Popular Cruise Routes Overview

Video compliments of the Travel Channel

There's a reason why year after year, travelers use Florida as a springboard for cruising the Bahamas. Or that Alaska is still a red-hot spot. Or that the Caribbean continues to top the list for honeymooners and snowbirds. That's because these cruise destinations have proven to be the most reliable, due in part to unforgettable sights, affordability, accessibility and creative tours.

The trek from Florida to the Bahamas is perfect for anyone craving a tropical getaway on the quick—the sparkling warm waters of the Atlantic beckon you as you depart from the U.S.'s Sunshine State to an even sunnier place, the archipelago of the Bahamas. Once ashore, you can explore the islands' many wonders: the bustling capital city of Nassau, festivals, street markets and, of course, nature at its liveliest, in the form of dolphins and gorgeous coral reefs. (Cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer many a tour to introduce you the Bahamas' many charms.) Or do absolutely nothing at all by plopping down on the pristine white-sand beaches and letting the relaxation soak in.

Just east from the Bahamas is another major tropical cruising destination: The Eastern Caribbean. First-time cruisers and repeat visitors alike go gaga for the region's many onshore activities and the concentrated diversity found in the cluster of islands, which include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and St. Maarten.

Go west for Mexico's Yucatan coast, a highly frequented destination for its affordable tickets. Here, unlike in the party central of Cancun or Acapulco, you can explore historic sites that brim with Maya culture, like Cozumel and Progreso. Cruise lines include tours of everything from Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins (Carnival) to deep dives (Norwegian).

Similarly as popular but many degrees south (in terms of temperatures) is Alaska's Inside Passage. Cruises due north capture the hearts of tourists looking for the unspoiled beauty of America. And boy do they find it near the country's northernmost state—soaring fjords, fresher-than-tomorrow salmon and roaring waterfalls. Stop into towns like state-capital Juneau and Skagway; both towns come alive with tours, like Carnival's dog sled tour and Celebrity's city tour. Of course, there's more than one way to see Alaska's natural wonders—and Royal Caribbean just made it a little easier, with its new Wilderness Express, a glass-topped train that takes passengers through Denali National Park.

Wherever you choose to go, you won't be disappointed—after all, these are all destinations that still knock the socks off travelers time after time.