Renowned for a Reason: The Most Incredible Beaches to Visit on a Cruise

From vibrant cities to tranquil villages, lush jungles, and arid deserts, a cruise can take you there. However, let’s be honest—one of the primary motivations for choosing a cruise is encapsulated in a single word: beach.

Indeed, cruises offer the perfect opportunity to explore numerous beaches during a single journey, guiding you to some of the most stunning coastlines around the globe.

With such an abundance of beautiful beaches to choose from, it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this list of some of the most renowned beaches accessible by cruise as an excellent starting point.

Wishing you joyful cruising adventures!

Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands

As you approach this stunning expanse of turquoise waters framed by lush green hills, you may feel a sense of déjà vu.

It’s likely you have: Trunk Bay is among the most photographed and cherished beaches worldwide.

Located within the Virgin Islands National Park in St. John, its Underwater Trail offers an exceptional snorkeling experience. Reaching it by boat adds to the excitement.

Set sail to: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and arrange an excursion that includes a visit to Trunk Bay.

Matira Beach, French Polynesia

Renowned for its breathtaking beaches, French Polynesia in the South Pacific boasts some of the most magnificent shores on the island of Bora Bora, where you’ll discover the soft white sands and the shimmering blue and green waters of Matira Beach.

While indulging in the luxurious overwater bungalows favored by celebrities may be beyond your reach, Matira Beach is a public gem waiting for you to explore during your South Pacific cruise.

Set sail to: Bora Bora, on a Dinogo cruise leaving from Australia.

Waikiki

Hawaii is undoubtedly brimming with incredibly stunning beaches, offering a range of options from black volcanic sands to vibrant wave breaks and lush cove settings.

If your cruise takes you to or from Honolulu, a stop at the legendary Waikiki Beach is absolutely essential.

Located just a 15-minute drive from the port, Waikiki offers endless entertainment with an array of shopping and dining choices, plus ample opportunities for people-watching. Enjoy a swim, hike up to Diamond Head for a breathtaking view of Waikiki, or simply relax on the beach and watch the local surfers in action.

Cruise to (or from): Honolulu. Waikiki is easily accessible from the port by tour, taxi, or bus.

Tulum, Mexico

If you’re a regular reader of luxury travel publications or well-informed travel blogs, you’re likely familiar with Tulum. This laid-back town along Mexico’s Riviera Maya exudes a bohemian vibe and attracts a devoted crowd of stylish travelers who often opt for eco-friendly resorts just a stone's throw from the beach.

However, if you cruise to Cozumel, you can embark on a day trip to Tulum that perfectly blends the ancient splendor of Mayan ruins overlooking the sea with a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters that contribute to this stunning locale's Instagram-worthy allure.

Cruise to: Cozumel and secure a tour that will guide you to Tulum.

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Renowned as one of the Caribbean's most iconic beaches, this picturesque spot in Grand Cayman has its fair share of misconceptions. For starters, this slice of paradise measures only 5.5 miles, not seven.

Moreover, it's not a single beach but rather a collection that includes Cemetery Beach, a favored snorkeling destination, along with Governor’s Beach and Public Beach, which features amenities and a playground for children.

What is undeniably true is that this entire area, which remains open to the public up to the water's edge—even in front of resorts—embodies the essence of the perfect beach daydream.

Cruise to: Grand Cayman. Numerous Caribbean cruise itineraries depart from various US cities and include a stop at Grand Cayman.