2026 Cruise Calendar
Discover Cruises by Month
Planning a cruise in 2026? Use this cruise calendar to explore departures by month and find the right itinerary for your travel dates, whether you’re chasing warm weather, travelling during school holidays, or planning a special celebration at sea. Select a month below to browse available cruises, then refine by destination, cruise line, departure port and cruise style.
How this 2026 cruise calendar works
- Choose your travel month to view cruises departing in that period
- Filter by destination, cruise line or duration to narrow your options
- Compare itineraries and ships to find the right match for your travel style
- Book with Cruiseabout for expert advice and support from planning to sail-away
Cruising in 2026: best cruises by season
- January – March: Peak holiday season for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, plus great timing for longer worldwide voyages.
- April – June: Brilliant shoulder season for Europe and the Mediterranean, and early sailings in regions like Alaska.
- July – September: A popular window for Mediterranean summer cruising, Norway & Northern Europe, and family-friendly cruises.
- October – December: Ideal for spring cruising closer to home, repositioning voyages, and festive Christmas & New Year cruises.
FIND YOUR CRUISE BY MONTH
Ready to lock in your 2026 cruise? Here’s how to narrow it down
If you’ve been browsing this 2026 Cruise Calendar and you’ve found a few sailing windows that could work, the next step is to match your dates to the right destination, ship and cruise style. Cruise availability can change quickly, especially for popular periods like school holidays, festive sailings, and peak seasonal routes, so it helps to shortlist a couple of options before you compare inclusions, cabin types and departure ports.
A good way to refine your search for 2026 cruises is to think in “non-negotiables” first. Are you set on a certain month, or are you flexible by a few weeks? Do you want cruises departing Australia in 2026, or are you happy to fly to a major international port for a bigger range of itineraries? And are you after a short escape, a family-friendly holiday, or something more special like a milestone celebration, luxury journey, or once-in-a-lifetime destination?
To help you choose the right 2026 cruise departure, start with this quick checklist:
- Your travel window: best month (or two) to travel in 2026
- Departure port: Australia-based departure vs fly-cruise options
- Destination style: warm-weather islands, Europe, Alaska, Northern Europe, Asia and more
- Cruise type: ocean, river, expedition, premium or luxury
- Budget & value: what’s included (drinks, dining, Wi-Fi, shore credits, hotel stays) and what matters most to you
If you’d like a hand narrowing it down, Cruiseabout’s cruise experts can recommend the best itineraries for your dates and travel style, and help organise flights, hotels and travel extras to make planning simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to cruise in 2026?
The best month depends on where you want to go. Many travellers choose summer for Europe, winter for warmer-weather destinations, and shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and great value.
Can I search cruises by month and destination?
Yes. Start by choosing your month, then filter results by destination, cruise line, departure port, duration and travel style.
Are there cruises departing from Australia in 2026?
Yes. You’ll find departures from key Australian ports across the year, depending on cruise line schedules and seasonal deployments.
When should I book a 2026 cruise?
If you have fixed dates (school holidays, special occasions or specific cabin types), it’s best to book early for the widest choice of itineraries and stateroom categories.
Do prices and availability change?
Yes. Cruise pricing and cabin availability can change frequently. If you see an itinerary you love, it’s worth enquiring early to lock it in.
Can Cruiseabout help with flights and hotels too?
Absolutely. Cruiseabout can help arrange flights, pre- and post-cruise accommodation, travel insurance and cruise holiday extras to build a complete holiday package.
How do I choose the right cruise for my travel style?
Think about what matters most. Is it destination depth, ship size, onboard atmosphere, included value, or family-friendly features? Then filter your search and compare itineraries.
Can I earn World360 Rewards points when I book a cruise?
Yes. When you book any cruise with Cruiseabout, you can earn World360 Rewards points on eligible booking, then redeem points on future travel. Not a member yet? Join World360 Rewards to start earning on your next cruise booking.