Expanding Horizons: New Ports of Call From 2025 to 2027

Upscale travelers often head to sea for a luxury cruise vacation that’s an “easy peasy” way to explore multiple global destinations, natural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After boarding their luxury or ultra-luxury ship, they’ll simply float from place to place without intra-trip air travel hassles and multiple hotel changes.

Along the itinerary route, they can also indulge onboard with fine dining, spa treatments, enrichment programs, pool relaxation and more. Here’s a look at some of the enticing new options now through 2027, which should draw interest from both repeat cruise guests and new-to-cruise travelers.

Europe Beyond the Norm

Many travelers who have repeatedly cruised within Europe may seek a new slant on continental travel. That might entail a voyage on a more intimate ship, an itinerary with unique ports of call or a special interest cruise. For instance, Seabourn has unveiled four new “non-expedition” sailings for its 264-passenger Seabourn Venture between April 2026 and June 2026. Delivering a yacht-like ambiance, this small expedition ship’s nonpolar line-up includes a 13-day “Spanish Nights & Storied Coasts” itinerary. Departing June 11, 2026, this voyage sails from Barcelona, Spain, to Greenwich (London), U.K.

One top draw is that Seabourn Venture is perfectly sized to sail “upriver” into the heart of historic Seville, Spain. So, unlike larger cruise industry ships, the vessel doesn’t have to dock at coastal Cadiz, Spain, and luxury guests won’t waste time traveling by motorcoach to Seville. Instead, they’ll go ashore in the heart of Seville and can begin exploring right away. 

In addition, Seabourn Venture will take guests to St. Malo, France, only 34 miles from Mont-Saint-Michel, and Dunkirk (Lille), France, brimming with World War II historic sites. Neither is included on spring 2026 schedules for Seabourn’s other ocean ships. And the ship will also call at an appealing potpourri of other European ports, including Malaga and Gijon, Spain; Tangier, Morocco; Lisbon, Portugal; and Poole, U.K., the latter not on many cruise itineraries.

For the ultimate pampering, Seabourn Venture offers two, two-level, 1,023-square-foot Owner’s Suites (No. 700 or No. 701). Each has a private veranda; lower-level living room, dining area, interactive flat-screen TV, writing desk area and half bath; an upstairs bedroom with queen-sized or two twin beds, and master bathroom with double vanities, a tub and shower; and more.

The Philippeion, an  archaeological site within Olympia.
History Beckons: Silversea’s “2025 Venetian Society Reunion” will give guests a chance to explore ancient Olympia in Greece. Shown here is The Philippeion, an 
archaeological site within Olympia. (Getty Images )

To experience camaraderie among like-minded travelers, loyal past guests of Silversea might head out on the line’s “2025 Venetian Society Reunion” voyage. Departing October 17, 2025, the 608-passenger Silver Spirit will sail 12 days from Fusina (Venice), Italy, to Piraeus (Athens), Greece. Calls will include Trieste, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Bari, Italy, and a robust line-up of Greek ports—from Corfu to Katakolon, where guests can explore ancient Olympia (20 miles away), and from Souda Bay to Santorini, Rhodes and Monemvasia, home to a medieval fortress town.

For the first time, Venetian Society members actually chose this voyage by voting on their preferred itinerary. Hosted by Bert Hernandez, Silversea’s president, the cruise will include opportunities for society members to attend special onboard events and receptions, plus an exclusive shoreside signature event. Luxury Travel Advisor recently returned from the line’s 2024 Venetian Society Reunion voyage in Asia on Silver Nova. Visit www.luxurytraveladvisor.com for more about that voyage.   

While some lower-level suite categories were sold out at press time, still available were two top suite options, among others. Silver Spirit’s sumptuous Owner’s Suite which is combinable with the adjacent Panorama Suite makes an appealing two-bedroom accommodation. We’d also suggest the Grand Suite with 1,425 to 1,532 square feet of space, including the private veranda; a two-bedroom option is also available.

For golf enthusiasts, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has introduced its newest special-interest Spotlight Voyage, hosted by golfing legend Annika Sorenstam. Departing June 23, 2025, this 14-night voyage on the new 744-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur will sail round-trip from Southampton, England, U.K. Ports of call will include Belfast, Northern Ireland; Glasgow (Greenock-overnight) Scotland; Douglas, Isle of Man, U.K., Liverpool (double overnight), England; and Dublin (overnight), Cork (Cobh) and Waterford, Ireland.

Golfers will have opportunities for fireside chats and meet-and-greets with the hall-of-fame golfer. Other exclusive golf-related activities and excursions will include driving demonstrations on Seven Seas Grandeur’s top deck; an onboard fashion show featuring clothing by Sorenstam’s clothing partner, LOHLA Sport; tea-time golf trivia; and an in-course long game clinic.

Luxury travelers can also tee off on iconic greens, such as Belfast’s Strand Course at the Portstewart Golf Club and a top course at the Royal Belfast Golf Club. From Glasgow, cruisers can play the Dundonald Links and Turnberry’s Ailsa Course, which has hosted the Irish Open four times. Liverpool options will include play on courses at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club and the Formby Golf Club.

Seven Seas Grandeur offers all-outside suites, each with a private veranda. Layouts range from 307 square feet to 4,443 square feet for the opulent Regent Suite. We’d suggest a Signature Suite spanning 1,064 square feet to 1,114 square feet. A private, wraparound balcony of 831 square feet to 994 square feet offers superb views.

At press time, small ship boutique luxury line Ponant unveiled a new series of expert-led, 2025 themed European itineraries. For example, on June 10, 2025, the 184-passenger Le Bougainville’s eight-night “Epicurean Delights of Sicily and the Adriatic Coast of Italy” itinerary will visit seven UNESCO World Heritage sites and offer much culinary programming. Food writer and cookbook author Maureen Fant, recognized by the James Beard Foundation, will guide travelers through Italy’s gastronomic heritage.

Wine experts John Camacho Vidal and Barbara D’Agapiti will lead tastings, and famed Italian chef Denny Imbroisi and his team will prepare authentic Italian dishes on board. Guests who want to travel in style with the ultimate pampering should check out this small vessel’s 484-square-foot Owner’s Suite. Other new Ponant themed offerings focus on Iberian cultures, music or world affairs (with Lech Wałęsa, former Polish president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, as one speaker.)

In 2026, Atlas Ocean Voyages, which offers cultural, epicurean or polar expeditions depending on the sailing region, will offer a variety of new summer itineraries. Many are in Europe, others in the Caribbean, Canadian Arctic and Bermuda. What’s notable? The line will introduce 28 new ports of call, 70 extended evenings (with ships leaving port after 8 p.m.) and more than 25 overnight stays.

Among Atlas’ extensive list of new European ports of call are these: Fowey (Cornwall), England, U.K.; Nordfjordeid, Harstad, Bronnoysund, Bear Island and Vik (Sognefjord), Norway; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Kalmar and Visby (Gotland Island), Sweden; Mariehamn (Åland Islands), Finland; Isola di Ponza, Italy; Ciutadella (Menorca), Spain; Paros, Greece; Vis Island, Croatia.

In the eastern Mediterranean, the 198-passenger World Traveller’s 10-day “Quintessential Greece and Turkey” sailing from Piraeus (Athens) to Istanbul, Turkiye, voyage on July 10, 2026, will call at Cesme, Turkiye, another new Atlas port of call. Tapped by Atlas as an “Epicurean Expedition,” this voyage will include such complimentary perks as these: a culinary experience ashore (such as a local market visit or specialty tasting); one Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7AFT Grill; culinary presentations and cooking demonstrations; and food and wine tastings.

World Traveller’s most spacious suites, the one-bedroom Navigator Suites on Decks 5 and 6, offer an oversized private balcony; living room with sofa and vanity; separate bedroom area; double sinks in the bathroom; walk-in closet and wardrobe; and two wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system. Plus, guests staying in these top suites receive butler service and expanded room service.

Citing demand “beyond expectations,” the boutique SeaDream Yacht Club plans to triple its voyage options for the British Isles region—England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the U.K., plus Ireland and Denmark’s Faroe Islands. So, in August and September 2027, the newly updated, 112-passenger SeaDream I will operate a series of new 7- to 11-day yachting voyages. Those will encompass 16 new ports of call, and offer guests extended port time and some overnight stays.

Travelers will have many opportunities to tour historic sites, visit whiskey distilleries, play rounds of golf on local courses, and explore eco-sites. Select itineraries will also include a few calls in such remote spots as Scotland’s Shetland and Orkney Islands, as well as the Faroe Islands.

Departing August 26, 2027, SeaDream I’s seven-day “Celtic Homelands” voyage will set sail from Glasgow (Troon), Scotland, to Dublin, Ireland. Calls will include Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Scotland; Portrush and Belfast, Northern Ireland; Whitehaven, England; Port Douglas, Isle of Man, U.K.; and both Warren port and Belfast, Northern Ireland.

SeaDream I’s 447-square-foot Owner’s Suite (No. 315) offers a living area with a flat-screen TV, writing desk, guest half bath and dining area. The separate master bedroom provides a queen-sized bed and flat-screen TV, plus the master bathroom has a massage shower and a separate soaking tub with sea views.

For the first time in summer 2025, Sea Cloud Cruises will homeport the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit, the sailing line’s newest and largest sailing ship, in Venice, Italy. The vessel will operate four new, nine-night “Enchanted Croatian Coast” round-trip voyages from Venice. One top perk is that the yacht—given its intimate size—can dock along Venice’s Grand Canal, just steps from St. Mark’s Square.

Korcula old town by the Adriatic Sea in Croatia.
Dramatic Voyage: Sea Cloud Cruises’ newest sailing ship Sea Cloud Spirit will sail the “Enchanted Croatian Coast” round-trip voyages from Venice. Shown here is Korcula old town by the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. (Getty Images )

In addition to two days under “full sails” within the Adriatic Sea, Sea Cloud Spirit will call at Sibenik, Croatia, famed for an old town with vibrantly colored doors and medieval buildings. Other Croatia port calls include Dubrovnik (in port until 11 p.m.), Rovinj, Hvar (overnight) and the isles of Korcula and Vis. Exploring ashore, guests can visit waterfalls and wading pools in Croatia’s Krka National Park and explore Komiza on Vis, known for wine making and fishing. Then the ship will return to Venice and overnight there, so we’d suggest guests get off for a lovely stroll to Venice’s Rialto Bridge just steps from Sea Cloud Spirit’s docking point.

Round-trip voyages from Venice will depart July 24, August 2, August 11 and August 20. One plus for the August 2 sailing is that it marks Sea Cloud’s first “Cabaret Cultivated Journey” with headliner Travis Moser, a New York solo cabaret, concert and recording artist.

One Voyage, Multiple Regions

More and more, luxury travelers seek out robust multi-region itineraries—hence the popularity of Grand Voyages and other extended journeys. Windstar Cruises’ 224-passenger Star Seeker will launch in December 2025, sail the Caribbean and central America’s Pacific Coast and then head to Alaska and Japan. Departing March 27, 2026, the ship’s 49-day “Star Collector: Grand Caribbean & Americas Explorer” journey will set sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Juneau, AK. Windstar will bundle robust port time in three separate regions into one grand voyage.

Departing March 13, 2026, the ship will call in the Caribbean at Cruz Bay and St. John’s, U.S.V.I.; Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; St. George’s, Grenada; Gustavia, St. Barthelemy; Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, B.V.I.; San Juan; Catalina Island and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Cartagena, Colombia; San Blas and Colon, Panama.

After transiting the Panama Canal, Star Seeker will then call at Balboa/Fuerte Amador (overnight) and Isla Parida, Panama. Luxury travelers will likely love the “deep dive” into Costa Rica’s Pacific region with stops at Golfo Dulce, Quepos, Puerto Caldera, Curu and Playas del Coco. Then the ship sails to Puerto Chiapas, Hualtulco, Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta, all in Mexico.

After plenty of sea days, it’s then time for a northern region adventure with calls in Seattle and Vancouver, and in Alaska at Ketchikan, Misty Fjords/Rudyerd Bay, Wrangell, Sitka, Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm, Haines and Juneau. Throughout this multi-region voyage, diversity rules. For instance, birders can search for pink flamingos on Virgin Gorda, B.V.I., toucans in Costa Rica and bald eagles in Alaska. History buffs can delve into Spanish American heritage in Cartagena, Colombia, and Russian-American history in Sitka, AK.

Star Seeker will introduce a new suite category for Windstar—Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies on Deck 7. Two of those can each be combined with an adjacent suite for more space. Also new for the brand, Star Seeker will debut 30 Infinity Suites, each with a floor-to-ceiling “drop-down” infinity window to create a private balcony.

Oceania Sirena in Portofino
Grand Voyage: On August 27, 2026, Oceania Cruises’ Sirena will set sail on a multi-month cruise from Istanbul, Türkiye, to Singapore.  (Oceania Cruises)

Foodie-focused Oceania Cruises also recently unveiled additional options within its 2026 Collection of Voyages. The 670-passenger Nautica, Regatta or Sirena will offer 60-plus new itineraries including 17 Grand Voyages across the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. New itineraries range from a seven-day round-trip Caribbean cruise from Miami on Nautica to an epic, 69-day “Extravagant Explorer” adventure that touches multiple continents.

Departing on August 27, 2026, Sirena will set sail on that multi-month cruise from Istanbul, Türkiye, to Singapore. First up are port calls in Rhodes and Heraklion (Crete), Greece. Then it’s on to Messina in Sicily, Amalfi/Positano, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Livorno (Florence/Tuscany), all in Italy. The ship then continues to Cannes, France; Barcelona, Cartagena, Motril (for Granada) and Cadiz (for Seville), Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal.

After calls at Agadir, Morocco, as well as three port calls in Spain’s Canary Islands, Sirena will sail southbound along Africa’s West Coast. “Port collectors” will likely relish the many, exotic calls in Senegal, Gambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Sao Tome and Principe, and Namibia prior to an overnight stay in Cape Town, South Africa.

In Cape Town, we’d recommend the 7.5-hour “Gourmet Experience.” First, guests will head out for a tour and wine tasting at the Vergelegen Estate, followed by wine and extra virgin olive oil tastings at another estate. Then guests will savor a lunch of gourmet specialties paired with vintages, prior to another wine estate tour and tastings of wines and Forest Hill cheeses.

Within South Africa, Sirena will also take guests to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), East London, Durban and Richards Bay. Then, continuing through the Indian Ocean, the ship will call at ports in Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, the Seychelles and Maldives. In Asia, guests will explore Mangalore and Cochin (Kochi), India; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Phuket, Thailand (overnight); Penang and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia.

For this grand adventure, we’d reserve one of the ship’s six Owner’s Suites on either Deck 6, 7 or 8. These offer nearly 1,000 square feet of space, a private teak veranda and 24-hour butler service.

New in North America

After a seven-year hiatus, Azamara will return to Alaska, cruising in summer 2026 with a strong focus on destination immersion. Starting in May 2026, the 702-passenger Azamara Pursuit will embark on a series of 10- to 13-day cruises within America’s Last Frontier. Highlights include 27 late-night departures, giving guests plenty of time ashore in such ports as Juneau, Wrangell, Skagway and Ketchikan, AK, and others. Also on tap are cultural encounters with Indigenous communities and eco/wildlife excursions that might include whale-watching, bear spotting or glacier hiking.

One appealing new itinerary that we’d consider is Azamara’s 26-night “Alaska and Japan Cruise: Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier and Miyako” voyage. Sailing between Vancouver, B.C., and Tokyo, Japan, on August 27, 2026, Azamara Pursuit will call at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Valdez and Seward as well as at remote Kodiak and Dutch Harbor in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Plus, guests can tour Miyako and Hitachinaka, Japan, prior to the ship’s arrival in Tokyo.

On all Azamara voyages in Alaska, guests will be invited to a special AzAmazing Evening in Ketchikan: “An Alaskan Adventure: Timber, Traditions & Toasts.” The exclusive event will begin with a cocktail hour featuring some of Alaska’s finest brews, followed by fun, local activities. Guests will watch axe throwing and traditional Tlingit dance performances, plus taste and savor local culinary delicacies. The evening’s highlight will be a private Great American Lumberjack Show performance. 

Spanning 560 square feet with a large veranda, Azamara Pursuit’s Club World Owner’s Suites encompass a spacious living room, separate primary bedroom, marble master bathroom and dressing room. Alaska is often a destination that attracts multigenerational families, and both Club World Owner’s Suites are bookable with the adjacent Veranda Plus Suite, if desired, to create a larger accommodation with a second bedroom and bath.

Azamara Pursuit
Returning to the Final Frontier: Starting in May 2026, Azamara Pursuit will embark on a series of 10- to 13-day cruises within Alaska. (Azamara)

Sailing North America’s Great Lakes, Viking will introduce two enticing new 2026 itineraries on the 378-passenger Viking Octantis and sister Viking Polaris, its two expedition ships. One good option is the new 10-day “Great Lakes Treasures” voyage round-trip from Milwaukee on several dates in May, June and September 2026. What’s special? Viking will call for the first time at Chicago, IL, as well as Fathom Five National Marine Park and the Benjamin Islands in Ontario, Canada.

In addition, a new 17-day “Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures” voyage will sail between Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Guests can explore Detroit, MI and Milwaukee, WI; gaze at Niagara Falls, N.Y./Canada, during a Colborne, N.Y., port call; stroll through car-less Mackinac Island, MI, with its Victorian-era treasures; tour the Great Lakes Maritime Historic Center in Alpena, IL, as well as enjoy kayaking and Zodiac rides on eco-adventures in more remote spots.

On both Viking’s expedition ships, we’d recommend the 1,238-square-foot, multi-room Owner’s Suite (OS) with Nordic balcony. Guests will discover a well-appointed living room, separate dining area with seating for six; separate bedroom area with king-sized bed (convertible to two twins); a private library plus wine and music collections curated by Torstein Hagen, Viking’s executive chairman; and a private garden lounge area with badenstamp (Nordic hot tub). Plus, this suite’s boardroom seats 12 for meetings or catered dinner parties and has a vapor-light fireplace. 

Off-the-Beaten-Path

For 2025 and 2026, Swan Hellenic will offer cultural expedition cruises exploring more than three dozen off-the-beaten-track destinations, many not visited by other lines. Most notable, Swan Hellenic’s 192-passenger Diana will make a maiden call at Hermanus, South Africa during its cruise from Mombasa, Kenya to Cape Town, South Africa, on October 29, 2025.

Located southeast of Cape Town, Hermanus is known for its scenic landscapes and historic fishing village. Swan Hellenic says that it’s never been visited by any major cruise company to date. During their time ashore, cruise guests might head to the nearby Fernkloof Nature Reserve in the Kleinrivier Mountains. It’s famed for its flora, but a cliffside path provides opportunities to spot seasonal whale migrations and bustling penguin colonies.

Diana offers 441-square-foot Premium Suites including an 86-square-foot private balcony. Guests will find a separate living room, flame-effect (faux) fireplace, king-sized bed, walk-in wardrobe and luxurious bathroom with a separate tub and shower.

Between October 2026 and April 2027, Cunard Line plans 40 new voyages on its four ships. Those will take guests to 62 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and provide more destination time with 22 overnight stays and 26 late-evening departures. Maiden port calls for the fleet include Ferrol, Spain, and Acajutla, El Salvador, both first-time calls by the 2,061-passenger Queen Victoria.

In addition, Cunard’s 2,996-passenger Queen Anne will sail a 56-night South America voyage (its first-ever to that continent) on January 22, 2027. Sailing round-trip from Port Everglades (Greater Fort Lauderdale), FL, the ship will also call at Bridgetown, Barbados, for the first time, as well as Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands and Oranjestad, Aruba. Latin American ports visited will include Fortaleza, Salvador, Buzios, Rio de Janeiro (overnight) and Santos (for Sao Paulo), Brazil; Montevideo, Uruguay; Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia, Argentina; a sail by Cape Horn; Punto Arenas, the Amalia Glacier, PIO X Glacier, Puerto Montt, San Antonio (for Santiago),  Coquimbo and Arica, Chile; Callao (Lima), Peru; Manta, Ecuador; Fuerto Amador (Panama City).

In addition, Queen Victoria will operate a 109-night World Voyage, departing in January 2027 with maiden calls to Dakar, Senegal, and Durban, South Africa. Guests sailing on any Cunard ship who seek a luxurious, private retreat at sea should check out Cunard’s Queens Grill suites, the top-tier accommodations. What’s special? Guests staying in those will receive added amenities and most beloved by many Queens Grill guests is exclusive dining in the Queens Grill fine-dining restaurant.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Special Interest Cruise: Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer a golf-focused journey, hosted by golfing legend Annika Sorenstam.  (Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

Growth on the Horizon

Ultra-luxury Crystal is offering new Japanese cherry-blossom itineraries in spring 2026. Departing April 18, 2026, for example, the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony’s 21-night sailing round-trip from Tokyo will explore highlights of both Japan and South Korea. Guests will explore Kobe (for Kyoto), Kochi, Hiroshima and Moji, all in Japan, before going ashore in South Korea at Yeosu, Jeju Island, Incheon (for Seoul) and Busan. Arriving back in Japan, travelers will then visit Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Sakata, Aomori and Hakodate.

The 645-square-foot Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite with butler service is the top-category suite showing availability at press time. Redesigned in a 2023 drydock, it offers a private balcony of up to 161 square feet, spacious living room and dining area, separate bedroom with a queen-sized bed (convertible to two twins), master bathroom with whirlpool bathtub, separate shower and bidet; and more.

While Crystal and other cruise lines have introduced new itineraries for 2025-2027, even more itinerary options are expected as the cruise industry’s $61 billion in cruise ship orders materialize with new ship deliveries. In fact, Crystal recently exercised its option to build a third, new 690-passenger ocean ship with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. That will increase its fleet size to five ships by 2032—vastly expanding its global potential.

In September 2024, Explora Journeys took delivery of its second ship, Explora II with 461 suites, and that ship will operate its first season of Caribbean itineraries this winter, prior to Mediterranean voyages in summer 2025, and yet another season of Caribbean voyages in winter 2025-2026.

Big growth is coming for this luxury boutique brand too. Another new Explora Journeys vessel, one fueled by liquid natural gas (LNG), will set sail in 2026. Three other new ships will launch in 2027 and 2028. So, by 2028 the line will have a fleet of six ships sailing the globe—a big plus for the brand in expanding its global presence.

Other cruise lines are also expanding with new ship orders, among them Regent Seven Seas, which just began construction of the 850-passenger Seven Seas Prestige, the first of two new Prestige-class ships. Simply put, more ships sailing the world’s oceans will lead to greater brand “reach,” fueling even more new future itineraries.

Related Articles

Viking Adds 10 New Ocean Itineraries in 2026 and 2027

Silversea Unveils New Voyage Collection for 2026-27

Explora Journeys Opens Bookings for Summer 2026 Sailings

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth to Undergo Significant Refit