The world's best beaches via cruise ship

Looking for a reason to start planning your next beach vacation? We’ve got five gorgeous ones for you. They include pristine white sands, clear blue waters and breathtaking natural beauty; they are some of the world’s best beaches for good reason. And the best part about them: they’re not a struggle to get to, thanks to some pretty incredible cruise itineraries.

Trunk Bay, USVI

Trunk Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands

You know that ideal, postcard-perfect beach? That’s basically Trunk Bay. The Mecca of Caribbean beaches, USVI‘s Trunk Bay delivers pearly white sand and aquamarine waters. And for those who aren’t content sunbathing, there’s the Underwater Trail – a snorkeling path of coral and fish. Get there with Princess.

Lopes Mendes, Brazil

Close to Rio (and yet a world apart), Ilha Grande is Brazil’s laid-back paradise. No cars,no banks, but plenty of beaches. The best one? Hands down Lopes Mendes. Accessible only by boat or a short hike, Lopes Mendes is a two-mile-long stretch of fine-grain sand and turquoise waters. Get there with Norwegian.

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Warning: This beach is not for the faint of heart. Positioned on Namibia’s eerie (but oh-so-beautiful) Skeleton Coast, Walvis Bay (pronounced vahl-fis bay) is both dramatic and picturesque. Massive sand dunes rise up directly from the beach, and there’s a lot of wildlife on display, include flamingoes, seals, whales and even hyenas. Get there with Cunard.

Champagne Beach | Flickr CC: Simon_sees

Champagne Beach, Vanuatu

Looking for a beach where you can get away from it all? Head to Champagne Beach—a stretch of pristine, palm-fringed sand on Espiritu Santo Island in Vanuatu. Hailed as one of the best in the South Pacific, this beloved beach gets its name from underwater springs that send effervescent bubbles to the water’s surface. Get there with Royal Caribbean.

Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

Horseshoe Bay,Bermuda

You’ve probably heard about Bermuda’s gorgeous pink-sand beaches (if you haven’t, they’re incredible) and Horseshoe Bay is no exception. It’s a wide expanse of blush-colored sand lined by clear blue water. Because it’s beautiful, it’s also super popular, though a few equally-scenic spots are easily within walking distance. Get there with Carnival.

Ready to catch some rays? Plan your trip at Orbitz Cruises.