Best Cruises in 2026

30 January 2025

When it comes to booking a cruise holiday, planning ahead is always a good idea – and that applies to 2026 cruises, even if that feels like a little while away. Not only does this give you time to manage your funds and prepare all the relevant travel documentation you might need – as visas and vaccination records are unique to each destination you visit on a cruise – but, it also means you'll be able to book the stateroom you want on the cruise ship you prefer when you settle on a destination you're eager to explore. Cruise holidays are a popular way of seeing the world; more and more people are taking advantage of the fantastic deals and offers available.

It can, though, be difficult to keep up with all those itineraries and everything on offer, with so many new sailings releasing and an abundance of exciting options to choose from – whether you’re cruising as a family, a couple, or a solo traveller looking to embark on an adventure.

Nieuw Amsterdam in Alaska

Fear not, though, for Iglu Cruise is here to help. We’ve put together this handy guide to highlight some of the most exciting itineraries available for 2026, and to give you a sense of what you can expect from sailings to different destinations around the world. So, if you’re ready to book yourself onto an incredible adventure abroad, keep reading to find out more about the latest deals and offers on 2026 cruises!

Contents:

  1. Mediterranean Cruises in 2026
  2. Caribbean Cruises in 2026
  3. Europe Cruises in 2026
  4. North America Cruises in 2026
  5. Norwegian Fjords Cruises in 2026
  6. Middle Eastern Cruises in 2026
  7. Australia & New Zealand Cruises in 2026
  8. Asia Cruises in 2026
  9. Antarctica Cruises in 2026
  10. World Cruises in 2026
  11. Cruises From the UK in 2026
  12. Family Cruises in 2026

Mediterranean Cruises in 2026

A breathtaking region of the world, rich with fascinating cultures and fantastic cuisines, Mediterranean cruises are popular among UK holidaymakers for a reason – and that’s not even taking into account how close the Mediterranean actually is to the UK, meaning you can comfortably cruise from Southampton if you want to avoid embarking on a fly cruise. From unforgettable adventures in the Adriatic and the sun-drenched cities of Italy to sailing the Aegean Sea and island-hopping in Greece, the destinations you’ll have the chance to visit on a Mediterranean cruise are known for their warm summers, stunning scenery, incredible ancient landmarks, and delicious food; although, whatever time of year you choose to set sail for the Mediterranean, you’re in for a fantastic holiday.

Amalfi, Italy

Top Picks for the Best 2026 Mediterranean Cruises:

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Check out the top 5 accessible Mediterranean cruise ports here ahead of your next adventure.

Caribbean Cruises in 2026

Home to stunning white-sand beaches that border sparkling blue seas, verdant forestry and inland areas full of fantastic flora and fauna, and vibrant towns overflowing with incredible cultures and cuisines, it’s easy to see why the Caribbean is such a popular cruise destination. The perfect place to holiday if you’re chasing winter sunshine, Caribbean cruises often afford you the luxury of visiting a variety of islands in one fell swoop – from Barbados and the British Virgin Islands to Anguilla, the Bahamas, and more. With all the best cruise line private islands here, too, paradise awaits in abundance!

Nassau, Bahamas

Top Picks for the Best 2026 Caribbean Cruises:

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If you're wondering how accessible the Caribbean is, we have a list of the top 5 accessible Caribbean cruise ports for you to check out right here.

Europe Cruises in 2026

If you’re someone who enjoys city breaks and immersing yourself in new cultures, but you want to make even more of the holidays you take, European cruises are perfect! An incredibly diverse destination, where you’ll have the chance to indulge in a varied selection of cuisines, explore fascinating cities, and even check out some of the top museums to visit during a cruise, an impressive selection of sailings to places like Rotterdam, Cherbourg, Lisbon, and Barcelona are available throughout the year. When it comes to cruising in Europe, you’ll find short breaks, all-inclusive offerings, luxury getaways, and both no-fly and fly cruises to choose from. So, whatever the type of cruise holiday you’re after, you’ll find something to suit sailing to this remarkable continent.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Top Picks for the Best 2026 Europe Cruises:

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Find out more about the top 5 accessible European Cruise Ports here.

North America Cruises in 2026

When cruising in North America, you’ll be met with an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences – all of which compliment one another and make this region one of the most unique, and rewarding, destinations to holiday in. Home to breathtaking national parks and rugged wilderness alongside vibrant cityscapes and stunning beaches, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to North America cruises. With a wide variety of cruise lines offering sailings to destinations in Alaska and Canada alongside Miami, Los Angeles, and New York (just to name a few of the major cities cruises visit), you’re certain to find an itinerary that suits you – and definitely in for an unforgettable adventure.

Mount Denali (Mount McKinley), Alaska

Top Picks for the Best 2026 North America Cruises:

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For more on the top 5 accessible Alaskan ports, check out our blog.

Norwegian Fjords Cruises in 2026

If you’re eager to explore all the natural wonders Norway has to offer, a cruise holiday is perfect! You’ll sail right through the Norwegian fjords, having time to admire the breathtaking beauty of the dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls this region has to offer, while enjoying an incredible experience on a modern cruise ship. Not only this, but you’ll also be given the chance to explore incredible cities like Oslo, Bergen, and more. It might be a little chilly in Norway, but Norwegian fjords cruises are worth putting a coat on for – you’re in for an unforgettable experience when you set sail in Scandinavia.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Top Picks for the Best 2026 Norwegian Fjords Cruises:

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Find out more about the top 5 accessible Norwegian cruise ports right here!

Middle Eastern Cruises in 2026

An area of the world that’s only growing in popularity when it comes to cruising, the Middle East is an amazing adventure with so many incredible experiences to enjoy and idyllic destinations to explore. Whether you spend your days wandering through the vibrant bazaars, marvelling at the magnificent modern architecture, or exploring the wealth of historic sites these destinations are home to, the options are endless on a Middle East cruise and a rewarding holiday awaits. The warm desert climate of this region also lends itself to unique shore excursions and experiences you won’t find anywhere else, like dune-bashing, camel riding, and more!

Dubai, UAE

Top Picks for the Best 2026 Middle East Cruises:

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Want to learn more? Check out our recent blog - Qatar: The Top 7 Things to do in this Remarkable Country

Australia & New Zealand Cruises in 2026

Exploring Australasia is a delight, and both Australia and New Zealand have a lot to offer cruisers. Whether you’re looking to admire iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, or venture into The Lord of the Rings’ Hobbiton film set, there are sensational sightseeing opportunities here. Beyond this, Australasia cruises give you the chance to marvel at remarkable natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock, soak up the sunshine on sandy beaches, and explore vibrant fjordlands. This region is breathtaking, with a welcoming culture to boot. If you’re looking for warm weather in the winter, you won’t regret embarking on an adventure in Australasia.

Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Top Picks for the Best 2026 Australasia Cruises:

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For more hidden gems, check out the top underrated cruise destinations here!

Asia Cruises in 2026

Whisking you away to some of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world, Asia cruises are full of wonder and excitement – not to mention the sensational food you’ll find in the region! Offering travellers a balance of bustling cities like Singapore and Tokyo alongside stunning natural scenery, you’ll enjoy a unique mix of ultra-modernity and traditional culture in Asia; the landmarks here are centuries old, and there are practices still followed that are even older in nations like Thailand and China. You’ll have the chance to bask in the magnificence of Mount Fiji, get to grips with the breathtaking scale of the Great Wall of China, ponder endangered species in the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre, and take in the incredible marine life of Thailand – among other exciting excursions and experiences. Your adventure in Asia, however you spend it, will be one to remember.

Tokyo, Japan

Top Picks for the Best 2026 Asia Cruises:

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The weather in Asia can vary dramatically to what we're used to in the UK, so be sure to check out our guide to packing for different climates ahead of your next adventure.

Antarctica Cruises in 2026

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous when it comes to a cruise holiday, Antarctica cruises are a fantastic option. Expedition cruises, like those that sail to Antarctica, take you to some of the world’s most remote locations – with exciting shore excursions and experiences ideal for intrepid explorers. Home to unique wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery, these adventures often take place on smaller, luxury ships – meaning your onboard experience will be just as memorable as the time you spend ashore. If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime cruise experience, a voyage to Antarctica awaits.

Antarctica

Top Picks for the Best 2026 Antarctica Cruises:

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If you want to find out more about this type of cruising, check out your top frequently asked questions about expedition cruises answered right here!

World Cruises in 2026

If you can’t quite decide where you want to go next on your cruise getaway, why not go everywhere all at once? World cruises are a spectacular way of seeing so many incredible destinations around the globe in one fell swoop; when looking at them, you’ll find some itineraries as short as 30-or-so nights, and some sailings that last over 200 nights! With all your travel, accommodation, food, and entertainment covered by your cruise fare – and itineraries littered with overnight stays in spectacular cities – embarking on a cruise around the world is a stress-free experience and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you won’t want to miss out on.

Cunard's Queen Anne

Top Picks for the Best 2026 World Cruises:

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Want to make the most of your cruise getaway? Here's a run-down of the top historical destinations you can see on a cruise for you to check out.

Cruises From the UK in 2026

If you like the idea of a cruise, but you want to avoid flights, cruising from the UK is an excellent option – whether you’re cruising from Southampton, from London Tilbury, or any other one of the available cruises from UK ports. Oh, and you’ll also be able to start enjoying all the fantastic amenities and activities available onboard even sooner! Whether you’re hoping to explore the British Isles and Channel Islands, or venture further afield to destinations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond, you’ll find a fantastic variety of cruises departing from UK ports – including Newcastle, Liverpool, Dover, and more.

Southampton, United Kingdom

Top Picks for the Best 2026 Cruises From the UK:

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Looking for a wallet-friendly holiday for the future? We have some of the top budget-friendly cruises right here.

Family Cruises in 2026

When it comes to treating the family to an exciting holiday, cruising is a fantastic option. With many cruise ships having fantastic family-friendly amenities and activities onboard, welcoming kids clubs perfect for socialising, and food everyone can enjoy, family cruises are a stress-free way of having an unforgettable adventure with your young ones. Whether you want to be sun-soaking in the Mediterranean, island-hopping in the Caribbean, taking in the sights throughout Europe, or exploring the stunning Norwegian fjords – just to name a few options – you’re certain to find an itinerary everyone can enjoy.

Cruising the Caribbean with Disney Cruise Line (and Donald Duck!)

Top Picks for the Best 2026 Family Cruises:

For those of you looking to travel during the school holidays, we have you covered here at Iglu Cruise. You’ll find the latest February half term cruise deals here, offers on summer holiday cruises right here, and Easter holiday cruise deals here. We also have October half term cruises for you to check out, Christmas cruises during the Christmas holidays, and more!

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Need a helping hand? Check out our blog - Best Way to Book a Cruise for Families

Book Your 2026 Getaway with Iglu Cruise Today

Ready for an adventure? From Short Breaks and All-Inclusive holidays to Family Cruises and Luxury getaways, there are so many itineraries to choose from in 2026, you're certain to find a cruise to suit your preferences and needs.

If, though, you want to prepare yourself a little more for cruising in the future, be sure to check out these blogs from the Iglu Cruise team while you browse the latest cruise deals and offers.

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