Sam McLoughlin September 23, 2024

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Marella CruisesWhether you’re a seasoned cruiser or booking your first voyage, deciding where to go can be tricky. The world is vast, with every stop offering something unique and unexpected – from buzzing port cities to sun-bleached island paradises.

So, to inspire your next adventure, we’ve teamed up with Marella Cruises to reveal some great locations to cruise in 2025 in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Whether you’re dreaming of an action-packed adventure or a relaxing getaway in the sun, you’ll surely find the perfect place to drop anchor.

Operated by TUI UK, Marella Cruises has years of sailing experience under their belts and more than 100 destinations on offer. Plus, Marella’s cruises are all-inclusive, so there are no hidden costs. You can also choose from various experiences – from family and themed cruises to adult-only voyages.

Read on to discover seven dreamy cruise destinations for 2025.

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1. Croatia

Croatia

Croatia wasn’t always a major European tourist destination. However, over the years, more and more holidaymakers have discovered this country’s captivating secrets, and it now tops many people’s travel wish lists. Plus, with over 1,700 km of diverse coastline, it’s perfect cruise material.

Tucked between the imposing Mt Srđ and the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the most picturesque destinations in the world. This impressive walled city is steeped in fascinating history, with majestic mediaeval buildings around every corner. But it’s perhaps most famous as the filming location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, so fantasy fans will surely want to take a themed tour.

Split is a popular stop-off too, with a chic seafront promenade lined with ritzy restaurants and a UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town. But some of Croatia’s best-kept secrets are towards the north – for example, the Baroque city of Rijeka, where Roman ruins brush shoulders with palatial Habsburg-style buildings. Zadar, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is also well worth a visit. It’s home to the most beautiful sunset in the world, according to Hollywood legend Alfred Hitchcock.

From Rijeka or Zadar, you can also venture inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park, an evergreen patchwork of emerald pools and frothing waterfalls. When you aren’t admiring the dazzling natural water features, keep your eyes peeled for Eurasian lynxes, grey wolves, and brown bears – three of the largest land animals in Europe.

2. The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic

Upon landing on the idyllic shores of the Dominican Republic, many are first struck by the island’s astounding diversity. Here, crystalline wavelets lap onto powdery beaches tasselled with palms. But venture into the hinterland and you’ll discover verdant valleys, chattering rainforests, and rushing rivers that thread through the landscape like veins of silver. There are even large swathes of desert with rolling dunes that offer spellbinding sea views.

There’s also a wide range of activities to match the Dominican Republic’s diverse landscapes. Adrenaline seekers can go white water rafting, zipline through the jungle, or explore bewitching bays on a windsurfing board. Plus, the golf courses are world-class – though you’ll certainly want to leave time to explore the island’s many spirited towns and cities, where Latin, African, and native Taíno cultures mingle to create a unique vibe.

The picture-perfect town of Samana is well-known for its whale watching and candy-coloured colonial houses, while Puerto Plata mixes tourist luxuries with authentic island experiences. Be sure to visit the whimsical umbrella street, where rainbow-coloured brollies form a charming canopy over pedestrians.

However, for those interested in history, you might want to stop in at the capital of Santo Domingo – the oldest continuously inhabited European city in the Americas. Its cobblestoned centre is home to centuries-old buildings, including the Catedral Primada de America, an intricate coral-limestone church. Santo Domingo is also one of the best places to learn about Christopher Columbus and the island’s complicated colonial past.

3. Spain

Spain

From the windswept dunes of the Canary Islands to Cartagena’s winding alleys lined with fiery bougainvillaea, Spain is as diverse as it is breathtaking. Plus, with countless captivating cities dotted along its Mediterranean coast and plenty of off-shore islands to visit, it’s perfect for exploring by cruise ship.

Lots of holidaymakers come to Spain in search of its glorious beaches – many of which are a stone’s throw from popular ports. However, day trips can offer a gateway to equally enchanting landscapes – from the otherworldly Nerja Caves near Malaga to forested ravines and vast volcanic ridges in La Gomera.

As for Spain’s towns and cities, each offers cruisers a cornucopia of cultural delights. Witness ancient Arabian architecture in Valencia, admire Antoni Gaudí’s modernist masterpieces in Barcelona, or catch an enchanting flamenco show in Malaga – and that’s not to mention the wonderfully varied cuisine. So whether you’re in the mood for a hearty paella, a Catalan casserole, or an array of tapas, you’ll find something to stir your appetite in every port.

4. Greece

Greece

With 6,000 islands scattered across sparkling Mediterranean seas, it feels like Greece was made to be explored by boat – and people were doing so long before the tales of Jason and Odysseus. So why not become part of this millennia-old seafaring tradition and set sail on a Hellenic adventure?

On Crete, discover the secrets of the ancient Minoans at the Palace of Knossos or drop anchor in Corfu and admire grand Venetian palaces before heading inland to wander amongst lush forests and olive groves. In Mykonos and Santorini, you can navigate narrow alleys between snow-white and blue-detailed buildings, stumbling across lively tavernas with mouthwatering meze.

Or, if you’re looking for a more urban experience, call in at Piraeus on the mainland and venture into Athens, where the mighty Acropolis awaits. Though there are plenty more cultural treasures here, including relics from antiquity – like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a sweeping Roman theatre – and more modern delights, such as the trendy neighbourhood of Kypseli.

Wherever you decide to visit in Greece, you’ll be greeted by immaculate beaches, glass-like seas, and plenty of friendly locals.

5. Barbados

Barbados

The Caribbean has long been beloved by cruisers. With gleaming white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters filled with wondrous marine life, and a vibrant but easy-going culture, it’s often described as heaven on earth. For a quintessential Caribbean experience, you’ll probably want to make Barbados one of your ports of call.

Even by Caribbean standards, the beaches in Barbados are idyllic – especially in the island’s north-west, often called the ‘Platinum Coast’. Why not relax in the dappled shade of a palm tree or go snorkelling or scuba diving amongst mosaic coral reefs? And at sunset, you can retire to a beachside restaurant to sample the national dish, cou cou and flying fish, and wash it down with the country’s most famous export: rum.

In Bridgetown, the island’s capital city and beating heart, you’ll find a mix of British and West African cultures. When you aren’t strolling along the esplanade lined with pastel-painted buildings, you can catch a calypso street performance, visit a rum distillery, or learn about the nation’s complex history at the Barbados Museum.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, head inland to experience the astounding stalactite and stalagmites at Harrison’s Caves or set off on a scenic railway tour and spot some of the island’s one-of-a-kind wildlife.

6. Cyprus

Cyprus

Greece isn’t the only sun-kissed spot in the Mediterranean that’s steeped in myth. Legend has it that Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite – the Greek goddess of love. And between the postcard-worthy sunsets, winding flagstone alleys, and candle-lit restaurants filled with the scent of souvlakia, it’s easy to get swept up in the romance of this magical island.

Most cruises drop anchor at Limassol, the country’s biggest seaside town, home to a delightful mix of modern luxury and old-world charm. Blue Flag beaches stretch out as far as the eye can see and super yachts bob in the glassy waters of the marina, which is lined with boutique shops and high-end restaurants.

However, the cultural heart of Limassol is its scenic old town where smells of leather and local cuisine are a feast for the senses. Discover tales of Richard the Lionheart at the city’s mediaeval castle, where he supposedly married his fiancé, Berengaria of Navarre, on his way to the Crusades. Or simply wander between the sun-baked sandstone buildings searching for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Just outside of Limassol, cruisers can explore the crumbling ruins of Kourion, a city-kingdom destroyed by an earthquake in 365 CE. Or travel further to Aphrodite’s birthplace, Paphos, a treasure trove of ancient curiosities – including millennia-old tombs, a Byzantine fort, and a mesmerising Roman mosaic.

7. Turkey

turkey

As your cruise ship approaches Turkey, you’ll almost certainly be enchanted by its natural beauty. Distant mountain peaks slope down into pine-crested peninsulas frosted with sugar-sand beaches, and still turquoise waters lay in coves and harbours like stained glass. But what’s so impressive about Turkey is that this first impression is only the beginning.

To get a true sense of Turkey’s distinctive culture, head to Istanbul. In the bustling bazaars, where the smells of coffee and spices hang thick in the air, you can browse all manner of curiosities – from intricate carpets to glimmering lamps. And down nearly every narrow alley, there are Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman relics to uncover. Top sights include the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, whose towering minarets punctuate the city skyline.

Once you’ve had your fill of the city, you can set sail east along ‘the Turquoise Coast’, where lively resort towns and pristine beaches beckon. Along the way, drop in at Kusadasi to visit the ancient Greek ruins of Ephesus or the grand, columned House of the Virgin Mary. Here, pilgrims write wishes on napkins and small pieces of paper and hang them on a ‘wishing wall’.

Final thoughts…

From the ivory beaches of Barbados to the scenic streets of Santorini, we hope these destinations have inspired your next nautical adventure.

The best thing about taking a cruise is that you don’t need to choose just one of these spots. Many of Marella’s voyages combine some of these captivating countries into single trips, whether you fancy island-hopping in the Caribbean or sailing along the charming coasts of the Mediterranean.

Plus, if you want to extend your holiday, you can. Simply book a Cruise & Stay holiday and your cruise package will include a handpicked hotel stay. Then you’re free to explore further at your own pace and in your own style.

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Are you considering a cruise in 2025? Or have you visited any of the destinations listed above? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Sam McLoughlin

Sam McLoughlin is a Senior Lifestyle Writer at Rest Less. He joined the editorial team in 2021 after completing his Master’s degree in English Literature, Culture, and Theory at The University of Sussex. He enjoys writing about careers, books, sports, travel, and pretty much anything that his editor will let him have a crack at, but his favourite part of the job is interviewing inspiring people – from activists and CEOs to later life career changers. In his spare time, Sam enjoys climbing, snowsports, and going to see live music.

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