Cruises are one of the most Instagram-worthy forms of travel. Not only are the cruise ships themselves photo-ready, they also have striking views of the ocean to match. As well as this, you get to disembark and explore some of the most stunning destinations in the world, some of which can only be visited on a cruise. From the dome-shaped architecture delights of Moscow to the majestic fjords and glaciers in Juneau, we’ve rounded up the most Instagrammable destinations you can visit on a cruise.
6 of the most Instagrammable cruise destinations
Juneau, Alaska
No list of Instagrammable cruise destinations would be complete without including Alaska and its beating heart, Juneau. Alaska’s roadless capital, Juneau can only be visited by air on a cruise to Alaska, which has allowed its untouched wilderness to thrive and flourish. Alaska is famous for its natural glaciers and Juneau is no exception. When visiting this wild wonderland, you won’t be able to resist Instagramming its natural wonders in all their raw beauty. Take a short trip to Mendenhall Glacier or Glacier Bay for some truly awe-inspiring sights that are effortless to photograph.
Saint Lucia, the Caribbean
One of many sun-soaked islands in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia might not be one of the biggest, but it is certainly one of the most photogenic. If you’re looking for crystal blue waters, white sand beaches and lush rainforests to capture, Saint Lucia offers the perfect backdrop.
Ady from Verbal Gold explains why Saint Lucia is so beautiful, “From seeing a World Heritage site to walking under a waterfall, this island checked off so many holiday bucket list experiences for me.
“Saint Lucia is an Eastern Caribbean island nation with a pair of dramatically tapered mountains, the Pitons, on its west coast. Its coast is home to volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, luxury resorts and fishing villages. Trails in the interior rainforest lead to waterfalls like the 15m-high Toraille, which pours over a cliff into a garden.
“I’d recommend taking the Tout Bagay Catamaran Day Tour of the island so you can get the chance to explore by land and sea. You’ll get to do the sulphur mineral bath at the drive-in volcano, explore Morne Coubaril Plantation Tour and eat lunch, sail to the Pitons, swim under the Torille Waterfall and snorkel in Marigot Bay.”
Paris, France
The most romantic city in the world, Paris is the perfect destination for vintage Instagram shots that will make you yearn for a different time. From breathtaking cityscapes featuring the striking Eiffel Tower to charming side streets on Paris’ outskirts, there are plenty of photo opportunities around every corner of this passionate city.
Journeys with Jessica told us, “Pretty Paris, the city of light, the city of love, the city where just about everything goes on! If you’ve not yet visited one of the most iconic cities on the planet, I encourage you to get yourself there pronto. From the Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe, Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur, Paris has it all.
“For those all-important Instagram shots, head over to Montparnasse Tower and ride the elevator 200m high for breathtaking panoramic views across the entire city below. Why climb this and not the Eiffel Tower, I hear you say? Well, I’ve done both, but the views from Montparnasse are so much better because you can actually see the Eiffel Tower from the top, completing the Parisian skyline perfectly. My secret tip is to go after 7 pm if you can, when the Eiffel Tower lights up and sparkles on the hour, every hour, allowing you to take the perfect sparkly selfie.”
Santorini, Greece
With bright white, sugar cube-shaped houses lining its cliffsides, Santorini offers a romantic vista that will take your breath away. Known as one of the top honeymoon destinations in the Mediterranean, Santorini offers the perfect setting to get away with your loved one and snap some memorable photos of the most stirring sights in Greece.
Selena from Find Us Lost explains what makes Santorini such a magnetic destination, “Though Santorini draws crowds in summer, there’s a reason. This picturesque Greek Island had my heart the moment my husband and I stepped foot on it. Head to Oia to watch the sunrise over the white-washed buildings and blue rooftops. It will take your breath away! The Byzantine castle ruins are one of the best spots on the island for views and Lolita serves some of the best homemade gelato around.”
Tokyo, Japan
Looking for a slightly different backdrop for your Instagram? Tokyo’s futuristic architecture and dazzling city lights are otherworldly and its ancient, treasured heritage is sure to inspire you.
Melissa from Girl Eat World is a huge fan of Tokyo, “Tokyo is my favourite city in the world. The city is known to be bizarre and modern (think Robot Restaurant and Maid Cafe), yet still managed to hold on strongly to its traditional roots. You can easily spend a week in Tokyo and not run out of things to do. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff or a fashionista, there is always something to do.
“I recommend visiting Shibuya station for the insane scramble crossing, visiting Harajuku on weekends to see youths dressed up in alternative street fashion, wandering around Shinjuku at night for the iconic lit-up signboards, as well as going up the Tokyo City Observation Deck on top of Roppongi Hills during sunset.”
Tiffy from Asiatravelbug also found herself captivated by Tokyo, “When in Tokyo, don’t forget to visit the traditional district of Asakusa where every corner looks picture perfect. With Japanese temples, charming shops and human-powered rickshaws around, going to Asakusa feels like being transported to a mini Kyoto while still being in the heart of Tokyo.”
Moscow, Russia
Although one of Europe’s more eccentric capital cities, Moscow might not be the first city you think of when it comes to Instagrammable cruise destinations. But, as a matter of fact, Moscow is home to some of the most enchanting architecture that is wonderfully colourful and rich in history.
Michael from Go See Write told us what makes Moscow so picturesque and special, “Moscow is a unique capital city in an even more baffling and strange country, at least for a Westerner like me. As a photographer, one thing that I love about Moscow is the combination of looks, from modern city looks to Communist icon statues and buildings to Russian Orthodox churches and spires. It is a huge, and now fairly expensive, capital city but one well worth visiting.
“As to the best locations to photograph there, you obviously need to spend some time at Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the Red Square and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, but I also think everyone should make time to take some cool and distinctive photos in the Moscow Underground, specifically the Park Pobedy station, as well as the Tagansky Protected Command Point.
