Top summer cruises to escape the heat: Explore these 5 cool-weather destinations

As summer approaches, I prepare for those scorching days where even a short walk to my car leaves me drenched, and the muggy nights filled with pesky mosquitoes. So, while planning my cruises for next summer (since this year's options are limited), the last thing on my mind is a trip to an even hotter, stickier place.

If you feel the same way — aboard the same cruise ship, so to speak — I’ll reveal the destinations I’m eyeing. Some are famous for chilly cruises all year, while others are in winter when we in the U.S. are battling the intense heat.

Here are five summer cruise destinations perfect for finding cooler escapes.

Alaska

While Alaska's weather can fluctuate daily and may reach the 90s in summer, typical temperatures usually hover in the high 60s to low 70s, even in the peak months.

Navigating Alaska can be tricky if you're looking to visit multiple sites, but cruises offer a fantastic way to discover the 49th state. Depending on your itinerary, you could enjoy a hike through the tranquil Tongass National Forest, with its cool coniferous trees; book a salmon fishing trip to make the most of the brisk morning air on the water; or don a sweatshirt and head out on deck to feel the refreshing breezes as you pass by glaciers on sea days.

If you need more reasons to visit, several cruise lines offer pre- and post-cruise land tours to complement one-way Alaska journeys. Extend your adventure and stay at locations that showcase the breathtaking views of snowcapped Denali, the tallest peak in North America, or the quaint town of Dawson City in Canada’s Yukon Territory, where the Klondike and Yukon rivers converge. Additionally, starting mid-August, you can try to catch a glimpse of the enchanting northern lights.

The Arctic

Picture glaciers so dense they shimmer in bright blue; when they calve, the ice chunks are pure enough to bring aboard your ship for cocktails. As you pull your hat down over your ears, you glance to your right and spot seals basking on a nearby iceberg, hoping for their next meal.

The Arctic cruise season lasts from May to November, making summer an ideal time to head north — so far north that you'll cross into the Arctic Circle. How would you like to relax in an outdoor hot tub while your ship sails just a couple of hundred miles from the actual top of the world, or wake up surrounded by an ice field that will leave you breathless?

Cruises to the northern polar region vary from one week to two weeks and typically include stops in Norway's Svalbard, Greenland, and Arctic Canada. These journeys are perfect for bucket-list experiences like spotting polar bears and, of course, polar plunges, where adventurers leap off the sides of their ships into waters around 28 or 29 degrees. Instead of lounging on a Caribbean beach, you’ll be plunging into your own private patch of nearly freezing ocean.

Australia and New Zealand

Feeling nostalgic for winter? Consider returning to it! The seasons in the Northern and Southern hemispheres are reversed; if you travel to Australia and New Zealand in June, July, and August, you'll experience winter. During these months, temperatures in Australia typically range from the high 40s to low 60s. You won't need to prepare for blizzards, but you can avoid extreme heat.

Cruises in Australia and New Zealand vary from weeklong journeys solely around Australia to two-week trips starting in Australia and returning from New Zealand. Some voyages even include stops at islands in the South Pacific. Extended cruises, like round-Asia and world cruises, may also feature ports in this region.

While in Australia, don't miss the winter night market in Melbourne. For water enthusiasts, diving excursions to the Great Barrier Reef are a must during this season. If your itinerary leans heavily towards New Zealand, consider indulging in a wine tasting in the perfectly chilled cellars of Picton. Additionally, 'Lord of the Rings' fans can explore the hobbit holes in Tauranga.

Northern Europe

The air in Scandinavia has a unique quality. It's refreshingly crisp and clean, offering a cool climate year-round (think mid-60s to mid-70s), even during summer months.

Make the most of the pleasant weather by exploring Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens amusement park, one of the oldest in existence, or delve into Denmark's history at Den Gamle By, an open-air museum in Aarhus. Relax at a cafe in Gothenburg, Sweden, to savor one of its renowned cinnamon buns, or visit Stockholm's Vasa Museum to see an almost perfectly preserved Viking ship.

Iceland should not be overlooked, as it has gained immense popularity among travelers in recent years. Most sailings begin in Reykjavik, where summer temperatures remain in the mid-50s. For a delightful day, visit the Blue Lagoon to soak in its soothing waters, stroll through the botanical gardens, or enjoy whale watching if your ship stops at Akureyri.

The majestic Norwegian fjords

For an incredibly scenic experience, consider booking a cruise through the Norwegian fjords. Explore the vibrant city of Oslo, wander the iconic Bryggen shops in Bergen, and indulge in exceptional seafood at restaurants in Tromso.

Don't miss Geirangerfjord, where towering mountains adorned with cascading waterfalls flank your ship as it approaches the picturesque fishing village. Climb to the top for breathtaking photos and enjoy summer highs averaging in the mid-60s.

In conclusion

If you prefer cooler climates, a cruise to a temperate destination may be ideal as the temperatures start to rise.

Whether you opt for a domestic cruise to Alaska or travel further to Australia, where the seasons are reversed, you'll discover a wealth of summer cruise options to keep you refreshed.