There are cruise holidays to suit all types of people and all budgets but if you have been cruising for a while, or perhaps you've come into some money, you may be looking for something that is extra special than the average cruise experience. So why not embark on a really unusual adventure in 2026?
The next five bucket list cruises take you to some of the most beautiful and intriguing places on Earth. If you are dreaming of Asian adventures, remote Arctic icescapes or a tropical Tahiti beach, read on to find out more and check out these 2026 cruises for your bucket list vacation.
1. Antarctic Expedition Cruise – The Ultimate Adventure
Antarctica is the most remote and unspoiled area in the world, with spectacular landscapes of icebergs, glaciers, and endless snow fields. Animal lovers can also see thousands of penguins, flying whales, and seals in their natural habitats.
Expedition cruises to Antarctica aren’t your typical vacation. You’ll explore the White Continent on small, specialised ships with ice-strengthened hulls and embark on thrilling zodiac excursions to walk among penguins and visit research stations. Some cruises even offer kayaking and polar plunges for the truly adventurous!
Best Time to Go
November to March (Antarctic summer) when the ice melts enough for ships to navigate
Top Cruise Lines
Silversea Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, Hurtigruten
2. Galápagos Islands Adventure Cruise – A Wildlife Lover's Dream
Why It's So SpecialFew places on earth can rival the Galápagos Islands for unusual wildlife encounters and experiences. Because of its remoteness and lack of natural predators, the Galápagos has fearless creatures which you can see up close including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, and the notorious blue-footed boobies.
On a Galápagos cruise, you can also take the opportunity to go on guided hikes and snorkelling experiences and see unusual animals and sea life. You can also learn from expert naturalists about Charles Darwin's groundbreaking work on evolution. Due to the environment, Galápagos cruises tend to be small intimate affairs often no larger than 100 passengers. This allows for an immersive and personalised experience you won't get on the mega cruise ships, ensuring a memorable cruise.
Best Time to Go
Any time of the year, but December through May offers more peaceful seas and warmer water for snorkelling.
Top Cruise Lines
Lindblad Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea
3. Norwegian Fjords Cruise – A Fairytale Journey
Sailing through the Norweigan Fjords is like entering a childhood fairytale. You will be amazed at the beautiful waterfalls cascading down green mountains, and the snow-capped peaks at different times of the year. Getting to the Norweigan Fjords is also easy year-round if you are sailing from the UK, as many cruise lines visit the area. The scenery is also nothing less than magical, with a new stunning view around every corner.
In addition to the natural beauty of the Fjords, cruise ships allow you to easily stop at small Nordic villages where you can become familiar with the Viking culture, taste the local seafood, and hike on remote trails. Based on the timing of your trip, you may even witness the breathtaking Northern Lights or the perennial daylight of the Midnight Sun.
Best Time to Go
May to September for fjord cruises in summer; October to March for Northern Lights
Top Cruise Lines
Viking, Hurtigruten, Norwegian Cruise Line
4. Asia Cultural & Island-Hopping Cruise – A Blend of Tradition and Modern
Why It's So SpecialAsia is a vast and multicultural continent and cruising can give you a taste of one of the best ways to experience its rich heritage, colourful cultures, and breathtaking landscapes all in one trip.
Visit during Japan's cherry blossom season for a bucket list experience. Or why not go to Vietnam's stunning Ha Long Bay featured in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies? Of course, Thailand's many islands offer a tropical climate as well as the chance to visit Buddhist temples and taste the flavourful Thai cuisine. Discover vibrant cities like Hong Kong and Singapore on an Asia cruise, sample food of international reputation, or simply bask on some of the most stunning beaches in the world, yet all within one itinerary.
Many cruises in Asia also include unique experiences, such as traditional tea ceremonies in Japan, cooking classes in Thailand, or visits to ancient temples in Cambodia.
Best Time to Go
October to April for Southeast Asia; March to May for Japan’s cherry blossoms
Top Cruise Lines
Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean
5. South Pacific & Tahiti Cruise – A Tropical Paradise
If your dream cruise includes palm trees gently swaying in the wind, overwater bungalows, and sapphire blue waters, then a South Pacific cruise will be your ultimate escape. The region is home to some of the planet's most breathtaking islands, including Bora Bora, Fiji, and Tahiti.
A cruise in the South Pacific enables you to see multiple stunning islands without the inconvenience of plane island-hopping. Snorkel among manta rays, view historic Polynesian villages, hike to hidden waterfalls, or simply lounge around on silky white sand beaches.
The laid-back culture of the region, and its otherworldly beauty, make it an extremely romantic and revitalising destination to cruise.
Best Time to Visit
May to October for the dry season and gentle seas
Best Cruise Lines
Paul Gauguin Cruises, Windstar, Oceania Cruises
Which Of These Dream Cruises Are On Your Bucket List?
Cruise ships offer many benefits as a holiday to remember and every one of these cruises provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience that surpasses a normal vacation.From adventure to wildlife, culture, or just total relaxation, there's a cruise for every one of you out there.
Bucket list cruises do not have to break the bank either, from Royal Caribbean Cruises at one end of the budget to Oceania Cruises at the other, bucket list cruises can be as simple or as extravagant as you like.
Let me know, which bucket list cruise would you like to go on? Have you always wanted to go to Antarctica or is Asia the bucket list experience for you?
Let me know, which bucket list cruise would you like to go on? Have you always wanted to go to Antarctica or is Asia the bucket list experience for you?
*Collaborative post
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