Top ocean cruise destinations for 2025
From whistle-stop journeys through dazzling Arctic scenes to sun-kissed Caribbean voyages, sail into the new year with a memorable ocean-crossing cruise abroad.
At Newmarket Holidays, we live and breathe escorted touring, but we’re also big fans of other types of travel and are always looking for exciting new opportunities to discover the world. If you’re after something different from your next adventure, why not explore the jewels of the world’s high seas with an ocean cruise?
As proud partners of Fred. Olsen and Ambassador Cruise Line, we’re looking ahead to making more wish-list moments come true in 2025. Departing from a wide range of regional UK ports, these no-fly cruises are carefully designed with your comfort in mind, making them a wonderful alternative to the classic holiday. Here are five of our top picks for places to drop anchor during a once-in-a-lifetime sailing.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
With its effervescent rhythms and glorious beachfront stretches, few regions encompass the Caribbean Sea’s appeal quite like Jamaica’s vibrant Montego Bay. As one of the country’s major port cities, and a popular retreat for holidaymakers year after year, Montego Bay is no stranger to boatloads of overseas visitors and, as such, has emerged as one of the world’s premier beachfront destinations. Soak up the sun while sipping on a cocktail, explore the city’s colourful palm-studded streets and enjoy a memorable taste of Caribbean culture.
Our wish-list moment: Soak up the sun on one of Jamaica’s pristine northern beaches, cocktail in hand, or delve beneath the waves for a scuba diving adventure around the region’s colourful protected coral reefs.
Our recommended cruise – Jewels of the Caribbean Sea with Ambassador Cruise Line
Portree, Isle of Skye
Enclosed by a natural harbour and dotted with a vibrant array of pastel-painted houses, Portree serves as the gateway to the Isle of Skye’s most recognisable sights. With a rich history, and other Hebridean treasures to discover nearby, the Isle of Skye promises the perfect pitstop on a cruise around the British Island’s glorious coastal wonders. Pair stops on Skye with sailings around Scotland’s highland gems, the Outer Hebrides or the Irish coast for a spectacular cruise closer to home.
Our wish-list moment: Immerse yourself in the Hebrides’ timeless natural beauty as Skye’s imposing Old Man of Storr welcomes your ship into Portree’s idyllic harbourfront as the island’s thriving birdlife fly overhead.
Our recommended cruise – Scenic Isles of Scotland with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s colourful capital marks the gateway to the wide Baltic Sea and offers cruise-goers a delightful introduction to the country’s historic seafaring industries. A host of fascinating national museums and galleries offer memorable cultural discoveries while Copenhagen’s waterfront street markets and bustling harbour area provide a glimpse of the city’s vibrant local communities. After time spent taking in the Danish capital, you’ll be well-placed to hit the ground running on an unforgettable round trip taking in the Baltics’ diverse urban centres.
Our wish-list moment: Explore fun-loving Copenhagen, with its pastel-coloured waterfront and regal palaces, ahead of a series of fascinating city stops across the Baltic Sea.
Our recommended cruise – Nordic City Escapes with Ambassador Cruise Line
Tromsø, Norway
While there are plenty of things to do and see across Norway’s delightful western coastline, there’s one sight which draws more visitors than any other across the country. That is, of course, the spell-binding Northern Lights. Caused by an 11-year cycle of solar storms, the Aurora Borealis is poised to reach its solar maximum in 2025, promising visitors an unforgettable sightseeing experience. What this means is that, if you’d like the chance to spot this impressive celestial light show in person, there won’t be a better time to do so for another 11 years. With open skies along their routes, fewer distractions, and meteorologists offering expert knowledge on deck, Ambassador Cruise Line is the perfect choice to make the most of this spectacular natural wonder.
Our wish-list moment: Marvel at Western Norway’s delightful fjord-lined landscapes as you venture out in search of the enchanting Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your luxury cruise liner.
Our recommended cruise – Norway’s Land of the Northern Lights with Ambassador Cruise Line
Canary Islands
No list of 2025’s best cruise destinations would be complete without at least some mention of Spain's sun-kissed overseas treasures and, if that sounds the right choice for you, we’ve got you covered. With sailings departing from regional ports across the UK, the ever-popular Canary Islands see plenty of traffic every single year and boast a number of coastal settings, ideal for a warm-weather break all year round. From palm-studded Gran Canaria, the most fertile of the islands, to Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes, few destinations around the world can rival the Canaries for a winter-warming escape in the sun.
Our wish-list moment: Watch the sun set over Atlantic Ocean, while sipping on a local rum, in Gran Canaria’s palm-studded capital, Las Palmas.
Our recommended cruise – Spain, Portugal and Canaries Winter Sun with Ambassador Cruise Line
Discover a life at sea with Newmarket Holidays
Whether you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing experience or a siesta in the world’s most sun-kissed spaces, we’re proud to offer something for every occasion. What’s more, when securing your cabin with Newmarket Holidays, you can rest assured that you won’t pay a penny more than you would booking directly and will still enjoy our range of perks and promotional offers. Set sail towards your next adventure by calling one of our dedicated holiday planners or visit our website for further information.
