oceania cruises to alaska reviews

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Alaska Cruise

By Rebels82 , June 2, 2021 in Oceania Cruises

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For those of you that have gone to Alaska, would you recommend Oceania or another line?  Which ports are a must to visit? Thanks.

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1 hour ago, Rebels82 said: For those of you that have gone to Alaska, would you recommend Oceania or another line?  Which ports are a must to visit? Thanks.

Been to Alaska on Carnival and the land/cruise option on Princess which was outstanding. Very highly recommend this. Not available on Oceania. All of the large ships go to the same places so no real difference. The combination of going to Denali, the train rides, the Princess lodges, never touching your luggage etc combined with the cruise would make the  Princess cruise/ tour my first choice. Our cruise/tour sold out a year in advance.

Glacier Bay while not a port, would also be highly recommended.  Doubt if Oceania would be allowed to go there.

Very highly recommend any tour in any port that involves an airplane or helicopter as in landing on a glacier. Expensive but sell your house if need be to go on one of these tours. You will remember it on your death bed.

We were supposed to have been on O in Alaska right now so I can't address how they handle the great state.

One of the things I did like about our O itinerary was the longer day in Sitka. The stop there was longer than any other itinerary I checked. 

You will get better cuisine on O, especially compared to Princess. And for the most part the ships are smaller which is another plus for us.

Even though HAL and Princess are the most experienced Alaska cruise companies we avoid both lines. RCI and Celebrity also offer land trips.

What I would highly recommend is a southbound itinerary. You can explore Alaska up to Fairbanks and Denali independently. A little research goes a long way. Southbound itineraries sail from Whittier or Seward which are both within beautiful drives or train rides from Anchorage. Most of these itineraries end in Vancouver, another plus. Vancouver is almost 1,300 miles south of Anchorage which makes the trip home easier.

Most of the port stops are indeed the same. There are some longer itineraries than stop in Haines and along the Canadian coast. Don't rule out a sailing from LA or San Francisco. Those sailings stop in Astoria, Oregon which is an absolutely charming stop especially if it's on a Sunday market day.

The Alaska boards might address many of your questions about the state. Do look carefully at the times in each port if you are comparing cruises.

It's a glorious place and think about this booking as your first Alaskan cruise.

We were due to do a 7 day cruise on HAL last year but got Covid-cancelled. We'd arranged the trip with an agent in the UK as a package, which also included flights, and several days in Canada. It was a birthday present to myself for my 70th. Fully appreciate that HAL does not have the elegance of O, but it was a matter of balancing that against what was a not inconsiderable cost of the whole holiday. There was certainly "stuff to do" at the ports - Ketchikan, Juneau & Skagway - although these are small places and my guess is they are swamped if there's a couple of ships in port.

Truth be told, the need for the birthday present has now passed and I'm doubtful that Alaska will be featuring in my future plans. It's a long, long flight to get to Vancouver. And the jet lag on the return trip would be horrendous.

In 2018 we took Celebrity on a 7-day southbound Alaska cruisetour which included a 3 day land tour to Denali. Our time was constrained to 10 days max. This was not enough time to be able to encompass such a large area. While the land tour was very enjoyable, we spent most of each day on a bus traveling to the next destination. Alaska’s interior requires more time to be able to take it in.  At Glacier bay, the O ship ahead of us got closer to the ice than our larger ship could. 

We did Alaska on Regent Navigator and were able to get into the opening of Tracy Arm.  From there a pontoon excursion brought us close to the glacier.  Outstanding.  In Ketchikan we found a spot upriver so shallow you can walk out on the rocks and be surrounded by salmon.  Very unique.  

I have been to Alaska 7 times once on a paddle boat cant remember the name but out of business (awful) except that we saw a pod of whales, on Regent, on Celebrity and Oceania..I liked O best because of the size and service..in Ketchikan dont miss their all you can eat crab excursion..I have done it twice and cant wait for a third time..

9 minutes ago, Jancruz said: I have been to Alaska 7 times once on a paddle boat cant remember the name but out of business (awful) except that we saw a pod of whales, on Regent, on Celebrity and Oceania..I liked O best because of the size and service..in Ketchikan dont miss their all you can eat crab excursion..I have done it twice and cant wait for a third time.. Jancruz1

Is that the one where they shack the chairs on the table to win the highest pile of shells contest?

5 hours ago, marieps said: Hey Jan, Is that the one where they shack the chairs on the table to win the highest pile of shells contest?

Yes..LOL..but oh is it delicious..my problem is I cant eat that much..always wanted a doggie bag but they wont let you!!

1 hour ago, Jancruz said: Yes..LOL..but oh is it delicious..my problem is I cant eat that much..always wanted a doggie bag but they wont let you!! Jancruz1

Yep, did it.   For a ship excursion it was pretty awesome.

On 6/1/2021 at 5:14 PM, Rebels82 said: For those of you that have gone to Alaska, would you recommend Oceania or another line?  Which ports are a must to visit? Thanks.

We were booked on a southbound Oceania cruise last year. We chose this itinerary as we wanted to include a land package prior to sailing.

Since 0 did not offer this option in 2022 we booked Silversea instead. My friend did this same sailing and absolutely loved it.  Although it may be a little pricier it includes everything!

First Alaska cruise added a land tour on Oceania..Fabulous..Land tour was outstanding..only 4 couples..like a private tour.  We had to fly into Anchorage and Oceania flew us back to Seattle to catch the 7 day cruise. But 7 days is not enough to see all the wonderful ports, Also did a 2 week Alaska cruise on Windstar. Loved that too, there were only 200 pgs. and they did zodiac tours from the ship.  Booked Oceania again for this year but had to change it to 2022 thanks to covid!  Chose Oceania again because we liked their 10 day itinerary better. Also did the crab fest too. Loads of fun. Alaska is awesome.

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Oceania Alaska cruises from $2,099*

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Oceania Cruises Alaska Cruises

One-of-a-kind ports will leave you in awe as you snap photos of the bears, salmon, glaciers and mountains during an Alaska cruise. You’ll be encouraged to learn the ways of an Alaskan resident in Ketchikan, including how to take care of the environment in the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. This option will bring out the outdoorsman in you as you see wildlife, including bears, killer whales and goats in Kodiak. Dog sledding in Skagway, jetboats in Glacier Bay—it’s all refreshing and adventurous on an Oceania Alaska cruise.

Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise with Oceania Cruises

Adventure is around every corner when you’re in Alaska with Oceania Cruises. Take in the full picture when you soar above the clouds in a floatplane or dog sled across Mendenhall Glacier.

• Alaska Bear Adventure by Floatplane (Ketchikan, Alaska) Take a floatplane into the backwoods of Alaska. From your vantage point in the sky you’ll see forested mountains, historic homesteads and beautiful lakes. When your plane lands you’ll head out to the forest. With a naturalist as your guide, you’ll head to a viewing platform that overlooks a salmon stream where black bears usually gather to catch the pink, chum and Coho salmon. Have your camera ready as you watch these bears fish for their dinner. From this vantage point you might also encounter bald eagles, mink and black-tailed deer.  

• Eye of the Wind Turbine Adventure (Vancouver, British Columbia) This trip will take you to the top of Grouse Mountain, a popular spot in Vancouver. Originally the mountain was popular among grouse hunters, and now with its cabins, restaurants and recreational facilities it’s were many come for a fun day outdoors. To get to the top you’ll take a tram, then a chairlift and then finally an elevator to the top of the 20-story turbine. From here you’ll enter a glass-enclosed pod for amazing views of the city.  

• Russian America, Raptor Center and Russian Dancers (Sitka, Alaska) Did you know that Alaska was once a Russian province? At the Sheldon Jackson Museum you’ll learn about Alaska’s history, from Eskimos to Russian colonization to becoming the 49th State in America. You’ll visit St. Michael’s Cathedral which contains Icon Artwork from the 16th century. This trip will also include a visit to the Sitka National Historical Park where the Battle of Alaska was waged. The site also has many totem poles and demonstrations on this art form. You might also spend some time at the Alaska Raptor Center where volunteers rescue and rehabilitate birds.  

• Butchart Gardens Floral Adventure (Victoria, British Columbia) Butchart Gardens has been delighting travelers since Jennie Butchart started work on the massive project in 1904. When you visit you’ll enjoy a self-guided tour and explore the various sites within the garden, including the Waterwheel Square, Sunken Garden and Italian Garden. After your visit you can take a little bit of the garden home with you by purchasing some seeds at the seed shop.  

• Fishing the Inside Passage (Wrangell, Alaska) Head out on a fishing boat with a licensed captain to enjoy 4 hours of fishing in the Pacific Ocean. During your day you could catch famous Alaskan salmon and halibut. Any catch you make can be processed and shipped to your home, so you can have a big feast to celebrate your trip.  

• Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier via Helicopter (Juneau, Alaska Enjoy an adventure-filled day that begins as you helicopter over the glaciers of southeast Alaska. Then you’ll land on Mendenhall Glacier at the dogsled camp. Here you’ll meet professional mushers and huskies and learn about the famous 1,000 mile Iditarod race. You’ll get to ride in a sled as these dogs take you to beautiful spots on the glacier. Then head back up in the helicopter for the ride back to the mainland.  

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Oceania Cruises Alaska Departure Ports

Learn more about your potential departure ports for an Alaska cruise with Oceania Cruises. Your Oceania Cruises Alaska cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Seward, Alaska

The beautiful small coastal town of Seward, which is most known for its picturesque scenic views and many visitors’ attractions, is a perfect addition for your next Alaska cruise.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Photo Gallery for Oceania Cruises Alaska Cruises

Flip through our photo gallery of Alaska cruising photos from Oceania Cruises. Remember, this is only a taste of the experiences waiting for you on an Oceania Cruises Alaska cruise vacation.

Hubbard Glacier

Black bear catching salmon, Wrangell, Alaska

Floatplanes near Ketchikan, Alaska

Gondola Ride to Grouse Mountain Top, Vancouver

Dog Sled Excursion

Stairway in Butchart Gardens, Vancouver

View of Sitka town from Gavan Hill, Alaska

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As part of Oceania's fleetwide revamp, Regatta was completely redesigned in September 2019. Passengers in Veranda Staterooms and Suites will enjoy verandas and spaces ranging from 216 to 1,000 square feet, while Inside and Ocean View cabins are smaller. The ship now offers solo staterooms for those who are traveling alone. No matter which you choose, all staterooms are equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service, plus all-new furnishings and marble bathrooms.

The 670 passengers will receive Oceania's signature service, with 400 crew members catering to guests' needs. Recent cruisers noted they rarely encountered crowds in the ship's public areas. The atmosphere aboard Regatta is decidedly adult, as the ship caters to older, affluent cruisers.

Entertainment varies from nightly musical performances to table games at the casino. Dining is also diverse: Regatta offers five venues ranging from the formal dining room to a casual grill. All-new plant-based menu items are also available. 

Regatta sails to destinations in Mexico, Asia, Australia and more.

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Offers solo staterooms for solo travelers

Some recent passengers were disappointed in service on board

• Expert Rating » 4.5
• Traveler Rating » 4.1
• Health Rating » 5.0

Regatta ranks # 2 out of 7 Oceania Cruises Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings.

• # 2 in Best Oceania Cruises
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• # 7 in Best Cruises to the Pacific
• # 15 in Best Cruises for Couples
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Regatta contains 9 decks. Find out which features are available on each Regatta deck.

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The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don't need to sign up for shore excursions . You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own.

For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren't like that.

To get the most out of an Alaska cruise , you'll want to sign up for a tour in most if not all of the ports you visit. And not just any old tour. You'll be looking for the best Alaska shore excursions that get you out into the Alaska backcountry.

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In Alaska, many of the biggest "attractions" — breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance — are related to the Great Outdoors. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you'll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Picking the best Alaska shore excursions

People who know me know that I love talking about Alaska port towns. This isn't just because I spent more than two decades writing about Alaska and other cruise destinations for major newspapers. For many years, I was the co-author of Frommer's "Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call" guide. In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I've tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I've also poked around these towns a lot on my own.

As noted above, my biggest message to anyone planning an Alaska cruise is to get out of the towns . Sign up for something — a hike, a rafting trip, a train ride, a fishing outing — that gets you out into Alaska's spectacular outdoor settings.

But I also have a few specific, top-line pro tips when you're thinking about the best Alaska shore excursions:

• Get up in the air . It'll be expensive. We're talking $250 or more per person. But there's nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. The Juneau Icefield, in particular, is a sight to behold. It covers around 1,500 square miles. You can see it on a flightseeing tour from Juneau, with some tours including landings on the ice.
• Don't miss the whales. Even if you're not a big wildlife person, you'll be mesmerized by the humpback whales of Alaska. They are huge (at up to 52 feet, longer than a Greyhound bus), and there are boat tours that will get you up close to them. The best places to do this are out of Juneau and also Icy Strait Point if your ship stops there.
• Splurge for a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument . This glacier-carved wilderness area, not far from Ketchikan, is another don't-miss sight. It's everything you think of when you think of Alaska: icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. The only way to get there is on a boat or floatplane tour, and they typically start at over $200 a person.

Unfortunately, as you can see from the above, many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaskan ports are expensive. But Alaska is not a place to skimp. Alaska is a place where you may want to budget almost as much per person for your shore excursions as you do for your cabin.

That said, you don't have to splurge for a big outing at every call. In Juneau, for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. It's just 12 miles from the cruise ship docks and reachable by bus or taxi. The bus will set you back an astounding $45 per person, round-trip, which I find an intolerable gouge (but … it is what it is). If you have a few people, you're probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. For two or three people traveling together, it's not all that pricey a trip.

Either way you do it, you'll find some nice hiking trails around Mendenhall Glacier and a visitor center. There's a creek there, too, where I've sometimes seen salmon running. One time, I even saw a bear. Speaking of which: A bear is something you think you want to see in Alaska until you actually see one. Then you're just hoping you don't get eaten.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

I should also be clear that the towns themselves aren't devoid of attractions. While I highly encourage Alaska-bound cruisers to get out into the wilderness, there are plenty of worthwhile things to do in each of the main port towns.

In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. The Alaska State Museum is beautiful and worth a visit. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks. If you're a craft beer fan, like me , you also might want to sample a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale at the Skagway Brewing Company. It's made with Sitka spruce tips picked locally in the spring.

In Ketchikan, you should save a few minutes to stroll up Creek Street, along Ketchikan Creek, where you might spot salmon running. It's the ultimate Alaska selfie spot.

Related: The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle

How to book the best Alaska shore excursions

The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it's all arranged. They send a ticket to your room, and when you walk off the ship, a tour guide will be waiting for you.

Another way to go is to book directly with a tour operator in one of the ports. Many of the tour operators you'll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you, at the same price . Shopping around isn't necessarily going to get you anywhere.

Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America is a part-owner of Skagway's big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

That said, you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. I've had some luck with that over the years. It's hit or miss.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

The 6 best Alaska shore excursions

Below, I've listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. These all are tours that you'll find in the tour lineups at every major cruise line that operates in Alaska. That said, different lines sometimes have different names for these tours — and sometimes different pricing.

For the listings below, I've used the tour names and pricing listed in the current tour sheets at Princess, which along with sister line Holland America, is the biggest cruise operator in Alaska.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

Dog-sledding and glacier adventure by helicopter

Cost: $669.95 per person

Port where available: Juneau

For those with a hefty bankroll, this might be the ultimate Alaska shore excursion. Combining helicopter flightseeing over the seemingly endless Juneau Icefield with a landing on a glacier for dog sledding, it hits two of Alaska's most iconic experiences.

It's also insanely expensive, as I know from firsthand experience. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process. That's a huge chunk of change for an outing that lasts three hours.

But I'll tell you this: I don't regret doing it. Not one bit. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp.

Once you arrive at the camp, you'll meet the dogs and their mushers, see where they live, get a quick tutorial in mushing, and then head out for a spin around the camp on a dog-pulled sled.

Related: These are the best times to visit Alaska

Whale watching and wildlife quest

Cost: $189.95

If it's Alaska's famous humpback whales that you want to see, you'll want to book a whale-watching tour. The waters around Juneau are particularly known for humpback whales — so much so that the operator of this excursion offers a whale-sighting guarantee.

Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you'll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. You might even spot a killer whale or porpoise.

The boat used for this excursion has both inside and outdoor viewing areas. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat.

Related: The ultimate list of Alaska cruise tips

Note that if you have a big enough group, it sometimes pays to arrange a private boat out of Juneau to take you to see humpback whales. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company.

Klondike rock climbing and rappelling

Cost: $119.95

Port where available: Skagway

If you're like me, you may be a little terrified at the idea of climbing the sheer face of a rock cliff. But don't let that scare you away from this 3 1/4-hour tour. It's a hoot.

Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs that's the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Upon arrival, the guides provide you with all the gear you need — climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses — for a safe scramble up a 70-foot-high wall. They'll also offer plenty of instruction (and encouragement) plus a snack of trail mix and hot chocolate.

If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don't need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn't have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. There are multiple routes up the cliffs, some perfect for beginners. After making it to the top, you'll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ride

Cost: $149.95

Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. And for good reason. It offers an easy way to get deep into the Great Alaskan Outdoors.

Truth be told, I'm a fan of more active excursions. But for someone who isn't going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the area's classic Alaskan scenery.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise

From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you'll get stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters to the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right, with improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.

Heli-hike and rail adventure

Cost: $399.95

This is another tour with a sky-high cost. But, in my opinion, it's well worth the money. Indeed, it's one of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions.

The five-hour, Skagway-based outing begins with a transfer from your ship to a nearby helicopter pad, where you'll find a helicopter waiting to whisk you high into the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range.

On a quick flight to your destination — a mountain trail in the Tongass National Forest — you'll get spectacular views of the mountains and Goat Lake. You'll land at Glacier Station, a remote mountain helicopter pad alongside the White Pass & Yukon Railway tracks. From there, you'll set off on a two- to six-mile guided wilderness hike on a trail along the Skagway River. The highlight of the hike: a magnificent view of Laughton Glacier.

Returning to Glacier Station, you'll end the day with a ride back to Skagway on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which makes a special stop to pick you up.

Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane

Cost: $299.95

Port where available: Ketchikan

There's nothing that says Alaska quite like a trip in a floatplane. And, if you're going to do a floatplane ride, there's nowhere better than in Ketchikan. You'll find a small armada of floatplanes waiting to take you to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.

Misty Fjords is one of those quintessential Alaska destinations that's so beautiful you just want to cry. That is, if it's not too "misty" to see it. It got its name for a reason. The area is often shrouded in clouds and drizzly rain. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket.

But, also get ready for lovely views of glacier-carved fjords, cliffs and rock walls jutting thousands of feet out of the ocean. The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). It's definitely a sight to see.

Note that there often are two versions of this tour available: One that is about two hours in length and only includes flightseeing and a slightly longer version that includes a water landing within Misty Fjord National Monument.

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"Any pre- flight arrangements, such as seat assignments, frequent flyer programs, wheelchair requests, oxygen or special meal requests, must be made by the guest directly with the airlines based on their policies and procedures. Oceania Cruises cannot confirm any special airline requests unless otherwise specified. Due to special fares used, frequent flyer or past traveler discounts may not apply to air tickets issued by Oceania Cruises . These special requests and services should be arranged by your travel agent directly with the airlines ."

Additionally, I found this information in their terms and conditions - the last sentence nails it.

Baggage Policy

So it pays to read the fine print so you know upfront what you are responsible for.

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A Conde Nast Traveler Exclusive: Editor’s Tips + Itineraries Not to Miss

We’re teaming up with Condé Nast Traveler on a new exclusive collaboration, bringing you itineraries curated by the magazine’s dedicated editors. Condé Nast Traveler editors have handpicked their favorite ports on select 2025 and 2026 itineraries and are sharing insider knowledge on what to see, eat and experience. Whether you have eight or 48 hours in port, these exclusive editor’s tips and insights will help you make the most of every minute: how to dine at India’s best restaurants, where to find the freshest lobster in St. Barts and the most beautiful libraries in Rio de Janeiro, and where to sip on local spirits in Cairns, Australia. It’s a match made in travel heaven — taking you to the most compelling places on earth with recommendations from the people who know them best.

Featured Conde Nast Traveler Editor’s Tips

GUSTAVIA, ST. BARTS Vibrant Voyage to Rio: Miami to Rio de Janeiro Departs January 6, 2026 | 18 Days | Vista

Savor fresh lobster at La Langouste Flamands Bay’s most talked-about resident may be Cheval Blanc St–Barth , and, with Michelin-starred French chef Jean Imbert behind the menu at fine-dining restaurant La Case , we certainly understand why. But it’s worth slipping off your sandals and walking further down the shore to the more tucked-away La Langouste , whose name should give you a hint at the house specialty. The Creole-accented menu is dominated by local spiny lobster, grilled fresh from the tank and served alongside a trio of Chef Michel Lefèvre’s signature sauces. Deemed the best lobster on the island by locals, the casual beachside restaurant is a go-to for lunch — and a welcome break from the haute hotspots.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Palms to Penguins, Rio de Janeiro to Santiago de Chile January 22, 2026 | Marina | 24 Days

Tango for two in Almagro Tango is like oxygen in this city, but it can be hard to know where to start breathing it. The Almagro neighborhood is the place. Take inspiration from the Carlos Gardel mural on the corner of Anchorena and Zelaya streets before popping into his former home turned museum . Get your footwork fancy down in a group class at La Catedral milonga, a dance hall with a live DJ. Traveling solo? Book a tango taxi , or dance partner paid by the hour, with whom to try a few rounds on the dancefloor, then wind down at El Boliche de Roberto , a bar notable frequented by musicians whose mournful melodies always pack out this tiny, authentic spot.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Brazilian Rhythms: Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires Departs January 24, 2026 | 10 Days | Vista

Scope the city from on high (but with fewer crowds) Taking the foot trail at Morro da Urca, the gateway to Sugarloaf Mountain, not only bypasses the touristy cable car queues, it rewards you with one of Rio’s most picturesque strolls. Accessible via Praia Vermelha, the path features staircases crafted from tree trunks and plenty of native wildlife, including white-tufted-ear marmosets and Rufous-bellied thrush. Stretching more than 700 meters above sea level, it offers an unforgettable view of Botafogo Beach; in the distance, Christ the Redeemer appears like a miniature action figure on the horizon. As the afternoon winds down, the cable car descent is complimentary.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO Leeward Isles Serenade, Tampa to Tampa March 3, 2026 | Insignia | 15 Days

See contemporary Caribbean art Set in a handsome neoclassical building with doric columns and arched windows, the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR) is the largest museum in the Caribbean — and arguably the most compelling. Its sleek white-walled galleries hold art dating back to the 17th century; standouts from the permanent collection include contemporary pieces by Puerto Rican artists such as Carlos Dávila-Rinaldi, whose pop-art paintings explore themes like violence and racism, and Rafael Trelles, who paints fantastical scenes to illustrate humanity’s fragmented sense of reality. After your visit, spend some time in the 2.5-acre garden in the back, dotted with sculptures and lush autochthonous trees.

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA Barrier Reef Treasures: Sydney to Singapore Departs April 9, 2026 | 18 Days | Vista

Sip some local spirits at Wolf Lane Distillery Behind a set of heavy doors, in an unassuming laneway in the heart of the CBD, you’ll find Wolf Lane Distillery, a surprisingly bright and light micro-distillery. Pop in for a quick tasting and to learn how the gin is distilled, and see if you can identify the flavors of the region (sticky-sweet mango, Davidson plum and pepper-berry,) before leaving with some souvenir bottles. If time permits, head across the lane to the dimly lit Three Wolves cocktail joint for some boozy home-grown drinks shaken and stirred by dapper bartenders.

MUMBAI, INDIA Ancient Spice Routes: Singapore to Dubai Departs April 27, 2026 | 16 Days | Vista

See the catch of the day come in Wake up before the sun and head to the Sassoon Dock, about 15 minutes from the port, to soak up the sounds and smells of one of the city’s busiest fishing docks. By the time you get there, dozens of boats and trawlers will be emptying their bounty — giving you front-row access to the morning’s auctions. You will be jostling for elbow room with fishmongers, gulls, and cats—everyone trying to get their share of the catch before the market dissolves by 8 a.m. With Mumbai’s favorite pomfret, seerfish, mackerel, crabs, octopus, rays, and tuna rolling in, this is a photographer’s delight.

SORRENTO/CAPRI, ITALY Sunny Sands & Chic Strands: Dubai to Barcelona May 13, 2026 | Vista | 20 Days

Treat yourself to the best pizza in Italy You are in Campania, after all, the region known for making the finest pies in the Boot. Instead of heading into Naples, which can raise even the most seasoned traveler’s blood pressure, make the pilgrimage to Pepe in Grani in the town of Caiazzo. One of the most inspired of all the Campanian pizzerias for offering the classics but with specialties all its own — try the La Scarpetta, layered with grana, buffalo mozzarella, and sauce made from three different types of tomatoes — the restaurant has been on the list for the best pizza in the world for years. (Yes, such a list exists, and yes, locals treat it like the Bible.) If you don’t feel like making the drive, Sorrento’s own Da Franco (Corso Italia 265; 39-0818772066) is also a knockout, with tasty, well-priced Neapolitan-style pies, cold beer, and a cool local vibe.

Check back often as we’ll be adding more voyages curated by Condé Nast Traveler and exclusive Editor’s Tips in the coming weeks and months.

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