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Where will 2026 take you?

From escaping the cold to ticking dream destinations off your travel list, 2026 offers you a new chapter of unforgettable escapes on our Queens. Read on for our top picks of where to travel.

3 min 06 Jan 2026

Cristina Azorin

Cunard writer

Top destinations to visit in 2026

The start of a new year always feels like a fresh beginning. It’s a time that’s rich with promise and possibility; an opportunity to reflect on where the months ahead might take you – and who might join you on that journey. To provide you with some inspiration, we’ve pulled together a list of the top places to visit in 2026. Whether you want a year filled with new discoveries or unhurried moments, this month-by-month guide offers inspiration for every type of traveller.   

Where to go in January - Barbados

 

Struggling with winter blues? Barbados is your salvation. This Caribbean Island is at its driest in January, making it a top choice for winter sun. January is also when the rum festival and Oistins fish fry typically take place, so the island is abuzz with energy – perfect for a post-festive pick-me-up. If sun, sand, and sea are all you’re seeking, beaches in Barbados more than deliver. With pearlescent shores and waters that switch from transparent to turquoise, you’ll struggle to find a more scenic setting to top-up your tan.

 

You can visit Barbados on our Caribbean cruises in 2026. For last minute bookings, take a look at our late sailing offers.   

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Where to travel in February – Australia

February is peak summer in Australia and the height of holiday season. It’s when attractions like the Blue Mountains and Great Barrier Reef are at their most accessible, and the month that Perth festival, Sydney Mardi Gras, and the Australian Open take place. February is also an ideal time to visit if you’re hoping to take a tour at one of the country’s famous vineyards or unwind at iconic beaches like Bondi. Conditions at this time of year are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, and the longer days offer you plenty of daylight hours to explore ashore.   

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Where to go in March – Mexico

With sunshine, sea, and a festive atmosphere, March offers a golden opportunity to experience Mexico at its most welcoming. And what better way to enjoy it all than by visiting Mexico on a cruise in 2026? The warm, dry, days lend themselves perfectly to boat trips, beach outings, and active pursuits like river rafting, hiking, and exploring. The end of March also traditionally marks the start of Santa Semana; a holy week in Mexico and one of the country’s most important religious festivals. With vibrant processions passing through spectator-lined streets, it’s a wonderful cultural occasion to behold.

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Where to go on holiday in April – Spain

Spain in April is the sweet spot before the summer rush begins. Spring weather, Easter festivities, and fewer tourists make it an ideal time for sightseeing, giving you easy access to must-see sights like Santiago de Compostela, Alhambra (tours from Málaga), or the Sagrada Familia. For fans of horticulture, there’s no better month to visit. April in Spain sees the country burst into colour as nature embarks on its post-winter comeback. Expect bougainvillea-clad balconies and hillsides blanketed in fragrant herbs and poppies.  

 

Discover Spain on an unforgettable Canary Islands cruise in 2026. 

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Where to go in May – Norwegian Fjords

Norway’s Fjords in May offer stunning spring scenery and long, light-filled, days for exploring. May marks the official start of the Norwegian Fjords cruise season, when mountain peaks are still snow-capped and villages are lively with festivals and markets. It’s an excellent time for spotting seals, seabirds, and whales, with up to 18 hours of daylight and fewer tourists compared to July and August. The landscapes are especially picturesque at this time of year, contrasting green valleys and blue waters with blossoming fruit trees and wildflowers. so why not escape to the Norwegian Fjords in 2026?

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Where to travel in June - Croatia

With low rainfall and average highs of 29 degrees celsius, June is one of the best months to holiday in Croatia. Temperatures in the Adriatic are perfect for swimming, and popular destinations like Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Split’s Diocletian’s Palace are easier to explore without the intensity of summer crowds. Ferries and Catamarans run frequently, allowing you to take a day trip to islands like Hvar. Waterfalls are lush and full, and spring’s cooler mornings and evenings create ideal conditions for hiking, cycling, and kayaking. 

 

You can visit Croatia as part of a Mediterranean cruise in 2026.

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Where to visit in July – Alaska

July is Alaska’s peak season and a prime time for spotting bears, moose, caribou and eagles in the wild. Humpback and Orca sightings are also common along The Inside Passage and coastal waters. Temperatures average around 21 degrees Celsius, and the midnight sun fills the sky 24 hours a day, bathing the state in a constant stream of natural light. With the snow finally melted, roadside meadows burst into bloom and national parks are fully accessible. Community spirit in Alaska is also at a high, with salmon cookouts, local fairs, and small-town celebrations.

 

With 2026 marking our last season in Alaska, this year’s sailings are your final chance to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure on board a Cunard Queen.   

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Where to go in August – Italy

August is when Italy truly comes alive. The weather is balmy, the sea is tepid, and the buzz of conversation infuses the air at al fresco tables. Many Italians holiday in August, so the atmosphere – particularly in coastal resorts and across Italy’s islands – feels celebratory. It’s the perfect month to sample the lifestyle the Italians lovingly refer to as ‘La Dolce Vita’. To indulge in simple pleasures, unapologetically. A scoop of gelato. A slice of Neapolitan pizza. An Aperol Spritz. Italy in August is truly magic - find out for yourself on a Mediterranean cruise in 2026.

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Where to go on holiday in September – Greece

Warm weather and fewer crowds make September an ideal time to visit mainland Greece and its islands. Sea temperatures are warmer in September and, with average highs of 24-30 degrees Celsius, conditions are ideal for sunbathing. Hiking and sightseeing are also more pleasant in Greece in September, and the end of the school holidays means you can explore famous sights like Knossos Palace and the Acropolis without encountering long queues. It’s also a perfect time for spotting sea turtles in the wild and embarking on vineyard tours.   

 

Our Mediterranean cruises are the perfect way to visit Greece in 2026.

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Where to visit in October – New York

Autumn fashions in Fifth Avenue’s boutiques. The crimson canopies of Central Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Parades, art fairs, and food festivals. There’s so much to love about New York in October. Why not discover for yourself on a Transatlantic Crossing in 2026? Cultural institutions like the MoMA, Met, and Guggenheim often debut new exhibitions in October, and with Halloween on the horizon you can expect the city to be dressed in its spooky finest. It’s also the perfect time of year to catch an opening show on Broadway, or to take a day trip to Upstate New York or Long Island.  

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Where to travel in November – Bruges (tours from Zeebrugge)

The medieval city of Bruges takes on a quieter, more atmospheric charm in November as autumn deepens and the festive season starts getting into swing. Autumn foliage lines the city’s canals, making boat tours even more picturesque. This, coupled with crisp air and misty mornings, makes Bruges' already fairy-tale like centre take on an even more mythical feel. November is also a prime time for Belgian cuisine, with homegrown staples like stews, waffles, and fries ready to offer you a comforting embrace whenever a little warm-up is needed.

 

Our short breaks are the perfect way to explore Bruges from Southamtpon - book your 2026 mini getaway today.

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Where to go in December – St. Lucia

St. Lucia in December is the ultimate warm-weather getaway. With dry season starting, and Christmas and New Year around the corner, energy throughout the island is at an all-time high. You’ll find crystal clear waters for snorkelling and diving, and a festive buzz at Castries Market. Conditions are perfect for tours to St. Lucia’s Pitons, while many restaurants offer special seasonal menus. December is also when Castries hosts its annual Festival of Lights, a dazzling pre-Christmas fireworks celebration that paints the night sky in an explosion of colour.   

 

You can visit St. Lucia on our cruises from Miami in 2026. For last minute bookings, take a look at our late saver deals.   

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How to book

You can book 2026 cruises on our Queens via our website, by calling our Customer Contact Centre on 0344 338 8641, or by speaking with your travel agent. We offer Late Saver fares on selected voyages sailing within 90 days, allowing you to sail on our Queens for a little less. If booking further out, The Cunard Fare offers you additional cruise benefits, including extra on-board spending money, complimentary coach travel (to and from Southampton), or complimentary parking at Southampton cruise terminal.

Discover more

Cruises on our Queens sail from a variety of homeports including Southampton (UK), New York, Miami, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Trieste, Hamburg, Seattle, and Barcelona. You can find the full list, and select your departure port of preference, by clicking ‘Find a cruise’ on our homepage.

 

We also make it easy to board our ships anywhere in the world by offering you the option to add a flight to your cruise booking. You can learn more about the benefits of booking flights through us – and all that’s included – in our fly cruise guide.   

Want to travel beyond 2026?

Looking ahead to 2027 or even 2028? If you’re already making travel plans for next year (or the year after), take a look at where our Queens will be sailing beyond 2026.   

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