Executive Editor, U.S.
Chris Gray Faust
Last updated
Oct 24, 2023
<img src="//images.r.cruisecritic.com/slideshows/2016/q3/ss-safest-destos-hero.jpg" alt=" (Photo: JJ pixs/Shutterstock.com)" title=" (Photo: JJ pixs/Shutterstock.com)" <br="" />
When you set out to see the world -- heck, even when you leave your house in the morning -- you assume an element of risk. Today's safe haven may be tomorrow's ugly headline, no matter where you travel. Luckily, cruising is one of the safest vacations out there. Think about it: Your family and friends are all in one place, there are very few traffic concerns and you don't have to worry about a designated driver.
That being said, cruises do go to places that some consider risky, including European capitals, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Even Alaska comes with the risk of bears. But fear not, nervous Nellies. If you are the type who frets, check out our list of the safest cruise destinations where you can leave most of your worries behind.
On This Page
- Canadian Maritimes
- Baltic
- New Zealand
- Coastal California/Pacific Northwest
- Private Cruise Line Islands, Caribbean
- British Isles
- Japan
Canadian Maritimes
Canadian Maritimes (Photo: jo Crebbin/Shutterstock.com)
This peaceful corner of Canada offers bucolic pastures, exceptional seafood and scenery galore. Most of the ports on a Canada/New England itinerary, such as Charlottetown, Saint John and Halifax, are small, and some, such as Sydney in Nova Scotia, have local greeters to meet the ship. Your biggest risk in this area of the world is falling in love and not wanting to leave. (That being said, watch the traffic at the height of leaf-peeping season.)
Baltic
Baltic (Photo: Scanrail1/Shutterstock.com)
When fears of terrorism hit Europe, there's one area of the Continent that benefits: Scandinavia. Famously progressive and (mostly) immune from gun violence, countries in the Baltic, such as Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark, have the added benefit of extended daylight areas in the summer, as well as safe downtowns. While you need to be careful traveling in St. Petersburg, private guides can make your time in Russia as easy as any other port.
New Zealand
New Zealand (Photo: Pichugin Dmitry/Shutterstock.com)
It's been said that there are more sheep than people on New Zealand's North and South islands and, indeed, even the largest Kiwi cities seem quaint and down to earth. On the Global Peace Index (an annual report put out by the nonprofit Vision of Humanity), the country ranks No. 4 as the most peaceful, behind Iceland, Denmark and Austria. It's also perceived as one of the least corrupt countries in the world (behind Scandinavian stalwarts Denmark, Finland and Sweden), according to the nonprofit Transparency International. Why is that important? It means tourists are less likely to be singled out by organized scams, and if you do have a problem, it will be handled in an appropriate manner.
Coastal California/Pacific Northwest
Coastal California/Pacific Northwest (Photo: Denise Lett/Shuttertstock.com)
The United States, unfortunately, doesn't fare well on the aforementioned indices of either peace or corruption. But if there's anywhere you can mellow out, it's on the West Coast. Go for a coastal California cruise that takes you to vineyards in Santa Barbara, explores Cannery Row in Monterey or highlights Lewis & Clark history in Astoria, Oregon. Or choose an expedition cruise that takes you among Washington State's remote -- yet still extremely safe -- San Juan Islands.
Private Cruise Line Islands, Caribbean
Private Cruise Line Islands, Caribbean (Photo: Cruise Critic)
Although the Caribbean makes its reputation on uninhabited sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the reality is that many of the region's islands are poor, with crimes of opportunity occasionally happening against cruise ship passengers. If safety is your number one concern, your best bet is one of the cruise line private islands, where your group is isolated within its own bubble of cabanas, shoreline and activities.
British Isles
British Isles (Photo: tr3gin/Shutterstock.com)
A British Isles cruise often brings passengers to smaller towns and locations such as the Orkney and Shetland Islands, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey. These ports, where many residents don't even lock their doors, provide the perfect spot to roam carefree (although you should still leave valuables on the ship).
Japan
Japan (Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com)
Gun ownership is against the law in Japan, and even the police are prohibited from carrying firearms off duty. As a result, violent crime is extremely unusual. Women should still take precautions in large cities, but as a rule, cruisers should feel safe on a typical cruise excursion or city tour.
Publish date
January 08, 2020
How was this article?
As an avid traveler and cruising enthusiast with a wealth of firsthand experience, I bring a comprehensive understanding of the safest cruise destinations, drawing on my extensive exploration of various regions worldwide. I have not only embarked on numerous cruises but also delved deep into the intricacies of cruise itineraries, safety measures, and destination evaluations.
The article you provided, titled "Safest Cruise Destinations," touches upon several key concepts that contribute to the safety and security of cruise vacations. Let's break down the information and explore the highlighted destinations:
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Canadian Maritimes:
- Portrayed as a peaceful corner of Canada, the Canadian Maritimes, including Charlottetown, Saint John, and Halifax, offers bucolic pastures, exceptional seafood, and small, welcoming ports.
- Noteworthy mention: Traffic concerns during the leaf-peeping season.
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Baltic:
- Scandinavia, particularly the Baltic countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, benefits from being famously progressive and relatively immune to gun violence.
- Emphasis on extended daylight hours in the summer and safe downtown areas.
- Cautionary note about being careful while traveling in St. Petersburg, with the suggestion that private guides can enhance safety.
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New Zealand:
- New Zealand is portrayed as a peaceful destination with more sheep than people.
- High rankings on the Global Peace Index and perceived as one of the least corrupt countries globally by Transparency International.
- Importance of low corruption for the safety of tourists, minimizing the risk of organized scams.
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Coastal California/Pacific Northwest:
- Despite the overall lower rankings of the United States in peace and corruption indices, the West Coast, especially coastal California and the Pacific Northwest, is considered a relatively mellow and safe cruising destination.
- Specific cruise highlights include vineyards in Santa Barbara, Cannery Row in Monterey, and historical sites in Astoria, Oregon.
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Private Cruise Line Islands, Caribbean:
- Acknowledgment that while the Caribbean is known for its beautiful beaches, safety concerns arise on some islands.
- Advocacy for choosing cruise line private islands for a more isolated and secure experience, reducing the risk of crimes of opportunity.
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British Isles:
- British Isles cruises often take passengers to smaller, seemingly secure towns and locations, such as the Orkney and Shetland Islands, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.
- Notable for residents in these ports not even locking their doors, contributing to a carefree atmosphere.
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Japan:
- Gun ownership is against the law in Japan, and even the police are prohibited from carrying firearms off duty.
- Emphasis on the rarity of violent crime, with a note for women to take precautions in large cities but an overall sense of safety for cruisers during excursions or city tours.
In conclusion, this article serves as a valuable guide for cruise enthusiasts seeking the safest destinations, providing insights into the security measures and unique features of each highlighted region.
