October Cruises: Best Cruises in October 2025

Discover the joys of traveling during the shoulder season on an October cruise. In southern Europe, for example, it’s still warm, but the summer crowds have faded away. It’s the perfect time to explore Alhambra Palace in Granada, Barcelona’s dramatic architecture, and Lisbon’s hilly streets and enchanting neighborhoods.

October is also shoulder season in the southern Caribbean, where you could be snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs off St. Thomas, climbing the Pitons in lush St. Lucia, or exploring the countryside of St. Kitts by vintage train. You could also head on a wildlife adventure to the Galapagos, a miraculous archipelago where you can swim with penguins, see giant tortoises, and get close to sea lions and iguanas.

Top October Cruise Destinations

Spain & Portugal

Skip the summer heat on an October cruise to Spain and Portugal. Indulge in a colorful paella in Valencia and take a tour from the ancient port of Cadiz to Jerez, home of sherry. Visit gorgeous Granada to admire the exquisite Alhambra’s Palace. In Malaga, you can see Picasso’s birthplace and enjoy fresh seafood on the beach. Portugal’s enchanting city of Porto is the perfect opportunity to sit by the banks of the Douro River with an iced port and tonic, watching the world go by.

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Galapagos

The Galapagos is a year-round destination and thrilling to visit whenever you choose to go. In October, sea lions are tending their pups, while flamingos are nesting and giant tortoises are laying their eggs. Galapagos penguins are especially active, zooming around you while you snorkel, and humpback whales are still feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. The weather is slightly cooler during this season, so it’s the perfect time for hiking lava trails and kayaking through green mangroves.

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Southern Caribbean

Soak up the warmth of the Southern Caribbean outside the busy season. Clamber over tumbled boulders at The Baths on Virgin Gorda and soak up history at Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua. Swim with turtles or take a dive in a submarine when you’re in Barbados. In St. Lucia, you could join a chocolate-making workshop or wallow in the curative hot springs at Soufriere. Artists will love a watercolor class in St. Kitts, while foodies shouldn’t miss a culinary tour of Basseterre, the island’s capital.

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