12 Cruise Destinations That Are Better Than Most Travelers Expect

One of the best parts of taking a cruise isn’t just the food or the experience of being on the ship. It’s where you actually get to go. Cruises make it possible to visit multiple destinations in one trip, often including places that would be difficult or expensive to reach on your own.

Whether your cruise departs from Florida, Italy, or Texas, each itinerary offers a mix of well-known ports and lesser-known stops that can end up being the highlight of the entire trip. In this slideshow, Moms Who Think takes a closer look at cruise destinations that consistently surprise travelers, from breathtaking coastal towns to remote locations you might not expect to visit on a typical vacation.

Experience the sights and sounds of Japan on an Oceania Cruise voyage that takes you through much of the Pacific Ocean area around Japan. You'll have a chance to see Kobe, famous for its beef, and Shimizu, with its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.

If you want to explore more of South America, taking a cruise that begins in Costa Rica is one way to get started with beautiful destinations. This will include a stop in Peru, where you can see the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest and world-famous sites like Machu Picchu.

Suppose you desire to slow down and take a river cruise down the Danube River. In that case, you'll be treated to world-class scenery across Austria, Germany, and the iconic Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest.

Jump on a Regent Seven Seas cruise ship and take a trip to the beautiful island of Tahiti. This not-so-typical cruise destination is one of the most stunning locations in the South Pacific, and you can take more pictures here than you ever hoped.

The homeport of multiple cruises that take off for the Mediterranean and other parts of Europe is a must-visit location. Whether trying Catalan cuisine or historic architecture, Barcelona is a must-visit stop on any cruise.

Whether it's the crystal clear water or visiting English forts, stopping in Bermuda is something every cruise aficionado must do at least once in their lifetime. Best of all, spend some time on its pink sandy beaches.

One of the world's most exciting architectural marvels, sailing through the Panama Canal won't take more than a few hours. However, it's still incredible to experience as you switch from one ocean to another.

If you're into the various Vikings television shows, visiting Norway and the Norwegian fjords is a must for everyone. There is no question that this is a spectacular opportunity to see the trade routes through which the Vikings sailed hundreds of years ago.

This "One Happy Island" location in the southwest Caribbean is a stunning location to visit. Visiting Eagle Beach or the California Lighthouse are just incredible opportunities to do something truly unique in this part of the world.

Seeing the Alaskan wilderness outside your cabin balcony is just something spectacular. You must stop and catch your breath to visit locations like Ketchikan or Hubbard Glacier, as they are so beautiful.

If you can take the Silversea Silver Origin to the Galapagos islands, jump at the opportunity. There is nowhere else on the planet you can safely expect to see stunning wildlife in one place.

With over 900 miles of space between South Georgia Island and the nearest airport, the best way to see this stunning and remote location is by sea. Snowcapped mountains decorate the landscape, and so does the opportunity to photograph the world's largest king penguin colony.