Cruise

New Cruises to Put on Your Radar for Summer and Beyond

Set course for unforgettable adventures where comfort, culture and breathtaking landscapes arrive right outside your cabin

By Antonia Whyatt|June 12, 2026

As Kenneth Grahame’s character Ratty in The Wind In the Willows declares, “There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” An addendum might be: especially if someone else is taking care of all the details.

Here are four new cruises (and ships) where the details are wonderfully thought through, with each offering a different way of seeing the world from the water, whether the draw is wine country, remote river communities, small-ship access to hidden ports, or theatrical onboard worlds. Travelling by boat makes the often hectic world of summer travel more relaxed, offering the delight of packing and unpacking once, and the scenery coming to you.

Water to Wine

Slow travel and deep flavour converge on Scenic’s new “A Taste Of” sailings, where food culture sits at the centre of European river journeys. The itineraries mix market visits, producer access, cooking sessions and regional tastings – from Slovakia’s emerging wine regions and Austria’s Wachau Valley along the Danube to Rhine Rieslings and Alsatian cuisine, and Bordeaux’s wineries, caviar tastings and a private concert at Château d’Agassac.

Charting New Territory

AmaWaterways launched the first luxury river cruises on Colombia’s Magdalena River last year, sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla with stops at riverside communities, including Mompox, a UNESCO-listed colonial town. Purpose-built for the route, AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia carry just 60-64 guests, with twin-balcony staterooms, sun-deck pools, local cuisine and immersive excursions shaped around Colombia’s music and history.

Super Yacht Life (Without the Price Tag)

Emerald Kaia is the third jewel in Emerald’s superyacht fleet. Launched in April, its 128-guest capacity keeps things small-scale, with a private-charter feel. Interiors are pared back and contemporary, with furnishings from Missoni, Gervasoni and Freifrau. The yacht’s size opens up smaller ports and islands, reinforcing the sense of access. The marina platform is the focus – stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and Seabobs. Suites include interconnecting options for families and groups. Dining runs from La Cucina to Night Market Grill. Summer 2026 sees it in the Aegean and Mediterranean.

Fantasy at Sea

Launched in November 2025, the 2,508-passenger berth Disney Destiny leans into the brand’s storytelling universe, which goes far beyond Mickey Mouse and princesses, using a heroes-and-villains framework that works for both adults and families. The Wish-class ship has been reimagined throughout: a glittering, art-deco style Wakanda-inspired Grand Hall is anchored by the Black Panther statue, and character encounters with Loki, Cruella de Vil and Dr. Facilier are playful rather than staged. One of the standout features is the upper-deck waterslide, which winds dramatically off the side of the ship for a high-energy ride at sea. There’s also a Broadway-style Hercules production, refined adult venues, including the Enchanté restaurant by chef Arnaud Lallement and the serene Rainforest Room spa. The ship sails Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries from Florida.