Cruise Critic's most sought-after cruise destinations of 2018.

The Caribbean? Well, it’s not the focus this year.

Some of the year’s top cruise destinations, including the No. 1 choice, might just surprise you.

In July, the cruise review site unveiled its 2018 Critic’s Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards, featuring the top 10 picks for 2018 across both river and ocean cruises.

Finalists were selected based on consumer ratings from 18 cruise regions worldwide.

Cruise Critic’s Senior Executive Editor, Colleen McDaniel, stated, 'Our data consistently shows that, whether you're a first-time cruiser or an experienced traveler, the destination plays a crucial role when selecting a cruise.'

Here are the top 10 destinations:

10. Villefranche, France

If you’re unfamiliar with Villefranche, also known as Villefranche-sur-Mer, it’s a charming seaside village nestled between the well-known cities of Nice and Monaco.

Being somewhat overlooked has allowed this former fishing village to maintain its charm, particularly in the Old Town, where 13th-century buildings still stand.

Though the harbor, with its cafes and sandy beach, is tempting, those who venture up the steep, stair-lined hills will discover Old Town’s shops, dining, and more authentic, budget-friendly meals.

A visit here offers a taste of local life on the French Riviera, with a heavy Italian influence, as the town is only an hour’s drive from the Italian border.

Other must-see sites include the 16th-century Saint Elme Citadel and the bustling local markets.

9. Dubrovnik, Croatia

The terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik create a stunning contrast against the vibrant blue of the Adriatic Sea.

While the city dates back to the 7th century, many visitors today come to explore filming locations from 'Game of Thrones' and 'Star Wars' (a notable spot: Stradum, the main street in Old Town), in addition to the city’s historic fortified walls.

Whether by foot or other means, the car-free Old Town is the heart of the action, its medieval architecture carefully preserved and restored after a 17th-century earthquake and the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is best explored by strolling its cobbled streets lined with restaurants and shops, or taking a ride on the cable car to the summit of Mount Srd for panoramic views of Old Town.

At sea level, the historic Rector's Palace, which dates back to the 1400s, offers insights into the city’s rich history.

For a brief escape from the bustling city (though likely still surrounded by crowds), head to nearby Banje Beach, a small sandy stretch featuring a beach bar, sunbeds, and showers.

8. St. Petersburg, Russia

When you think of St. Petersburg, words like winter, Tchaikovsky, and the Hermitage often come to mind. This former capital of Russia sits along the Baltic Sea.

What’s less commonly known is how Peter the Great infused a European touch into the city, evident in its canals, boulevards, and distinctive architecture.

The city also enjoys nearly 24 hours of daylight between May and July, a phenomenon known as White Nights, which ushers in a season of outdoor festivals, concerts, and lively events.

A visit to St. Petersburg wouldn't be complete without attending a ballet or opera at the Mikhailovsky or Mariinsky Theatres, or exploring the vast collection at the State Hermitage Museum inside the grand Winter Palace, adorned in green and gold baroque style.

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a symbol of the city, is a must-see for photographers, both amateur and professional alike.

Despite its somber name, the church's striking design features five colorful, orb-shaped domes, reminiscent of Christmas baubles, decorated in shades of blue, green, and gold.

While the city's famous landmarks are worth multiple visits, the Fabergé Museum also deserves attention, housing the world’s largest private collection of Fabergé treasures, from intricately designed Easter eggs to fine jewelry.

7. Avignon, France

Forget the Vatican—Avignon, located in Provence, was the center of the Roman Catholic world from 1309 to 1377.

Today, the impressive Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) still stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserved in all its grandeur.

Architecture enthusiasts will marvel at the fact that it’s considered the largest Gothic palace in the world. Although much of its former opulence has faded, tours are equipped with tablets that show reconstructions of its original interiors.

The legacy of the papacy is still alive as you stroll through Avignon’s medieval streets.

Just steps from the Palais des Papes, the Musée du Petit Palais draws visitors with its Renaissance art collection, housed in a UNESCO-listed building that once functioned as a medieval fort.

The Pont d’Avignon bridge is another highlight, with the remaining half of this 14th-century structure making a dramatic and unforgettable impression.

But Avignon is not just a city frozen in time.

Every July, the city hosts the Festival d’Avignon, a renowned performing arts extravaganza that spans several weeks and attracts thousands of visitors from across the globe.

6. Dürnstein, Austria

It's impossible to look at Dürnstein’s red-tiled roofs, nestled along the banks of the Danube and framed by lush green hills, without hearing the lively melody of the Blue Danube Waltz in your mind.

A land straight out of a fairytale, the Wachau region, including Dürnstein, earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000, partly for its dedication to preserving a way of life that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

But don’t mistake well-preserved for boring.

This region is also renowned for its wine, particularly white varieties, which have been produced here since the 1980s.

You can sample these wines at Domäne Wachau or one of the local wine bars, but make sure to leave time to wander the historic streets of Dürnstein.

Though Dürnstein dates back to the 12th century (famously where Leopold V of Vienna imprisoned Richard the Lionheart), much of the town was destroyed by a fire in 1551.

Nevertheless, several buildings from the 16th century still stand, particularly along Hauptstrasse, the town’s main street.

You can also take a short 20-minute hike to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, offering spectacular views from above.

5. Würzburg, Germany

Though Würzburg is part of Bavaria, it shares many similarities with Austria’s Dürnstein: a prime location on a river, a thriving wine scene, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a rich history dating back centuries.

Würzburg is a key point along Germany’s 'Romantic Road,' a nearly 300-mile route filled with fairytale-like castles and scenic landscapes.

Unlike much of Germany, Würzburg is dominated by wine culture, with local wineries and wine bars offering some of the finest selections from the Franconia wine region.

For UNESCO sites, the 18th-century Würzburg Residence, or Residence Palace, stands as one of Europe’s finest examples of Baroque architecture.

(The city also boasts a remarkable collection of baroque and rococo buildings.)

But Würzburg’s roots go much deeper, as it’s believed the Celts founded the city around 1000 B.C., and remnants of the ancient Marienberg Fortress, renovated over the centuries, still reflect that distant past.

The University of Würzburg, with its 30,000 students, adds a vibrant energy to the city’s atmosphere.

4. Budapest, Hungary

Popular with both river cruisers and land travelers, Budapest captivates with its stunning architecture, rich history, famous coffeehouses, rejuvenating thermal baths, and a thriving cultural scene.

The Danube River divides the city into the hilly, residential Buda and the flatter, more bustling Pest.

Pest is home to the lavish Hungarian State Opera House, known for its exceptional performances and stunning 19th-century neo-Renaissance architecture.

The Great Market Hall also resides in Pest, a vast three-story market perfect for picking up local produce and unique souvenirs.

If you can visit only one coffeehouse, make it the iconic Café Gerbeaud, a chandelier-filled venue that has been serving patrons since the late 1800s.

Pest also boasts the striking Hungarian Parliament Building, a neo-Gothic masterpiece; a lively Jewish Quarter; a flourishing food scene; and an energetic nightlife.

Cross over to the Buda side to explore the UNESCO-listed Castle District, dominated by Buda Castle, also known as the Royal Palace.

The scenic funicular cable car is a charming way to ascend to the site, home to the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.

No visit to Buda would be complete without a rejuvenating soak in the Gellért Spa at Hotel Gellért, where the main bath is framed by towering columns and offers an expansive pool area that rivals an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

3. Quebec City, Canada

Often dubbed the Paris of North America, Quebec City offers much more than just French charm.

While French is the dominant language, the culture retains its strong Canadian identity, especially evident in the local cuisine (and it's not all about poutine).

Both French and Canadian influences blend seamlessly in Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 17th century, divided into Upper Town and Lower Town.

Dominating Upper Town, the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel is often the first image associated with Quebec City.

Make sure to stop by to admire the beautifully restored interior and enjoy a drink or snack at the 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar.

Upper Town also features Rue Saint-Jean, a lively street lined with a mix of local shops, chain stores, and a variety of restaurants.

Not far away, you’ll find the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, notable for housing the only Holy Door in the Americas, a rare Catholic tradition.

Be sure not to miss Lower Town, the historic heart of Old Quebec, which can be accessed by funicular or a steep staircase.

Here, Rue du Petit-Champlain, the most famous street in Quebec, comes alive in winter, often depicted under a blanket of snow and adorned with holiday decorations.

Also worth a visit is Place Royale, a charming cobblestone square home to a 17th-century church, the Museum of Civilization, and the Old Port with its array of shops and cafés.

2. Arles, France

Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city along the Rhone River, is an easy favorite for river cruisers with its captivating blend of history and charm.

This compact city boasts a rich history dating back to ancient times, with visible remnants of its past, including Roman ruins, scattered throughout the landscape.

The Arles Amphitheatre is not only well-preserved but continues to be in use today.

Instead of gladiatorial contests and chariot races, it now hosts bullfights, concerts, and theatrical performances.

Alongside the amphitheatre, the Roman Theatre and Thermes de Constantin (Roman baths) are also still standing, though while you can watch performances in the theatre, the baths have been abandoned for centuries.

The town itself, with its preserved charm, feels like stepping into a 19th-century French painting.

Vincent Van Gogh lived in Arles for 18 productive months starting in 1888, until the infamous ear-cutting incident, which led him to seek psychiatric treatment in Paris.

Although his iconic yellow studio was destroyed in WWII bombings, the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles museum continues to honor his legacy.

Don’t miss the weekly Saturday market, one of the largest in Provence, with approximately 450 stalls offering everything from local foods to handmade crafts.

1. Glacier Bay, Alaska

Ironically, the top destination this year is one where cruisers can’t actually disembark.

Instead, cruise ships spend up to 10 hours drifting past stunning sights like the snow-capped Fairweather Mountains, sea lions, brown bears, mountain goats, and, of course, glaciers.

(Make sure to bring binoculars for the best views.)

Cruise ships usually spend about an hour parked before Margerie Glacier, a magnificent 21-mile-long tidewater glacier and one of the star attractions of the Inside Passage.

This time offers a perfect chance to spot harbor seals basking in the sun and to listen to the dramatic sounds of iceberg calving, when large chunks of ice break off the glacier and crash into the water.

To enrich the experience, National Park Service rangers board the ships in the morning, offering insightful talks throughout the day.

An information desk is available while in Glacier Bay National Park, ready to answer any curious questions about the surrounding wildlife and nature.