Best Places to Cruise in July

Everyone loves a summer getaway, don’t they?  

Sun, sea, sand, sangria, snow, sightseeing, safaris, stunning landscapes, spectacular cities…whatever ‘holiday’ looks like to you, July is one of the best times of year to set sail. 

We mean it—with pleasant temperatures and a lively atmosphere, most destinations in the Northern Hemisphere are at their best right now and so if you’ve been looking to book…well, now might just be the time. However, when booking, bear in mind that some places may be a little too hot. A little too crowded. Some places even experience extreme weather events in July, so it’s important to choose carefully. To help you make this most important of decisions, we’ve put together a handy guide of the absolute top places to cruise in July—keep reading to learn more.

GREENLAND

Maybe you have dreams of venturing to Antarctica or the Galápagos archipelago, but if Greenland isn’t top of your expedition cruise bucket list—why not?

From Nuuk to Ilulissat to Quqortoq, you’ll discover otherworldly landscapes seemingly stretching into infinity, interrupted only by glassy fjords, fragments of Inuit heritage and brightly painted towns inhabited by the warmest, most welcoming communities you’ll ever meet. In theory, you could explore by road…if there were any. Greenland’s infrastructure isn’t exactly set up for that, so really, a cruise is the only way to do it. 

And would you look at that, July just so happens to be the warmest month in Greenland’s calendar, boasting dizzying highs of – wait for it - 20°C as well as the famous Midnight Sun, drenching the entire landscape in daylight 24 hours a day. This is pretty toasty by Greenland’s standards and the subsequent melting ice means it’s the only month ships can access certain islets, bays and fjords. 

Wildlife enthusiasts rejoice! ‘Tis the season for the ultimate Greenland safari, with unbelievable opportunities to see reindeer and Arctic hares grazing, baby Arctic foxes venturing out of their dens for the very first time and some of the best whale watching to be found anywhere on earth. In July, you’ll find up to 15 different whale species visit the island’s surrounding waters, including minkes, orcas, humpbacks and even narwhals and blue whales!

ICELAND

On a similar note, why not consider Iceland? Just like Greenland, Iceland is a perfect ‘coolcation’, with almost 24 hours of daylight and temperatures rarely rising above 20°C. However, it’s worth noting that Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack waterproofs and warmer layers to combat the famous Icelandic wind!

Hiking (or horseback riding!) the rugged, volcanic landscapes surrounding Grumdarfjörðour and Ísafjörour, immersing yourself in Rejkjavík’s dynamic nightlife, marvelling at rainbows cast by Diúpivogur’s cascading waterfalls…all of it is just that little bit more vivid in July. Even the region’s native species know it, with various species of whale and seal coming to play in Iceland’s chilly waters and millions of puffins flocking to the islets around Heimaey.

ADRIATIC COAST

Whilst many European ports are baking hot and overrun with tourists in July, parts of the Adriatic Coast remain slightly overlooked, which is excellent news for you discerning travellers!

The gleaming cities of Dubrovnik and Kotor, nestled in medieval walls, Split’s red-roofed skyline, yacht-studded island paradises lke Hvar and Vis, the cerulean coastline of Perast…nothing really says ‘summer’ like the Adriatic Coast.

Here, a summer holiday can look however you wish. It can look like losing yourself in ruins, museums and sites of historical importance. It can look like catching some rays on an idyllic beach. It can look like freshly-cooked seafood accompanied by a crisp white wine. A combination of bucket-list hotspots and hidden gems means that a cruise to the Adriatic Coast offers a little bit of everything. 

We must tell you that it’ll be pretty warm here in July, with temperatures ranging between 26°C-30°C, so if you do struggle with sizzling heat, it’s worth bearing in mind.

RHÔNE

If it’s a river cruise you’re after, might we suggest the Rhône? 

Admittedly, this waterway may be a little busier in July—but for good reason. The history, art and epicurean scene the region is famous for will be absolutely thriving, Provence’s fields will be alive with sunflowers and lavender, the streets lined with bustling markets rich with local produce. Plus, it’s festival season! Sail the Rhône in July, and you’ll enjoy the arts-focused Festival d’Avignon, the Recontres d’Arles, which attracts photography buffs worldwide, and Bastille Day for an all-round good time.

In July, the weather should be warm and dry, with temperatures in the low twenties and high thirties.

ALASKA

You can expect an unforgettable adventure regardless of when you visit Alaska, but we think July offers something truly special. 

In July, the region’s flora is in full bloom, velvety green pine forests and vibrant wildflowers as far as the eye can see. Additionally, the animal kingdom is thriving, with seal pups and bear cubs all coming out to play, as well as otters, bald eagles, whales, moose and caribou—you’ll want your binoculars handy!

In Alaska, no two days will look the same, with optimal conditions for excursions like river rafting, wildlife safaris, husky sledding, guided hikes and helicopter flightseeing. It may not be a relaxing trip, but it will certainly be unforgettable. Temperatures rarely get above 20°C and daylight usually lasts around 18 hours a day. Sudden showers are possible, however, so remember your waterproof gear!

You can find out more about July cruising here!