Dream Cruises for your 2026 Travel Wish List

Best 2026 Bucket List Cruises & Cruise Deals for Families, Solos, and More

Incredible adventures and unbeatable bucket list experiences can be found in all four corners of the world and, wherever you decide to travel, you can rest assured knowing you’re in for a sensational holiday when embarking on a cruise. However, deciding on which destination to tick off your travel wish list next – and the sort of experiences you want to enjoy when you get there – isn’t always easy; it doesn’t take long to find a whole host of interesting itineraries to choose from throughout 2026, and there’s always more to look forward to, too!

So, of all the best cruises in 2026, which ones should you consider when it comes to booking a once-in-a-lifetime getaway? Well, that’s where we come in; at Iglu Cruise, we’ve taken a look at all the exciting cruise holidays on the horizon and hand-picked a few you’re not going to want to miss out on.

Below, alongside those, we’re also going to highlight some of the most popular cruise travel destinations in 2026, explore some of the unique shore experiences you can enjoy if you’re looking for something truly special, and shine a light on some of the wonders of the world you can see when you set sail on an extraordinary adventure. Then, you may want to think about when is the best time to cruise to the destination you've got in mind; that's also quite important when it comes to making the most of your holiday.

Even if you’re not sitting on a travel bucket list, the cruises below are not to be missed.

Contents:

1. Top 2026 Bucket List Cruise Destinations
2. Best 2026 Bucket List Cruise Experiences
3. More 2026 Cruise Deals You Won’t Want To Miss

Top 2026 Bucket List Cruise Destinations

Firstly, we need to talk about destinations and deciding on where you want to cruise. While hopping on a world cruise is a great way of avoiding this, they’re a major commitment and ultimately not for everyone. So, chances are, you’re going to be faced with a choice when it comes to destinations.

You’ll find an abundance of options with a variety of cruise lines when you start looking, but it’s important to keep in mind that some destinations are better-suited to certain types of traveller than others. So, with that in mind, let’s get stuck into the destinations you should consider cruising to in 2026.

Best 2026 Family Cruise Destinations

Travelling with children can be a stressful affair, but cruise holidays are a fantastic way for families to see the world – with supervised kid’s clubs, family-friendly onboard entertainment, and more making sure everyone has an incredible time. Whether you’re looking forward to some fun in the sunshine, a unique city break a little closer to home, or a getaway with theme parks aplenty, there are incredible family-friendly cruise destinations out there. Of all the places you can cruise, though, the best family cruise destinations are the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.

Boasting beautiful white-sand beaches, sparkling oceans, and colourful cultures you’ll want to immerse yourself in, the Caribbean is easily one of the best family cruise destinations in 2026. Calling at paradisiacal ports on idyllic islands, including some of the best cruise line private islands, Caribbean cruises boast an escape from the temperamental British weather during the school holidays and a chance for the whole family to let loose. Whether you’re looking for water parks or watersports, sun-lounging or sandcastle-building, this destination promises fun for the whole family.

Alternatively, short breaks in Europe are an excellent option when it comes to cruising as a family. With a variety of options sailing out of the UK – for example, from Southampton or from Liverpool – you won’t have to worry about the hassle of flights ahead of your adventure. Or, if you do need to catch a flight to meet your cruise ship somewhere exciting, it’s unlikely to be a long one. In any case, European cruise destinations – which can vary from charming coastal towns to major capital cities and everywhere in-between – often boast all the creature comforts of home alongside enriching new experiences, breathtaking sightseeing opportunities, incredible cuisines, and their fair share of beaches. Coupled with the fact that there are so many itineraries of varying lengths to choose from throughout the year, this is an extremely accessible cruise destination and somewhere where you’ll have the flexibility you need when travelling as a family group.

However, nothing quite beats a trip to Universal Studios Florida and the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando – a place where dreams are made and travellers of all ages can delight in incredible attractions and make lifelong memories. Magnificent and magical, these theme parks really are fun for the whole family, and North American cruises are the perfect way of coupling a cruise adventure with a visit to these world-famous attractions. To give you enough time to really appreciate these bucket list destinations, Cruise and Stay Packages can include pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel stays in places like Orlando and Miami; although, these are far from the only option available.

Best 2026 Couples Cruise Destinations

While all of the aforementioned cruise destinations are excellent options for couples, those of you looking for something a little special should consider cruising to and through the Mediterranean, Asia, and South America in 2026. Regions overflowing with remarkable bucket list destinations and exciting experiences, the wonders you’ll witness while travelling in these warm waters are always better shared with someone special – though, there’s no reason why that can’t be a friend or family member instead!

Overflowing with ancient history, flavourful cuisines, and welcoming cultures, the Mediterranean is a remarkable region to cruise through; and, the itineraries available here will give you the chance to tick off a whole host of wish list destinations and bucket list experiences in one fell swoop. Whether you want to spend an afternoon indulging in fine wine from an Italian vineyard, explore the remarkable ruins littering Greece, or soak up the sunshine on a beach in the south of Spain, the Med is so stunning that every moment you spend here is magical. Sharing these experiences with those close to you is always rewarding, and you’re certain to make plenty of lifelong memories on your adventures here.

Beyond this, Asia is an area where you’ll find once-in-a-lifetime experiences in abundance and cruise itineraries you won’t want to miss. Japan, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines are just some of the countries you can visit via cruise, and each one is home to unique cultures, incredible food, breathtaking natural beauty, and unforgettable moments waiting to be experienced. From hyper-modern cityscapes like Tokyo and Shanghai to history-rich landmark locations like Angkor Wat in Krong Siem Reap and the Great Wall of China, the incredible variety on offer during Asia cruises means there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And, if you’re looking forward to spending some time soaking up the subtropical sunshine with those you’re close to, your next beach is never too far away.

In a similar fashion, South America is a cruise destination boasting a wide variety of experiences and sightseeing opportunities to enjoy. With world wonders like Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer featured on the same cruise itineraries as incredible cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago, a comprehensive cultural, historical, and culinary experience awaits – and all these incredible experiences are better when shared with a loved one or friends. If you’re looking for something truly special, South American cruise itineraries can also include visits to Antarctica – a remote region accessible from southern Argentina and the Falkland Islands. That’s certainly one adventure you won’t forget anytime soon!

Best 2026 Solo Cruise Destinations

Travelling with loved ones is always enjoyable, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about travelling alone; this can be an extremely rewarding and relaxing way of seeing the world, and ticking off all the wish list destinations you want to visit. Solo cruising, in particular, is a great way to travel alone. You can rest assured knowing all the important things are taken care of, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people while enjoying the onboard experience and embarking on organised shore excursions.

So, even though you’re travelling alone, you’ll be far from lonely. Not only will all the destinations mentioned above make for excellent holidays, but other options – such as Alaska, Australasia, and the Norwegian Fjords – offer incredible rewarding experiences you won’t want to miss out on.

Known as the Last Frontier, Alaska is positively overflowing with breathtaking natural beauty and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences; and, as an English-speaking part of the world, solo travellers won’t have any trouble finding their way around – if that’s something you’re concerned about when it comes to travelling alone. Not only is this one of the best cruise destinations for walking and hiking, but you’ll also find some sensational seafood here and the chance to tick off a lot of wish list activities – from whale-watching and trekking across glaciers to immersive indigenous cultural experiences you won’t find anywhere else and so much more. Without anyone else to worry about, you’ll be able to enjoy everything this rugged wilderness has to offer you at your own pace and make sure all the memories you’re making are ones you want to make.

Much like Alaska, Australasia boasts some of the world’s best shore excursions for appreciating the great outdoors and, as a solo traveller, you’re not going to have to worry about pleasing anyone else when it comes to picking the activities and adventures you’re interested in. Countries like Australia and New Zealand are also primarily English-speaking destinations, so you won’t need to worry about any language barriers impacting your onshore experience when exploring these incredible places.

With the itineraries in this part of the world mixing visits to modern cities with charming holiday hotspots off the beaten track, and affording you the chance to see natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef alongside the cinematic landscapes of New Zealand’s wilderness, there’s so much to look forward to with sailings in this region. You’ll also have the chance to visit destinations in Indonesia, Dubai, Bali, and more on Australasia cruises, making these itineraries surprisingly varied.

The Norwegian Fjords are another excellent destination for solo travellers, with Scandinavia home to some of the world’s most sensational scenery. You’ll also find itineraries full of charming ports of call where you’ll feel instantly welcome, which only improves the incredible solo cruising experience on offer here.

If you’re hoping to meet like-minded travellers while cruising, you’ll have no trouble doing that; both the onboard experiences and organised shore excursions are a great opportunity to do this. However, if you’re looking for some time to yourself, a Norwegian Fjords cruise will also give you that, too. So, if you want to take a moment to savour the stunning scenery – from forest-covered cliffs and cascading waterfalls to dramatic glaciers and wonderful waterways – you’ll have no trouble doing just that. When you’re cruising solo, you get to enjoy your bucket list adventures exactly how you want to.

Best 2026 Bucket List Cruise Experiences

Talking destinations is one thing, but what about the specific bucket list experiences waiting for you out in the wide world? Well, while you can make the most of once-in-a-lifetime moments anywhere in the world and create unforgettable memories on every continent, cruise getaways do give you the chance to tackle your travel wish list head-on with some incredible experiences. Below, we’re going to highlight some of the most exciting options available in 2026.

Spotting Tigers in India’s Golden Triangle

India is an incredible travel destination with so much to offer visitors, and you can couple an exciting South East Asian cruise adventure with a multi-day tour of this remarkable nation to enjoy a whole host of once-in-a-lifetime experiences during your holiday. Visiting Ranthambore National Park, home to an important Bengal Tiger population, is a highlight of the interesting tour itinerary available, but you’ll also have the chance to visit iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, explore vibrant cities like Delhi and Mumbai, and explore some of India’s most impressive historic sites.

As an endangered species, the chance to observe Bengal Tigers in their natural habitat isn’t something to be missed, but you’ll be able to tick off plenty of bucket list items on an adventure to the Indian subcontinent – something that can certainly be a daunting task when trying to organise experiences like this yourself.

Thrilling Trackside Action on a Formula One Cruise

Undeniably the pinnacle of world motorsports, attending a Formula One Grand Prix is an exhilarating bucket list experience you can couple with a cruise to treat yourself to an unforgettable holiday – all while ticking things off your travel wish list.Timing is key when it comes to attending a Formula One race weekend, much like any international sporting event, but you can take the stress out of organising your travel, tickets, and accommodation separately by opting for one of the F1 Grand Prix cruise packages available in 2026. Even if you’re not a huge fan of the sport itself, the excitement of a race weekend is infectious; you can get a taste of what it’s like by reading about Cate’s Incredible Formula One experience right here.

Magical Theme Parks with Caribbean Cruising

Visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando are popular travel bucket list items for a reason, and you can treat yourself with a trip to these remarkable theme parks while indulging in a Caribbean escape thanks to a variety of incredible Cruise and Stay Packages. Whether you’re travelling with children, or you’re just young at heart, this is an incredible holiday experience anytime of year; through these packages, you’ll be able to couple all the excitement of the world’s most famous theme parks with lounging in the sunshine on white-sand beaches, thrilling watersports in sparkling blue seas, and so many more rewarding experiences.

These are itineraries where there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Cruising the Caribbean on a Disney Cruise Line ship elevates this experience to another level, but you can find out more about what this experience is like when travelling without children by checking out the following blog: A Trip to Remember - Universal Studios & Utopia of the Seas

Marvel at the Wonders of Ancient China

Exploring China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travellers, and a cruise package combining this remarkable nation’s most impressive landmarks and cities with other holiday hotspots in the Far East is always worth considering if you’re looking to treat yourself to a bucket list adventure. Not only will these itineraries give you the chance of exploring the ancient history at the heart of Beijing, sections of the breathtaking Great Wall of China, and the intriguing Terracotta Army in Xi’An, but you’ll also be afforded the opportunity to enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine and cultural experiences throughout.

A guided tour cruise package doesn’t just take the stress out of organising an incredible experience like this yourself, but it also couples that with an enriching cruise adventure to a variety of other holiday destinations; if you’re looking to tick a few things off your travel wish list, this is a very rewarding way to do it – just check out everything Ellie's China Adventure entailed!

Exciting Expeditions to the World’s Most Remote Regions

Expedition cruises are unlike anything else available; boasting an incredible variety of unique shore experiences, they’re easily one of the best ways to visit remote bucket list destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands. Ideal for explorers, these intimate small-ship sailings afford you the opportunity to observe some incredible wildlife in its natural habitat, Zodiac watercraft tours to even more remote areas of these destinations, and unique cultural excursions led by experienced expedition teams.

Some of the more luxurious expedition cruise experiences even offer helicopter tours and submersible experiences, which gives you the chance to admire these incredible areas from new angles. Offering something completely different, but equally rewarding, expedition cruises are always unforgettable.

Top 2026 Bucket List Cruise Destinations

We know that’s already quite a lot to think about, but it’s really just a taste of what’s out there when it comes to once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences and enriching cruise adventures in 2026. Below, you’ll find a few more incredible cruise itineraries sailing to some of the world’s most interesting destinations in 2026.

• No-Fly Caribbean from Southampton (35 nights) - Iona, Jan 2026
• Eastern Caribbean with Miami Beach & Barbados Stays (15 nights) - Azamara Quest, Jan 2026
• Spring Caribbean Escape from Barbados (15 nights) - Renaissance, Feb 2026
• Eastern Caribbean from Barbados (14 nights) - Britannia, Mar 2026
• Western Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale with Miami Beach Stay (9 nights) - Disney Destiny, Jul 2026
• Florence, Sicily & Mykonos from with Stay (12 nights) - Scarlet Lady, Aug 2026
• SCHOOL BREAK FAMILY SPECIAL! Belgium from Southampton (3 nights) - Disney Dream, Aug 2026
• Discovering Italy with the Amalfi Coast from Southampton (18 nights) - Borealis, Sep 2026
• Eastern Caribbean & Fun day at Celebration Key with Miami Beach Stay (10 nights) - Carnival Celebration, Oct 2026
• Eastern Caribbean from Barbados (15 nights) - Arvia, Nov 2026
• Colourful Treasures & Idyllic Island Scenery from Miami with 2nt Luxury Stay (10 nights) - Explora III, Dec 2026

Book Your Next Adventure with Iglu Cruise Today

Whether you're looking for a luxury getaway, last-minute deals, solo cruise offers, or all-inclusive packages, Iglu Cruise has the right cruise adventure waiting for you – be that in 2026, beyond that, or even before then!

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