This is the perfect time to start planning your next cruise. While there are plenty of tried-and-tested itineraries out there, cruise lines also like to ring in the changes with some tempting all-new cruise itineraries.

To save you the legwork, we've searched through the brochures and read the press releases to find some unique cruises for 2026. From an all-American experience to an exclusive sailing with just 50 passengers and a brand new beach club, here are five new cruises (and a few extra ones) to take a look at in 2026.

1. Sail the Great Lakes with American Cruise Lines in America 250
2. Ambassador Cruise Line's First-Ever Cruises from Portsmouth
3. Check Out the New Royal Beach Club Santorini with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity
4. Experience an Ultra-Exclusive Partnership with A&K and Crystal
5. Go to Greenland with Virgin Voyages

1. Sail the Great Lakes with American Cruise Lines in America 250

In this special semiquincentennial year, set sail on American Cruise Lines' first-ever itineraries on the Great Lakes. Operating May through August 2026, the all-American sailings will be aboard the new -- and appropriately named -- American Patriot.

All itineraries begin, end, and remain in the U.S., so there's no need for a passport or international flights.

Take your pick from two eight-night sailings, the Great Lakes & Thousand Islands Cruise between Syracuse and Buffalo, or the Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula Cruise sailing round-trip Milwaukee. Or combine them for the signature 13-night American Great Lakes Cruise from Buffalo to Milwaukee, or reverse. This itinerary sails 800 miles through three of the Great Lakes; Erie, Huron, and Michigan.

Depending which you choose, highlights along the way include visits to Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the equally toe-tapping Motown Museum in Detroit and a glass-bottom boat trip to see an eerie Great Lakes shipwreck.

Meanwhile, you'll be aboard the modern 130-passenger ship which is fully stabilized for smooth sailing and features all-balcony accommodations, including spacious suites and single cabins available without supplement. Enjoy panoramic views along the way from the top deck lounge, main restaurant and casual cafe, which all have large windows, or take a stroll along the top deck Sky Walk.

2. Ambassador Cruise Line's First-Ever Cruises from Portsmouth

For U.K. travelers who want a convenient round-trip sailing closer to home, Ambassador Cruise Line is bringing no-fly cruising to the South Coast for the very first time. The line, which operates most of its sailings out of the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury, is offering sailings out of the maritime city of Portsmouth.

The 1,200-passenger Ambition will embark on the six-night Escape to Belgium, France & Holland itinerary on April 6, 2026. The cruise will take in the medieval streets of Bruges, with plenty of time to sample the city's famous chocolates and beers, before moving on to the culture-rich city of Antwerp and charming French port town of Honfleur.

Another option is the 10-night Springtime Sunshine in Portugal and Spain sailing, departing April 12, 2026. Ports of call include the vibrant ports of Leixoes and Lisbon in Portugal, as well as the historic Spanish destinations of Cadiz and Vigo.

This sailing will also debut the launch of "Jenny and Kate Unscripted: Women at Sea", a series of onboard events hosted by British TV and radio personalities Jenny Powell and Kate Thornton, who will be joined by a line-up of female broadcasters and presenters.

The first season of sailings from Portsmouth marks a move towards Ambassador expanding its ex-U.K. regional departure program.

3. Check Out the New Royal Beach Club Santorini with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity

Be among the first to set foot on the Royal Beach Club Santorini, Royal Caribbean's first-ever Royal Beach Club in Europe opening in the summer of 2026. The club, designed to manage crowds and congestion on the popular Greek island, will be exclusive to passengers sailing with Royal Caribbean and sister brand Celebrity Cruises.

Royal Caribbean has taken over an existing beach club at Vlychada, on the southern coast of Santorini, and given it a Royal-themed glow up, reimagined with upgraded amenities. Entry to the beach club is part of the Ultimate Santorini shore excursion visiting the club and two towns.

Cruisers will begin the tour from one of three designated locations in Santorini: Oia, with its blue-domed houses, the sun-soaked capital Fira, or the Royal Beach Club. The excursion will also feature a scenic ferry ride along the Santorini coastline.

At the private beach club, you can relax on the volcanic black sand beach, where there will be loungers, cabanas, Mediterranean dining, a pool and music.

Royal Caribbean ships visiting Santorini this year, with options to visit the club, include Odyssey of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas, and among the Celebrity ships are Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Eclipse.

4. Experience an Ultra-Exclusive Partnership with A&K and Crystal

The first-ever A&K expedition cruise on a Crystal ship will deliver a unique, super-select and extra-special experience. Abercrombie & Kent's expedition cruising arm is partnering with sister company Crystal for the 12-night A&K x Crystal: Cruising Italy, Greece and the Balkans voyage departing August 28, 2026.

Normally, Crystal Serenity carries up to 740 passengers, but on this sailing from Rome to Venice, which starts with a two-night hotel stay in the Eternal City, it will cater to just 50 -- yes, 50 -- pampered guests.

A&K's Expedition Team will pair its in-depth shore excursions, VIP experiences, insightful onboard lectures and workshops with the award-winning service, amenities and dining on the luxurious Crystal Serenity. Expect private visits and tastings at family-run wineries, a truffle hunt with a farmer and his dog, a choral recital in Croatia and pasta-making class in Italy.

We also noticed that Crystal Symphony is returning to the U.S. for the first time since 2019 for an Alaska season followed by Canada and East Coast sailings, and ending the year with Caribbean holiday sailings.

If you've got time to spare, there's a 26-night Montreal to Fort Lauderdale cruise departing on October 16, 2026. Visiting nine countries and 19 ports, it includes overnights in New York and Bermuda and a choice of up to 10 shore excursions daily.

5. Go to Greenland with Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is known for its hot adults-only ships and sizzling nightlife, and this year "sailors" -- as Virgin calls its passengers -- can combine hot and cold temperatures with the line's expansion into new northern destinations, including Greenland’s fjords and Reykjavik.

Sailings include the one-off Greenland & Transatlantic Cruise, departing September 6, 2026, on Valiant Lady. The 13-night Iceland, Greenland, Canada & NYC sailing will take you from the Icelandic capital to the Big Apple, with plenty of memorable stops along the way.

In Greenland's Qaqortoq explore the town to find over 30 sculptures carved directly into the bedrock by local artists, before sailing on to Nuuk. It's one of the most remote capital cities in the world, and the 18th-century home of Hans Egede, is the oldest house in the country.

Alternatively, take a look at Virgin's west coast and polar-adjacent itineraries for 2026, featuring Alaska and Vancouver cruises out of Seattle. You can hop a seaplane over glacier fields, zipline through rainforests, or kayak through icy fjords, and discover less-crowded destinations like Sitka, Haines, and Prince Rupert.

Cruises are aboard the new 2,770-passenger Brilliant Lady, the line's fourth ship which has been specially designed to offer other all-new itineraries for 2026. Slimmer than its predecessors, it's the first Virgin ship capable of transiting the Panama Canal.