In 2027, Alaska will shine as one of the world’s top cruise destinations, with multiple cruise lines unveiling extended itineraries and immersive port stays. Celebrity Cruises is leading the charge by offering longer visits across its fleet, including Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Summit.
Travelers can look forward to:
- Over 60 overnight stays spread across 115 port calls.
- Port visits lasting 12 hours or more, allowing for deeper exploration.
- Access to Alaska’s most iconic destinations, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point.
This extended time in port means guests can experience everything from glacier treks and whale watching to cultural encounters with Alaska’s indigenous heritage. It’s a program designed for those who want more than a glimpse—visitors will enjoy a true connection to Alaska’s rugged wilderness.
Expedition Adventures With National Geographic Lindblad
For travelers seeking a small-ship, expedition-style journey, National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions is offering cruises aboard the National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture.
Highlights include:
- Zodiac excursions into remote waterways.
- Expert-led explorations of Glacier Bay National Park.
- Wildlife encounters with bears, sea lions, and bald eagles.
With naturalists, photographers, and historians guiding the experience, these itineraries provide unparalleled insight into Alaska’s landscapes and ecosystems.
Luxury Meets Adventure With Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is expanding into Alaska with luxurious 14-night voyages on its fleet: EXPLORA I, II, III, and IV. One of the standout itineraries, “An Extended Journey Across Alaska’s Wild Frontier,” combines elegance with wilderness exploration.
Key experiences include:
- Visits to Hubbard Glacier, Kodiak, and Alert Bay.
- Pre- and post-cruise land tours lasting three to five nights, featuring deluxe rail travel and wildlife encounters.
- A focus on cultural immersion with opportunities to engage with local traditions.
For travelers who want both luxury accommodations and untamed adventure, Explora Journeys offers a perfect balance.
Japan: Cultural Discovery by Sea
Japan is also set for a record-breaking year in 2027, with several cruise lines expanding operations to meet growing demand.
Princess Cruises Expands Dramatically
Princess Cruises is planning its largest-ever deployment in Japan, offering 78 departures across 50 itineraries. Sailings will range from one to four weeks, showcasing the country’s diverse seasons and traditions.
Guests can expect:
- Cherry Blossom Cruises coinciding with springtime blooms.
- Festival Voyages aligned with iconic Japanese cultural celebrations.
- Visits to 45 destinations across Japan and neighboring countries.
For culture lovers, this program offers deep immersion into Japan’s ancient traditions, modern cities, and natural beauty.
Celebrity Cruises’ Best of Japan
Celebrity Cruises is also strengthening its Japan program. The Celebrity Millennium will return with a 12-night “Best of Japan” itinerary, exploring destinations such as Kyoto (Osaka) and Aomori.
Additional highlights include:
- A combined Japan and South Korea itinerary, with stops in Seoul.
- Overnight stays in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Aomori, giving guests more time to explore.
Celebrity’s focus on longer stays ensures travelers can savor each port with meaningful experiences, from temple visits to sampling Japan’s culinary heritage.
National Geographic Lindblad in Coastal Japan
National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions will also expand in 2027 with the National Geographic Resolution, offering a 15-night “Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties & Modern Culture” cruise.
Highlights include:
- Visits to castle towns and UNESCO heritage sites.
- Immersive cultural activities guided by local experts.
- Additional departures scheduled due to high demand.
This approach blends history, culture, and modern innovation, making it a premier choice for those who want to see Japan beyond its surface.
Caribbean: Sun, Sand, and Boutique Luxury
The Caribbean remains a perennial favorite, but 2027 will see exciting expansions in luxury and boutique cruising.
Windstar Cruises’ Intimate Experience
Windstar Cruises is expanding its Caribbean and Latin America offerings with its most extensive season yet, thanks to the addition of the Star Seeker.
Standout features include:
- Yacht-style, small-ship cruising.
- Access to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path islands.
- A more personalized and relaxed atmosphere for travelers.
Windstar offers a boutique style of cruising that caters to those who prefer smaller ships and more customized itineraries.
Orient Express Corinthian Debuts
The legendary Orient Express brand is making its debut in the Caribbean with the launch of the Corinthian in October 2026. Known for luxury rail experiences, Orient Express is extending its ethos of sophisticated travel and fine dining to the seas.
Guests can expect:
- Cuisine designed by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno.
- Itineraries through the Caribbean’s most exclusive islands.
- World-class service in an intimate luxury setting.
This addition positions the Caribbean as not just a destination for relaxation but also for haute cuisine and refined elegance.
A Global Cruise Renaissance
The cruise industry’s 2027 itineraries represent a renaissance in global travel, offering deeper immersion, more cultural authenticity, and luxury combined with exploration.
- Alaska cruises deliver extended port stays and wilderness expeditions.
- Japan itineraries highlight cultural traditions with record-breaking deployments.
- Caribbean voyages introduce boutique luxury and new culinary-driven experiences.
With new ships, innovative itineraries, and a strong focus on guest enrichment, 2027 promises to be a landmark year for cruise enthusiasts worldwide.
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