See the world as you sail…

Cruising is a fantastic way to holiday - ticking off multiple must-visit destinations in one trip. There are so many options for travellers too - from relaxing river cruises on board boutique ships, to large ocean liners that resemble floating hotels, and for the curious, expedition cruises in the company of experts. You could choose a no-fly cruise, with days at sea to unwind and get to know the facilities of the ship; or a fly cruise taking you straight to the starting point of your itinerary.

If you're looking to book your next cruise holiday, read on as we share our recommendations for the best cruises to take in 2026.

Chase the Northern Lights with Tom Kerss

Join expert astronomer and Chief Aurora Chaser Tom Kerss on a 14-night cruise of Norway and the North Cape, with multiple dates departing early in the year. From Oslo, you'll cruise northbound to characterful Stavanger and Art Nouveau Ålesund. After time in Rorvik, cross the Arctic Circle to Honningsvåg - gateway to the North Cape. From here, the ship will travel back southbound. You'll be joined by an expedition team and during the voyage, hear from expert astronomer Tom Kerss, whose expertise will prove useful when seeking the Northern Lights.

15 days, departing 30 January & 13 February 2026

Can't make this date? You'll love our 12-day Norway's Northern Lights cruise with departures running until December 2026

Credit: Tom Kerss/Hurtigruten
Cruise Dutch waterways in spring with Adam Frost

Discover the sights of spring in the Netherlands, in the company of award-winning gardener and presenter Adam Frost. Your five-night Rhine cruise will start in Cologne, travelling to three ports of call in the Netherlands: Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Utrecht. Springtime is a lovely time of year to visit as the flower fields begin to bloom and you'll visit the iconic Keukenhof Gardens with Adam Frost, who will be joining you for the duration of the cruise. He will also give an insightful talk and Q&A, where perhaps you'll pick up some tips for your own garden.

6 days, departing 23 March 2026

See Japan during cherry blossom season

Japan is well known for its contrasts: from ancient shrines and temples to futuristic cities; but it's equally as famed for its cherry blossom, known as Sakura. You could embrace traditions, culture and the ritual of Hanami on a two-week long cruise from Tokyo. Each spring, millions of Japanese residents and visitors wait with anticipation for the first buds of the pink cherry blossom and you'll be able to experience it firsthand. Further highlights include a poignant visit to Hiroshima, the picturesque gem of Aomori and Hokkaido, known as Japan's wild west.

15 days, departing 29 March 2026

Taste the flavours of Bordeaux with Tom Kitchin

Discover one of France's prettiest regions on board a luxurious river ship, as you cruise the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde. The Médoc region is known for its vineyards and chateaus and during the cruise, there will be opportunity to learn more about the winemaking process and of course sample some of the famous wines - including Sauternes at the Château Royal de Cazeneuve in Cadillac. You'll be joined by top chef Tom Kitchin, who will accompany you on an excursion to Libourne Farmers' Market, while on board, he'll host a cooking demonstration, talk with Q&A session.

8 days, departing 19 April 2026

Can't make this date? You'll love our eight-day Bordeaux and the Médoc cruise with departures running until October 2026

Island hop along Croatia’s coastline

Board a stylish boutique ship with no more than 40 passengers as you join a Croatian coastal adventure. Departing from Split, you'll spend a week exploring the coves, islands and islets along the Dalmatian coastline. Discover Croatia's prettiest towns and cities, including Hvar and Dubrovnik; visit lush National Parks; and look forward to a number of included tours and activities. Due to the small ship size, you'll drop anchor in hidden coves and during these scheduled swim stops, leap from the ship's swimming platform directly into the crystal-clear waters.

8 days, departures between May and October 2026

Cruise Venice’s islands and lagoons with Gennaro Contaldo

Join the Italian chef as you cruise through the Venetian Lagoon on board a luxury river ship. Your seven-night itinerary includes visits to islands such as Burano, Murano, Mazzorbo and Torcello, as well as time to explore the sights of Venice. You'll look forward to a number of exclusive experiences, including an atmospheric lighting ceremony at St Mark's Basilica, the church on Torcello with an art historian and early morning entry to Doge's Palace. Gennaro will offer his expertise during a visit to Rialto's famous market, where he'll talk about the produce on offer; while back on board, he'll host a talk, Q&A, and cooking demonstration.

8 days, departing 3 May 2026

Can't make this date? You'll love our eight-day islands and lagoons of Venice cruise with departures running until November 2026

More cruises
Our Essential Guide to Cruises
Our Essential Guide to River Cruising
The best no-fly cruises