Whether sailing the Nile or chasing the northern lights, these are the cruise voyages worth adding to your radar now.

Some holidays are simply made for slowing down, looking out at the horizon and letting the water set the pace. These divine cruise holidays around the world do just that, taking you everywhere from tropical lagoons and tranquil rivers to open seas and far-flung coastlines. 

1. Cross the Atlantic on a legendary sailing yacht

Not all cruises are created equal, and a private transatlantic sailing onboard the world-famous Maltese Falcon superyacht – now with a refreshed aesthetic – might just be the most drool-worthy of them all. Bid black-sand beaches goodbye as you depart Gran Canaria in Europe and journey towards the emerald hills and turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Along the way, fall into daily rituals, from stargazing from the ship’s three-deck atrium to basking on the rotating sunbed. Ending in Antigua, the once-in-a-lifetime voyage with Jumeirah for one private group departs early December 2026.  

2. Chase the northern lights along Norway’s coast

There’s no guarantee of when the northern lights will appear – and that’s precisely what makes the chase so thrilling. Somewhere above the Arctic Circle, conditions for an aurora sighting are aligning: dark skies, solar flares and atmospheric gases, all hinged on a break in the clouds. Far below on the ice-riddled deck of MS Trollfjord, hopeful passengers wait. Anticipation gives way to awe as the first flicker of green quickly unspools into a ribbon of iridescence that unravels itself across a star-studded sky. This is life onboard Hurtigruten’s all-inclusive 15-day Astronomy Voyage on Signature sailing, where science-led lectures and Arctic port stops punctuate your journey along the second longest coastline in the world. 

3. The remotest reaches of French Polynesia

Around 600 kilometres south of Tahiti lies an island cluster considered one of French Polynesia’s most untouched corners. Ringed with sapphire lagoons, dotted with mysterious caves and rich in pre-European archaeological sites hidden amongst lush vegetation, the Austral Islands captivate all those (there are few) who visit. For a rare glimpse into authentic Polynesian life, join an inaugural voyage to the archipelago in March 2027 through Tahiti Voyages, where you’ll sail onboard Aranui Cruises’ new ship Aranoa, a mixed passenger-freighter ship. The itinerary features the mystical island of Rapa – considered Easter Island/Rapa Nui’s little sister and marked by a striking coastline cut by 12 deep bays.

4. Japan’s lesser-known port cities

Scattered with more than 14,000 islands and thousands of fishing ports, Japan is a nation whose culture, cuisine and landscapes have been profoundly shaped by the sea. An ocean voyage is an increasingly popular way to explore this unique country, with cruise lines such as Princess and Viking taking you further into the age-old traditions and extraordinary landscapes of lesser-visited locations. Explore the pluming geothermal springs of Beppu, the castle ruins and distinctive pottery kilns of Yatsushiro, or the subtropical, wildlife-rich waters of Ishigaki. Or perhaps soak in views of Mount Fuji from a new angle in Shizuoka. 

5. An adventure in the Arctic

As extreme heat continues to affect many of our favourite holiday destinations, travellers are reaching for cooler climes. The trend dovetails neatly with the growing popularity of expedition cruising. And while Antarctica has long been a bucket-list destination, the Arctic is increasingly earning a spot on wish lists. HX Expeditions offers a range of Arctic adventures, taking in everything from the majestic icescapes and abundant wildlife of Greenland to the fabled Northwest Passage and the rich Inuit culture of Arctic Canada. With fascinating wildlife, remote landscapes and communities shaped by life in the far north, an Arctic expedition offers a compelling alternative to the traditional summer getaway. 

6. Sail along the Nile

Egypt grew into one of the world’s great ancient civilisations in no small part because of the Nile. The river remains essential to the country’s rhythm of life and cruising along it allows you to become part of that ebb and flow. A typical itinerary sails between Luxor and Aswan, stopping to explore extraordinary temples, visit Nubian villages and board feluccas for leisurely sails, neatly bookended with time in Cairo. From November 2026, guests can experience AmaWaterways’ 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary aboard the all-new AmaNubia. 

7. Check into a luxury floating hotel

With some of the world’s most coveted hotel brands translating their vision to vessels, even the most fervent hotel addicts are taking to the high seas. But typical cruise ships these are not. When Aman launches Aman at Sea next year with the superyacht Amangati, the legendary Asian brand will bring its impeccable design philosophy and luxurious sense of space to 47 suites, each with its own private terrace. It follows recent launches from the likes of Ritz-Carlton and heritage brand Orient Express, whose new sailing yacht Orient Express Corinthian features everything from artfully gilded suites to a cinema, library and music salon.  

8. The real Greek island odyssey

Floating in glass-clear Aegean blues below dramatic cliffs; exploring rustic sun-drenched villages; savouring yolk-orange sunsets from the deck; and devouring Mediterranean dishes doused in liquid gold – otherwise known as quality olive oil. Offering a breezy lifestyle with the ability to melt worries in an instance, it’s easy to see why a Greek island cruise is a fantasy for so many travellers. And a yacht-style journey with Windstar, complete with billowing white sails (on Wind Class yachts) as well as thoughtful itineraries that showcase the best of land and sea, turns the dream into reality. 

9. A life-changing journey to Antarctica

A journey to Earth’s southernmost continent is, by all accounts, an utterly life-changing experience. From the early explorers who ventured into the unknown to the expedition ships that follow in their wake today, no one leaves Antarctica unchanged. Here, nature takes centre stage – from vast colonies of penguins and abundant marine life to towering icebergs and otherworldly landscapes. Travel with the likes of Silversea to witness natural history unfolding before your eyes and gain a deep appreciation for one of the most remote and extraordinary places on Earth. 

10. Live life along the Mekong

Flowing through six countries, the Mekong is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia. A journey along this river is a study in contrast that reveals an intimate perspective on the region through ancient temples, floating markets and rural life playing out along its banks. Itineraries can begin amid the colour and bustle of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City before travelling through the Mekong Delta and crossing into Cambodia to reach Phnom Penh. Many journeys also incorporate a visit to the World Heritage-listed site of Angkor. From 2028, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will welcome 68-guest ship Mekong Mystique to its fleet, with a design inspired by 1930s French Indochine style and the lush environments of the Mekong. 

This article is part of International Traveller’s 100 Holidays You Deserve round-up. Visit the special 100 Holidays You Deserve hub to find inspiring adventures for every travel type.