It’s never too early to plan a vacation. Whether you’re an experienced “cruiser” or your first time, planning is what makes a holiday perfect.

Some of the most popular routes in the world offer a great blend of fun, excitement, adventure, and new cultural and culinary experiences. The top cruise vacations have something that suits everyone’s unique needs, preferences, and budget. You may want to leave the planning to a travel agent or someone in your group who has the experience and knowledge. Getting the most value for your money is a top priority but that doesn’t mean you need to scrimp on the basics.

The most popular cruise routes in the world are:

The Caribbean

Probably the most popular and best-known cruise route, the Caribbean embodies everyone’s idea of a dream vacation. The range of attractions, cuisine, and hospitality makes the Caribbean an incredible destination. One of the things that makes it so attractive is that it consists of nearly 7,000 islands, spanning over 26 different countries. You don’t have to worry about visas, hotel bookings, and getting from one place to another when you’re on a cruise ship. There are different packages and cruises available, including the Eastern, Western, or Southern Caribbean Cruises. Some luxury cruises may offer a day or two on a private island for families or couples. The best time to travel is between November and May or December and April. There are plenty of convenient departures from Florida.

Mediterranean regions

The sea, sun, sand, and some amazing sites make the Mediterranean cruise an amazing experience. Ranging across Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Malta and more, this cruise has something for everyone. Culture lovers can soak in the legends of Achilles and Ulysses, while adventure lovers can soak in the incredibly blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. You could also pick a route with stops at Venice, Rome, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Tunisia, Cairo, or the French Riviera. There are lots of fun things for children and families to do besides sightseeing. You could even spot a celeb or two. April – November is the ideal time to visit, but you can also pick May-August. Departures are conveniently available in Athens, Lisbon, and Barcelona.

Japan

Catch the Olympic fever with a Japanese island cruise. Indulge in the temple and gardens cruises with onboard facilities that include a hot-tub (open-air onsen bath), exotic massages, delicate Japanese cuisine, and tea-ceremonies. Sports fans can avoid the rush of being in Tokyo’s congested streets during the games and can pick up tickets in advance, attend the events of their choice, and continue their journey.

Sub-Antarctic

Forget Alaska – that’s so yesterday! En route Australia and New Zealand, catch the beauty of the South Pole. Protected wild-life sanctuaries with penguins, fur seals, and weird yet wonderful land-forms can be viewed on strictly guided docent walks. You can have the experience of a lifetime.