From ports that are welcoming ships for the first time to hidden gems that are suddenly finding themselves in the spotlight, these emerging destinations will inspire you to rediscover the joy of cruising.
King penguins stand watch over St. Andrew’s Bay, South Georgia Island.
South Georgia Island
A remote sliver of land jutting out of the South Atlantic, South Georgia’s isolation is a big part of its appeal. With no landing strip on the island (the closest airport is 900 miles away), passengers on upscale expedition ships operated by lines like Silversea, Seabourn and Viking have this pristine wilderness all to themselves.
The island’s landscape is ruggedly beautiful, from its spine of soaring, snowcapped mountains to coastlines carved into jagged fjords. There’s history here, too, of whalers and sailors. At the turn of the 20th century, an era often referred to as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, South Georgia was explorer Ernest Shackleton’s salvation, and final resting place.
But wildlife is the main draw for most cruisers, as the island is home to thriving populations of albatross, elephant seals and, in St. Andrew’s Bay, what’s likely the world’s largest king penguin colony. An estimated 300,000 of these cute, curious birds gather in rookeries that stretch as far as the eye can see, making for an unforgettable spectacle.
Santa Monica Beach on the island of Boa Vista is one of Cape Verde’s top attractions.
West Africa
Travel to this corner of the continent has long been a difficult prospect and, due largely to protracted political struggles and scant tourism infrastructure, few visitors have experienced West Africa’s dramatic landscapes and fascinating cultures. But that’s changing quickly, thanks in part to new cruise itineraries opening the region to the world.
Silversea’s Silver Wind will call here in 2025, visiting ports in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, where the tiny capital of Lomé is home to more than 40 ethnic groups, making for some of the world’s most diverse markets. In the coastal resort town of Tokeh, Sierra Leone, you’ll bask in the sun on a palm-lined beach that’s widely regarded as West Africa’s best. Aboard Hurtigruten Expeditions’ MS Spitsbergen, you can explore the volcanic islands of Cape Verde (home of manatees and rare saltwater hippos) and see a slice of the Sahara. You’ll also stop in at the dynamic city of Banjul, a trading hub in the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau’s famed Orango National Park.
Tokyo’s abundant cherry blossoms make spring prime time for cruisers.
Japan
For 265 years — a span known as the Edo Period — Japan closed its borders to the outside world. While the official policy of isolationism ended in 1868, its legacy was the preservation of a rich culture that proves endlessly fascinating for cruisers.
Take your pick of vessels, as many cruise lines stop in major ports like Tokyo or Kobe on larger regional itineraries, while others focus on the highlights scattered across Japan’s major islands. On a single voyage, you’ll check several items off your must-see list, including the historic temples and shrines of Kyoto and the magnificent Mount Fuji. Make it a point to call at Kagoshima, where a towering volcano steams and hot springs abound (a visit to a traditional onsen spa is essential). In the spring, many cruise lines offer special sailings so guests can experience the breathtaking sakura (cherry blossoms) as they burst into bloom across the country.
The Cathedral of Palermo is a must-see in the Sicilian capital.
Sicily
Sicily has been a nautical crossroads for thousands of years, but traffic is only picking up. A new cruise terminal in the capital of Palermo is the latest in a wave of restaurant and hotel development that’s luring travelers from the Mediterranean’s higher-profile ports.
Several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, call at Palermo and Catania. The latter sits at the foot of Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano (the city has been buried under lava many times), and shore excursions include thrilling four-wheel-drive trips up its slopes. On the way back down, stop for a glass of vino: Mineral-rich soils forged in fire, plus altitude and salty sea breezes, create an excellent terroir for distinctive red (Etna Rosso) and white (Etna Bianco) wines.
Dramatic landscapes abound in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.
Chilean Fjords
Owing to their remote location at the southernmost tip of South America, the Chilean Fjords have long been overlooked. The secret is out, though, and this series of stunning waterways is now frequented by Celebrity, Hurtigruten, Viking and Silversea, which sail through on South American circumnavigation and Pacific Coast voyages; Cunard (among others) on world cruises; as well as vessels repositioning to (and from) Antarctica.
Here, the snow-covered Andes meet the Pacific, and shore excursions include hikes along rushing streams in Patagonian forests. As you sail the smooth waters of the fjords, watch for breaching humpbacks and fierce orcas you can spot right from the ship’s deck. In the Beagle Channel, hop in an expedition Zodiac for a close encounter with Glacier Alley, where huge chunks tumble off the ice shelves to become icebergs, drifting away to parts unknown.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before travelling.
