These ocean cruises should be on your 2025 bucket list

Sailing the high seas offers easy access to incredible destinations from Japan to the Caribbean.

Alaska with Holland America Line

Combine your Alaska cruise onboard Holland America Line with a journey into Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon Territory as part of its 2026 Cruise tour offering. Eighteen itineraries can be combined with an overland journey, giving guests more access to the region’s glaciers, wildlife and expansive landscapes with incredible accommodation such as Holland America Denali Lodge (formerly McKinley Chalet) boasting breathtaking national park views. 

Cunard’s Queen Anne arrives in Southampton.

World Voyage III with Viking

Eighty days isn’t enough. Taking in 41 countries, with overnight stays in 18 cities and a whopping 82 guided tours, Viking’s 170-day World Voyage III onboard Viking Sky is an epic once-in-a-lifetime journey. It combines some of the world’s most iconic cities from Sydney to London, with lesser-visited destinations, such as Zanzibar, Casablanca and Ghana, with privileged access to institutions on the ground and cultural enrichment onboard. 

Enjoy quiet moments and afternoon tea in the Wintergarden.

Asia with Norwegian Cruise Line

Whether you are longing to see cherry-blossom season in Japan, want to cruise through Vietnam’s breathtaking Halong Bay or experience the vibrant cities of South Korea, Norwegian Cruise Line’s upcoming Asia Pacific season will have an itinerary that will tick the boxes. Until April 2027, four of its ships will cruise across the region – with Norwegian Jade making her Asian debut – offering a choice of seven departure ports and more than 50 itineraries. 

Iconic Arabia with Celestyal Cruises

Hot on the heels of its debut Arabian Gulf season, Celestyal Cruises has refreshed its itineraries for the 2025 season, kicking off in December. The Iconic Arabia sailings feature enthralling new destinations such as Ras Al Khaimah, a site of continuous human habitation for 7000 years that dates back to the Neolithic period. Other ports of call include Sir Bani Yas Island, a salt dome island created millions of years ago, now home to a diverse array of wildlife. 

Explore captivating new destinations like Ras Al Khaimah and Sir Bani Yas Island. (Image: Felicity Millward)

Japan with Windstar Cruises

Off the back of unprecedented demand, luxury small-ship operator Windstar Cruises has opened its 2027 Japan bookings earlier than planned. Its popular 10-night Grand Japan itinerary includes scenic cruising in the Inland Sea, the abandoned island of Hashima and smaller, but fascinating ports such as Takamatsu and Karatsu.  

The Med with MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has opened bookings for its next World Class ship, MSC World Asia. Launching in the Mediterranean from December 2026, the 6758-guest ship will feature more than 40 restaurants and bars, seven pools, 13 hot tubs and an expansive wellness centre. It will operate seven-night itineraries calling at ports such as Barcelona to Valletta. Meanwhile, ‘coolcations’ are heating up as travellers are increasingly seeking out wintry wonderlands. Great timing, as MSC is set to launch its first sailing to Alaska in 2026. 

Relax on the MSC Poesia Deck and enjoy breathtaking ocean views.