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The Best Cruises to Book This Year for All Budgets
A cruise holiday can offer a uniquely relaxing yet adventurous escape, perfectly tailored to suit any financial plan. The traditional image of cruises as overcrowded, rigidly scheduled, or solely for older travellers is undergoing a significant transformation. Industry experts highlight a surge in multi-generational family bookings and a growing appeal among younger demographics.
Changing Perceptions and Growing Appeal
Mike Graham, a prominent cruise expert known as Mr Cruise on TikTok and a specialist for Destination2, is at the forefront of showcasing the exceptional value and wide-ranging allure of modern cruising. He notes a decisive shift in the market's demographics and offerings.
"The cruise lines have done a fantastic job over the past two decades attracting more first-time customers than ever before. We are definitely observing a strong trend towards multi-generational families choosing cruises, a pattern that has accelerated since the pandemic," Graham explains. "Adults-only cruises are also immensely popular, providing a more serene atmosphere that strongly appeals to young couples."
Contemporary cruise packages frequently bundle meals, flights, and premium entertainment, potentially fulfilling every item on a traveller's 2026 holiday checklist. The onboard facilities have expanded dramatically to cater to diverse interests.
"Cruises now provide a far greater array of amenities. For families, there are extensive aqua parks and dedicated kids' clubs. For adults, the options include full-scale theatre productions, live music performances, comedy shows, and a vast selection of dining experiences," says Graham. "Additionally, cruise lines are increasingly scheduling evening dockings, allowing passengers to disembark and explore these beautiful destinations after dark."
Social media platforms are playing a pivotal role in generating excitement around cruise holidays. Influencers regularly showcase cruise content on Instagram, while viral videos highlight astonishing deals, bringing a new level of visibility to the industry.
"There are countless influencers on social media platforms today demonstrating what is available onboard. They share captivating images from various destinations and offer their followers expert travel tips, including recommendations for their favourite restaurants. This exposure is tremendously beneficial for the cruise industry," Graham adds.
Whether you are an experienced cruiser or contemplating your first voyage, the following 2026 cruise selections are designed to accommodate every budget and travel preference.
Best Budget Cruises
Weekend Getaway Cruise to Paris, Royal Caribbean
Ship: Liberty of the Seas, Royal Caribbean
Departure date: 29 May or 12 June 2026
Duration: Two nights
Price: From £349 per person (based on two sharing a room). The price includes standard beverages, buffet food, and snacks. Upgrades are available for dining at speciality restaurants and cocktails.
For an affordable and brief escape, Royal Caribbean provides a weekend trip to Paris departing from Southampton. This two-night journey aboard the Liberty of the Seas is ideal for novices, offering a comfortable and straightforward way to experience the French capital without the stress of airport queues. The ship docks in Paris from 7am to 9pm on Saturday, providing a full day to discover iconic landmarks, admire stunning architecture, and savour local delicacies from classic croissants to delicious macarons.
Barcelona & Mediterranean Medley, Destination2 Cruise
Ship: MSC World Europa
Departure date: 29 January 2026
Duration: Seven nights
Price: From £566 per person (based on two sharing a room) full board.
This exceptional Barcelona and Mediterranean Medley cruise represents outstanding value for a package holiday, ensuring a seamless and stress-free getaway. It incorporates return flights and a pre-cruise hotel stay in Barcelona, allowing time to immerse yourself in the city's iconic architecture, vibrant culture, and infectious energy before boarding. If visiting multiple European treasures is a priority for 2026, this itinerary is perfect. Ports of call include Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Messina, and the beautiful capital of Malta, Valletta. A January departure helps avoid peak-season crowds, allowing for a more relaxed exploration. The MSC World Europa, one of the newest and most innovative vessels at sea, features cutting-edge sustainability technology, diverse dining venues, and extensive entertainment spaces.
Mid-Range Cruises
Best of Greece Cruise, Destination2 Cruise
Ship: Brilliance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean
Departure date: 30 August 2026
Duration: Seven nights
Price: From £831 per person (based on two sharing a room) full board.
Dreaming of a week filled with authentic Greek cuisine and breathtaking vistas? This summertime Best of Greece voyage could be the ideal choice. The package includes flights and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay before departure from Piraeus, the port for Athens, offering an opportunity to marvel at the magnificent Acropolis. The itinerary promises a week of memorable Greek adventures, with stops at stunning destinations like Mykonos, Kusadasi, Santorini, Crete, and Katakolon, concluding in Civitavecchia, Rome.
Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day, Royal Caribbean
Ship: Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean
Departure date: 8 February 2026
Duration: Seven nights
Price: From £1,289 per person (based on two sharing a room). The price covers standard beverages, buffet food, and snacks. Upgrades are available for speciality restaurants, premium drinks, and wifi.
Searching for a holiday that will keep energetic children entertained from dawn until dusk? This action-packed cruise could be the perfect solution. The adventure begins in Orlando, where you can explore world-famous theme parks, thrilling rollercoasters, surf beaches, and lush golf courses before setting sail at 4:30pm. The first port of call is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's exclusive, award-winning private island in The Bahamas. This tropical paradise, brimming with water parks, beach clubs, entertainment, and dining options, is designed to keep the entire family in holiday mode. The journey continues with visits to picturesque Caribbean gems like Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas and Philipsburg in St. Maarten, before returning to Orlando refreshed and sun-kissed.
Best Luxury Cruises
Hops & Heritage: Cruising Through Centuries of Brewing Craftsmanship, Riverside Luxury Cruises
Ship: Riverside Debussy, Riverside Cruises
Departure date: 29 July 2026
Duration: Seven nights
Price: From £3,094 per person (including for solo occupancy) full board.
For beer enthusiasts or those seeking a unique gift for a lager lover, consider celebrating International Beer Day on 7 August 2026 with a cruise dedicated to your favourite beverage. This eight-day river voyage offers a flavour-rich journey through Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, delving into the rich history, cultural traditions, and future of European beer brewing. The itinerary includes iconic cities such as Basel, Strasbourg, Speyer, Mannheim, Rüdesheim, Cologne, Arnhem, and Amsterdam, providing opportunities to sample pints in some of Europe's most legendary beer regions.
An Enriching Journey Through Colombia, Travel Counsellors
Ship: AmaMagdalena, AmaWaterways
Departure date: 5 September 2026
Duration: Seven nights
Price: From £4,389 per person (based on two sharing a room) full board.
Cruises present a distinctive way to explore corners of the globe you might never have imagined visiting. This unforgettable journey showcases the vibrant, rich culture of Colombia in an unparalleled manner. The adventure commences in Barranquilla, where AmaWaterways guests enjoy a private celebration inspired by the city's iconic carnival, featuring an explosion of colour, rhythm, and energy with traditional drummers, dancers, and dazzling costumes. The voyage continues through special destinations including Sitio Nuevo, Magangué, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mompox, Mahates, and Cartagena. Along the way, guests can admire magnificent river landscapes, engage in authentic cultural encounters, and experience the warmth and spirit that make Colombia so captivating.
