As I look back on 2025, it’s hard not to smile. This year we experienced the world through five different cruises, sailing to sun-soaked islands, historic European ports, and destinations rich in culture and history. Cruising continues to be one of my favorite ways to travel—unpacking once while waking up somewhere new is truly unmatched.
Here is a look at the many stops this year grouped by region.
Caribbean & Bahamas
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (2 visits)
Puerto Plata offers a wonderful mix of culture, color, and coastline. The historic area near Fort San Felipe and the vibrant Umbrella Street are always fun to explore, while the surrounding beaches and mountains give this port its laid-back Caribbean feel.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (2 visits)
With its deep-water harbor and crystal-clear views, St. Thomas is stunning from the moment you arrive. Between shopping in town, scenic overlooks like Mountain Top, and easy access to beautiful beaches, this is a port that never disappoints.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands (2 visits)
Tortola feels peaceful and unspoiled, with lush green hills and calm blue waters. Cane Garden Bay and the scenic drives across the island showcase the relaxed charm that makes the BVI so special.
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (2 visits)
Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island is all about easy relaxation. Soft sand, turquoise water, and plenty of space to unwind make this one of the best beach days you can have on a cruise. They have a brand new 28,000 square foot pool already open and a new pier capable of handling 2 ships is opening by the end of 2025 or early in 2026. A brand new Waterpark is also being built and opening in the summer of 2026.
Harvest Caye, Belize
Harvest Caye is a beautifully maintained private destination with a resort-like feel. Immerse yourself in natural beauty and culture on a 75-acre oasis featuring an expansive pool with a swim-up bar, salt-water lagoon for water sports, exclusive 7-acre beach and exciting shore excursions ranging from zip lining across the island to snorkeling the world’s second largest barrier reef.
Falmouth, Jamaica
Falmouth blends Jamaican culture with colonial history. Whether exploring the town, enjoying local flavors, or heading inland to experience the lush scenery, this port delivers an authentic taste of the island.
George Town, Grand Cayman
Known for its pristine waters, Grand Cayman is a paradise for beach lovers. Snorkeling, Stingray City, and time on Seven Mile Beach (A very easy taxi ride from the port) make this one of the most consistently popular Caribbean stops.
✨ Thinking about a Caribbean cruise?
These destinations are perfect for first-time cruisers and repeat travelers alike. If warm weather, beautiful beaches, and easy island hopping are on your wish list, I’m happy to help you narrow down the best itinerary.
British Isles & United Kingdom
Southampton, England
Southampton serves as a major cruise gateway and is steeped in maritime history. It’s also a convenient jumping-off point for exploring southern England or traveling into London. Transportation from and to London is very easy for those pre or post stays to explore London but Southampton has plenty to see and enjoy on it’s own.
Waterford, Ireland
Waterford charms visitors with its Viking roots and walkable streets. The city’s rich history and connection to Waterford Crystal make it both educational and enjoyable to explore.
Cobh, Ireland
Cobh’s colorful hillside homes create one of Ireland’s most photographed harbors. Its Titanic history and welcoming atmosphere make this small town especially memorable.
Dingle, Ireland
Dingle is all about dramatic scenery and authentic Irish charm. Rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and breathtaking views make this one of the most visually stunning stops in Ireland. When you picture “green” Ireland, this is it.
Foynes, Ireland
Foynes offers a quieter, more local experience along the Shannon Estuary. Its aviation history and warm hospitality give visitors a glimpse into everyday Irish life.
Galway, Ireland
Galway is lively, creative, and full of energy. With street musicians, colorful storefronts, and easy access to Ireland’s west coast landscapes, it’s a city that feels alive. Galway was our jumping off point to visit the the Cliffs of Moher. They are famous for their breathtaking natural beauty, dramatic sea cliffs rising over 700 feet from the Atlantic, rich geological history, important birdlife (including puffins), inclusion in popular films like Harry Potter and most importantly; The Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride.
Killybegs, Ireland
As a working fishing port, Killybegs showcases Ireland’s rugged and untamed side. The surrounding scenery is raw and beautiful, perfect for travelers who appreciate nature and authenticity.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast tells a powerful story of history and renewal. Titanic Belfast is a meaningful and memorable stop for Titanic history buffs, and the city itself has a vibrant, welcoming energy that’s easy to enjoy. Belfast also served as our starting point for a visit to the Giant’s Causeway, a truly unique natural wonder made up of around 40,000 perfectly formed basalt columns. Local legend says the Irish giant Finn McCool built the causeway to cross the Irish Sea and challenge his Scottish rival, Benandonner. After their dramatic encounter, Benandonner fled back to Scotland, tearing up the causeway behind him and leaving the striking landscape we see today.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin blends historic landmarks with a lively pub culture. It’s a city that’s easy to navigate, full of personality, and always welcoming.
London, England
London never runs out of things to see or do. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums, dining, and theater, every visit feels different and exciting. We spent time here late last year and enjoyed it so much that we flew back early this year to see and enjoy more of it, including a visit to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge. We returned later in the year for our Ireland cruise and spent a post cruise day exploring after the cruise before flying back home.
✨ Curious about a British Isles or Ireland cruise?
These itineraries are ideal for travelers who love history, scenery, and culture without constant packing and unpacking. I can help you compare cruise lines, departure ports, and the best times to go.
Europe & Beyond
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of Europe’s standout cruise cities, and it’s easy to see why. Its walkable neighborhoods, incredible food scene, and unforgettable architecture—especially in the Gothic Quarter—make it instantly lovable. This was our fourth visit to Barcelona, and it still leaves us excited for future returns. With so much to see and do, and how easy it is to get around, Barcelona is an ideal city to begin or end a cruise.
Cartagena, Spain
Cartagena is rich with layers of history, from Roman ruins to naval heritage. The compact old town makes it easy to explore on foot and soak in the city’s charm. This is also a wonderful stop to explore wine tours and enjoy the delicious local food.
Malaga, Spain
Malaga offers sunshine, culture, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. It’s a great balance of historic sites, seaside views, and Andalusian flair.
Cadiz, Spain
One of Europe’s oldest cities, Cadiz feels authentically Spanish. Its narrow streets, ocean views, and local atmosphere make it a favorite for wandering.
Gibraltar, UK
Gibraltar is unlike anywhere else on a cruise itinerary. Standing at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, visiting the famous Rock. Our stop this trip included a tour of the area and a British Tea Service but we did not get a chance to go to the “top of the rock” and see the famous monkeys.
Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca has the potential to be an unforgettable introduction to North Africa. The Hassan II Mosque, dramatically set along the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most striking landmarks in the world, and the city’s rich history was a big part of why we chose a cruise itinerary that included this stop.
As travel often reminds us, even the best-planned trips don’t always unfold exactly as expected—even for professional travel advisors. We opted not to book an advance excursion, relying instead on the cruise line’s shuttle service into the old town, which was intended to allow passengers to explore the markets and walk to the Hassan II Mosque independently. Once we arrived, however, we were quickly surrounded by 20-30 very persistent taxi and tour operators who would not give up, which made exploring on our own impossible. In the end, we chose to return to the ship.
Lesson learned: on a future visit (and there will be one), booking a ship-sponsored or trusted third-party tour will be the way to go—allowing us to fully experience Casablanca’s highlights with a bit more ease and confidence.
Funchal, Madeira
Madeira is lush, dramatic, and breathtakingly beautiful. Towering cliffs, ocean views, and the island’s relaxed pace make Funchal a destination that stays with you long after you leave.
✨ Dreaming of a European or transatlantic cruise?
These sailings are perfect for travelers who want immersive destinations and longer port days. If Europe has been on your bucket list, I’d love to help you start planning.
Wrapping Up 2025
This year of cruising reinforced just how powerful travel can be—each destination brought new experiences, perspectives, and memories. Whether it was relaxing beach days or deep cultural exploration, 2025 was a reminder that the world is full of incredible places waiting to be discovered. I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store.
✨ Ready to start planning your next adventure?
Whether you’re thinking about cruising in 2026 or beyond, I’m always happy to help you find the right ship, itinerary, and timing to match your travel style.
Travel often and Travel well my friends.
John Urton
A Simple Life Travel
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