Top cruises of 2026, by budget

The Rise of Cruises: A New Era of Travel

Cruises are experiencing a significant surge in popularity, offering a hassle-free route to bucket-list adventures and simplifying every aspect of holiday planning. The outdated perception of cruises as overcrowded, overly structured, or exclusively for older generations is rapidly fading. With modern cruise lines continuously innovating, they now cater to a wide range of travelers, from families to solo adventurers.

Mike Graham, known as Mr Cruise on TikTok and an expert for Destination2, is on a mission to demonstrate the outstanding value and broad appeal of cruising for all ages. He highlights that the cruise industry has done an excellent job over the last 20 years of introducing more new-to-cruise customers than ever before. There's definitely seen a trend of more multi-generational families on cruises, especially since the pandemic. Additionally, adults-only cruises are also very popular, offering a more relaxed vibe which appeals to young couples.

Many cruise holiday packages include meals, flights, and top-tier entertainment – potentially ticking off every item on your 2026 holiday wish list. Graham explains that cruises are offering a lot more facilities now. For example, if you’re a family, they’ve got all the aqua parks and kids clubs, and if you’re an adult, there’s theatre, live music, comedians, and all sorts of different dining experiences. In addition, the cruise lines are docking more and more in the evenings now, so passengers are able to get off and see these beautiful destinations in the evenings.

Social media is also playing a key role in generating a buzz around cruise holidays, with influencers flaunting cruise content on Instagram and viral videos showcasing jaw-dropping deals. Graham says that there’s so many influencers on social media now showcasing what is on offer onboard, sharing images of the different destinations they are going to and giving their followers top travel tips about their favorite restaurants, which is really brilliant for the cruise industry.

Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or simply curious to set sail for the first time, here are some 2026 cruise options to suit every budget and travel style:

Budget Options

Weekend Getaway Cruise to Paris
- Ship: Liberty of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
- Departure Dates: Friday, May 29, 2026 or Friday, June 12, 2026
- Duration: 2 nights
- Price: From £349 per person (based on two sharing a room). Included in the price are standard beverages, buffet food, and snacks. Upgrade for dining at specialty restaurants and cocktails.

If you’re after an affordable, short cruise, Royal Caribbean offers a weekend getaway to Paris departing from Southampton. This two-night cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas is perfect for first-timers, offering a comfortable and hassle-free way to experience the French capital with no stressful airport queues involved. The ship docks in Paris from 7am to 9pm on the Saturday, giving you a full day to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, admire its stunning architecture, and indulge in local treats – whether that’s a classic croissant, daring escargot, or a delicious macaron.

Barcelona & Mediterranean Medley
- Cruise Name: MSC World Europa
- Departure Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
- Duration: 7 nights
- Price: From £566 per person (based on two sharing a room) full board.

When it comes to package holidays, this bargain Barcelona and Mediterranean Medley cruise has everything you need for a seamless, stress-free escape. It includes return flights and a pre-cruise hotel stay in Barcelona – giving you time to soak up the city’s iconic architecture, lively culture, and unforgettable energy before setting sail. If ticking off multiple European gems is on your 2026 wishlist, this itinerary is a dream. You’ll visit Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Messina, and the stunning capital of Malta, Valletta. Plus, with a January departure, you’ll avoid the peak-season crowds and enjoy these incredible destinations at a more relaxed pace. Ship lovers will also be thrilled as the MSC World Europa is one of the newest and most innovative ships at sea. It boasts cutting-edge sustainability features, a wide variety of dining options, and entertainment and leisure spaces.

Mid-Range Options

Best of Greece Cruise
- Ship: Brilliance of the Seas (Destination2 Cruise)
- Departure Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Duration: 7 nights
- Price: From £831 per person (based on two sharing a room) full board.

If you are dreaming of a week of authentic gyros and tzatziki accompanied by some stunning views, this summertime Best of Greece trip might be one for you. This package includes flights and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay before the ship departs from Piraeus, a port city within the Athens urban area, so make sure you find some time to marvel at the breathtaking Acropolis before the cruise commences. Expect a week of memorable Greek adventures with stopovers at stunning destinations such as Mykonos, Kusadasi, Santorini, Crete, Katakolon before ending in Civitavecchia, Rome.

Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day
- Ship: Star of Seas (Royal Caribbean)
- Departure Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Duration: 7 nights
- Prices: From £1,289 per person (based on two sharing a room). Included in the price: Standard beverages, buffet food, and snacks. Upgrade for specialty restaurants and specialty drinks and WiFi.

Searching for a holiday that will keep energetic kids entertained from sunrise to sunset? This action-packed cruise might be just the ticket. Start your adventure in Orlando, where you can explore everything from its world-famous theme parks and thrilling rollercoasters to surf beaches and lush golf courses – before setting sail at 4:30pm. The first stop is Perfect Day at CocoCay – Royal Caribbean’s exclusive, award-winning private island in The Bahamas and every child’s dream. Bursting with water parks, beach clubs, entertainment, and dining options, it’s a tropical playground designed to keep the whole family in full holiday mode. The journey continues with visits to postcard-perfect Caribbean gems like Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) and Philipsburg (St. Maarten), before returning to Orlando refreshed and sun-kissed.

Luxury Options

Hops & Heritage: Cruising Through Centuries of Brewing Craftsmanship
- Cruise: Riverside Luxury Cruises
- Ship: Riverside Debussy
- Departure Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
- Duration: 7 Nights
- Starting from: From £3,094 per person (including for solo occupancy) full board.

If you consider yourself a beer enthusiast – or want to surprise a fellow lager lover with a unique birthday gift – why not mark International Beer Day (August 7, 2026) with a cruise all about your favorite booze. This eight-day river cruise offers a flavor-packed journey through Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, exploring the rich history, cultural traditions, and future of beer brewing across Europe. Along the way, you’ll visit a lineup of iconic cities including Basel, Strasbourg, Speyer, Mannheim, Rüdesheim, Cologne, Arnhem, and Amsterdam – and sample a pint (or three) in some of Europe’s most legendary beer regions.

An Enriching Journey Through Colombia
- Cruise: Travel Counsellors
- Ship: AmaMagdalena
- Dates: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Duration: 7 nights
- Price: From £4,389 per person (based on two sharing a room) full board.

Cruises offer a unique way to explore corners of the world you might never have imagined visiting – and this unforgettable journey showcases the vibrant, rich culture of Colombia like never before. The adventure begins in Barranquilla, where AmaWaterways guests are treated to a private celebration inspired by the city’s iconic carnival. Expect an explosion of color, rhythm, and energy with traditional drummers, dancers, and dazzling costumes. From there, the journey continues through special destinations including Sitio Nuevo, Magangué, UNESCO World Heritage Site Mompox, Mahates, and Cartagena. Along the way, guests can admire the marvellous river landscapes, enjoy authentic cultural encounters, and experience the warmth and spirit that make Colombia so captivating.