DISNEY Cruise Line fans were treated to a welcome surprise this week when it was announced that the Disney Wish would be making its way to the UK for the first time.
Arriving next year, the ship will sail on a series of European itineraries departing from – meaning no need to faff around with flights.
Couples should set their sights on Sky Princess, which has a more grown-up atmosphere than the other ships mentioned here
And without the need to splurge on airfares, travellers have more cash to splash on board.
This year will see many mega ships sailing out of Britain on no-fly itineraries.
Sophie Swietochowski takes a look at five top – of varying sizes – to keep your eye on in 2026 for some cracking European voyages . . .
ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S LIBERTY OF THE SEAS: NORWAY
FUN is never in short supply on , and Liberty Of The Seas is no exception.
Kids can hurl down three storeys on whooshing waterslides, twirl on an indoor ice rink and test their nerves in a mind-boggling escape room, all while the adults kick back with a frozen daiquiri at the Solarium Bar.
On top of al that, there are 15 lip-smacking restaurants — pizza, Mexican, teppanyaki, they’ve got it all — as well as a selection of all-singing, all-dancing theatre shows that will amaze.
And with plenty of space on the upper decks for soaking in the views, this vessel is a great choice for a .
GO: A six-night Norwegian Adventure is from £547pp, departing Southampton on October 10 and calling at Stavanager and Oslo.
See iglucruise.com .
CUNARD’S QUEEN ANNE: CANARY ISLANDS
THOSE who like the finer things in life will love the grand and sparkling lobby, swish drawing room and sophisticated games room.
Cabins are equally elegant, decorated in navy and gold.
Feast your eyes on the Queen AnneCredit: �Christopher Ison. https://christopherison.photoshelter.com/contact
If wellness is your thing, the spa and fitness areas are some of the best and brightest at sea, home to a yoga and meditation studio, plus thermal rooms including a steam bath, Himalayan salt sauna and cold room.
And when that cold room gets too much, head to the upper decks — a late November sailing around the is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of sunloungers, thanks to temperatures in the 20s.
GO: A 14-night Canary Islands sailing is from £1,035pp, departing Southampton on November 29 and calling at , , , , and Funchal (for ).
See cruise.co.uk or call 0870 990 8824.
AMBASSADOR’S AMBITION: HOLLAND AND BELGIUM
AMBITION is an ideal size for first-timers, with capacity for just 1,200 passengers, meaning it won’t feel overwhelming when on board.
If you start with a short cruise, like the four-night and one, you can get a feel for cruising without jumping in headfirst.
Awesome Amsterdam is a top destination for the AmbassadorCredit: Getty
Swing by , named after Liverpool’s Cavern Club which was visited regularly by back in the day — there is live music and fresh pours flowing day and night.
If that doesn’t bowl you over, The Palladium sure will, with its constant dance, music and comedy performances.
For something special, splurge extra dosh on the Chef’s Table — a nine-course celebratory fiesta.
GO: A four-night Weekend Escape to Holland and Belgium is from £410pp, departing London Tilbury on November 27 and calling at Zeebrugge for Bruges, Amsterdam and .
See iglucruises.com .
P&O’s IONA: PORTUGAL, SPAIN, CANARY ISLANDS
YOU need not worry about the weather when you’re sailing on .
The ship’s vast Skydome means you can swim in the main pool come rain or shine, thanks to a glass-domed roof that gives the area a greenhouse feel.
The lovely bubbly hot tub on P&O’s Cruises’ IonaCredit: Supplied
Take That fans should grab a ticket to the Greatest Days theatre show, adapted from the West End musical with sing-along bangers.
Among the 30 bars and restaurants are Sindhu, the British-Indian fusion joint that does a knockout lamb bhuna, as well as The Olive Grove which celebrates all things .
A two-week Med cruise will give you plenty of time to explore the on-board shopping and bars.
GO: A 14-night Spain, Portugal and Canary Islands sailing costs from £978pp, departing Southampton on November 21 and calling at Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Lisbon, Vigo and La Coruna.
See cruise118.com/cruise/POG638 .
PRINCESS CRUISES’ SKY PRINCESS: NORWAY
COUPLES should set their sights on , which has a more grown-up atmosphere than the other ships mentioned here.
Entertainment extends throughout the day, well into the evening.
Surf’s up aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Liberty Of The SeasCredit: Instagram/@royalcaribbeaneurope
Creative types can attend history of art lectures in the Fine Arts Gallery, while the boozier crowd can stomp their feet several storeys above at one of the famous top-deck parties.
When the sun dips beyond the horizon, snuggle down in the open-air poolside theatre for a movie under the stars and then, if you’re feeling lucky, swing by the Vegas-style casino.
Balcony cabins are still available for the Norwegian fjords cruise — you will be grateful for them with the jaw-drapping views coming your way.
GO: A seven-night Norwegian Fjords sailing is from £843pp, departing Southampton May 23 and calling at Bergen, Skjolden, Olden and Stavanger.
See cruise118.com/cruise/PRINCESSY618?variant2=1 .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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