Top destinations for cruising this fall, whether you prefer a cozy sweater or a swimsuit

While Canada and New England cruises often receive the spotlight, it's hard to match the joy of sailing along the New England coast to Canada, surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves, indulging in fresh lobster, and watching for majestic whales.

Yet, beyond itineraries focused on fall foliage, many other fantastic destinations are perfect for autumn cruising. From the historic Greek islands with their stunning views of the glistening Aegean Sea to Bermuda's pink-sand beaches and summery temperatures, the choices are plentiful.

Here are our top recommendations for cruising this fall.

Alaska

The Alaska cruise season generally lasts from April until mid-September. However, Norwegian Cruise Line provides a few sailings that go into early October.

Fall cruises reveal a side of Alaska that most guests don’t usually experience. Ports like Juneau and Ketchikan will have fewer tourists, allowing locals to return to their everyday routines after the busy season. Expect brisk air (with temperatures in the 40s and 50s) and shorter daylight hours.

If you're fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights dancing in the night sky. Wildlife will be gearing up for winter: bears feasting on silver salmon, moose searching for berries, and bald eagles soaring above. Humpback and gray whales might make an appearance. Anglers can still catch rainbow trout and Dolly Varden — alongside salmon. Mist or clouds around blue glaciers will create stunning photo opportunities, making the ice truly stand out.

Additionally, fall cruises often feature some tempting discounted fares.

Bermuda

Bermuda is a favored summer getaway. For some cruise lines, the season extends through mid-November, offering certain advantages.

In October, temperatures on the island usually hover around the low 80s and settle into the pleasant 70s in November, making it perfect for enjoying the renowned pink-sand beaches and engaging in activities like hiking the historic Railway Trail, which winds past charming cottages, farms, and gardens.

Cruisers can enjoy autumn traditions such as golf, tennis, and food festivals. Plus, the Bermuda spiny lobster season kicks off in September, making it a delicious addition to menus throughout the island.

California coastline

As cruise lines relocate their vessels from Alaska after the summer season, some set their course for California, providing a chance to admire the coast from the water. Cruise lines like Princess Cruises offer trips to the wine regions of Sonoma or Napa Valley during the peak grape harvest while stopping in San Francisco.

For cruises departing from ports close to Los Angeles, you might want to arrive a day early to explore some of the city's attractions.

Caribbean

Fall cruises in the Caribbean feature fewer children (except around Thanksgiving); lower fares due to reduced demand; and cooler temperatures that are still warm enough to entice beachgoers.

The hurricane season lasts until November, meaning there's a chance your itinerary could change. However, cruise ships are able to alter their routes to steer clear of storms.

With Florida recognized as the cruise capital of the world and its close proximity to the Caribbean, travelers have a wide array of ships to choose from when departing the Sunshine State. The Caribbean is a year-round destination, offering plenty of opportunities, but autumn brings pleasant weather and often lower prices.

European river cruises

A significant advantage of taking a fall river cruise in Europe is the chance to explore vineyards overflowing with grapes. If you're cruising the Danube between Germany and Budapest, make the most of the crisp weather to hike, bike, or otherwise visit Austria's wine-producing Wachau Valley in late September or October.

If you find yourself on the Rhine, be sure to have your camera ready to capture stunning views of the magnificent castles that line the Rhine Gorge. When you dock, take time to stroll through the historic cobblestone streets of Petite France in Strasbourg, savor a cup of Rudesheimer coffee in Rudesheim, or pick up a bottle of Cologne's renowned fragrance.

Greek islands

Many Greeks will tell you that autumn is the prime time to explore the islands. Summer temperatures can soar into the 90s, but by September, the heat begins to ease. By October, temperatures are pleasantly in the 70s.

Another benefit of visiting Greece by cruise in the fall is the chance to escape the crowds. This holds especially true for must-see landmarks like the Acropolis in Athens, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, the vast archaeological site of Delos near Mykonos, and the picturesque hilltop villages of Santorini. In autumn, you may find these sites nearly empty.

New England and Canada

The breathtaking fall colors of New England are astonishingly beautiful when viewed from the sea, making this region highly sought after for autumn cruises.

With a range from mainstream to ultra-luxury, including both small and large ships as well as expedition vessels, travelers have plenty of choices to explore the coastline from New York or Boston up to eastern Canada.

Beyond admiring the foliage, cruisers can enjoy views of lighthouses, indulge in lobster, spot whales, and delve into North American history. Popular ports of call include Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Pacific Northwest

The Columbia and Snake rivers offer stunning scenery for cruising in the spring and summer, but they are truly spectacular in the fall. The deep basalt cliffs and waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge are made even more breathtaking by the fiery hues of big-leaf maples in red, Oregon ash in yellow, and cottonwood in orange.

River cruise ships, including paddle-wheelers and other smaller vessels, trace the route of Lewis and Clark through Washington and Oregon from September to mid-November, with voyages ranging from five to eleven days. While in the area, be sure to explore some of the fantastic local wineries.

Panama Canal

In the fall, cruise ships commonly reposition from Alaska to the Caribbean via the remarkable engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. This season offers numerous options, including sailings from many of the most popular cruise lines in the industry.

While navigating the Panama Canal, you’ll enjoy both lush jungle vistas and watch as your ship carefully maneuvers through a series of narrow locks, often with just inches to spare. Be sure to wake up early if you want to secure a prime viewing spot on the outer decks during this thrilling experience.

During your journey, you can look forward to stops at ports in Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, and more.