Cruising in 2026: the ultimate guide to new ships and voyages

What’s new in cruising this year and beyond, from the next generation of ships hitting the waters to destinations and itineraries in focus.

Hotels at sea: the best in luxury cruising right now

We’re living in a post-modern travel moment where cruise lines are designing ships that look like hotels – and hotel brands are designing hotels that float. It’s all in pursuit of experiential luxury, and an ultra-luxe fleet of yachts is spearheading the movement. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection kicked off the trend four years ago and has since introduced its legion of fans to the world of cruising with a trio of vessels: Evrima, Ilma and Luminara.

Superyacht Aqua Lares — Superyacht *Aqua Lares* will spend the summer months sailing Svalbard and the Arctic Circle.

‘Aman junkies’ feeling cruise-curious need not switch allegiance with the launch of Aman at Sea. Reservations are now open for the debut of 47-suite yacht Amangati for her Mediterranean season in the European spring of 2027, including select voyages that drop anchor at key cultural fixtures such as the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix.

*Amangati* is Aman’s first foray into cruising. (Credit: Sinot)

Likewise, Four Seasons Yachts is rewriting the rules of indulgence at sea. Likened to floating palaces, its new-build vessels promise intimacy on a grand scale, where every detail feels couture-crafted. Leading the charge is Four Seasons I, a 207-metre showpiece setting sail on its inaugural voyage this season.

*Orient Express Corinthian* brings nostalgia to the high seas. (Credit: Accor/Martin Darzacq)

Legendary heritage brand Orient Express is also entering the fray, launching its first-ever sailing yacht 140 years after its first luxury trains left the station. Orient Express Corinthian debuts in June 2026, sailing between Marseille, Corsica and Liguria with 54 nostalgia-rich suites and a culinary concept helmed by Yannick Alléno, one of the world’s leading chefs. Sister yacht Orient Express Olympian will follow in 2027.

Explore Peru’s remote reaches in style with A&K Sanctuary’s *Pure Amazon*. (Credit: Damian Russell)

Luxury is also pushing into the wildest reaches. Aqua Expeditions’ latest superyacht, Aqua Lares, has launched in the Seychelles before it sails the Arctic from June to September, while A&K Sanctuary’s Pure Amazon brings the brand’s ethos of elevated exploration to the rainforest with a 12-cabin expedition vessel exploring Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

Dazzling debuts: new cruises coming this year

New additions onboard the reinvented *Celebrity Solstice* include Trattoria Rossa.

Things are looking shipshape as a fleet of next-generFation vessels make their grand entrances this year and beyond. Making a splash is Explora Journeys’ newest addition, EXPLORA III, a destination in its own right that marks a milestone in the evolution of this envelope-pushing brand. Debuting ahead of schedule in the Mediterranean in July, the LNG-powered ship introduces next-gen sustainability alongside expansive design, elevated dining and immersive wellness – including a sound-healing pod.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Luna, the newest Prima Class ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, begins its debut sailings this year. Bookings are also now open for Norwegian Aura, the next evolution in the fleet – 10 per cent larger than its predecessors and designed with curated, family-focused experiences in mind. It launches in Europe in May 2027 before homeporting in Miami.

MSC Cruises’ new flagship MSC World Asia sets sail in December 2026. Its design draws inspiration from Asian culture, art and landscape, including vibrant bespoke works by Vietnamese artist Hoan Phan.

Upping the ante in the megaship stakes, Royal Caribbean will debut Legend of the Seas in Europe in July, the next in the Icon Class fleet pitched as the world’s best family holiday at sea. The line is also evolving its fleet with a cutting-edge new Discovery Class, slated to launch in 2029.

*Celebrity Solstice* has been reborn. (Credit: Tracy Arm Fjord)

Celebrity Cruises is making its classics new again, investing over US$250 million to modernise its Solstice Series ships. First is Aussie fave Celebrity Solstice, which took to the seas in March with reimagined spaces, design upgrades and new onboard experiences.

Reflective of a shift towards immersive slow travel, the demand for river cruising is ever-increasing. AmaWaterways debuts AmaSofia in the European spring, sailing the Rhine and the Danube. Next year, the brand will launch a new vessel on the Mekong as well as AmaRudi, a next-generation double-width Danube ship.

Cruise the Danube with Uniworld. (Credit: Uniwold/Pam Mclean)

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises launches its first new-build since 2021: S.S. Emilie, a 154-passenger Super Ship sailing the Danube with Art Nouveau interiors inspired by Gustav Klimt and his muse, Emilie Flöge. The brand has announced four more ships for 2027, including S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene, named for screen legends Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, plus S.S. São Rafael on Portugal’s Douro River.

Egypt remains high on the bucket list. Viking answers the call with two new 82-guest vessels – Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet – sailing the Nile this year. Or perhaps you’ve had your fill of all that is new and cutting-edge? If so, consider stepping back in time.

Experience life onboard Windstar Cruises’ *Star Seeker*.

Exploring the Caribbean and Alaska before sailing to Asia, with emphasis on immersion in Thailand and Vietnam, Windstar Cruises’ first new-build in its Star Class fleet, Star Seeker, also debuted this year. The 112-suite yacht will be joined by sister ship Star Explorer at the end of the year, purpose-built to glide into hard-to-reach river ports and cities such as London along the Thames.

In other news, HX Expeditions has unveiled its vintage-inspired ‘1896 Cabin’ aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen, inviting guests to experience life as an early polar adventurer. The immersive concept marks 130 years since HX Expeditions set out on its pioneering voyage from mainland Norway to Svalbard.

New waters: the latest and greatest cruise itineraries

Monaco GrandPrix — Drop anchor at the Monaco Grand Prix with Silversea.

The year is already awash with horizon-expanding itinerary announcements. Part of 414 inspiring new sailings for 2027–28, Silversea’s three new Grand Voyages invite unhurried travellers to explore the Western Mediterranean, Asia and South America in depth over 51 to 77 days.

Another cruise experience tapping into demand for extended itineraries, Explorations by Norwegian by My Cruises – the world’s longest cruise to and from Australia – is returning for a second year-long voyage with fresh destinations in Borneo, Kenya and the Philippines.

Departing from Melbourne, luxury cruise line Crystal will embark on its first circumnavigation of Australia as part of its 2029 World Cruise – a 127-night voyage aboard Crystal Symphony.

And in 2027, Uniworld will launch a collection of European itineraries blending boutique river cruising with its sister brand Luxury Gold’s premium small-group land travel. Expect everything from hiking in the Swiss alps to wine tasting on the banks of the Rhine and meeting the only saffron grower left in the Wachau Valley.

Plus, Hurtigruten is expanding its Fjord and Arctic Voyages for 2027-28 with three brand-new ‘Limited Collection’ voyages including The Arctic Line – North, departing Copenhagen before sailing Norway’s coast.

Sustainability at sea: eco-friendly cruise lines

Ponant Explorations kayaking — PONANT EXPLORATIONS invests in the environment. (Credit: Ponant/Daniel Ernst)

A wave of new initiatives shaped by an environmental ethos is rippling through the seas. Swap2Zero, a future transoceanic ship project from PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, is paving the way towards decarbonised, zero-emissions navigation by 2030 using breakthrough technologies and wind-assisted propulsion.

Meanwhile, Viking’s 998-guest ocean ship Viking Libra will debut at the end of 2026 as the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, meaning it will be capable of operating with zero emissions.

Also innovating in the eco-cruising space, HX Expeditions is launching two electric-powered ‘silent science boats’ to reduce underwater noise pollution during boat excursions in the Antarctic and Arctic.

In Alaskan waters, MSC Cruises has announced a landmark partnership with marine conservation organisation ORCA to study whale behaviour, collect data and improve guest whale-watching experiences.

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Seize the moment: cruise experiences you can’t miss

CelebritybXcel — Celebrity Xcel will host Med-inspired festivals during its European season.

Some experiences only come around once in a blue moon. Our advice? Seize the opportunity. Hurtigruten’s Astronomy Voyage on Signature offers first-class seats to the skin-tingling northern lights as you cruise Norway’s Arctic coast alongside an expert aurora chaser.

Or perhaps opt for PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ solar eclipse cruises near Iceland’s fjords or off Spain’s Balearic Islands to see the rare total solar eclipse on 12 August, when the moon will obscure the sun, creating an ethereal ring.

Plenty of cruise lines are tapping into the zeitgeist, too, and planning itineraries around cultural moments. Silversea’s newly unveiled voyage collection 2027–28 is built around some of the world’s best events and cultural, sporting and culinary festivals, from the iconic to the under-the-radar.

Think the Monaco Grand Prix, Carnival in Rio, Awa Odori in Tokushima (Japan’s largest dance festival), the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the San Sebastián Street Festival in Puerto Rico. All promise high energy and deep community connection.

The Bazaar, Celebrity Xcel — The festivals come to life in The Bazaar onboard *Celebrity Xcel*. (Credit: Michel Verdure)

Seasonal sailings are also in focus, with AmaWaterways offering Festive Delights cruises that channel the warmth and wonder of Christmas along Europe’s rivers. Or explore the waters of Baja California, Mexico, during peak whale migration season with UnCruise adventures for blue whale, humpack, dolphin and flying mobula ray spotting, along with the chance to snorkel with playful seal lions.

Cultural immersion is increasingly extending onboard, too. Celebrity Cruises’ brand-new Celebrity Xcel is a masterclass in this space. To mark its debut European season, the ship is launching four new Euro-inspired festivals at The Bazaar, designed to blend seamlessly with the in-port experience – celebrating, variously, Greek, Italian, Spanish and Moroccan flavours and flair.

Destination spotlight: the growth of cruising Asia

Cruising in Asia is continuing to grow apace in 2026. Cruise Lines International Association data shows Asia Pacific is the fastest growing regional market. The continent sings with punchy flavours, ancient cultures and metropolises that move at lightning speed. So is it really a surprise? No.

But what continues to delight is the wealth of new ways to discover this region by water – whether you’re witnessing South Korea’s electric markets with Explora Journeys, Vietnam’s imperial citadels with Silversea or Japan’s crimson foliage with Princess Cruises; or, you can board Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, which will homeport for the first time in Singapore between October 2026 and February 2027.

From sophisticated new sleeper trains and opulent hotel openings to the exploration of new frontiers, we’re now finding ourselves in our own gilded era of travel. These 21st-century travel experiences are leading the way.

If we were to turn back the clock 100 years, there was a real romance to travel – the dawning of a glamour-filled jet age, refined rail sojourns and first-class cruising where the voyage itself trounced the destination.

We’re feeling a similar excitement in the air about travel in 2026. Think state-of-the-art cruise liners allowing access to destinations formerly off-limits, resort launches where avant-garde architecture takes centre stage, and a return to the days of luxury locomotives. This reoccurrence of the advances, adventure and elegance of a bygone era has not only come full circle; it’s now superior.

How? Travel has become more mindful, intentional and accessible. This includes environmental initiatives by operators determined to leave less impact on the planet and a shift towards a deeper cultural exchange with the local communities we visit. Whether it’s exploring previously hard-to-reach cities such as Uzbekistan’s Khiva, staying with a family to experience village life in Nepal or discovering new frontiers in Antarctica, our round-up of ‘new golden age’ travel experiences is a snapshot of how we are travelling today, as well as into promising new horizons.

Exploring the emerging city of Khiva

The walled inner city of Khiva, Uzbekistan. (Credit: Getty/Mlenny Khiva)

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road city of Khiva used to be off the radar for many travellers, but 2026 has changed all that. You can thank a new bullet train service connecting Khiva to Bukhara and Samarkand, slashing the trip from the capital of Tashkent from 15 hours to under eight. Add renovations to Urgench International Airport, and interest in this fascinating city is rapidly on the rise.

Quick to react has been Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and The Samarkand Express which have added Khiva to their 2026 rail itineraries, while Cox & Kings has included the Central Asian city to its multi-country 2027 ‘Stans’ itinerary.

Check out Khiva’s preserved inner-walled fortress, the first UNESCO site in Uzbekistan, explore ancient minarets and ornate mausoleums, and try traditional fare at Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant. Looking for fancy digs? The Mercure Khiva is due to swing open its doors later in 2026.

Riding the rails on the Eastern & Oriental Express

inside the Eastern & Oriental Express — Onboard the train, rich fabrics are complemented by elm, cherrywood and teak marquetry. (Credit: Ludovic Balay)

Recapture the romance of rail travel through the tropics of Southeast Asia on the refurbished Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia.

The resurgence of train travel reflects how we are travelling today – slower and with a new appreciation for both scenery and cultural exchange. Include a large dollop of old-world glamour, and the three-night Wild Malaysia tour truly delivers. Winding its way deep into the Malay jungle, the journey makes plenty of pit stops for exploration along the way.

Having been resurrected from a 1970s sleeper, the luxury locomotive now comes replete with plush interiors of hand-cut marquetry dressed in oriental silks and embroidery – there’s even a Dior Spa. Watch the world go by from the Observation Car, indulge in fine wining and dining, kick up your heels in the Piano Bar, then snooze it all off in your sumptuous sleeper car.

Embracing Mother Nature in Peru

Travelling to Peru is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of contrasting cultures and landscapes. Whether you’re learning about shamanic natural remedies in the pre-Inca Colca Valley, cruising the wilds of the Amazon on a luxury river ship or discovering firsthand why the contemporary capital of Lima is celebrated for its culinary and artistic scenes, there are myriad reasons why this colourful country is topping wish lists.

One such experience is the Ultimate Peru by River and Rail journey (five days) by Abercrombie & Kent, available in 2026. This incredible river cruise allows you to truly connect with the jungle rhythms of the Amazon via skiff and on foot with in-the-know local guides, and includes nights onboard newly launched luxury riverboat Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary.

Spot exotic creatures such as sloths, macaws, piranhas, and pink dolphins on the daily excursions, before juxtaposing these wild encounters with a return to pure pampering on the boat.

Seeking sustainable community experiences in Nepal

tharu woman — Tharu woman and master weaver Parbati Chaudhary in Bhada Village. (Credit: Bheem Thapa)

While Nepal has traditionally attracted visitors to traverse its majestic mountains – Everest and Annapurna in particular – travel experiences in this beautiful Himalayan nation are expanding.

Home stays, where you reside with Nepali families and take an active part in their daily lives, are a growing attraction. It’s a win:win for local youths – who took their country back after bloody protests in 2025 – wanting to stay in Nepal rather than moving abroad for work, as well as foreigners seeking a deeper cultural experience. Nepali women, Indigenous people and marginalised castes are also benefitting from home stays, upping the feel-good factor even further.

Leading the charge is Community Home Stay Network, which links travellers to local-family hosts. Travel off-the-beaten path to homes in areas including Tharu in the south, learn how to cook Nepali style, and take part in traditions such as making moonshine, dancing and weaving straw handicrafts.

Exploring new frontiers in Antarctica

an ice window at Wilhelmina Bay — A breathtaking ice window captured at Wilhelmina Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula. (Credit: Renato Granieri)

Gone are the days when a trip to Antarctica meant a perilous voyage through the Drake Passage on a vessel holding the mere essentials. Innovative cruise ships now offer a smooth and sophisticated passage to the White Continent, as well as experiences formerly off-limits.

Abercrombie & Kent’s 19-day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands: Holiday Voyage captures it all. Spot breaching whales and gracefully gliding albatrosses from the deck, before stepping onto this Narnia-like landscape with daily Zodiac excursions. Observe adorable penguin and fur seal colonies, visit Antarctic communities that were previously too remote, and get so close to colossal icebergs that you’ll feel humbled by their scale.

Silversea‘s Antarctica Fly Cruise voyages will soon include a stay at The Cormorant at 55 South, the southernmost hotel on Earth purpose-built to bring uncompromised comfort to guests travelling to Antarctica.

When it comes to protecting this fragile eco-system, the future is also looking bright: HX Expeditions has partnered with the University of Tasmania to create a world-first educational course allowing cruise guests to dive into Antarctic science and sustainability, while A&K pours funds into conservation efforts and uses energy-efficient hybrid ships – all in trademark luxury, of course.

Indulging in New Zealand’s exceptional dining

Ayrburn, Queenstown — The Ayrburn precinct serves up delicate dishes.

By welcoming the Michelin Guide to sample Aotearoa/New Zealand’s finest gastronomy for the first time, our cousins across the ditch have now become serious players on the world culinary scene.

And there’s never been a better time to experience NZ’s greatest gastronomy with the inaugural guide currently going to press. Sample haute cuisine in Queenstown with a side serving of theatrics by culinary director Paul Froggatt at Essence in the new ROKI Collection hotel, and pull up a chair at Amisfield for its delicious degustation experience under new chef Sung Peng, with the world-renowned restaurant slated to reopen in July.

And it’s not just Queenstown holding all the culinary cards. The Michelin inspectors travelled to rate the best epicurean artistry in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington and Ōtautahi/Christchurch against the world’s most renowned restaurateurs (bring loose pants).

Bedding down at design-led hotels and farm stays

a woodfired sauna at Azuma Farm Koiwai — A woodfired sauna deepens the meditative state at Azuma Farm Koiwai. (Credit: Azuma Farm Koiwai)

New grand dames on the global hotel stage are receiving a standing ovation for their triumphant 2026 openings.

Return to old-world elegance at the Orient Express Venezia, a reimagined former 15^th-century royal residence set in Venice’s Palazzo Dona Giovannellii. It certainly makes for a regal stay, with grand Neo-Gothic windows and restored Baroque splendour blending seamlessly with modern luxury flourishes. Also bringing the fantasy factor is France’s Zannier Île de Bendor on a petite private island off the Provençal coast. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea – and with three luxe, design-led accommodation concepts to choose from – this resort exudes golden-era glamour.

In a breath of fresh air, we’ve also seen an uptick in farm stays. Trade the urban rush for a rambling rural retreat at Sibbjäns, Sweden’s first boutique farm stay, or opt for horseback riding followed by woodfired saunas on the sprawling eight-hectare Azuma Farm Koiwai in Japan.

Cruising the Danube on a festive Eastern Euro adventure

The magical Pécs Christmas Market in Hungary. (Credit: Emily Murphy)

Dreaming of a white Christmas? While floating past snow-dusted, fairytale cities on a river ship in Eastern Europe makes for an amazing voyage, when you add the magic of Christmas the whole experience becomes, well, more magical.

From twinkling trees and tinsel to red-nosed reindeer and wreath decorations, the festivities greet you the moment you step aboard AmaMagna by AmaWaterways. The ship then spirits you away along the Lower Danube for a seven-night Gems of Southeast Europe adventure from Romania to Hungary.

Explore Bulgaria’s medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, glide into the dramatic Iron Gates crossing into Serbia; and sip on fine wines at Croatia’s Kast Winery (one variety made famous by Queen Elizabeth II). The highlight? For many it’s wandering the shimmering Christmas markets in Hungary’s Pécs. Peruse stalls selling unique handicrafts, try the traditional treat of kürtőskalács (chimney cake), and warm your cockles with a cup of mulled wine.

Delving into the buzzing city of Beijing

Lama Temple, Beijing — Calm and chaos at Lama Temple in Beijing. (Credit: Natasha Bazika)

Walking the line between its imperial past and a frenetic, futuristic present – Beijing is an exciting city to dive into.

If you want to be centrally located, the palatial Peninsula Beijing is hard to beat. From here, strap in at street level for a stroll among the city’s famed hutongs (ancient alleyways), pausing to taste traditional delicacies such as jianbing (savoury breakfast crepe) and dumpling soup. Then scope out the narrow lanes dotted with siheyuan courtyard homes (there are only 1000 left), and if you love to shop, head to Taikoo Li Sanlitun for a mix of luxury brands and local labels.

And it wouldn’t be a well-rounded trip to this history-rich city without experiencing its highlights reel. Admire golden-topped architecture in the Forbidden City, take a hike on the Great Wall of China and pay a visit to Tiananmen Square for both remembrance and observation on how it operates today.

Embarking on a round-the-world cruise

Can’t decide where to go on a cruise? On a round-the-world voyage you can live out all your dreams at sea.

It’s not a new idea – the first world cruise occurred more than a century ago on Cunard’s RMS Laconia in 1922 – but a reimagining. If you don’t have a spare year up your sleeve, you can now join for specific legs of the journey (unlike the 1922 trip), and ships have been modernised with sustainability measures, contemporary designs and a less formal feel.

Queen Anne, also by Cunard, cruised the world in 2026 with guests joining at handpicked ports, including in Central America for the extraordinary experience of crossing the Panama Canal. If you want the full adventure by circumnavigating the globe, Queen Anne will set sail on another world voyage in 2028.

Discovering the joys of small-group travel in Spain

Intrepid Travel's olive oil and wine tasting at Molino El Vínculo, Grazalema — Sample organic wine and olive oil on a tasting tour in Molino El Vínculo in Grazalema with Intrepid Travel. (Credit: Intrepid Travel/Tim Luck)

Small-group touring is a travel trend currently soaring, with many embracing it as an authentic, intimate and insightful way to visit a country – with VIP benefits to boot.

The small-group format, typically capped at five to 15 guests, is now accounting for around 62 per cent of group travel worldwide. And operators such as Intrepid Travel, APT Luxury Travel and Janesco Travel are among the frontrunners in this space, handling all navigation and insider experiences within an intimate group led by expert guides.

Seeking a Spanish sojourn? Small-group journeys to the vibrant southern Andalusia region are now topping bucket lists. Be mesmerised by flamenco dancers from a professional dance school (rather than touristy versions), learn how to make authentic sangria with a private class, skip queues at the Real Alcázar of Seville royal palace, and score a seat at the best Andalusian restaurants, sans waitlist.

Learning from the past in Japan

inside the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum — The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum presents a sobering dive into the nuclear event. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience a war-time atomic bomb, hopefully the closest any of us will ever get is a visit to Nagasaki.

While on a cruise excursion to the Japanese city aboard the Diamond Princess, you can visit the fascinating hypocentre of the Second World War bomb dropped to widespread annihilation in 1945. While there is no doubt this is heavy material to digest on a tour, it comes with a message of hope – that the horror of a nuclear war should never happen again.

There is also much more to this 11-day Japan Explorer Cherry Blossoms with Princess Cruises voyage. Witness the world’s most active volcano in Kagoshima, join a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and marvel at Mt Fuji in Shimizu. Also don’t miss the onsen experiences onboard the ship or its many mouth-watering local culinary offerings. Next departure is March 2027.

Supporting a typhoon-ravaged community in Vietnam

Zannier Bai San Ho — Time to kick back at Zannier Bãi San Hô. (Credit: Amber Hunter)

When typhoon Typhoon Kalmaegi ripped through Vietnam’s south-central coast in November 2025, it left a devastating trail of destruction.

And Zannier Bãi San Hô, an expansive 98-hectare beachfront resort, took a direct hit. An incredible five-month clean-up and restoration has now seen the Green Globe-certified retreat reopen, thanks in large part to the local community who rallied to help rebuild it. The support goes both ways; the 180-strong resort staff is made up of 177 locals – their livelihoods dependent on it.

You can help by simply booking a stay here. It’s hardly a punish, when you consider the beauty and luxury of this place; picture private pool villas and powder-white beaches. Take to the sapphire waters for water sports, visit local fishing villages and sweat it out at the onsite fitness centre. Or, if relaxing’s more your jam, simply loll by the pool with a good book.

The ultimate guide to cruising around the globe in 2026