Summer Cruise Destinations, North to South
From June to August the cruise world looks north. Long daylight and mild weather make this the prime season for Alaska, Norway, the Baltic, Iceland and the British Isles, while the Mediterranean is at its busiest and Bermuda is in full swing.
| Region | Summer character | Go deeper |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Glaciers, wildlife and the longest days of the year. | Best time to cruise Alaska |
| Norway and the fjords | The midnight sun in the far north; waterfalls at their fullest in early summer. | Scandinavia Cruises |
| Baltic and Scandinavia | Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn: city sightseeing in mild weather. | Northern Europe guide |
| British Isles | Round-Britain sailings with Scotland, Ireland and the Channel Islands. | British Isles Cruises |
| Mediterranean | Hot, busy and lively; the islands are in full swing. | Mediterranean guide |
| Bermuda | Beaches and overnight stays from the Northeast US. | Below |
| Canada and New England | Lighthouses, lobster and quiet harbors. | Maritime Voyages |
Fjords and the Far North
A Norwegian fjords cruise is a scenery cruise: the best moments happen on deck as the ship enters a narrow fjord in the early morning. Longer voyages continue past the Arctic Circle to the North Cape, where the sun does not set in midsummer, and some head on to Iceland, Greenland or Svalbard. Our sister site Polar Cruise Adventures covers the Arctic, and Scandinavia Cruises goes port by port through Scandinavia.
Bermuda in Summer
Bermuda is one of the few cruise destinations where most ships stay docked for two or three days, so it feels more like a short island stay than a port call. The season runs from spring into autumn. Pink sand beaches, the old town of St. George’s and the Royal Naval Dockyard, where most ships berth, are the highlights. Because Bermuda lies in the Atlantic, hurricane season applies here too.
Making the Mediterranean work in summer
- Choose itineraries with late departures or overnights, so you can see cities in the cooler evening.
- Book early morning excursions and keep afternoons for the ship.
- Consider smaller ports and islands alongside the famous names.
- June and early September usually offer the same sights with less heat.
Summer Cruise Questions
Is the Mediterranean too hot in summer?
July and August can be very hot in southern Europe, and the most famous towns are at their busiest. Early morning tours, shade and water help. June and September are often more comfortable.
Should I avoid the Caribbean in summer?
Not necessarily. Summer is inside hurricane season, but storms are less common early in the season than in its peak months. Expect heat and humidity, and keep your plans flexible.
How do Bermuda cruises work?
Most sail from US Northeast ports such as New York, Cape Liberty in New Jersey, Boston and Baltimore, and spend two or three days docked in Bermuda, so you have time for beaches and the island’s towns.
Plan a Summer Cruise
Tell us which part of the world calls you and your summer dates. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare summer sailings and send free quotes.
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