The most popular cruise destination for 2023

Are you looking for a cruise holiday? Although 2023 has now sailed, you can read our article, The Most Popular Cruise Destinations in 2024, to find the ideal destination for you. 

With a new year comes new travel opportunities, and what’s better than starting the year with a list of amazing destinations you want to visit?

There is no better time to start planning your cruises in 2024 than right now, and we’ve got the inside scoop on which destinations will be more popular than ever before.

2022 was our first year cruising, and we visited some amazing and unique destinations, including the Canary Islands, Greenland, Norway and Germany.

2023 is set to be an exciting year with the introduction of our new ship Ambition and a plethora of new sailings, including our amazing World Cruise and Singapore, New Zealand and South Africa cruises.

In this guide, we take a look at some of the hottest destinations for 2023 and give you a little insight into why you should be adding these destinations to your ‘must cruise in 2023’ lists.

The most popular cruise destination for 2023:

• Reykjavik, Iceland

• Tobermory, Isle of Mull

• Prince Edward Island, Canada

• Tromsø, Norway

• Sydney, Australia

• River Seine, France

Reykjavik, Iceland

The snowy capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, is a destination that offers travellers and cruisers a plethora of experiences. From crystal waters to snow-topped mountains and traditional Icelandic buildings, there really is nothing to hate about this bustling city. When we mentioned popular 2023 destinations to Krista from the blog Krista The Explorer, she didn’t hesitate to tell us more about Iceland and let us know:

“Anyone who enjoys being surrounded by nature won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit Iceland. At any time of the year, Iceland is an incredible destination to visit, with plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. From the black sand beach to exploring glacier caves to getting up close and personal with the volcanoes, there’s something for everyone.

“And don’t forget about Reykjavik! While most people visit Iceland for its natural attractions, the country’s capital is worth exploring as well. The main points of interest, such as the country’s largest church, the Hallgrimskirkja, are all within walking distance of one another, and the food is just incredible - especially the seafood!”

READ MORE: Must-try Icelandic food and drink

Iceland and specifically Reykjavik, are locations full of unforgettable experiences, attractions and historical monuments worth exploring, including the Sun Voyager, a steel sculpture right on the edge of the water, Hallgrímskirkja, a stunning Lutheran parish church and Perlan, a glass-domed fine dining restaurant that is well worth a visit.

READ MORE: Discovering Iceland's waterfalls, geysers and glaciers

Tobermory, Isle of Mull

The British Isles are always an underrated cruise destination, but we have every faith that it’ll continue to prove ever more popular to those who want to explore the wonderful country they live in on an Ambassador Cruise. If you wish to experience island hopping a little closer to home, then our cruises around the UK travel to some idyllic islands, including the Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isles of Scilly, Guernsey and Orkney Isles, to name just a few!

Although we think that British Isles Cruises will prove a popular choice in 2023, Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is a gem that definitely needs to be explored. Recognisable from the children’s TV show Balamory, the coloured houses are an iconic feature of this pretty port in Scotland. Built in 1788 as a fishing port, the town still holds this quaint and quiet feel today and is a tranquil and relaxing port on many of our British Isles Cruises. Visitors can wander the main street and dip in and out of local shops, eateries and museums, including the Mull Museum, which is crammed with an abundance of information on the history of Mull.

Prince Edward Island, Canada

One of the thirteen provinces in Canada, Prince Edward Island sits just north of Nova Scotia and is the smallest province in terms of land area and population. Encapsulated by red sand beaches, the land is dotted by lighthouses, Victorian buildings and fertile farmland, as well as being a known location for seafood lovers where fresh lobster and mussels are served daily.

A large proportion of the island’s north shoreline is protected as the Prince Edward Island National Park, so stunning views are guaranteed. Spanning over 60km in length, it is a wonderful location for rambling and wildlife watching. For visitors wanting to travel to Canada or Prince Edward Island, you can expect lush green farmland, stunning views over the expansive sea, glimpses of huge whales and a colonial culture unlike any other – it truly is a magical location, and that is why we think it’ll prove ever so popular in 2023.

Tromsø, Norway

We truly think no Scandinavian location is more magical than Tromsø in Norway. A cultural hub, the city sits above the Arctic Circle and is a renowned location for catching a glimpse of the stunning Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, as it is also known. It is recognised by its iconic wooden, coloured houses which have sat on the island for hundreds of years and the iconic 1965 Arctic Cathedral with its imposing stained glass windows that can be seen from viewpoints around the city.

Those planning to cruise to Tromsø in 2023 need to make sure they explore some of the iconic landmarks and experiences in the country; the first of these has to be heading on a Northern Lights tour or finding a high spot to sit and try and catch a glimpse of them yourself. The Polar Museum is also a popular attraction for those wanting to find out the history of the local nature, alongside the Polaria, where you can see an array of aquatic creatures.

Megan Starr, another travel blogger who thinks Scandinavia, in general, is going to prove ever more popular in 2023, told us:

“I think that Scandinavia will be a popular destination in 2023 because Europe is relatively cheap these days, and the entire region offers a lot of value for your money if you plan accordingly!”

READ MORE: What makes Norway so special?

Sydney, Australia

An iconic location that needs no introduction and has made these lists for years and years is Sydney, Australia. A location that has recently been added to the Ambassador roster as a part of our World Cruise and one that attracts millions of visitors every year, especially those that love cruising.

Often thought to be the capital of Australia, Sydney isn’t, in fact the capital but is the capital of the state of New South Wales and is the most populous city in the country. Known for its iconic harbour that is home to the statement Sydney Opera House, you will never get bored in this magnificent east coast location. During a port day on one of our world cruises you can explore the must-visit icons of the area including Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Garden, Darling Harbour and Sydney Tower Eye.

River Seine, France

The Seine is a 483-mile-long river that runs through the north of France and is a hugely popular route for cruises. Running from the mouth at Le Havre, through Paris and northwest to Dijon the river travels through some of France’s stunning countryside and landscapes. A hugely popular location mainly because of its warm and mild climate, beautiful and peaceful scenery and historic towns and ports.

Our River Seine cruises travel will take you to Guernsey then onto Rouen and Honfleur, offering you a glimpse at some of the very best locations in France. If you want a cruise that offers a relaxed and leisurely vibe, then the River Seine is the perfect option for you.

If you’re looking to plan your Ambassador Cruise Line cruise for 2023 and are unsure where to go, we hope this guide has given you a little insight into some of the destinations we predict will be popular in the next 12 months.

For more guides like this one, check out our blog.