Australia’s top cruise destination isn’t some tropical island, but rather a place where no one can escape the chill.

New data from cruise travel insurance specialists AllClear suggests that 66 per cent of people are considering a cruise for their next holiday.

People’s thoughts might immediately go to sandy beaches and cocktails when they think of a holiday at sea, but according to AllClear, Antarctica is the top destination among Australians hoping to take to the seas.

Getting to Antarctica by boat is generally pretty expensive and tricky.

Most cruises to the South Pole depart from Argentina and prices start about $10,000.

Australians are eager to get to Antarctica, the data suggests.

Antarctica was also a popular bucket list destination for people in South Korea and New Zealand, AllClear said.

Judging by the rest of the destinations on Australia’s Top 10 Dream Cruises, it seems people are still wanting to chase some sun.

The second most popular destination is the Caribbean, followed by the Mediterranean.

It seems Australians are also keen on exploring the seas closer to home, with Vanuatu and the South Pacific occupying the fourth and fifth spots.

Australia’s Top 10 Dream Cruises

1. Antarctica
2. Caribbean
3. Mediterranean
4. Vanuatu
5. South Pacific
6. Greek Islands
7. Alaska
8. Mekong River
9. Papua New Guinea
10. Hawaii.

The most-desired cruise destination

Globally, the Caribbean was the most popular cruising destination, with related searches amounting to 2,824,180 from April 2023 to March this year.

Usually trips to the Caribbean will have countries like the Bahamas, Bermuda and Jamaica on itineraries.

All promise pristine beaches and plenty of sun, so it’s not too surprising it has taken out the top spot.

The second most popular destination for a cruise is the Mediterranean, followed by Alaska.

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The data also suggests people are eager to see all of the world from the comfort of a ship, with searches for “Around the World” cruises sitting in 11th place on the list.

Plenty of people also don’t want to take to the seas, with some seeking out river cruises instead. Popular destinations include the Nile River and the Seine River.

The most popular cruise destinations or types

1. Caribbean
2. Mediterranean
3. Alaska
4. River Nile
5. Antarctica
6. Seine River
7. Norwegian Fjords
8. Danube River
9. Mississippi River
10. Hawaii
11. Around the World cruises
12. Rhine River
13. Greek Isles
14. Douro River
15. Panama Canal.

It seems where people want to cruise is also dependent on where they live.

The Caribbean was the most popular destination for people living in Central and South America, while those in North America favoured Alaska as a destination.

Europeans seemingly lean towards destinations close to home also.

People seemingly want to stay close to home when going on a cruise

AllClear head of communications Letitia Smith said it was “fantastic” to see a rise in interest in cruising holidays over the past few years.

However, Smith advises people to seek out cruise-specific travel insurance, as opposed to general travel insurance when booking a holiday.

“Unlike standard travel insurance, cruise travel insurance includes essential cover specific to your cruise holiday, including on-board medical emergencies, cruise interruptions and cancellations, cabin confinement and even missed port departure,” she said.