Cruising in 2026 feels different than it did even a few years ago. Routes are sharper. Ships are better designed. And travellers are more intentional about why they’re choosing a particular itinerary — not just where it goes.

If you’re thinking about a cruise next year and want something that feels genuinely memorable, these five stand out. They’re global, varied, and chosen for one simple reason: 2026 is a particularly good year to take them.

1. Alaska Cruise From Vancouver

Best overall cruise to take in 2026

If you only take one cruise in your life, this is the one I’d recommend — and not quietly.

An Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver sits at the intersection of beauty, access, and timing. Vancouver is widely considered one of the best cruise ports in the world. You sail directly from the city into the Inside Passage, skipping the open-ocean days that come with many other routes.

And then there’s Alaska itself.

Glaciers. Fjords. Wildlife. Long daylight hours. It’s a landscape that feels increasingly precious. With ongoing concerns about climate change and glacier retreat, many travellers see 2026 as a meaningful time to witness Alaska’s ice fields, tidewater glaciers, and pristine coastline firsthand.

What makes Vancouver departures especially appealing is how effortless they feel. You board in a major, walkable city, enjoy a calm first sailing day, and return to a port that’s worth spending extra time in. From Stanley Park to the North Shore rainforest — including places like Capilano Suspension Bridge Park — Vancouver adds real value before and after the cruise.

If there’s one itinerary that balances awe, ease, and timing in 2026, this is it.

2. Mediterranean Cruise (Italy, Greece, and the Adriatic)

Best culture-forward cruise

The Mediterranean never truly goes out of style, but 2026 is shaping up to be a particularly strong year for it. Ports are operating smoothly again, new ships are designed with longer port stays in mind, and travellers are leaning into slower, more immersive itineraries.

This is the cruise for history lovers, food lovers, and travellers who want variety without constant packing. One week can include Roman ruins, Greek islands, coastal villages, and centuries-old cities — all from a single stateroom.

It’s especially appealing in 2026 as travellers look for depth over novelty. The Med rewards that mindset.

3. Japan & South Korea Cruise

Best modern-meets-traditional experience

Cruising Japan has surged in popularity, and for good reason. A Japan–South Korea itinerary blends ancient culture, ultra-modern cities, and regional cuisine in a way few destinations can match.

In 2026, these cruises benefit from improved port infrastructure, smoother logistics, and growing interest in East Asian travel that goes beyond single-city trips. You might explore historic temples one day and hyper-modern districts the next — without navigating multiple train systems or hotel changes.

It’s an ideal option for travellers who want something international, distinctive, and culturally rich.

4. Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Best natural scenery in Europe

If Alaska is raw and vast, Norway’s fjords are dramatic and precise. Sheer cliffs. Waterfalls cascading into narrow inlets. Quiet towns tucked between mountains and sea.

A Norwegian Fjords cruise is about scenery first — and 2026 is a strong year to go thanks to newer, more environmentally efficient ships and itineraries that reach deeper into the fjords.

This cruise appeals to travellers who love photography, nature, and calm days at sea punctuated by unforgettable views.

5. Antarctica Expedition Cruise

Most once-in-a-lifetime experience

This isn’t a traditional cruise — and that’s the point.

Antarctica expedition cruises operate on a smaller scale, with guided landings, wildlife encounters, and educational programming. They attract travellers who want to see one of the last truly remote places on Earth in a thoughtful, structured way.

In 2026, demand remains high but itineraries are more refined, making it a compelling option for seasoned cruisers looking for something transformative rather than relaxing.

Why Vancouver Still Wins as a Cruise Port

Even when you look globally, Vancouver holds its own — and then some.

It offers:

• A major international airport
  
  
• A downtown cruise terminal
  
  
• Immediate access to nature
  
  
• A city worth arriving early for and staying after
  
  

Few ports can say that. Fewer still do it as effortlessly.

If you’re choosing a cruise in 2026, the destination matters. The timing matters. And the port matters more than most people realize.

That’s why an Alaska cruise from Vancouver doesn’t just top this list — it defines it.