Top cruise destination alternatives for 2026 travel and beyond
Popular destination dupes, the best cruises from the UK, and more
Cruising is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore the world’s most sensational travel destinations, with unmissable sailings and fantastic cruise packages available in all four corners of the globe. However, some of the most popular travel destinations are quite far from home, meaning you can sometimes spend upwards of 24 hours travelling before you’ve even started your well-earned escape!
If you’re looking at the incredible selection of upcoming 2026 cruises and 2027 cruises with a specific travel experience in mind, but you’d rather holiday closer to home, then ‘destination dupes’ are perfect for you. These are alternative cruise destinations that offer similar travel experiences in different parts of the world, meaning you can still enjoy an unforgettable adventure without the need to travel quite so far to get there.
So, before you dive into all the sensational cruise deals available with Iglu Cruise, keep reading for a selection of the best suggestions on how you can embark on an incredible cruise without spending a day of your holiday actually getting there.
Contents:
- Fjords for fjords: instead of Alaska, try Norway
- Chasing winter sunshine: instead of Dubai, try southern Europe
- Admiring ancient history: instead of Greece, try Italy
- Impressive architecture: instead of Southeast Asia, try central Europe
- Unbeatable watersports: instead of Australasia, try the Canary Islands
- Breathtaking coastlines: instead of the Mediterranean, try the British Isles
- More popular cruise destinations you should consider
Fjords for fjords: instead of Alaska, try Norway
Fjords, dramatic sea inlets formed by former glaciers, are stunning, and you’ll find numerous cruise lines around the world inviting you to explore these remarkable natural landmarks with incredible scenic cruising experiences. Highlighting the remarkable cliffsides, impressive waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife-rich forests that fjordlands often feature, all while affording you the opportunity to travel in complete comfort, these cruises are a sensational escape. While Alaska’s dramatic coastline might be the first example of fjords you can cruise through that comes to mind, you’ll actually find some of the most jaw-dropping fjords in the world far closer to home, in Norway!
That’s right, the Norwegian fjords boast one of the most rewarding cruise experiences available right now, and you can enjoy it yourself from several UK cruise ports, including cruises from Southampton and Liverpool. These cruises don’t just give you ample opportunity to admire the unforgettable landscapes here, though; you’ll also have the chance to visit some of Norway’s most charming coastal towns and cities, fully immersing yourself in the warm culture of this colder destination. If you brave cruises to Norway in the winter months, you’ll also have the chance to witness the Aurora Borealis, a natural phenomenon you’ll never forget.
Geirangerfjord, Ålesund, and the Aurora Borealis in Tromsø
If you want to visit some sensational fjords closer to home, check out some of the best upcoming Norwegian fjord cruises below:
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Chasing winter sunshine: instead of Dubai, try southern Europe
Cruise getaways are an excellent way to escape the dreary weather the winter months bring for sunnier shores, giving you a chance to soak up the glorious golden sunshine on sandy beaches instead of the dull grey skies and the rainfall they inevitably bring. And, you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t actually need to travel too far to find warm weather in the winter, with some destinations even accessible on cruises from Southampton. So, instead of embarking on cruises to Dubai and the Middle East, which can get a little too warm at its peak, set sail for southern Europe.
A region where you’ll have the chance to explore the renowned French and Italian Rivieras, Spain’s sunny southern shores, and parts of Portugal, this part of the world is known for its gorgeous scenery, vibrant cultures, and rich culinary landscape. You’ll also find parts of this coastline enjoy fairly mild weather in winter months, with southern Spain and Portugal enjoying average temperatures of around 13 degrees during its coldest months, the French Riviera boasting similar temperatures, and the Italian Riviera slightly colder in the coldest winter months. If you travel here from October to December, or in March and beyond, you can expect much warmer weather than what you’re likely to experience at home.
Saint Tropez, Cannes, and Cadiz
So, while it won't be as warm, southern Europe is a fantastic alternative to Dubai and the Middle East if you’re looking to chase winter sunshine closer to home. Check out a selection of the best upcoming southern Europe cruises below:
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Admiring ancient history: instead of Greece, try Italy
Embarking on a cruise is also an excellent way to see some of the world’s most remarkable historic landmarks, with an abundance of itineraries whisking you away on adventures to destinations overflowing with remarkable ruins and intriguing ancient sites. If you’re hoping to spend your cruise holiday admiring something a few hundred (or thousand) years old, you might think travelling all the way to Athens and the Greek archipelago is the best place for that. However, you’ll actually find that Italy is one of the best places in the world to admire ancient history, and it won’t take you as long to get there. So, why not switch Ancient Greece for Ancient Rome and embark on an eastern Mediterranean cruise instead?
With an impressive number of cruises departing from or sailing to Civitavecchia, the closest port to Rome, as well as visiting several historic cities along Italy’s stunning coast, you’ll have ample opportunity to admire this nation’s most iconic landmarks during cruises in the region. The Colosseum, of course, is among the most iconic of these, but Rome alone is home to several more remarkable ruins, including the impressive Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Baths of Caracalla. Beyond this, a wealth of impressive sights awaits, from Ancient Rome to the Renaissance and beyond.
The Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, and Valletta
The Greek archipelago is undoubtedly a hot spot for ancient architecture and fascinating history, but there’s a lot more to uncover closer to home. If you’re considering swapping Ancient Greece for Ancient Rome, you’ll find a selection of the best cruises to Italy below:
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Impressive architecture: instead of Southeast Asia, try central Europe
If you’re hoping to spend some time admiring the world’s impressive architecture, whether old or new, during your cruise getaway, then you should certainly consider embarking on an adventure through central Europe. Several major cities in Southeast Asia are home to a mix of modern structures and historic sites, but central Europe – which is far closer to home – boasts some of the world’s oldest cities and towns, with each one featuring a remarkable selection of impressive historic architecture and modern buildings that are sure to blow you away. Complemented by a vibrant blend of cultures, indulgent cuisines, and some truly breathtaking natural landscapes, exploring this region is always rewarding.
You’ll also have options when it comes to the type of cruise you embark on when exploring central Europe. Where ocean cruises will give you the chance to explore coastal destinations in the Netherlands, northern Germany, Denmark, and beyond, river cruises invite you to venture inland along the region’s major waterways: the Rhine, the Danube, and the Saône, just to name a few. Home to dramatic hilltop castles overlooking idyllic countryside towns, sprawling Renaissance-era palaces full of fascinating artefacts, stunningly sleek skyscrapers boasting unbeatable views, and innovative structures that blend architecture with art, memorable travel experiences await.
Schloss Marksburg on the Rhine, Koblenz, and Belvedere Palace in Vienna
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, exploring sensational cities and immersing yourself in fantastic cultures, you’ll find some of the best central European cruises below:
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Unbeatable watersports: instead of Australasia, try the Canary Islands
Cruises aren’t just an excellent way to enjoy a sightseeing-focused escape, but they can also be a fantastic way to enjoy active experiences and watersports in some of the world’s most stunning spots. If you’re hoping to take to the water in more ways than one on your cruise getaway, but you’re not sure you fancy travelling somewhere as far from home as Australia and New Zealand, then you’ll be pleased to know that Spain’s Canary Islands are a wonderful alternative – and nowhere near as far away. Sitting in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Morocco and Western Sahara, this volcanic archipelago is known for its rugged landscapes, gorgeous black-and-white sand beaches, and as an excellent destination for watersports.
Enjoying warm subtropical weather and consistent winds throughout the year, the shores surrounding the Canary Islands are ideal for windsurfing, kiteboarding, jet-skiing and more watersports. You’ll also find an incredible abundance of marine life here, making both snorkelling and scuba diving equally rewarding experiences. If watersports aren’t your forte, you’ll be pleased to know that the Canary Islands also boast plenty of places to soak up the sunshine without needing to don a wetsuit, and the culinary landscape here is a sensational blend of Spanish, North African, and South American ingredients, dishes, and techniques.
Gran Canaria, kitesurfing in Tenerife, and Las Palmas
So, if you want to take advantage of some of the world’s best watersports spots on a cruise, but you don’t want to travel all the way to Australasia, you’ll find some of the best Canary Islands cruises below. The waves here are unbeatable!
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Breathtaking coastlines: instead of the Mediterranean, try the British Isles
There’s nothing quite like admiring some of the world’s most stunning coastlines while unwinding in a comfortable lounge on a cruise ship, and you’ll find an abundance of those far closer to home than you might think. While the Mediterranean has its merits, the British Isles boast some of the most remarkable, rugged coastal landscapes in the world, and cruises around the British Isles offer holidaymakers unforgettable sightseeing experiences with hardly any travel, well, apart from the sailing you’ll be doing on your chosen cruise ship!
From Cork and Belfast to Holyhead, the Shetland Islands, and beyond, British Isles cruises don’t just stop at English destinations like Holyhead, Liverpool, and Dover. You’ll even find some itineraries that combine cruising the British Isles’ dramatic coastlines with visits to Iceland, Norway, or France; this makes British Isles cruises an even more rewarding experience, combining a fascinating collection of cultures and cuisines with coastlines worth taking the time to appreciate. You’ll also encounter a surprising variety of wildlife on these cruises, particularly seabirds, seals, and whales; so, you’ll be pleased to know that the sightseeing experience available on these itineraries isn’t just limited to rocky cliffs and rolling hills.
Coastal formations near Holyhead, the Orkney Islands, and Castle Cornet in Guernsey
Breathtaking coastlines can be found all around the world, and some of the best are right here in the British Isles. To see them for yourself, check out some of the best upcoming British Isles cruises below and prepare for an unmissable adventure.
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More popular cruise destinations you should consider
If you’re not opposed to travelling a little ahead of your cruise getaway, one cruise destination rising in popularity is South America; boasting an abundance of bucket list experiences, incredible natural landmarks and remarkable historic sites, it’s always worth considering upcoming South America cruises if you’re looking for a different sort of adventure on your next cruise getaway.
Lima, Peru, Machu Picchu, and Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires
Similarly, Hawaii and Central America are a wonderful alternative to Caribbean cruises. Home to a sensational blend of cultures and cuisines to explore, alongside their own vibrant landscapes and sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing, these sailings are always full of fantastic experiences and memorable moments you’ll look back on fondly for years to come.
Honolulu, the Tulum Mayan ruins in Cozumel, and Maui
The most adventurous among you may want to consider embarking on an expedition cruise: a once-in-a-lifetime sailing to some of the world’s most remote destinations. Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands are among the most popular expedition cruise destinations right now, and for good reason. Every single second of these experiences is rewarding, with each exciting shore excursion paired with insightful guidance from expedition experts and an unrivalled onboard experience where you’ll want for nothing.
An Antarctic expedition, and the Galapagos Islands
This is just a selection of some of the other cruise destinations you may wish to consider ahead of your next adventure, and you’ll find unmissable cruise deals to all of these places and more right here with Iglu Cruise.
Book your next escape with Iglu Cruise today
From luxury cruises and all-inclusive packages to family cruises, last-minute deals, and more, Iglu Cruise offers a sensational selection of sailings, with something for every travel preference and budget. So, if you're looking for cruise deals to some of the world's most stunning spots, you're certain to find something to suit you here.
If, though, you're still deciding on where to go, there's plenty of travel inspiration to enjoy in the latest posts from the Iglu Cruise creative team on Iglu Cruise Insider. Check them out below: