Four of the Best Cruises to Book Now
Sail away in 2026
The Short Break
For a shorter trip, Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines have regular sailings from Newcastle, saving time before you even leave home – and a short trip doesn’t mean you won’t see spectacular sights. Their Scenic Norwegian Fjords cruise on board Balmoral is just five nights long, but takes you on a captivating journey through the fjordland.
Timed perfectly to enjoy the waterfalls at their peak (due to the melting mountain ice), a day’s sailing from Newcastle takes you to Stavanger, where you can explore the wooden houses of the old town, visit the cathedral (dating back to the Middle Ages), and check out the city’s plethora of excellent restaurants. You’ll spend an afternoon cruising through the dramatic Lysefjord, lined by 1,000-metre cliffs and only accessible to smaller ships, and another day is spent in Ulvik (known as the ‘Orchard of Norway’ for its fertile, fruit-growing soil). The 106-mile-long Hardangerfjord is known as the ‘Queen of the Fjords’ for its deep blue waters, rock formations and waterfalls, while Maurangerfjord (which branches off Hardangerfjord) is famous for its magnificent Furebergsfossen waterfall, which flows down a steep mountainside, over rocks clad in deep green spruce, under the road and into the fjord.
Another day at sea gives you more time to explore Balmoral on the way home. While small enough to navigate picturesque waterways like the Lysefjord, there’s still plenty to enjoy on board, including five restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools and plenty of open deck space from which to take in the sights. The three main restaurants offer a five-course a la carte menu which changes each day, while the Thistle offers a more casual experience, with numerous options for every meal, plus late-night snacks and afternoon tea. Head to Colours & Tastes for a taste of Asia (think bao buns, crispy beef and sushi), the Observatory bar has panoramic views, there’s nightly entertainment in the Neptune Lounge, and Balmoral’s pools are both heated, with open deck space and plenty of loungers. Cabins range from interior and ocean view to the top-tier owner’s suite.
Prices start from £899 per person on 30th April 2026 departure.
fredolsencruises.com
The European Escape
Royal Caribbean’s eight-night Spain & France Cruise on board Liberty of the Seas begins and ends in Southampton. Calling at Bordeaux (La Rochelle), Bilbao, La Coruna, Vigo and Paris (Le Havre), and with two sea days included in the itinerary too, this trip packs a lot into a relatively short time.
In Bordeaux, make sure to visit the Basilique St-Michel, explore the old town and visit the wine museum (La Cité du Vin). In Bilbao, the iconic Guggenheim Museum is a must, but save time to explore the city’s restaurants and tapas bars too. Climb to the Roman lighthouse in La Coruna, and take a ferry from Vigo to swim in clear blue waters off the Cies Islands. From Le Havre, book a trip to explore the beaches of Normandy, Mont Saint Michel or Paris itself.
Liberty of the Seas is going to be totally reimagined ahead of its summer 2026 sailings, from a revamped pool deck with private casitas to brand new dining options. Spend a night in the Casino Royale, enjoy Japanese dining at Izumi Teppanyaki, take on the all-new Royal Escape Room, or relax with a cocktail at the new pool-side bar, The Lime & Coconut.
Dining options include burgers and shakes at Johnny Rockets, pizzas and pints at Sorrento’s, Italian classics at Giovanni’s Table, American steakhouse Chops Grille – or book the Chef’s Table for an intimate five-course dining experience. On-board activities are varied, from waterslides and ice skating to an aqua park, plus plenty of nightlife including a Latin-themed club. Room options include connecting family staterooms, luxurious suites perfect for couples, and even spacious rooms specially designed for groups.
Available to book through Hays Travel. Prices start from £679
per person on 25th September 2026 departure. hayscruise.co.uk
The Long Haul
Setting sail from Miami, a 14-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruise on board MSC World America is the ultimate way to explore a fascinating and beautiful part of the world in luxury. Calling at Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (a private island with white-sand beaches, watersports, a spa and beach bars), the ship then calls again in Miami before setting off for the second week, calling at Isla De Roatan (Honduras), Costa Maya and Cozumel (both Mexico).
MSC World America is MSC Cruises’ new world class ship, combining elegant European design with American comfort. There are six specialty dining venues on board, as well as seven complimentary restaurants and 18 bars, cafés and lounges, so you can explore different cuisines throughout your trip, and certainly won’t be short of options for relaxation. With kids’s clubs, a Sportplex, a theatre, an activity-packed district designed for kids and teens, bumper cars, a theatre, a spa, aqua park and the only over-water swing ride at sea (Cliffhanger), there’s no chance of running out of things to do between ports.
Accommodation options range from comfortable, air-conditioned interior cabins to balcony rooms and suites – or go the whole hog and book an MSC Yacht Club suite, with 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, and a private whirlpool on the balcony.
Available to book through Ponteland Travel. Prices start from £1,949 per person on 4th April 2026 departure. pontelandtravel.co.uk
The World Tour
Taking in all four corners of the globe in one epic voyage, P&O Cruises’ Epic World Explorer on board the Arcadia is a 106-night adventure taking in Barbados, Mexico, the US, Fiji, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Namibia… and much, much more.
Departing from Southampton in January 2027, this adult-only cruise is the way to see the world in style. Sail through the Panama Canal, cruise into San Francisco beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, see multi-coloured fish in turquoise waters on The Great Barrier Reef – and return to the comfort of your luxurious floating home each evening. In Hong Kong, make sure you take a ride on the Star Ferry – it’s reasonably priced and allows you to get great views of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. In Singapore, visit Gardens by the Bay to see the collection of 1.5 million plants, housed among architectural marvels like the Cloud Forest, the Supertree Observatory and the Flower Dome. Go wine tasting in Cape Town, spot the abundant birdlife in Walvis Bay, Namibia, and explore the beautiful beaches of Cape Verde.
From the Art Deco domed roof of the atrium to the opulent Oasis Spa and dining at Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill, there’s plenty to explore on Arcadia itself. The three-tier Palladium Theatre offers spellbinding theatrical experiences, while the sophisticated Crow’s Nest bar, perched high in the ship, is the place for ocean views and live music. There are 15 bars and restaurants on board (don’t miss the contemporary Indian cuisine at Sindhu), five entertainment venues (including a casino), and two swimming pools to keep you busy.
Book a mini suite to get an additional lounge area between the main cabin area and your balcony, as well as a whirlpool bath, spacious dressing area, and Champagne and chocolates on arrival.
