New year, new destinations to explore! It’s the perfect time to begin planning your next dream escapes, but where shall you go and what can we expect from 2026? From standout destinations to trending themes, we discover the latest in the world of luxury travel.
Explore Our 2026 Luxury Cruise Deals
For seasoned luxury travellers, unique routes to both new and beloved destinations are the way forward, and luxury rail excursions are the perfect way to witness breathtaking locations from a unique perspective. Rail excursions are surging in popularity, and with our bespoke packages, why choose between exploring coastal and inland destinations when you can have both? Pair an outstanding luxury train journey with a luxury ocean sailing of your choice. The infamous Rocky Mountaineer train will whisk you off you on an unforgettable journey across North America, traversing the Canadian Rockies from your glass dome carriage as you enjoy exceptional fine dining and service. Discover the magic of South Africa with Rovos Rail, or meander through the Italian countryside on La Dolce Vita.
Yacht cruising is the answer to the increasing demand for more remote, intimate destination experiences. Small-ship luxury allows for fewer crowds and a higher staff-to-guest ratio, ensuring you enjoy privacy and personalised, bespoke service throughout your sailing. The nature of yacht cruising allows customisation and flexibility of itineraries, as well as access to secluded coves, hidden beaches and lesser-known ports otherwise unreachable by larger ships. Enjoy quiet surroundings with no fixed schedules as you explore coastal villages and stunning islands. Guests can indulge in the luxury and comfort of spacious suites and outstanding premium amenities, with accompanied by five-star service and fine dining. Yachts offer an array of exciting activities to enjoy right from the boat, including jet skiing, diving, paddleboarding and snorkelling, so you can immerse yourself in the destination and its marine life up close.
When asked what luxury meant to our customers, 74% of them answered fine dining. Food isn’t merely an accessory to our journeys across the world; it’s the centrepiece of everything we do. Particularly for luxury travellers, it’s simply not enough for a destination to be beautiful. Their surroundings now need to be complemented by the flavours and ingredients of local dishes that define its character, and this is reflected not only through local tourism in destinations like the Caribbean, but through luxury travel brands like Silversea, offering their signature S.A.L.T excursions on their cruises, where you can immerse yourself in the destination through food and cooking experiences in the local areas.
Lockdown established a newfound appreciation for time, and so explorers are now opting to embark on transformational journeys that focus on the present, instead of ‘someday’. These journeys transcend the idea of bucket list travel and extend into one that’s centred around organic travel, one that feels real and immersive instead of ticking off a box. These are experiences that disconnect you from the real world, taking you on a journey that slows down time and allows you to stop and take in your surroundings, earning an appreciation for the culture, wildlife and views of the destination you’re in.
True luxury lies in travel that feels entirely personal. Inspired by our Finest Collection journeys, tailor-made itineraries are becoming the ultimate way to explore the world, crafted bespoke around each traveller’s interests, pace and passions. From combining luxury ocean and river sailings with private land tours, to handpicking suite categories, dining experiences and exclusive shore excursions, every detail is carefully considered. These journeys move beyond set itineraries, offering seamless, personalised experiences that reflect how you want to travel - whether that’s cultural immersion, culinary discovery or pure relaxation. The result is a voyage that feels as individual as you are, where every moment has been designed with intention.
Looking to the skies is becoming just as important as looking to the horizon, with astro-cruising emerging as one of 2026’s most captivating travel trends. Luxury cruises designed around celestial events offer guests front-row seats to nature’s most extraordinary spectacles, from witnessing the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights to experiencing rare solar eclipses at sea. Sailing far from light pollution provides optimal viewing conditions, enhanced by expert astronomers onboard who bring the science and stories of the cosmos to life. Whether wrapped in a blanket on deck beneath Arctic skies or enjoying a private viewing experience with champagne in hand, astro-cruising blends wonder, exclusivity and education, transforming a voyage into a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience written in the stars.
Luxury travel continues to blur the lines between hospitality, lifestyle and consumer brands, with exciting collaborations elevating the cruise experience to new heights. Partnerships such as Crystal’s collaboration with world-renowned Nobu - alongside standout dining concepts like Beefbar - bring iconic culinary names directly to sea, while Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ alliances with Goodwood and the House of Fabergé deliver immersive experiences rooted in heritage, craftsmanship and prestige. Innovation extends beyond onboard experiences too, with Seabourn and Uniworld joining forces to create seamless ocean and river itineraries, removing the traditional barriers between land and water exploration. Meanwhile, Explora Journeys’ partnership with Hilton Honors allows guests to earn and redeem loyalty points on luxury voyages, integrating hotel-style rewards into ocean travel. From Regent’s exclusive collaborations with Knightsbridge Circle to high-octane experiences with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team, these partnerships reflect a growing desire for curated, brand-led journeys that feel as distinctive and refined as the travellers themselves.
Wellness travel continues to evolve beyond spa days and yoga decks, with 2026 ushering in a new era of longevity-focused escapes. Luxury travellers are seeking journeys that nurture both mind and body, integrating wellness seamlessly into their itineraries rather than treating it as an add-on. From ocean cruises featuring onboard wellness experts and tailored fitness programmes, to itineraries that include mineral-rich thermal springs, meditation at sea and holistic dining menus, wellbeing is becoming an essential element of luxury travel. These experiences offer guests the chance to truly reset, returning home not only relaxed, but revitalised.
The world’s most prestigious hotel brands are redefining ocean travel, bringing their unmistakable standards of elegance and service to the seas in 2026 and 2027. With Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton and the legendary Orient Express all launching their own ocean liners, guests can expect the familiar comforts of a five-star hotel, seamlessly translated into a floating sanctuary. From expansive suites and refined design to intuitive, personalised service, these sailings blur the boundary between land-based luxury and life at sea. For travellers loyal to iconic hospitality brands, this evolution offers a new way to explore the world without compromising on the quality, sophistication and sense of home they’ve come to expect.
Expedition cruising continues to captivate adventurous luxury travellers in 2026, combining once-remote destinations with exceptional comfort and expertise. These voyages venture to the far reaches of the world — from the polar regions and remote archipelagos to untouched coastlines — all while maintaining the refined standards of a luxury sailing. Purpose-built ships offer advanced technology, spacious suites and gourmet dining, alongside expert-led excursions that bring destinations to life through guided wildlife encounters, zodiac landings and immersive educational programmes. Expedition cruising delivers the thrill of discovery without compromise, allowing guests to explore the extraordinary while returning each day to warmth, elegance and five-star service.
As travellers seek year-round warmth without long-haul flights, the Mediterranean is emerging as a standout winter sun destination for 2026. With mild temperatures, golden light and far fewer crowds, winter sailings offer a more relaxed and authentic way to experience this timeless region. From the citrus-scented streets of southern Spain and the coastal charm of the Italian Riviera to the historic harbours of Greece and Malta, the Mediterranean reveals a softer, slower side during the cooler months. Luxury winter cruises combine cultural discovery with tranquil days at sea, allowing guests to soak up the sunshine, savour seasonal cuisine and enjoy iconic destinations at their most peaceful.
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Luxury river cruising continues to rise in popularity for 2026, offering an intimate and culturally rich way to explore the heart of the world’s most iconic regions. Gliding along legendary waterways such as the Danube, Rhine and Seine, guests are immersed in ever-changing scenery, historic towns and vineyard-lined landscapes, all from the comfort of a refined, boutique-style vessel. With fewer guests on board, service feels deeply personal, and experiences are thoughtfully curated, from private museum visits to exclusive wine tastings and guided city walks. River cruising delivers effortless elegance and a slower pace of travel, where every day brings a new perspective and every moment feels considered and indulgent.
To begin planning your dream escape for 2026, call our luxury cruise concierge and they will handle the rest!
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