Our top 7 summer cruises for every kind of traveler

The highlight of summer cruising is the abundance of options available, surpassing those of any other season. Destinations like Alaska and Scandinavia are primarily seasonal; you can only visit in the summer. Even the Mediterranean experiences seasonal shifts, with most cruise lines focusing on summer and relocating ships to warmer locales during winter.

In curating our list of favorite summer cruises, we sought options that cater to a diverse range of travelers. The common thread among these cruises is their ability to simplify summer trip planning. Booking a summer cruise means securing transportation to multiple destinations, meals, lodging, and onboard entertainment with a single transaction.

Whether you're after a quick getaway or the journey of a lifetime, here are seven of our top recommended summer cruises.

Ideal for quick summer getaways: 3- to 5-night Carnival cruises

Carnival Cruise Line stands out as a leader in offering short getaway cruises from nearby departure points. You can embark on voyages to the Bahamas from Florida, Bermuda from Manhattan in New York, the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas, and New Orleans, as well as the Mexican Riviera from Long Beach, California. Each destination offers a variety of attractions, including beautiful beaches, water sports, and land-based activities like cooking classes and ATV adventures.

Most Carnival ships are equipped with exciting top-deck waterslides and miniature golf, along with Seuss at Sea character parades, storytime sessions, and themed breakfasts. The Cloud Nine Spa and the adults-only Serenity Retreat provide a peaceful escape for relaxation, whether you're traveling with children or not. Carnival is celebrated for its numerous complimentary dining options, including Guy's Burger Joint, Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, and the BlueIguana Cantina.

Carnival also prides itself on being budget-conscious. The line’s short cruises are affordable, all while delivering the food, fun, and entertainment you expect from a large cruise ship experience.

Ideal for adult enjoyment: Virgin Voyages to the Mediterranean

Virgin Voyages sails to an array of exciting European locations, offering summer adventures tailored for adults. Options include seven- to twelve-night Mediterranean voyages, such as round-trip cruises from Barcelona with stops at glamorous ports like Cannes in France and Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza in Spain, where ships frequently stay overnight for vibrant nightlife. Longer journeys feature one-way itineraries between Barcelona and Rome, visiting stunning Italian destinations like Florence and Naples. The line also offers cruises that explore the Greek islands starting from Athens (Piraeus).

Virgin's adults-only vessels accommodate 2,770 guests, known as "sailors," all of whom must be 18 or older. The line touts its cruises as perfect for those who typically shy away from traditional cruise experiences. Onboard entertainment features pajama parties and engaging nightclub performances. Virgin ships emphasize wellness, offering a techno fitness studio, an outdoor gym, and a boxing ring.

Dining options on Virgin Voyages are a departure from typical cruise lines. All 20 restaurants onboard are included in the cruise fare, and there are no buffet lines to be found.

Ideal for solo travelers: Windstar cruises exploring the Greek islands

What could be more enchanting than exploring the Greek islands aboard a beautiful sailing ship or a cozy yacht where you’re never just another face in the crowd? Windstar Cruises presents summer voyages through the Greek islands, visiting idyllic spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Patmos. Onboard experiences often highlight cultural and culinary adventures in the Mediterranean.

For solo travelers, Windstar stands out with its standard single supplement of 175%, which can occasionally be even less. This is a significant savings, especially when most cruise lines typically charge 200% for solo cruising.

Windstar's vessels accommodate just over 300 guests or fewer, giving you the feel of cruising on a private yacht in the Mediterranean. Solo travelers will find it easy to connect with others — socializing is a common experience on these intimate ships.

The main dining venue (Amphora) offers solo-friendly open seating each evening. I once encountered an 82-year-old woman enjoying back-to-back Windstar cruises solo. She received plenty of invitations to join others at mealtimes, yet when she chose to dine alone, the staff treated her like royalty.

As the official cruise line partnered with the James Beard Foundation, Windstar excels in delivering exceptional culinary experiences. The menus at both Amphora and a pop-up steakhouse named Candles feature dishes crafted by James Beard Award-winning chefs — all included in your cruise fare.

These renowned chefs sometimes join the line's exclusive James Beard Foundation cruises. In addition to mingling with these culinary stars (who are there to enjoy the cruise as well), guests have the chance to shop alongside them as they gather locally sourced ingredients for their special menu takeovers. It's a paradise for food enthusiasts.

Best Alaska cruise: Weeklong Holland America voyages

Alaska tops many summer cruise bucket lists. Sometimes it’s about escaping the heat, but more often, it’s the allure of witnessing glaciers and wildlife in Alaskan waters and along its coasts. There are plenty of options for Alaska cruises, but we suggest sticking with the reliable favorites.

Holland America has been exploring Alaska for over 75 years and offers more itineraries to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) than any other cruise line. You can rest assured that any Alaska cruise you book with them will be exceptional.

Holland America ships accommodate between 2,000 and 3,000 guests. While most passengers on other itineraries are typically adults (often seniors), this shifts during the summer in Alaska, welcoming families with children of all ages. The line provides youth programs onboard, including a Junior Ranger program in Glacier Bay.

Cruise options include round trips from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, as well as one-way voyages between Vancouver and Anchorage, Alaska. Holland America also offers pre- and post-cruise land tours for those eager to delve deeper into inland Alaska.

Best for families with teens: Weeklong Caribbean voyages on Royal Caribbean

Finding a cruise itinerary that appeals to teens and preteens can be tricky. The mega-ships from Royal Caribbean cruising in the Caribbean fit the bill perfectly. Look for the line's largest vessels setting sail from Miami, Port Canaveral (close to Orlando), and Galveston.

Most itineraries alternate between Eastern and Western Caribbean routes, featuring beachy ports that offer plenty of water sports and land adventures. Many also stop at the teen-favorite private island destination Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, an island paradise with beaches, a pool, sand sports, and a water park designed with easily bored teens in mind.

However, the ships themselves are likely to be the real highlights for your teens. These vessels accommodate nearly 6,000 guests and are packed with waterslides, surf simulators, zip lines, and rock-climbing walls. Teens aged 13 to 17 have their own hangout area, while preteens enjoy a wealth of age-appropriate activities to keep them busy when the ship is not docked.

Royal Caribbean's largest ships are family-friendly wonders, sailing on sunny itineraries that create unforgettable summer getaways.

Best for families with little ones: Short Bahamas cruises on Disney Cruise Line

Creating joy for little ones is the primary goal of any Disney cruise, and when the kids are happy, parents likely share in that joy. Disney offers short cruises from various ports. Look for summer sailings to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral, featuring stops at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Three to five nights are perfect for kids aged 4 to 7 and their parents.

Disney Cruise Line staterooms are tailored for families, featuring split bathrooms (a toilet in one, shower-bath in the other), privacy curtains for naps, and ample storage space.

In addition to exciting character meet-and-greets, water attractions, and live shows based on beloved movies, Disney cruise ships provide the most kid-friendly menus of any cruise line. Plus, complimentary 24-hour in-room dining is available — ideal for quieter meals when needed.

Envision if the finest elements of the Magic Kingdom were transformed into a ship for a smaller audience to enjoy, and you'll grasp the enchantment of a Disney cruise summer getaway.

Ideal for a cooler European escape: Scandinavia cruises with Viking

If you seek a European retreat with milder weather than the Mediterranean, Scandinavia is beckoning. Experience the summer splendor of the Norwegian fjords alongside the cultural treasures of Denmark and Sweden. If you’re an older adult, Viking has the perfect cruise for you.

Viking presents numerous options for travelers. Cruise durations range from seven to 28 nights, featuring an extensive list of ports including Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen; and Norwegian destinations like Bergen, Stavanger, and Honningsvag (in the far north). Don't overlook Iceland; Viking offers seven-night circumnavigation cruises around this land of fire and ice, along with longer trips that include Reykjavik as a stop.

Viking vessels accommodate just 930 guests, each in cabins with private balconies. The ships boast seven dining venues, all included in the fare. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are complimentary during lunch and dinner, and every port of call includes at least one complimentary tour. Viking caters exclusively to adults, so all passengers must be 18 or older — and its devoted clientele typically consists of retirees.

Viking vessels transform your exploration of Scandinavia's breathtaking landscapes into a comfortable experience. After a day spent on excursions—whether gliding across fjord waters in rigid inflatable boats or discovering quaint fishing villages near or above the Arctic Circle—you'll return to unwind in one of the finest complimentary thermal suites at sea. To top it off, you'll enjoy exceptional cuisine without any added costs.

Conclusion

Summer reigns as the peak cruise season, dramatically broadening your destination choices and offering more options than any other time of year. Plus, reaching the port—whether by car or plane—is generally easier in the summer compared to winter.

The ideal summer cruise is one that aligns with your current travel needs. Fortunately, a wide variety of cruise options ensures that almost everyone can find their perfect fit.