As we sail into 2026, the world of cruising is buzzing with exciting new cruise routes and timeless favorites. Whether you’re departing from the USA or the UK, this year promises innovative voyages that blend adventure, luxury, and cultural immersion. From witnessing solar eclipses in remote fjords to island-hopping in tropical paradises, we’ve curated at least 10 standout best cruise routes based on the latest trends and offerings from top operators like Celebrity Cruises, Princess, Viking, and more. These selections draw from popular searches for “best places to cruise” and cater to diverse interests, with tips for booking from major ports like Miami, New York, Southampton, or Liverpool.
Travel trends for 2026 highlight sustainable expeditions, unique events like eclipses and anniversaries, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. For USA travelers, easy access from Florida or the East Coast makes Caribbean and Alaska perennial hits, while UK cruisers favor European departures for Mediterranean or Northern Europe sailings. Let’s dive into these must-do cruise routes, complete with ship details, durations, and highlights to help you plan your perfect getaway.
1. Alaska: Wild Frontiers and Glaciers
One of the best cruise routes for nature lovers, Alaska cruises in 2026 run from May to September on ships like Celebrity’s fleet. Depart from Vancouver or Seattle (USA) for 7-14 day itineraries visiting Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay. Highlights include whale watching, glacier calving, and indigenous cultural experiences. UK travelers can fly into the USA for these voyages, with prices starting around $1,000 per person.
2. Caribbean: Island-Hopping Paradise
The Caribbean tops lists for relaxing places to cruise, with 2026 sailings from April to April 2027 on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. From Miami (USA), embark on 7-night Eastern or Western routes to the Bahamas, Jamaica, and St. Maarten. Expect pristine beaches, snorkeling, and vibrant ports. UK options include fly-cruises from Southampton, ideal for winter escapes.
3. Mediterranean Sea: Ancient Wonders and Sunlit Coasts
Explore history on Mediterranean Sea cruises from March to April 2026 with Celebrity. 7-10 day routes from Barcelona or Rome hit Athens, Santorini, and Dubrovnik. Key attractions: Acropolis tours and coastal cuisine. UK departures from Southampton make this accessible, while USA cruisers can opt for transatlantic repositioning.
4. Northern Europe & Iceland: Fjords and Eclipses
Expanded Northern Europe & Iceland itineraries in 2026 feature solar eclipse viewings. On Celebrity ships from May to October, 10-14 day routes from Rotterdam or Southampton include Reykjavik and Akureyri. Highlights: Geothermal wonders, puffins, and the August 12 eclipse path. Perfect for UK locals; USA travelers join via flights.
5. South America & Antarctica: End-of-the-World Adventures
Venture south on South America cruises from January 2026, including Antarctica expeditions on Celebrity. 14-18 day routes from Buenos Aires round Cape Horn to the Antarctic Peninsula, spotting penguins and icebergs. Chilean Fjords and Patagonia add dramatic scenery. USA and UK access via international flights, with eco-focused ships emphasizing sustainability.
6. Hawaii: Tropical Island Exploration
Hawaii sailings in May and September 2026 on Celebrity offer 9-12 day island-hopping from Honolulu. Visit Maui, Big Island, and Kauai for volcanoes, beaches, and luaus. This cruise route appeals to USA West Coast travelers; UK adventurers can combine with transpacific flights for an exotic twist.
7. Japan & Asia: Cherry Blossoms and Urban Vibes
Discover Japan on April to October 2026 cruises with overnight Tokyo stays on Celebrity’s ML ship. 10-14 day Asia routes include Kyoto, Osaka, and new ports like Taiwan. Highlights: Temples, sushi, and modern nightlife. USA departures from Vancouver; UK via Asia fly-cruises.
8. Australia & New Zealand: Down Under Discoveries
From September 2026 to May 2027, Australia & New Zealand cruises on Celebrity explore Sydney, Auckland, and fjords like Milford Sound. 10-14 day itineraries feature wine tastings and wildlife. UK travelers love the long-haul adventure; USA options from Los Angeles include Pacific crossings.
9. Galapagos Islands: Wildlife Wonderland
Galapagos Islands expeditions in 2026 with Ecoventura’s small ships (like Origin) offer 7-night birding-focused routes from San Cristóbal. Spot albatross, penguins, and iguanas on hikes and Zodiac tours. Ideal for eco-conscious USA and UK cruisers flying into Ecuador.
10. French Polynesia & South Pacific: Remote Paradise
Sail the French Polynesia on Aranui’s 13-day Austral Islands routes in 2026, visiting Rurutu, Tubuai, and Bora Bora. Highlights: Hikes, markets, and cultural nights. This unique cruise route from Papeete attracts adventurous USA and UK travelers seeking lesser-visited spots.
Bonus Cruise Routes for 2026: Emerging Favorites
To exceed the minimum, here are more standout options:
- TransAtlantic on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2: 7-day crossings from New York to Southampton, bridging USA and UK with elegant onboard lectures and no-jet-lag travel.
- Panama Canal: Full transits from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles on Princess, 14-15 days through engineering marvels and tropical ports.
- River Danube: Uniworld’s mystery 8-day European river cruises in spring 2026, revealing destinations on embarkation for a surprise adventure.
- Norway’s Fjordland & Baltic Sea: MSC’s summer sailings from Copenhagen, blending fjords, Stockholm, and Helsinki for UK-friendly departures.
- Canada & New England: Holland America’s 7-night July 4th celebration from Boston, marking America’s 250th with fireworks and historic sites—great for USA patriots and UK history buffs.
Tips for Booking Your 2026 Best Cruise Routes
Search for “best places to cruise from USA” or “UK cruise deals 2026” to find promotions. Book early for peak seasons (Alaska in summer, Caribbean in winter). Consider lines like Viking for all-inclusive perks or expedition ships for Antarctica. With sustainability in focus, opt for low-emission vessels. Whether you’re after relaxation in the Caribbean or thrills in Iceland, these cruise routes promise unforgettable journeys—start planning today!
