When it comes to cruising, British travellers want warm-weather itineraries, mid-sized ships, and multi-destination voyages that feel like “more holiday” for the same amount of money. If that sounds like a very polite way of saying “take the hassle out, but keep the adventure in”, these are the cruises worth putting at the very top of your list for 2026.
Mediterranean voyages for sun, culture and coastlines
The Mediterranean remains the UK’s number one choice for 2026 sailings and it’s winning for a reason: short flight times, a huge range of iconic ports, and that unbeatable blend of sea views, history and food. Indeed, in a survey of almost 700 customers, the Med came out on top (23%), ahead of the Caribbean (19%). For a “best of” trip that doesn’t feel rushed, look for routes that combine Italy, Greece and Croatia so you’re getting a different port every day with completely different scenery and activities. One day is ancient ruins and harbour towns, and the next is swimming off a boat in water so clear it looks fake.
Northern Europe and fjord adventures
If 2026 is about swapping “just heat” for the “wow factor” then Northern Europe is the obvious play. Think Norway’s fjords, Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, and Baltic cities that feel built for slow wandering. This is also where departing from the UK can make the whole trip feel easier. Many cruises from Southampton leave for the Fjord’s so for families, that “no-fly” convenience can be the difference between a relaxed first day and an airport endurance test.
Long-haul exploration: Asia and Australasia
For travellers who want their 2026 holiday to feel genuinely once-in-a-lifetime, long-haul cruising is where things get exciting. ABTA’s Travel Trends for 2026 also points to growing interest in travelling further afield, including a notable increase in trips to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands in the past year. Cruise-wise, this tends to mean longer itineraries (or clever cruise-and-stay combos), but the payoff is huge: multiple cultures, coastlines and “pinch me” destinations stitched together in one smooth journey.
Caribbean cruises for winter sun and island-hopping
The Caribbean is still the ultimate summer sun reset and it’s officially the UK’s second-most popular cruise region for 2026. The key to doing the Caribbean properly is choosing multi-stop itineraries because the joy here is variety: one island for beaches, another for rainforest and waterfalls, another for food and nightlife, and suddenly it doesn’t feel like “a week in the sun”; it feels like a proper adventure that just happens to come with turquoise water.
The simplest way to choose the “right” cruise
More than ever, travellers are booking cruises to visit multiple destinations in one trip. So, when comparing options, prioritise itineraries that give you meaningful time ashore, ports you’ll actually want to explore, and a ship size that matches your vibe; mid-sized for balance, smaller for intimacy, bigger for non-stop entertainment. Whatever your pleasure, modern cruises are eclectic enough to cover you!
