Have you ever longed for the opportunity to cruise during the fall? With fewer crowds, delightful weather, and more affordable prices, the fall season is ideal for embarking on a cruise. Keep reading to learn the five top destinations we suggest visiting this season.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico Photo by Viking Cruises
Experience a town filled with cultural diversity and rich history by traveling to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The town was founded as a Spanish settlement in 1521 and remains the oldest European settlement currently under the jurisdiction of the United States. San Juan has something for everyone, from cobblestoned streets, chapels, and churches to sandy beaches, historic mansions, and the beautiful El Yunque National Forest. If you’re looking for a fall holiday destination not too far from the contiguous United States that combines mouthwatering cultural cuisine with history, relaxation, and the beauties of nature, look no further than San Juan, Puerto Rico.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Photo by Crystal Cruises
The most extended fall cruise to San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the 31-night New York- Bridgetown Cruise aboard Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity. The cruise departs from New York City and travels to different cities in the United States and Canada as well as the Bahamas, French West Indies, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and Grenadines, and Barbados. At these locations, guests will be able to taste local cuisine, visit historic sites and ports, traverse through bustling towns, and relax on sandy beaches.
The upcoming dates for this cruise are October 18, 2024 – November 18, 2024. Please visit Crystal Cruises for more information.
Catedral De San Juan Bautista, San Juan, Puerto Rico: Photo by Royal Caribbean
One of the shortest fall cruises to Puerto Rico is the 7-night Southern Caribbean Cruise onboard Rhapsody of the Sea. This cruise is a roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico and explores the U.S. Virgin Islands, St Thomas, St Maarten, St Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados. At these locations, guests can shop, traverse through bustling towns, enjoy cultural cuisine, visit historic sites, relax on sandy beaches, and immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world.
This cruise has three upcoming dates, but the cheapest dates are November 10-17, 2024. For more information and to book your Caribbean adventure, visit Royal Caribbean.
El Yunque National Forest, San Juan , Puerto Rico : Photo by dennisvdw
The above are only some of the many cruises to San Juan, Puerto Rico, so if you’re looking for a fall holiday destination that combines mouthwatering cultural cuisine with history, relaxation, and the beauties of nature, look no further than San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Barcelona, Spain
Cathedral of Barcelona, Spain : Photo by Azamara Cruises
From world-famous historical architecture to sandy beaches and mouth watering cuisine, Barcelona, Spain, is an excellent tourist destination. The city is home to the famously incomplete Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other iconic pieces of art and architecture. Tourists can enjoy tapas bars, local museums, craft stores, sandy beaches, and more. Tourists can enjoy tapas bars, local museums, craft stores, sandy beaches, and much more. For a complete cultural immersion experience, Barcelona is best visited during autumn when the weather is delightful and the crowds are scarce. Whether you’re looking for a glimpse of history or to enjoy the beaches and cuisine, Barcelona is the place to be.
Barcelona, Spain: Photo by Holland America Line
One of the longest fall cruises to Barcelona is the 18-day Malta & Mediterranean Romance onboard Oosterdam. The cruise departs from Rome, Italy, and travels to different cities in Italy, Turkey, Greece, France, Albania, and Spain. Visit historic museums and buildings at these locations, enjoy boat rides, wander through bustling towns, taste the finest local cuisine, and relax on sandy beaches.
The upcoming dates for this cruise are September 1-19, 2024. The cruise includes a $400 Shore Excursion credit and free kids fare. $500 Air Credit is also available when you book a 2024 Cruise with the “Have it All Fare” before November 15, 2023. For more information and to book, please visit Holland America Line.
Park Güel , Barcelona, Spain: Photo by MSC Cruises
One of the shortest cruises to Barcelona is the 6-night Mediterranean cruise onboard MSC Seaside. This cruise departs from Valencia, Spain, and explores different cities in France and Italy before debarking in Barcelona. At these locations, guests can enjoy vibrant cafes, view breathtaking ports and beaches, hang out at local restaurants, and visit historic sites and museums.
The upcoming dates for this cruise are October 24-30, 2024. For more information, visit the MSC Cruises website.
Photo by Pexels
The itineraries listed above are only some of the many cruises that go to Barcelona in the fall. Barcelona has something for everyone, from famous historical architecture and museums to sandy beaches and mouth watering cuisine.
Sydney, Australia
Photo by Brett Stone
Visit Australia’s largest city with a trip to Sydney. The city boasts a rich cultural history complete with indigenous cultural influences, world class cuisine, beautiful beaches, the famous Harbor Bridge and the iconic Opera House. The Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. From a variety of bars and restaurants, to bustling city life, relaxing beaches, to historical sites and renowned landmarks, Sydney is a vibrant city with something for everyone, with fall being the best time to visit for excellent weather and less crowds.
Fort Denison, Sydney, Australia: Photo by Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises offers one of the longest fall voyages to Sydney, known as the 29-day South Pacific Sojourn. This cruise embarks from Thailand and includes stops at various cities in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia. During these port visits, passengers can partake in boat rides and beach excursions, admire historical landmarks, savor the local culinary delights, connect with nature, and immerse themselves in the vibrant South Pacific cities.
This cruise is available on two upcoming dates: November 1-29, 2024, and November 25-December 23, 2024. Furthermore, there’s a limited-time special offer that includes reduced airfare and other exclusive fares for reservations made before October 31, 2023. To find more information, please visit Viking Cruises.
Sydney Harbor, Australia: Photo by Disney Cruise Line
One of the shortest cruises to Sydney is the 7-night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Melbourne onboard Disney Wonder. The cruise is a roundtrip from Melbourne and explores different cities in Australia including Hobart, Eden, and Sydney. At these locations, guests will be able to take advantage of excellent weather, enjoy outdoor parks and sunny beaches , visit historic sites, taste local cuisine, traverse through bustling towns,and shop.
The upcoming dates for this cruise are November 3-10, 2024. For more information please visit Disney Cruise Line.
Sydney Opera House , Australia : Photo by Crystal Cruises
For excellent weather and plethora of activities, Sydney is the perfect fall destination for a long vacation or a quick getaway.
Auckland, New Zealand
Photo by Onfokus
Embark on a journey to Auckland, New Zealand, and immerse yourself in a world teeming with cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. Auckland, often referred to as “The City of Two Sails,” boasts the unique feature of having two picturesque harbors, offering visitors delightful waterfront strolls, especially during the pleasant autumn weather. Moreover, you can relish sweeping panoramic vistas from the iconic Sky Tower, venture into Auckland’s scenic mountain regions, savor the flavors of local cuisine, and delve into the city’s rich history through its myriad museums and art galleries. A vibrant metropolis that seamlessly combines historical charm with breathtaking natural beauty is waiting in Auckland, New Zealand.
Waitemata Harbour Wynyard Crossing , Auckland , New Zealand: Photo by Silverseas
One of the longer cruises to Auckland is the 14-day Sydney to Auckland cruise onboard Silver Muse. The cruise departs from Sydney, Australia , and visits different cities in Australia and New Zealand including Melbourne, Hobart, Napier, Wellington, and others, before debarking at Auckland. At these locations guests will be able to view breathtaking views of waterfronts, taste local cuisine, immerse themselves in colonial history and art, and experience natural beauties from sandy beaches to mountains, and wildlife.
The upcoming dates for this cruise are November 22- December 6, 2024 and come with the standard amenities such as airport transfers, butler service, international flights in economy class or reduced business class fares. Additionally there is a limited-time offer of a suite upgrade if guests book before November 15, 2023. For more information or to book your cruise, please visit Silverseas.
Photo by notsphinx
The shortest cruise that goes to Auckland is the 4-day Tribute to the King cruise onboard Pacific Explorer. The cruise is a roundtrip from Auckland and goes to Picton. At these locations, guests will be able to taste local cuisine and relax on the bays and waterfronts of cities.
The upcoming dates for this cruise are October 11-15, 2024. Please visit P&O Cruises Australia for more information.
Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand,: Photo by AR
The above are only a few of the cruises that go to Auckland, New Zealand, so if you’re looking for a holiday that combines local cuisine, with beautiful waterfronts, mountains, stunning views, and history, look no further than Auckland, New Zealand.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Parliament of Barbados, Bridgetown, Barbados: Photo by Celebrity Cruises
Explore the vibrant capital of Barbados by taking a journey to Bridgetown! This charming city, affectionately nicknamed “Little England,” is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, steeped in a deep colonial legacy. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the region through visits to historical museums, plantation estates, fragrant gardens, and lush sugar cane fields. Savor a delightful fusion of flavors from Africa, the West Indies, and Europe through the delectable local cuisine. Unwind on the picturesque pebbled beaches or embark on thrilling jet ski adventures across the crystal-clear seas. Whether you seek a taste of history or simply wish to bask in the tropical warmth, Bridgetown,Barbados is the place to be.
Bridgetown, Barbados: Photo by Crystal Cruises
One of the longest cruises to Bridgetown is the 23-night Quebec City- Bridgetown cruise onboard Crystal Serenity.This cruise departs from Quebec City, Canada, and travels to different cities in the United States (Fort Lauderdale, Boston, Jacksonville, Norfolk), St Vincent and Grenadines, Puerto Rico, French West Indies, Antigua and Barbuda, West Indies, and Bridgetown, Barbados. At these locations guests will be able to relax on the beaches, walk on the waterfronts, taste local cuisine, view historic sites and museums, and traverse through bustling towns.
The upcoming dates for this cruise are October 26-November 18, 2024. For more information and to book your cruise, please visit Crystal Cruises.
Photo by Seabourn
One of the shortest cruises is the 7-day Caribbean Spice Islands cruise onboard Seabourn Ovation. The cruise is a roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados, and travels to Saint Lucia, Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada. At these locations guests will be able to shop, visit cultural restaurants, relax on sandy beaches, travel on yachts, and visit historic sites.
The upcoming dates for this cruise are November 23-30, 2024. A perfect cruise to celebrate Thanksgiving at sea. For more information and to book your cruise, please visit Seabourn.
Photo by furicz
Whether you gravitate towards historic landmarks, wildlife encounters, or the tranquil charm of natural scenery, a new adventure awaits.
Will you be sailing to any of these destinations on your next cruise, let us know in the comments?
by Kashaf Rashid
