Set Sail for Somewhere New
When you picture an ocean cruise, the Caribbean probably comes to mind first, or maybe a fall sailing through Canada and New England. I love those classic itineraries, but cruising can take you so much farther. Some of the most remarkable places in the world are best explored by ship, and destinations that seem complicated to visit on your own suddenly become surprisingly easy.
Imagine gliding through the Norwegian fjords, waking up in a new Mediterranean port each morning, or exploring remote islands in the South Pacific. You can sail to Japan, Australia and New Zealand, Iceland and Greenland, the coast of Africa, South America, and even Antarctica. Your ship becomes your floating hotel, so you can experience several countries in one trip without the constant packing, unpacking, and figuring out how to get from one place to the next.
This month I’m sharing a few standout itineraries that might change the way you think about a cruise vacation. Whether you’re craving somewhere completely new or looking for a fresh way to see a destination already on your wish list, there’s likely a sailing you haven’t considered yet. So let’s look beyond the usual ports and see just how much of the world you can explore by sea.
Far East
SILVERSEA – SEPTEMBER 2027
Japan Featuring Kobe & Hokkaido
📍 Ports of Call: Tokyo, Japan • Kobe, Japan • Kochi, Japan • Busan, South Korea • Sakaiminato, Japan • Kanazawa, Japan • Hakodate, Japan
Asia can feel overwhelming to plan, especially when you want to see more than one country. This 12-night roundtrip from Tokyo aboard Silver Muse makes it easy, pairing South Korea with some of Japan’s most beautiful and lesser-visited destinations.
Stroll Kanazawa’s famous gardens and historic geisha district, explore Kochi’s castle town, savor the seafood in Hakodate, and use Kobe as your gateway to Kyoto and Osaka. Between ports, Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary program keeps the food experience going on board, and an all-suite ship with butler service makes every day feel effortless.
Why Silversea
Silversea is known for intimate ships, exceptional service, and itineraries that reach ports larger ships can’t. Silver Muse carries fewer than 600 guests, so you’ll never feel lost in a crowd, and every suite comes with butler service. Fine wines, gratuities, and Wi-Fi are all included, and with some of the most thoughtfully planned Asia itineraries at sea, it’s one of my favorite ways to experience Japan.
Australia & New Zealand
REGENT SEVEN SEAS – JANUARY 2027
Vintners & Artisans of the Pacific
📍 Ports of Call: Auckland, New Zealand • Bay of Islands, New Zealand • Rotorua (Tauranga), New Zealand • Napier, New Zealand • Wellington, New Zealand • Christchurch, New Zealand • Dunedin, New Zealand • Milford, Doubtful & Dusky Sounds • Burnie, Tasmania • Melbourne, Australia • Sydney, Australia
Australia and New Zealand are often once-in-a-lifetime trips, and this 14-night voyage aboard Seven Seas Explorer lets you experience the best of both. Explore New Zealand from the Bay of Islands to Rotorua’s Māori culture, Napier’s art deco charm, and the wine country around Wellington and Christchurch.
Then cruise the dramatic fjords of Milford, Doubtful, and Dusky Sounds before crossing to Tasmania and spending an overnight in Melbourne on your way to Sydney. With excursions, fine wines, specialty dining, and gratuities all included, it’s a worry-free escape from winter at home.
Why Regent
Regent Seven Seas offers one of the most inclusive experiences at sea, so once you’re on board, there’s truly nothing left to plan or pay for. Seven Seas Explorer carries around 750 guests, and every suite has its own private balcony. With shore excursions in every port, specialty restaurants, and exceptional service all included, it’s one of my favorite choices for a trip this special.
The Mediterranean
SEABOURN – OCTOBER 2027
14-Day Greek Isles & Ephesus
📍 Ports of Call: Athens, Greece • Monemvasia, Greece • Agios Nikolaos, Crete • Mykonos, Greece • Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey • Cesme, Turkey • Istanbul, Turkey • Canakkale, Turkey • Volos, Greece • Patmos, Greece • Rhodes, Greece • Santorini, Greece
The Greek Isles are a dream for so many travelers, and this 14-day roundtrip from Athens aboard Seabourn Ovation goes well beyond the usual stops. Alongside favorites like Mykonos and Santorini, you’ll discover the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia, the quiet charm of Patmos, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
The voyage also crosses into Turkey for Istanbul’s bazaars and palaces, plus a visit to Canakkale near historic Troy. Seabourn’s intimate ship can slip into smaller harbors that larger ships simply can’t reach, so every port feels a little more personal.
Why Seabourn
Seabourn delivers a yacht-like experience with the space and comfort of a true luxury ship. Seabourn Ovation carries only about 600 guests, every suite faces the ocean, and fine wines, spirits, and gratuities are all included. A highlight of this voyage is the signature Evening at Ephesus, with live music at the ancient site after it closes to other visitors. It’s one of my favorite ways to experience the Mediterranean.
Hawaii
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE – JUNE 2027
7-Night Hawaii Inter-Island from Honolulu
📍 Ports of Call: Honolulu, Oahu • Kahului, Maui • Hilo, Big Island • Kailua-Kona, Big Island • Nawiliwili, Kauai • Nā Pali Coast (scenic cruising)
Hawaii is one of the easiest and most rewarding family vacations, and this 7-night roundtrip from Honolulu aboard Pride of America lets you visit four islands without a single day at sea. Spend two full days in Maui, see the volcanoes and waterfalls of the Big Island, and enjoy an overnight in Kauai to explore its beaches and lush valleys.
The final evening brings scenic cruising along Kauai’s dramatic Nā Pali Coast, one of the most breathtaking views in all of Hawaii. With every day spent on a new island, kids stay busy exploring, and parents get the ease of unpacking just once.
Why Norwegian
Pride of America is the only cruise ship that sails exclusively around the Hawaiian Islands, and it’s designed with the islands in mind. Norwegian’s relaxed style means no set dining times or dress codes, which is perfect for families, and the kids club keeps younger travelers entertained while parents unwind. It’s my favorite way to see the best of Hawaii in one easy trip.
