A break on a cruise ship can deliver a whole range of experiences. It might be a high-octane activity holiday on what amounts to a floating hotel; it might be a chance to pamper yourself and lounge around at poolside in the middle of the ocean; it might even be a chance to tour through a selection of amazing port towns and cities.

Major luxury cruise operators like MSC Cruises provide a luxurious means of seeing some of the best of what the world has to offer. So, which parts of the world are best suited to this variety of holiday? Let’s take a look at a few of the options.

Egypt

If you’re cruising through Egypt, then you’re going to be doing so via the river Nile. A selection of truly incredible ruins and monuments line the banks of the famous river, which makes this a chance to see what remains of one of the most important civilisations in history. From Cairo to the Valley of Kings to the dam at Aswam, this is a trip to remember.

Mexico

The island of Cozumel, and the snorkeling hub that is Costa Maya, are both excellent reasons to consider a cruise in Mexico. There are a number of important Mayan ruins to marvel at, as well as natural beauty in the form of the Sea of Cortez, whose population of grey whales has now recovered to a heartening extent. For fans of marine life, it’s an experience to remember.

Australia

Cruise holidays in and around Australia tend to be synonymous with the Great Barrier Reef. But we should also consider the coast of Western Australia, which is packed with eye-popping wilderness. If you want to see the waterfalls at their most spectacular, then time your cruise to coincide with wet season, in the middle of June.

Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the world’s most famous and geographically diverse archipellagos. There are around eighteen thousand islands to explore, and thus this is a destination that naturally lends itself to a cruise ship. Make time for Komodo National Park, and the famous Komodo Dragons that live there.

Peru

The Amazon river provides a waterway through the world’s largest jungle. While much of the river runs through neighbouring Brazil, it’s the Peruvian Amazon that’s really worth taking a look at. The shallowness of the river here means a smaller boat is called for – and as such you’ll feel much closer to the action.

The rest of the country offers an impressive diversity of natural and man-made wonders. There are the ruins at Cusco at Machu Pichu, as well as deserts, beaches and stunning mountain ranges.