The Most Popular Cruise Destinations, According to Brits

New research has discovered the most popular cruise destinations among Brits, with Norway taking the top spot.

We have discovered the most Googled cruise-related searches by using a list of terms, such as ‘cruise to X’ and ‘X cruise holidays’, and combining them with different locations. The most popular search terms were split by countries, regions, continents, and coastal states in order to create the rankings.

Countries 

Taking the crown for the most popular country for a cruise destination is Norway, with a total average search volume of 134,018 a month. Part of the Scandinavian region, the country offers an abundance of breathtaking landscapes: the UNESCO-protected fjords, the Jostedal Glacier National Park, and the Kjenndalen glaciers, to name a few.

Greece places second on the list, with an average monthly search volume of 41,378. Not only will you find luxurious islands like Mykonos, known for its exciting nightlife, but in mainland Greece you’ll find Athens, which is rich in history: the Acropolis Museum, Tower of Winds, the Pantheon, and much more.

Italy lands in third place; the destination received an average search volume of 29,889 each month. With ports in Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sorrento, Italy has many stunning cities to soak up the coastline views and indulge in Italian cuisine.

In fourth place is Iceland, which received an average monthly search volume of 18,036. Reykjavik in particular is the beautiful capital of Iceland with a variety of attractions either in the city or nearby, including the Glymur Waterfall, the Blue Lagoon, and not forgetting the Aurora Reykjavik to see the Northern Lights.

Fifth in the ranking is Australia, taking an average monthly search volume of 10,921. Australia boasts many coastal cities to experience both the city life and the beach life, including Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast; plus, there’s plenty of exciting activities for adventure-seekers, such as snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef or climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Regions

The Caribbean is first for the most popular regions for a cruise, with an average monthly search volume of 112,763. Home to countries like Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Lucia, the Caribbean boasts many perfect elements for a tropical holiday, from white sand beaches to clear blue sea water with coral reefs.

In second place is the Mediterranean which takes a total search volume of 66,173 on average each month. Spain, France, Italy, and Malta are just some of the many stops on a Mediterranean cruise, so you can get the best of both worlds by taking beach walks on the French Riviera in Marseilles and roaming the streets in the city of Barcelona.

Scandinavia is third on the list in tenth place, with an average monthly search volume of 13,610. Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is a must-see city with multi-coloured homes and ancient fortresses like Kronborg Castle, as well as Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, boasting attractions like the Royal Palace and the Vasa Museum.

Canary Islands takes the fourth spot, which has a search volume of 10,121 on average each month. Visit the spectacular beaches in Lanzarote, such as Caletón Blanco, or take in the views of the volcanic landscapes in La Palma.

Baltic is fifth in the ranking with a total average search volume of 6,043. History enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the medieval old town in Estonia’s capital, Tallin, where you’ll find an array of cobbled streets; alternatively, head to St. Peter’s Cathedral in Riga, Latvia, for excellent views of the capital city.

Continents 

Europe is the most popular continent for a cruise, with an average search volume of 26,987. Explore the stunning Portuguese island, Madeira which consists of exotic, floral landscapes, or visit Croatia’s Dubrovnik, where you’ll find magnificent architecture and historical sites such as Fort Lovrijenac.

In second place is Antarctica which takes a search volume of 14,398 on average each month. The spectacular scenery of icebergs, mountains, and sunsets are just some of the many reasons to take a cruise around Antarctica, and there are lots of activities to partake in, too – sea kayaking, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding and snowshoeing.

Asia is third, with an average search volume of 9,701. Discover Japan’s culture in Kyoto where you’ll see spiritual landmarks such as the Golden Pavillion or experience stunning seascapes in Vietnam’s Hanoi at attractions like the Gulf of Tonkin.

Next is South America, which received a total average search volume of 7,608. Argentina’s Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world is undoubtedly an unmissable attraction, as well as Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue which you can see by climbing mount Corcovado.

In fifth place is Northern Europe, with an average monthly search volume of 6,811. The Netherland’s capital, Amsterdam, has many tourist attractions that are not to miss, like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijkmuseum; alternatively, take a trip to the Fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Helsinki, Finland

Coastal states 

Alaska is the most popular coastal state for a cruise, with a total search volume of 16,295 on average each month. As you cruise around Alaska, you can soak up the views of the spectacular glaciers, and you can even get up close and personal by opting for a glacier trek in Skagway or Juneau. On top of this, there’s plenty of wildlife to see – moose, bears, bald eagles, dolphins, and whales.

In second place is Hawaii, which takes a total search volume of 12,573. Experience the Polynesian culture on the island of Oahu at the Polynesian Cultural Centre; or, for thrill-seekers, immerse yourself into the adventurous side of Hawaii and try out coastal kite surfing.

Florida is third, with an average search volume of 1,337. In the sunshine state you can head to Fort Lauderdale beach to soak up the sunshine, take a trip to Miami and see the fabulous Art Deco architecture, or visit Orlando for an action-packed adventure at one of the theme parks like Universal Studios.

In fourth place is South Carolina which has an average search volume of 100 each month. Charleston, one of the state’s major cities, is renowned for its delicious food, including the creamy she-crab soup. The Joe Riley Waterfront Park makes a relaxing stroll where you’ll find the iconic Pineapple Fountain.

Maine is in fifth place with a search volume of 43 on average each month. Maine’s Acadia National Park is excellent for those who like to be active on their trips, given that it offers an abundance of biking and hiking trails.