Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled its most in-demand cruise destinations for 2026, spotlighting a shift towards intentional, stress-free travel among today’s cruise travellers. According to Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director for APAC, travellers are increasingly seeking immersive, port-intensive itineraries that maximise time ashore while delivering seamless holiday experiences at sea.
With sailings across Europe and Asia now open for booking, NCL is positioning its boutique-style ships as the ideal way to explore these trending hotspots without the hassle of complex travel planning.
| Destination | Why It’s Trending | Ship | Departure Date | Cruise Length | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia (Riga) | UNESCO Old Town, Art Nouveau architecture, creative districts | Norwegian Sun | 23 Sep 2026 | 9 days | Baltic capitals with near-daily port calls |
| Finland (Helsinki) | New NCL homeport, Nordic design, sauna culture | Norwegian Sun | 14 Sep 2026 | 9 days | Tallinn, Gdańsk, overnight Copenhagen |
| Portugal (Madeira) | Mild climate, volcanic scenery, TripAdvisor’s top 2026 pick | Norwegian Star | 29 Oct 2026 | 11 days | Spain, Morocco, Canary Islands |
| Vietnam | Culture, cuisine, beaches, strong value | Norwegian Jade | 23 Dec 2026 | 11 days | Three Vietnam ports plus Thailand and Hong Kong |
| Philippines | White-sand beaches, diving, island landscapes | Norwegian Jade | 9 Dec 2026 | 14 days | Boracay, Coron, Puerto Princesa |
| Taipei, Taiwan | Night markets, hot springs, Taipei 101 | Norwegian Jade | 30 Nov 2026 | 9 days | Japan cities plus full day in Taipei |
Latvia Emerges as a Baltic Favourite
Riga is gaining traction among culture-focused travellers, thanks to its UNESCO-listed Old Town, striking Art Nouveau architecture and lively creative districts.
The 9-day Baltic: Germany, Norway and Sweden itinerary departs 23 September 2026 aboard Norwegian Sun. Sailing from Copenhagen to Helsinki, the voyage calls at a new port nearly every day, including:
- Warnemünde (near Berlin), Germany
- Gdynia, Poland
- Klaipeda, Lithuania
- Nynäshamn (near Stockholm), Sweden
The itinerary offers a compact way to experience multiple Baltic capitals in a single sailing.
Helsinki Strengthens Its Appeal as a New Homeport
Finland’s capital becomes a new NCL homeport in 2026, reinforcing Helsinki’s growing appeal among travellers seeking cool-weather urban escapes blended with nature.
The 9-day Baltic: Germany, Sweden and Poland sailing departs 14 September 2026 on Norwegian Sun, visiting nine ports including Tallinn and Gdańsk, with an overnight stay in Copenhagen.
Travellers can also extend their journey with the Timeless Finland 4-day, 3-night pre-CruiseTour, available on select departures in 2026 and 2027.
Portugal’s Madeira Continues to Trend
Madeira is drawing renewed attention after being named TripAdvisor’s top destination for 2026. Known for its mild climate, volcanic scenery and historic charm, the island remains a strong draw for European cruise itineraries.
NCL’s 11-day Europe: Spain, Morocco and Portugal voyage departs 29 October 2026 from Barcelona aboard Norwegian Star. The port-rich itinerary includes:
- Barcelona, Spain
- Casablanca, Morocco
- Oporto, Portugal
- Funchal, Madeira
- Canary Islands
Guests can also opt for a four-day Lisbon CruiseTour before sailing.
Vietnam Gains Momentum in Southeast Asia
Vietnam continues its rise on must-visit lists, driven by its mix of culture, cuisine, coastline and value.
Departing Singapore on 23 December 2026, the 11-day Asia: Ko Samui, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City voyage aboard Norwegian Jade features three Vietnamese ports:
- Da Nang
- Ha Long Bay (via Hanoi)
- Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City)
The festive sailing also includes Ko Samui, Bangkok and an overnight stay in Hong Kong.
The Philippines Appeals to Island Lovers
The Philippines is increasingly competing with more established beach destinations in Asia, thanks to its limestone landscapes, diving sites and powder-white beaches.
NCL’s Southeast Asia deployment includes Boracay, Puerto Princesa and Coron on the 14-day Asia: Thailand and Vietnam sailing aboard Norwegian Jade, departing Hong Kong on 9 December 2026 and concluding in Singapore.
Taipei Climbs the 2026 Watch List
Taipei is emerging as one of Asia’s most compelling city breaks, combining night market culture, hot springs, heritage temples and modern landmarks such as Taipei 101.
The 9-day Asia: Taipei, Osaka, Kochi and Okinawa voyage departs Tokyo (Yokohama) on 30 November 2026 aboard Norwegian Jade. The sailing includes a full day in Taipei (Keelung) before ending in Hong Kong.
Current NCL Promotion to Note
Travellers booking between 19 February and 4 March 2026 can take advantage of NCL’s Buy 1, Get 2nd Guest Free promotion.
Through the line’s Free at Sea programme, guests may also receive over US$2,000 in added value, which can include:
- Unlimited premium beverages
- Specialty dining meals
- High-speed Wi-Fi package
- US$50 shore excursion credits at every port