Ready for something new? Be the first to sail on a brand-new ship, or venture to new horizons on an epic expedition. From a polar exploration to a maiden voyage on a contemporary yacht, here are some of our recommendations.
OCEANIA
Be one of the first to sail on board Oceania Allura
Renowned for its quality gastronomy and destination deep dives – with 30 to 50 per cent more time spent in port than other premium cruise lines – Oceania Cruises will launch its eighth designer-inspired small ship, Allura, in July 2025. A sister vessel to Vista, this new arrival can host up to 1200 guests. The ship will introduce a brand new creperie concept, as well as maintain Oceania’s reputation for luxury, spaciousness, and top-notch service.
HX | HURTIGRUTEN EXPEDITIONS
Discover a truly all-inclusive expedition cruise
HX – aka Hurtigruten Expeditions – has announced that it has become fully inclusive, going one step further than its cruise rivals to include excursions and activities, too. So, whether you’re visiting Alaskan gold mines or walking near penguin rookeries, every hike, community visit, or boat trip will be included. Hurtigruten has 130 years’ experience in navigating dramatic, far-flung locations, and we highly recommend its expedition cruises to Alaska, Antarctica, Greenland, the Galapagos, and beyond.
SCENIC
Become a Polar explorer with Scenic Cruises
Scenic Cruises’ discovery yachts are designed to get you to Earth’s most extreme environments and experience parts of our planet you couldn’t see otherwise. Custom-built to endure conditions in the Arctic and Antarctica, their cutting-edge technology ensures smooth sailing through distant waters. This is combined with standard-setting six-star luxury, giving you first-class comfort and the chance to explore like a true adventurer.
"We had an amazing, stress-free holiday because of the way that our Travel Counsellor helped tailor everything that we wanted to see, the activities we wanted to complete and the holiday we’d only dreamed about. We can’t wait to book with them again."
PHIL
TRAVEL COUNSELLORS CUSTOMER
Sail Away
CRUISE HOLIDAYS 25/26
QUARK
Embark on an epic adventure to the Arctic or Antarctic
Goosebump-giving moments and magical connections with nature are par for the course on one of Quark’s pioneering polar adventures. The only cruise company focused solely on the Arctic and Antarctic, they’re masters at taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover some of the most remote, unspoilt, and awe-inspiring places on the planet. If you’re after a transformative holiday of a lifetime, then this is the otherworldly adventure for you.
NCL
Norwegian Cruise Line launches exciting new ship
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua is a cut above your average cruise liner. Why? Because the experiences onboard take thrills and relaxation to a whole new level. You can ride the amazing Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first water rollercoaster at sea. Alternatively, play VR mini golf, challenge your family to a match at the high-tech LED sports court, or watch the ocean drift by from the world-famous Mandara Spa.
EMERALD
Meet Kaia, Emerald Cruises’ best yacht yet
When it launches in spring 2026, the six-deck Kaia will be Emerald Cruises’ third luxury ocean yacht. It will share the same excellent staff-to-guest ratio and generous inclusions as its sister ships Sakara and Azzura – such as port charges, all meals on board and accompanying beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. However, Kaia will be bigger and better, inviting 128 passengers on board.
