Eiffel.
The lowdown This skinny, elongated sea, also called the Gulf of California, sits between the Baja California peninsula and Mexican mainland and has many volcanic islands. It has extraordinary biodiversity, endemism and endangered species, with dense populations of seabirds, whales and turtles.
Don’t miss Kayaking, snorkelling or swimming at Isla San Marcos and Isla San Jose, which might provide close-up encounters with sea lions and whales. Dolphins are keen to ride the ship’s bow wave.
Make it happen Three departures in December, 2024, and two in December 2025, from $10,794 a person. Lindblad has other Baja California itineraries January-March, 2025. See expeditions.com
The Caribbean
Royal Caribbean romps through Cozumel, which is all about water sports, reefs and ruins such as the Mayan step pyramid at Tulum.
The ship Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas and other ships showcase what more than a billion dollars can buy: multiple dining and bar venues, endless entertainment and activity options, waterslides and much more. Expansive child-friendly facilities and kids’ clubs make this an easy, fun, island-oriented holiday afloat.
The cruise Royal Caribbean’s seven-night ″Western Caribbean” cruise return from Tampa in Florida is a quick romp through regional highlights. Cozumel is all about water sports, reefs and ruins such as the Mayan step pyramid at Tulum. Chankanaab National Park has good snorkelling and scuba-diving during which dolphin encounters are almost guaranteed. Roatan in Honduras has monkey-haunted jungle and Afro-Caribbean culture.
The lowdown This tropical corner of the Atlantic flaunts stunning volcanic islands, expansive reefs, pre-Columbian pyramids and colonial-era fortified towns. The island nations to its east have colourful culture and cuisines influenced by the rhythms and spices of Africa. This is by far the world’s most popular cruise destination, but expeditions can take you to little-disturbed destinations.
Don’t miss A dose of culture amid the sea and sand with a visit to one of Mexico’s millennium-old Mayan ruins, such as the Temple of Masks at Kohunlick.
Make it happen Departs November 8, 2025, from $898 a person. Royal Caribbean has abundant other itineraries of varying lengths in the western and eastern Caribbean. See royalcaribbean.com
Five more seductive seas from around the world
Sea Band
Encounter a whale shark in the waters of West Papua.Credit: Getty Images
This Indonesian sea between Sulawesi and West Papua encompasses the fabled Maluku (Spice) Islands. Coral Expeditions is adept at exploring its archipelagos and spectacular reefs by small expedition ship, customised tender and Zodiac. Its “Raja Ampat & Spice Islands” cruise traces ancient trade routes, explores traditional West Papuan culture, and encounters whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay. See coralexpeditions.com
Tasman Sea
Regent Seven Seas’ Explorer in New Zealand.
It has a rough reputation, but you can’t fault the beauty of this sea’s Australian and New Zealand coastlines. Some Regent Seven Seas itineraries feature all three of New Zealand’s splendid sounds (Milford, Dusky and Doubtful) and call at Burnie in Tasmania. Regent’s all-inclusive, uber-luxury ships are the perfect indulgence for a special occasion close to home. See rssc.com
Labrador Sea
This channel between Canada and Greenland funnels ships towards the Northwest Passage but has its own attractions. Luxe expedition company Ponant has comprehensive explorations of this and adjacent Baffin Sea for encounters with glaciers and icebergs, Arctic creatures from musk ox to walrus, and the local people who call this harsh environment home. See ponant.com
Bering Sea
The sea between Russia, Alaska and the strung-out Aleutian Islands makes for a great alternative Pacific crossing, although most cruises concentrate on the Alaskan coast, where mighty mountains collide with glaciers. Holland America has a comprehensive range of Alaskan cruises, some extending as far north as Nome and Little Diomede Island just four kilometres from Russia. See hollandamerica.com
Laccadive Sea
This patch of Indian Ocean between the Maldives and west coast of India and Sri Lanka is often one leg of longer Asian cruises. G Adventures, however, provides an unusual cruise experience with a handful of others on a traditional dhoni (wooden boat) that sails Maldivian atolls for a tropical beach-and-snorkelling getaway over seven balmy days. See gadventures.com