Discover four bucket-list-worthy cruises sailing in 2026

Maybe you’re celebrating something special – a honeymoon or a milestone anniversary. Perhaps it’s simply time to take the long overdue family trip or solo adventure you’ve talked about for years.

If 2026 is set to be a year of unforgettable travel for you, you're going to need some serious know-how on your side.

That’s where NCL comes in. Since the 1960s, their fleet of award-winning ships has been sailing the world and fine-tuning what makes a cruise truly memorable. Decades of experience and a guest-centric approach with first-rate service as standard have been distilled into these four bucket-list-worthy itineraries.

12 days in the South Pacific: Kaua'i, Bora Bora and Mo'orea

In October 2026, Norwegian Spirit will sail to a constellation of idyllic islands scattered across the South Pacific. This cruise begins in the French Polynesian capital of Papeete on Tahiti, before sailing to Bora Bora, Mo'orea and Raʻiātea. It will then continue to Hawai‘i, where passengers will visit Kona, Kaua’i and Honolulu.

What makes this cruise a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

Island-hopping in the South Pacific is every bit as magical as it sounds – and this carefully curated itinerary makes the most of the region’s variety.

In French Polynesia, you’ll encounter a series of dramatic landscapes, from rainforest to coral-ringed lagoons. On Tahiti, black sand beaches meet turquoise water, while Mo'orea offers inland trails through flower-scented valleys. On Raʻiātea – meaning ‘faraway heaven’ – you’ll find Taputapuātea, a UNESCO-listed marae (open-air temple) that’s a testament to Polynesian culture.

If you’re after a truly special souvenir while on these islands, try your hand at harvesting a Tahitian pearl at a local farm.

The second half of the itinerary is dedicated to Hawai’i – and unlike a typical fly-in holiday to Honolulu, this NCL cruise gives you the chance to experience multiple islands. Norwegian Spirit will stay overnight at Kaua‘i, known as ‘The Garden Island’, so passengers have time to explore lush interiors and surf-friendly beaches.

How do I make the most of it?

With five sea days as you cross from French Polynesia to Hawai’i, this itinerary provides a chance to unwind aboard Norwegian Spirit. It was freshly remodelled in 2022 and has plenty to do. That includes enough dining and drinking venues that you could try something new every day of your cruise and still have more to sample, from high-end Italian food at Onda by Scarpetta to upscale French cuisine at Le Bistro.

To elevate your time at sea, NCL’s More At Sea (from £349pp on an 11- to 12-day cruise) package includes perks like speciality dining, premium drinks, Wi-Fi powered by Starlink and credits towards shore excursions.

11 days in the Panama Canal, Mexico, Costa Rica and Belize 

This NCL cruise aboard Norwegian Jewel offers six sailings between December 2025 and March 2026. It takes you to eight destinations, including ports like George Town in Grand Cayman, Puerto Limón in Costa Rica and Cartagena in Colombia.

What makes this cruise a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

For nature lovers, few cruises can compare – this itinerary offers exceptional opportunities to connect with nature and observe wildlife up close. You’ll visit a series of destinations renowned for their rich biodiversity.

One of the most remarkable is Costa Rica, home to over 500,000 species – five per cent of the estimated global total. Rainforest skywalks and wildlife rescue centres provide insight into the region’s flora and fauna, with chances to see sloths, sea turtles, spider monkeys and great green macaws.

In Grand Cayman, local guides can introduce you to stingrays gliding through the shallows – these gentle creatures can be surprisingly sociable, particularly if you come bearing squid. Dolphin encounter programmes are also available, offering memorable experiences to marine life enthusiasts.

How do I make the most of it? 

Extraordinary NCL shore excursions are available along this route. In Grand Cayman, you can venture into crystal caves once used by pirates or explore historical shipwrecks in glass-bottomed boats. Further along, you can canoe through the mangroves of Colombia, white water raft in Costa Rica or explore Mayan ruins in Mexico.

Needless to say, a few extra excursion credits thanks to a More At Sea package can go a long way on this voyage.

14 days in Asia: Hong Kong & Thailand, from Singapore to Taiwan 

This NCL cruise takes you to 10 ports across Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, China and Taiwan, revealing some of Asia’s most dynamic landscapes and cities.

What makes this cruise a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

It’s the breadth of experiences that makes this voyage stand out. You can wander the lush paths of the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens, or in Ko Samui in Thailand, you might visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. In Taiwan, you can round off your trip with a visit to oolong tea plantations or natural hot springs.

But beyond natural wonders, this itinerary brings you face-to-face with the pulse of modern Asia. Explore the floating markets of Bangkok or the streets of Hong Kong, where glass skyscrapers rise above historic trams and neon-lit alleys.

And, of course, this cruise will have a special appeal to foodies. Come ready to indulge in Singaporean chilli crab, Vietnamese bánh mì on crusty baguettes and an almost infinite variety of Thai street food.

How do I make the most of it?

Valentine’s Day takes place during this sailing – and Norwegian Sun has everything you need to mark the occasion. Whether you're toasting with a partner, sharing the moment with a friend or indulging in some solo luxury, there are plenty of ways to make it memorable. Sip champagne at the ship’s elegant champagne bar, book a spa treatment, or stroll the promenade deck at sunset. For something extra, NCL also has romantic packages designed to elevate the experience.

14 days in the Caribbean: Harvest Caye, Cozumel and Roatán 

All aboard Norwegian Escape on the 1st of February 2026 for a full two weeks in the Caribbean. This cruise takes you to 10 ports across Mexico, Belize, Jamaica and beyond.

What makes this cruise a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

There’s a reason the Caribbean and cruising are so often spoken of in the same breath. With its smattering of sun-soaked islands, clear turquoise waters and mix of cultures, this region is best explored by sea. This itinerary is designed to show you some of its most enviable spots.

One of the standouts is Harvest Caye, NCL’s private island in southern Belize. Here you can spend the day relaxing in a beachside cabana, kayaking across the saltwater lagoon, or snorkelling the Belize Barrier Reef – the second-largest coral reef system in the world.

The stop in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is another highlight, with its golden beaches, jungle-clad hills and the iconic Dunn’s River Falls. These naturally terraced waterfalls resemble giant stone steps, with a series of small lagoons nestled between the tiers. You can climb the cool, freshwater cascades at a gentle pace, surrounded by lush tropical greenery.

Throughout it all, you'll be sailing aboard the award-winning Norwegian Escape, complete with a top-deck aqua park featuring tandem waterslides, ideal for families or the young at heart.

How do I make the most of it?

Why not spend a little more time in New Orleans? Your round-trip cruise brings you back to ‘The Big Easy’ on Sunday the 15th of February, and in 2026, Mardi Gras falls on the 17th. In the lead-up to Fat Tuesday, the city erupts in celebrations, from parades to live jazz bands. Don’t miss out on the cuisine either – king cake is a must for Mardi Gras.

Book your bucket-list cruise with NCL

The first step? Choose the itinerary that speaks to your travel aspirations. If your dream destination isn’t covered here – maybe you’ve always had your sights set on the Norwegian fjords or Japan in cherry blossom season – see what else NCL has planned, with over 400 destinations to choose from worldwide and sailings through to 2027 across 21 contemporary ships.

As with any bucket-list trip, a little forward planning goes a long way. Booking early gives you more choice – whether that’s a particular cabin type or a shore excursion you don’t want to miss.