7 of the best cruises to travel America in 2025 and 2026
From beaches to Broadway, lush landscapes to landmarks, there is a lot to discover in America – and much of it can be best explored from a cruise.
Many passengers travel to the ports of Miami or Port Canaveral to embark on a Caribbean voyage but what you should consider is exploring the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the continent.
You can enjoy the cultural and culinary delights of US wine country on the west coast or head towards central America – and even through the Panama Canal.
Excursions range from dazzling cities such as New York to sailing under landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
There are also destinations such as the states of Alaska and Hawaii, which provide unrivalled experiences for cruise passengers with awe-inspiring nature and landscapes.
It is not just ocean-going vessels that let you explore the US. River cruises are a popular way to get more immersed in local culture state by state, discovering rich history on the riverbanks and beyond.
Here is our pick of the top cruises to explore the US.
MSC Cruises: Bahamas and the Caribbean
New York – Port Canaveral, Orlando – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve,Bahamas – Nassau, Bahamas – New York
Start spreading the news... on this roundtrip cruise from New York with MSC Cruises.
Departing from New York aboard MSC Meraviglia and sailing alongside the Statue of Liberty, you could arrange a pre-cruise excursion to tour Manhattan and other sites of the Big Apple or wait until you disembark at the end of the cruise and even catch a Broadway show.
Sandwiched in between on this seven-night sailing is a stop in Port Canaveral, where you could see rockets at the Kennedy Space Center or even take a quick trip to Disney World. You will welcome a rest day on MSC's Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas after all that.
Onboard, MSC Meraviglia has its own water park and LED dome ceiling in the indoor promenade for must-see light shows.
Departs 4 May 2025; from £456pp
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Celebrity Cruises: Hawaii Cruise
Honolulu, Hawaii – Hilo, Hawaii – Kailua Kona, Hawaii – Vancouver, British Columbia
Visit the beautiful beaches and lush mountain's of America's 50th state, Hawaii.
This nine-night sailing with Celebrity Cruises explores the various islands of Hawaii. It starts in the capital, Honolulu, where passengers can experience the tropical rainforest on a short two-mile hike along the Manoa Falls Trail or visit the 200-acre Lyon Arboretum, which has one of the largest collections of palm trees in the world.
You will also be dazzled by the Rainbow Falls waterfall in Hilo and go diving in the snorkelling haven of Kealakekua Bay, home to the Captain Cook Monument.
Onboard, passengers can relax in Celebrity Edge's two main pool areas and in the rooftop garden and inside Eden, a glass-enclosed sensory-themed room and entertainment space.
Don't miss the chance to have a drink or eat in the Magic Carpet, a raised platform that moves up and down the side of the ship.
Departs 7 May 2025; from £819pp
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American Cruise Lines: Hudson River
New York – Sleepy Hollow – West Point – Kingston – Catskill – Albany
New York tends to be an embarkation or disembarkation port for ocean-going ships but a river cruise is an ideal way to explore the iconic city.
A Hudson River cruise will take you along the key points of the 315-mile stretch of water so you can view landmarks up close such as the Statue of Liberty.
Excursions on this seven-night American Cruise Lines sailing include a visit to Franklin D Roosevelt's childhood home in Kingston, where he hosted Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II.
You will also stop in the town of Sleepy Hollow, made famous by the great American writer Washington Irving, and take part in a guided exploration of the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial and Reflective Pools.
Departs 1 July 2025; from $5,910 (£4,561)
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From giant glaciers to endless mountain ranges and wildlife, Alaska is a unique US destination that is best explored by cruise ship. A cruise can get you closer to more intimate parts of Alaska that are harder to reach by foot such as the region's Inside Passage.
Sailing aboard Discovery Princess, which has 1,400 large balcony cabins to gaze at the scenery, this cruise visits the Alaskan capital Juneau and spends a day cruising beside the awe-inspiring Endicott Arm fjord.
Discovery Princess is a great ship to marvel at the scenery from. The Royal-class ship boasts more than 1,400 balcony cabins, with its Sky Suites offering 270-degree views that are described as the largest balconies at sea.
There are lots of chances to get immersed in the local culture, with excursions including dogsledding beside glaciers, visits to national parks, lumberjack axe throwing, salmon fishing and gold panning.
Back on board, passengers can take part in a specialty immersive multi-sensory dining experience and the ship also has a The Catch by Rudi restaurant, where you can sample dishes from the catch of the day.
Departs 17 August 2025; from £1,072pp
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Viking: America's Great River
St Paul, Minnesota – Red Wing, Minnesota – La Crosse, Minnesota – Dubuque, Iowa – Quad Cities, Iowa – Burlington, Iowa – Hannibal, Missouri –St Louis – Memphis, Tennessee – Greenville, Mississippi – Vicksburg, Mississippi – Natchez, Mississippi – Baton Rouge, Louisiana – New Orleans, Louisiana
A river cruise can get you closer to American culture and there is plenty of history to get immersed in along the Mississippi River. Also known as America's Great River and running 3,341 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, passengers will discover different cultures each day and there are lots of bird-spotting opportunities.
This 15-day Viking river cruise starts beside the 19th- and early 20th-century mansions of St Paul, Minnesota , before heading to historic hotpots, such as author Mark Twain's childhood home in Hannibal, Missouri, before you can catch the blues while sailing through Memphis, Tennessee.
Passengers can discover a key Civil War battleground in Vicksburg before visiting Mississippi's oldest city, Natchez, where more than 200 perfectly preserved homes from the 18th century still line its avenues.
Departs 4 July 2025; from £10,595pp
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Holland America Line: Panama Canal and Sea of Cortez
Miami, Florida – Cartagena, Colombia Panama Canal – Puntarenas, Costa Rica – Acajutla, El Salvador – Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala – Huatulco, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – San Diego, California – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – Pichilingue (La Paz), Mexico – Guaymas, Mexico – Topolobampo, Mexico – Mazatlan, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Ensenada, Mexico – San Diego, California
Cruise through the historic Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific on this 27-day cruise that takes in the Spanish fortifications of Limón Bay at one end and the glittering skyline of Panama City on the other.
Departing from Miami with Holland America Line, you will also discover central American hotspots in Colombia, Costa Rica where you will see unique architecture, beautiful beach fronts and nature en route to San Diego.
Sailing aboard MS Zuiderdam, passengers can relax in its two swimming pools and show their skills on the pickleball court.
Departs 31 January 2026; from £4,418pp
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Norwegian Cruise Line: Pacific Coast
San Diego, California – Ensenada, Mexico – Santa Barbara, California – San Francisco, California – Astoria, Oregon – Vancouver, British Columbia
Explore the landscapes of the Pacific coast, taking in the Californian wine country – where you will have plenty of chances to raise a glass.
Get your cameras ready for when this nine-night cruise sails under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, plus an overnight stay in San Francisco will give you lots of time to discover landmarks such as Alcatraz Island.
Sailing aboard Norwegian Jade, passengers can enjoy three swimming pools and a spiralling waterslide as well as a choice of 11 bars and lounges, including 24-hour pub O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill.
Departs 11 April 2026; from £966pp.
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17 of the best cruises in Croatia
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Expect chic suites with walk-in wardrobes and floor-to-ceiling windows, and lavish all-inclusive packages that cover everything from thermal spa access to fine wines. Children over six months are welcome on board, but only those over six can use the excellent Nautilus Club with its games consoles,digital library and pool table. Croatian itineraries include seven-night cruises between Athens and Fusina, near Venice, calling at Zadar and the picturesque town of Rovinj, with its cobbled streets, busy fishing port and baroque church. • Read our full guide to Croatia Sea days will sail by on a Seabourn cruise thanks to a generous all-inclusive fare that includes servings of caviar and champagne, a bespoke in-suite bar and wi-fi powered by Starlink. There are several Croatia itineraries, including a 14-day sailing from Dubrovnik to Istanbul and a seven-day round-trip from Dubrovnik tracing the Dalmatian coast, with stops in some of the country's prettiest ports. Optional activities along the way include a winery tour in Korcula, a Dalmatian cookery class in Zadar and brandy tasting in Opatija, a seaside resort often likened to the French Riviera. • Discover our full guide to cruise holidays This holiday company, catering to UK travellers, has a ten-day Venice, Split and Treasures of the North yacht itinerary. You'll glide through Croatia's crystal-clear waters on the comfortable 36-passenger MS Stella Maris and visit islands such as Losinj and Rab, with plenty of time to explore. Shore excursions include a land-train trip to see the natural beauty of Brijuni National Park. Riviera offers flights from regional airports and you can upgrade for a stress-free home pick-up service, too. Built in response to the growing interest in small-ship cruising, river line Emerald Cruises launched a pair of 100-passenger superyachts — Azzurra and Sakara — which both offer Croatian itineraries. Almost 90 per cent of the cabins, which go up to the two-room 110 sq m Owner's Suites, have balconies and terraces with unimpeded views. Shore excursions are geared around authentic experiences, including visits to island towns like Korcula where you can sample its white wines amid the medieval walls and towers; and contrasting outcrops from bustling Hvar to far-flung Vis. Back on board there's a spa and a water sports platform for paddleboarding and snorkelling. You'll find plenty of quirky shore excursions designed to showcase the many facets of Croatia on a Celebrity cruise. Swim, cycle and kayak in and around Dubrovnik, and explore big-name TV and film locations from a tuk-tuk at Split. Trips to coastal towns, such as the tree-lined Cavtat, the southernmost Croatian resort, show a sleepier side to the country. On board, splash out on the Retreat suite, giving you access to an exclusive restaurant plus a clubhouse-style lounge open 24/7. 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You'll also be extremely pampered because all suites on Silversea come with personal butler a fly-cruise to Croatia on the 3,100-passenger Azura, one of the larger ships in P&O's fleet. Sailings visit the headline cities of Dubrovnik, Spilt and Zadar. A walk along the walls of the old city of Dubrovnik in the morning or when the sun goes down will give one of the best views across the red-roofed city. In Split, Diocletian's Palace, one of Europe's best-preserved Roman palaces, is another highlight. Among the many excursions P&O offers in Croatia, you could be visiting the Unesco-listed old town of Trogir, or foodie corners such as Ston, the oyster capital of Croatia. Families can schedule sailings to coincide with school holidays. Built for shoreline cruising, CroisiEurope's sea-going vessel MV La Belle de l'Adriatique spends much of its time sailing in Croatia and provides a comfortable floating home from which to explore a string of coastal towns. Carrying 197 guests, the small but sturdy vessel reaches ports that are inaccessible to larger ships; itineraries include a round-trip cruise from Dubrovnik. Meals reflect the line's French heritage and lunch is always a proper sit-down affair. Sailings will appeal to active types looking to hike through Krka National Park or set out on a bike tour on the island of Vis. Resembling a swish private yacht, the 36-passenger Lady Eleganza was custom-built for cruising up the Croatian coast and provides an intimate setting for Adriatic exploration. It offers a selection of sailings, up to 14 days. This ship is small enough to moor beside islands such as Rab, where the namesake town's perfectly preserved medieval buildings are squeezed onto a narrow peninsula, as well as the seaside city of Zadar, studded with Roman and Renaissance architecture. On board, relax in the air-conditioned lounge or take the plunge and leap straight into the Adriatic from the swimming buzzing race tracks to scented spas, there's something to float everyone's boat on Norwegian Cruise Line's innovative ships. The headline port of call on Adriatic sailings is Dubrovnik, where the tender to shore provides inviting views of the city and its trove of historic buildings. Upgrade your sailing with a stay in the Haven zone: a ship-within-a-ship complex that comes with spacious top-deck cabins and 24-hour butlers plus an exclusive restaurant, lounge and sundeck. If you have little ones, look out for the family cabins close to the action of the kids' clubs and nursery catering for mini-mariners as young as six sailors can expect to be kept busy aboard MSC's fleet of colourful, glitzy vessels. There are five children's clubs for all ages (over six months), including complimentary babysitting. This gives parents plenty of time to scale the city walls that encircle Dubrovnik, explore Unesco-listed Diocletian's Palace in Split or relax on a beach, safe in the knowledge that the little ones are having fun with their shipmates. MSC has a long Italian sailing heritage and offers a choice of departure points such as Venice, Trieste and Bari, bound for Istria and the Dalmatian the Adriatic Scandi-style aboard Viking's adults-only ships — the line has several Mediterranean cruises that include Croatia. There are plenty of staterooms to choose from: those on deck seven are closest to the panoramic Explorer's Lounge. This deck is also home to the incredible 134 sq m Owner's Suite, which has a sauna, if you want to splash out. 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Scotland's 10 best fish and chip shops for summer 2025 takeaway
The Daily Record has put together a roundup of the top chippies across the country. Summer has officially arrived, which means so has peak fish and chip season. While a good fish supper is tasty no matter what time of year, there is something extra-special about one when the sun is shining. As June kicks off, the weather will hopefully start to pick up in the coming weeks. Many Scots will be looking to celebrate by heading to a fish and chip takeaway. If there is one thing Scotland has no shortage of, it is chippies. While you can head to your local fish and chip shop and probably get a tasty supper, there are some takeaways that are a cut above the rest. In honour of the start of the warmest season, the Daily Record has put together a roundup of some of the top fish and chip shops around Scotland. From the Scottish Borders to the Inner Hebrides, there are top-quality takeaways in every corner of the country—you just have to know where to look. Read on for our picks for the 10 best fish and chip shops in Scotland for summer 2025. The Real Food Cafe, Tyndrum The Real Food Cafe is an award-winning road-side diner that serves up top-quality salads, soups, and homemade treats. Of course, it is its fish and chips we are interested in. All of the eatery's haddock is sourced from sustainable MSC certified stocks, and is traditionally battered. The fish can be breaded for an additional cost, while extras include mushy peas, homemade tartare sauce, and battered large prawns. Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie Describing itself as Inverurie's "finest fish and chip shop" on its website, the Garioch Fish Bar sources the entirety of its produce locally to ensure that everything is as high-quality as possible. The chippy also prepares all of its food fresh to order. Customers can choose from haddock in a range of sizes, as well as lemon sole, rock turbot, and cod. Salt and pepper squid, fishcakes, scampi, and more are also available. Landy's Fish & Chips, Edinburgh Landy's Fish & Chips is a trendy venue in the Scottish capital that proves you don't need to sacrifice style for quality. While its interior is super modern and chic, its food is top-notch as well. In addition to classic battered or breaded haddock, Landy's Fish & Chips also offers Cajun spiced baked haddock and vegan options. All are served with twice-cooked chips and tartare sauce. The Seaforth, Ullapool Located in the heart of Ullapool in Ross and Cromarty, The Seaforth is a popular stopping point along the North Coast 500 scenic driving route. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor sitting areas, including a beer garden where visitors can admire the magnificent surrounding scenery. The award-winning eatery offers quality sourced seafood, with its Atlantic haddock fillet cooked in a crispy batter. Meanwhile, its chips are made from the highest-quality potatoes and are hand-cut and twice-fried. Oban Fish and Chip Shop, Oban Dating back to 2002, the Oban Fish and Chip Shop has been delighting both locals and visitors alike for decades. Over the years, it has received accolades from the Good Food Awards, National Geographic, VisitScotland, and more. The Oban Fish and Chip Shop's haddock and cod, which are sourced from Norway, are lightly battered or breadcrumbed and served with fresh-cut chips. Also available are local hake, local bass, and Mediterranean sea bass. The Bay Fish and Chips, Stonehaven The Bay Fish and Chips is another award-winning chippy that is both a local favourite and renowned across the country. It puts sustainability first, using only the freshest ingredients and sustainably sourced fish. Among the most popular dishes at The Bay Fish and Chips is its MSC certified North Sea Haddock—landed in Peterhead—that is hand-filleted. Customers can also enjoy fishcakes, scampi, fish burgers, and a range of other chippy classics. The Wee Chippy, Anstruther The family-owned Wee Chippy is one of the most popular fish and chip shops in the seaside Fife town of Anstruther, rivalled only by the famous Anstruther Fish Bar. It prides itself on serving up "the freshest of produce available" according to its website, with its food fried to order in vegetable oil. Visitors can enjoy battered or breaded haddock, as well as fishcakes, prawns, scampi, and more. In addition to its classic menu, The Wee Chippy also offers a gluten and dairy-free menu seven days a week for customers with dietary restrictions. The Chippy, Portree The Chippy has a lot of competition in Portree, but even amongst Skye's thriving food scene it stands tall. While unassuming from the outside, it has earned its reputation as a local favourite. If it is a simple no-nonsense fish and chips you are after, then this is the place. Set in a perfect position on Portree's harbour, The Chippy is the ideal spot to pick up a fresh supper to eat as you take in the beautiful coastal views. Alfonso's Takeaway, Earlston Alfonso's Takeaway is easily one of the standout fish and chip shops in the Scottish Borders, having previously been recognised at the Scottish Fish and Chip Awards. The family-run business specialises in fish, pizzas, kebabs, and burgers. The fish at Alfonso's Takeaway is perfectly cooked in a tasty crisp batter. The portions are also rather generous, perfect for those with a big appetite. Mcleod's Fish and Chips, Inverness If you find yourself in Inverness this summer, then you owe it to yourself to try out Mcleod's Fish and Chips. Fresh from the sea, all of the chippy's fish is fully sustainable and locally sourced. In terms of its seafood offerings, visitors can order haddock, scampi, scallops, and fishcakes with or without chips. Other options include fresh burgers, sausage suppers, and haggis pudding.
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
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The Caribbean private islands you can enjoy on a cruise from Cayman Islands to Bahamas
We look at existing private islands you can cruise to SPLASH OUT The Caribbean private islands you can enjoy on a cruise from Cayman Islands to Bahamas IT doesn't get more exciting than sailing in style to a paradise Caribbean private island. And even more cruise lines are now going all out to host passengers on their own islands. Advertisement 4 Splash out at Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day Credit: Supplied Royal Caribbean last week announced its second Perfect Day destination off Mexico, opening in 2027, which will include a waterpark with 30 slides, the longest lazy river in the world, adults-only beach clubs and a host of bars and restaurants. Lisa Minot looks at existing private islands you can cruise to. ROYAL CARIBBEAN IT was Royal who upped the ante with the launch of its revamped Perfect Day at Coco Cay in 2019. The £185million transformation of its Bahamas island included a new pier, thrill rides and chill zones. Advertisement There are seven beaches to laze beside the warm waters and six pools, including Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean with swim-up bar and in-water loungers. The Thrill Waterpark has 14 slides including the tallest in North America while Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon are perfect places for the kids to play. There's complimentary food at four restaurants as well as a host of bars and shops. The adult-only Hideaway Beach opened in January last year and, for an extra charge, over-18s can enjoy a private beach, two pools, seven bars and two restaurants. Advertisement Also available to book for an extra charge are overwater cabanas, a zipline and tethered hot air balloon as well as kayak tours and snorkelling excursions. GO: A week full-board on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is from £1,064pp, sailing from Miami on November 8 and calling at St Maarten, St Thomas and Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Inside the huge new cruise ship coming to the US next year - with waterpark, bumper cars, and 20 bars onboard See MSC CRUISES WITH its signature stripey lighthouse and two miles of white sand beaches, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for MSC cruise ships. Advertisement They sail from their new private terminal in Miami as well as Port Canaveral in Florida and New York, including MSC World America, which made its debut in April. 4 Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for MSC cruise ships Credit: Supplied The Italian cruise line has transformed a former sand excavation site in the last ten years, planting more than 75,000 trees and bringing back marine life and birds. A newly-opened conservation centre on the island allows guests to discover their achievements and includes a land-based coral nursery and fully-equipped bio-lab. Advertisement But cruise guests will also appreciate the island's laid-back vibe with food trucks and restaurants offering Bahamian specialities, barbecue classics, snacks and oodles of ice cream and beach bars serving tropical cocktails. There's a chance to explore the underwater wonders with snorkelling, kayak, paddle board and windsurfing excursions. For a bit of luxury, you can relax in a cabana or take a sunset champagne cruise. GO: Seven nights' full-board on MSC World America is from £649pp. Advertisement Sailing from Miami on September 13, the cruise calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. See HOLLAND AMERICA/CARNIVAL ONE of the original private island pioneers, the Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 and it has been expanding its presence there ever since. In summer next year, a major upgrade will see a new beach club and lunch venue on its original facilities on the south of the island's stunning two-mile crescent of powder-soft white sand as well as a new pier at the north end of the beach that will be used by both Holland America and its sister cruise line Carnival. Advertisement 4 The Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 Credit: Supplied Thrill-seekers can enjoy horseback riding along the shore, snorkelling, jet skiing, and stingray encounters. Families will love the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, while nature enthusiasts can explore eco-tours and birdwatching. Unique experiences include glass-bottom boat tours and a pirate ship-themed bar. Advertisement With beach sports, shopping and complimentary barbecue lunches, this is a high-end island escape for cruisers. GO: A 14-night full-board Western & Eastern Caribbean cruise on Holland America's Zuiderdam is from £1,379pp, departs Miami on November 8 and calls at Half Moon Cay, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Mexico, Miami, Bahamas, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos. See DISNEY MICKEY Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas. Advertisement Their original, Castaway Cay, opened in 1998 as part of the launch of the new cruise line. 4 Mickey Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas Credit: Disney Parks And last year, they opened Lookout Cay. As you would expect, there is a huge amount of fun activities for kids including kids' clubs for three to 17-year-olds. Advertisement The family beach features plenty of umbrellas, chairs and hammocks plus tube and float rentals and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Water babies will love Pelican Plunge, a huge floating platform featuring water slides and cannons. Spring-a-Leak is a water play area with freshwater jets. Adults get their own Serenity Bay stretch of pristine sands as well as a restaurant and bar. Advertisement The island features a 12-acre snorkel trail dotted with sunken treasures including the submarine from the classic Disney attraction 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and there are miles of paths to explore on foot or bicycle. Over at Lookout Cay, there's more of a focus on nature and celebrating the island's Bahamian location with a cultural centre where you can learn about traditions and crafts. GO: A four-night full-board cruise on Disney Wish to the Bahamas, including calls at both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay is from £920pp, based on two adults and two children sharing. The cruise departs August 17. Advertisement See
