2027 Cruise Planning Guide: The Destinations You Should Be Booking Now
If a cruise vacation is on your 2027 wish list, now is the time to start planning.
Cruise lines are already rolling out an exciting lineup of 2027 itineraries, and some of the most popular destinations are attracting travelers well in advance. Alaska continues to be a favorite, Japan is gaining even more attention, Europe offers nearly endless itinerary possibilities, and the Caribbean remains one of the easiest ways to escape to warmer weather.
Booking early doesn’t just give you something incredible to look forward to. It can also mean a better selection of ships, itineraries, staterooms and departure dates.
So, where should you cruise in 2027?
Here are some of the destinations we’re watching.
Alaska: Big Scenery and Even Bigger Adventures
Alaska remains one of cruising’s most unforgettable destinations, and 2027 is shaping up to offer travelers even more ways to experience it.
Imagine waking up to mountains outside your balcony, watching glaciers rise above the water and spending your days exploring towns like Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
An Alaska cruise is especially appealing because so much of the scenery is part of the journey itself. You aren’t simply sailing from one port to another. The views along the way are part of the experience.
For travelers who want to go even deeper, consider combining your cruise with a land vacation. Cruisetours can add destinations like Denali, Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Canadian Rockies to your adventure.
Why book Alaska early?
Alaska has a relatively limited cruise season, generally centered around the warmer months. Popular sailing dates, balcony staterooms and sought-after itineraries can become more limited as departure approaches.
If Alaska is on your 2027 list, this is one vacation where planning ahead can really pay off.
Great for: Couples, families, multigenerational groups, nature lovers and first-time cruisers looking for a bucket-list vacation.
The Mediterranean: See More of Europe in One Vacation
Few vacations allow you to experience several European destinations as easily as a Mediterranean cruise.
One itinerary might take you from Italy to Greece. Another could include Spain, France and the Italian Riviera. You can explore ancient ruins in the morning, enjoy lunch overlooking the sea and wake up in an entirely different country the next day.
Popular Mediterranean cruise destinations include Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Turkey and Portugal.
The variety is part of what makes Mediterranean cruising so appealing. There are itineraries focused on iconic cities, smaller coastal communities, Greek islands, historic landmarks, beaches, food and wine.
Why book the Mediterranean early?
European cruises often involve more planning than a simple drive-to-port vacation. Flights, hotels and pre- or post-cruise stays all need to be considered.
Booking farther in advance gives you more time to coordinate the complete trip instead of simply choosing the cruise itself.
Great for: Couples, honeymooners, food and wine lovers, history enthusiasts and travelers who want to experience several destinations without constantly changing hotels.
View 2027 Mediterranean Cruises →
Japan: One of 2027’s Destinations to Watch
Japan continues to grow as a cruise destination, and travelers looking for something beyond the traditional Caribbean or European itinerary should take notice.
Cruising Japan offers an opportunity to combine major cities, historic temples, coastal scenery, incredible cuisine and fascinating cultural experiences in a single trip.
Depending on the itinerary and time of year, travelers may experience destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto-area ports, Nagasaki and other communities throughout Japan.
Several cruise lines have expanded their Japan offerings, making it one of the destinations we’re especially excited about for 2027.
Why consider Japan by cruise?
Japan has an incredible amount to see, and a cruise provides the convenience of unpacking once while visiting multiple destinations.
It can also be a great introduction to the country for travelers who may feel overwhelmed planning a longer independent trip.
Great for: Experienced travelers, food lovers, culture seekers and anyone ready for something completely different.
The Caribbean: The Classic Cruise Vacation Is Better Than Ever
There is a reason the Caribbean continues to be one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations.
It’s easy. It’s beautiful. And there are seemingly endless ways to experience it.
A 2027 Caribbean cruise could take you to destinations like St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Aruba, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic or one of the cruise lines’ increasingly elaborate private island destinations.
You can choose quick getaways, traditional seven-night vacations or longer itineraries that venture deeper into the Southern Caribbean.
Why book the Caribbean in advance?
The Caribbean may have plenty of cruise availability overall, but the equation changes when you’re looking for a specific ship, school vacation week, holiday sailing, suite or connecting staterooms for a family.
Planning ahead gives you more choice.
Great for: Families, couples, groups, first-time cruisers and anyone looking for a warm-weather escape.
Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords: Dramatic Scenery Meets Incredible Cities
For travelers who have already experienced the Mediterranean, Northern Europe offers an entirely different side of cruising.
Norway’s towering fjords are among the most dramatic landscapes you can experience from a cruise ship, while itineraries throughout Northern Europe can also include cities and destinations in Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany and beyond.
These cruises often combine incredible scenery with opportunities to explore historic cities and smaller communities that might otherwise require a complicated land itinerary.
Great for: Scenic-cruise lovers, experienced European travelers, photographers and travelers who prefer cooler destinations.
View 2027 Northern Europe & Norwegian Fjords Cruises →
Greek Isles: A Vacation That Looks Just Like the Postcard
Whitewashed buildings. Brilliant blue water. Seaside cafés. Ancient history.
The Greek Isles continue to deliver exactly the kind of vacation travelers imagine when they think about cruising the Mediterranean.
Depending on the itinerary, you could visit destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete while also combining Greece with stops in Italy, Croatia or Turkey.
Because many Greek Isles itineraries are port-intensive, they’re especially appealing to travelers who want to spend their vacation exploring.
Great for: Couples, anniversary trips, honeymooners, groups of friends and anyone looking for a mix of history, beaches and incredible scenery.
View 2027 Greek Isles Cruises →
River Cruising in Europe: See Europe From a Different Perspective
Ocean cruises aren’t the only vacations worth planning for 2027.
River cruising continues to offer one of the most immersive ways to experience Europe.
Sail along the Danube through cities like Budapest and Vienna. Explore villages and vineyards along the Rhine. Visit Christmas markets during the holiday season or watch the European countryside pass by just outside your window.
River ships carry far fewer passengers than large ocean vessels, and itineraries are heavily focused on the destinations themselves.
Instead of spending significant time traveling between cities, your hotel travels with you.
Great for: Couples, experienced travelers, culture lovers and anyone who wants a slower, more destination-focused experience.
View 2027 European River Cruises →
Looking for Something Different? Consider an Expedition Cruise
For some travelers, 2027 may be the year to go far beyond the traditional cruise itinerary.
Expedition cruising continues to make destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote parts of the world more accessible to travelers looking for adventure.
These journeys are less about water slides and pool decks and more about wildlife, exploration, nature and experiences that can truly feel once-in-a-lifetime.
Expedition cruises also require considerably more planning than many traditional vacations, making early research especially important.
Great for: Adventure travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and serious bucket-list travelers.
View 2027 Expedition Cruises →
So, How Early Should You Book a 2027 Cruise?
There isn’t one perfect booking window for every traveler.
If your dates are flexible and you’re comfortable with whatever stateroom is available, you may have plenty of options later.
But if you want a particular ship, a specific itinerary, a balcony or suite, connecting staterooms, a holiday or school-break departure, a popular Alaska sailing, a European itinerary with specific ports or a cruise for a large family or group, booking earlier can give you a much wider selection.
And remember, the lowest advertised cruise fare isn’t always the best overall value.
Cruise promotions can include onboard credit, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, beverage packages, upgrades and other amenities. Exclusive SmartCruiser pricing and additional offers may also be available on select sailings.
That’s why comparing the entire vacation package matters.
Your 2027 Cruise Starts Here
The hardest part might simply be deciding where to go.
Will 2027 be the year you finally see Alaska? Island-hop through Greece? Explore Japan? Relax on a Caribbean beach? Cruise through the Norwegian fjords? Or check Antarctica off your bucket list?
Wherever you’re dreaming of going, planning early gives you more time to find the right ship, itinerary, stateroom and overall value for your vacation.
At SmartCruiser, we can help you compare cruise lines, destinations and available offers to find the vacation that fits the way you want to travel.
Start planning your 2027 cruise today and discover where your next vacation could take you.
