Expert-approved: The best summer cruises 2025

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be an monumental season for cruising, with brand-new ships, exciting itineraries, and expanded offerings across the globe. From Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated Star of the Seas to Disney Fantasy’s first-ever summer in Europe, cruise lines are rolling out innovative ships and bucket-list-worthy destinations. Meanwhile, Alaska remains a top summer escape, and the Mediterranean and South Pacific continue to offer iconic itineraries.

To help you plan your ideal getaway, we’ve rounded up the top summer cruise highlights for June, July, and August 2025—plus expert tips on where to sail and when to book.

On this page:

1. Best cruises in June: Highlights
   • Carnival Adventure: A bold start down under
   • Disney Cruise Line takes Europe
   • Best place to cruise in June: Mediterranean
2. Best cruises in July: Highlights
   • MSC World America to elevate Caribbean cruising
   • Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth returns refreshed
   • Best place to cruise in July: Alaska
3. Best cruises in August: Highlights
   • Star of the Seas is the next icon of vacations
   • Norwegian Aqua innovates with Prima Plus class
   • Best place to cruise in August: Bermuda
     When to book your summer cruise

Compare 2025 summer cruises:

1. Best cruises in June: Highlights