THE LATEST LUXURY LAUNCHES & VOYAGES TO BOOK FOR 2026/27
A new era of luxury cruising is underway. One defined by intimate ships, immersive experiences and itineraries that go beyond the well-trodden routes of traditional travel. Today’s vessels and voyages are defined by thoughtful design, expert-led exploration and rare access to some of the world’s most remote, and most culturally rich, destinations.
Across expeditions, ocean and river, our trusted partners are unveiling new ships, reimagined journeys and once-in-a-lifetime routes that blend discovery with refinement. Below, we share the latest from our preferred cruise partners – and the standout voyages our advisors believe discerning travellers should secure now.
The next two years promise a remarkable new chapter at sea. Reach out and start planning today.
enquiries@jigsawtravel.com.au // (03) 9521 1416
AURORA EXPEDITIONS: A New Lens on the British Isles
With the launch of their new small-ship, Douglas Mawson, Aurora Expeditions continues to refine its blend of scientific curiosity and modern comfort. While the ship is purpose-built for polar exploration, Aurora is also broadening its horizons with a captivating British Isles expedition.
Saints, Saviours & Secrets takes in wild coastlines, remote archipelagos and historic communities, revealing a side of Britain often overlooked by conventional cruising. Zodiac landings, expert naturalists and intimate small-ship access allow guests to experience windswept cliffs, bird colonies and centuries-old maritime heritage in a way that feels both adventurous and considered.
Timings: This is a 14 day voyage with Spring departures, including May 2026
For travellers who love nature, history and a sense of discovery without venturing to the ends of the earth, this is a compelling new direction for Aurora.
Special event: To celebrate 35 years of extraordinary adventures, Aurora Expeditions is hosting an exclusive event, where guests will have access to anniversary savings of up to 35% when embarking on their own life-changing exploration.
THE COMO HOTEL, MELBOURNE- TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2026 at 2pm.
Please reach out on enquiries@jigsawtravel.com.au if you would like to register.
QUARK EXPEDITIONS: Life-Changing Arctic & Sub-Antarctic Adventures
Few names are as synonymous with polar travel as Quark Expeditions, and their 2026–2027 portfolio includes some of the most extraordinary journeys on the planet.
One of their most celebrated routes is the Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland & Svalbard – a 15-day odyssey regularly listed among the world’s top 50 travel experiences. This is Arctic exploration in its purest form: icebergs calving into silent fjords, tundra landscapes roamed by musk ox, and the possibility of polar bear sightings in Svalbard’s remote wilderness. It’s a journey that reshapes how you see the natural world.
Timings: Departures operate in the Arctic summer, typically from June through August, with popular sailings in July 2026 and again in 2027.
Quark also offers an exceptional 20-day Falkland Islands & South Georgia expedition. This wildlife-rich itinerary is ideal for seasoned polar travellers, featuring vast king penguin colonies, elephant seals and dramatic sub-Antarctic landscapes that feel both cinematic and deeply humbling.
Timings: These voyages run during the Southern Hemisphere summer season, generally from late November through to February.
TAUCK RIVER CRUISING: Elegant New Ships on Europe's Finest Waterways
Tauck continues to set a benchmark for premium river cruising with two new vessels debuting in 2026: MS Serene (Seine) and MS Luminare (Rhine). Designed with understated elegance, spacious suites and thoughtful service, these ships elevate the river experience while staying true to Tauck’s reputation for cultural depth and seamless logistics.
On the Seine, itineraries between Paris and Normandy blend art, history and gastronomy – from Monet’s gardens at Giverny to the beaches of D-Day. Further south, Tauck’s Bordeaux to Paris journey offers a more leisurely passage through France’s wine regions before arriving in the capital.
Timings: Multiple departures across 2026 and 2027 with a focus on spring through early autumn. Typically 8-10 nights.
Looking ahead to 2027, Tauck will introduce a new ship on Portugal’s Douro River: MS Saudade. This is a particularly exciting addition for travellers drawn to the Iberian Peninsula’s dramatic terraced vineyards, historic quintas and warm cultural traditions. With limited departures in April 2027, early planning is essential.
Timings: Limited departures in April 2027, including a 3 April sailing.
UNIWORLD: Artistry on the Rivers of Europe, India & Egypt
Uniworld’s boutique river ships are renowned for their refined interiors and attentive service, and in 2026 the brand welcomes a new vessel to the Danube: SS Emilie.
For those seeking a magical winter escape, Uniworld’s Classic Christmas Markets sailings from Nuremberg to Frankfurt in December 2026 offer an elegant way to experience Europe’s festive traditions. Think twinkling markets, centuries-old cathedrals and warm mulled wine along the riverbanks.
Timings: These special departures run in December 2026, including early and mid-December sailings.
Beyond Europe, Uniworld’s India river journeys present two exceptional options: the Golden Triangle in the most spectacular hotels or the Maharajas luxury train journey, both pairing beautifully with a 7-night voyage along the sacred Ganges River. You can add to your experience by adding stays in Varanasi or Udaipur. Both options offer a rare blend of palace hotels, sacred rituals and intimate river cruising.
Timings: Departures are available across 2026 and 2027 from September through April.
In Egypt, Uniworld’s has two incredible ships with their own flair – the SS Sphinx or the SS Tosca and are some of the finest accommodations on the Nile. Enjoy expert-led temple visits with luxurious onboard living, bringing ancient history to life in remarkable comfort and with warm hospitality.
Timings: The most sought-after travel window is typically November or Feb through April, and partner perfectly with shoulder season European travel too.
SILVERSEA: Limitless Discovery on Ocean Voyages
Silversea is widely regarded as one of the leaders in ultra-luxury ocean cruising, defined by small, all-suite ships, intuitive personal service and a calm, sophisticated onboard atmosphere. Travelling with Silversea feels considered rather than busy, with elevated dining, curated shore experiences and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
For those planning ahead, Silversea’s Limitless Discovery (Wave) Offer adds extra incentive to book now. Travellers can enjoy savings of up to 40% on more than 800 voyages worldwide, whether you’re dreaming of wandering the Acropolis in Athens, island-hopping in the Mediterranean, or exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac®. The offer also features reduced deposits starting from 15%, making it easier to secure your preferred suite and departure.
A particularly beautiful seasonal highlight for 2027 is Silversea’s Japanese Cherry Blossom sailing from Tokyo to Yokohama (return to Tokyo) aboard Silver Muse. Timed for peak sakura season, the itinerary blends culture, nature and quintessential Japanese scenery with Silversea’s refined onboard living. Highlights include Shimizu (for Mount Fuji), Kobe, Nagasaki, Kanazawa, Hakodate and Aomori, offering a balance of historic gardens, coastal landscapes and regional traditions.
Timings: This cherry blossom voyage runs 29 March – 12 April 2027, a prime window for spring blooms across central and northern Japan.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: A Luxury Resort at Sea, Set to Debut in French Polynesia
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection redefines refined ocean travel with a boutique, all-suite experience that feels more like a floating luxury resort than a traditional cruise. On board Evrima, impeccable design, attentive service and curated shore experiences are paired with intimate guest numbers, elegant dining venues and thoughtful spaces such as spa retreats, observation lounges and direct water access from the yacht’s marina deck, perfect for paddleboarding, snorkelling or simply savouring the sea breeze.
Evrima’s expanded winter 2026–2027 season marks the yacht’s debut in the South Pacific, offering a collection of journeys through French Polynesia’s iconic islands – from Tahiti and Mo‘orea to Raiatea, Huahine and Bora Bora, where sky-blue lagoons, flowering tropical gardens and Polynesian culture beckon.
Timings: Voyages through the South Pacific run from late 2026 into early 2027, making this an exceptional option for Australians seeking a spectacular, close-to-home luxury escape that combines island discovery with the refined resort-style hospitality that defines life aboard a Ritz-Carlton yacht.
EXPLORA JOURNEYS: A Brilliant Option for Solo Travellers
Explora Journeys offers a refined luxury ocean experience that feels more like a contemporary resort at sea than a traditional cruise. With spacious suites, thoughtful design and a calm, unhurried atmosphere, time aboard EXPLORA I is about immersion, comfort and connection.
Explora has also become an increasingly appealing choice for solo travellers, with selected journeys offering low or zero solo supplements — allowing guests to enjoy their own suite without the usual premium. Life on board naturally balances sociability and privacy, with shared dining, events and informal gatherings, alongside plenty of quiet spaces to unwind.
Timings: Solo-friendly journeys are available across 2026 on EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, with a rotating selection of departures throughout the year.
Red Sea & Arabian Peninsula – Winter Sun in Style
For travellers seeking warmth, culture and dramatic coastal scenery, Explora’s Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula journeys are an elegant winter escape, sailing round-trip from Dubai aboard EXPLORA I.
These seven-night journeys showcase a sophisticated blend of modern cities and quieter Gulf landscapes, with calls in destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha and Dammam — offering a balance of cultural discovery and relaxed days at sea.
Timings: These journeys run through December 2026 to February 2027, an ideal window for mild temperatures and clear skies across the Arabian Peninsula.
AMAN at Sea: A New Benchmark in Ultra-Luxury Cruising
Perhaps the most anticipated debut in the ultra-luxury space is Aman’s first superyacht, Amangati (Aman at Sea). Designed for travellers accustomed to the brand’s tranquil, minimalist aesthetic, this launch signals a new era of intimate, design-led ocean travel.
With just a handful of suites, highly personalised service and itineraries crafted around culture and coastal discovery, Aman at Sea is poised to redefine what exclusivity looks like on the water.
The debut programme includes a range of standout sailings — such as a six-night Palma de Mallorca to Nice journey launching 7–13 May 2027, with port calls in Menorca, Barcelona, Palamós, Marseille and Saint-Tropez. Other itineraries will explore the jewels of the Mediterranean including the French Riviera, Dalmatian Coast and Greek Isles, with select voyages timed to coincide with prestigious cultural moments like the Cannes Film Festival in May and the Monaco Grand Prix in June.
Timings: Reservations are open now for Amangati’s inaugural season of five- to eight-night Mediterranean voyages beginning in spring 2027.
NOW IS THE TIME TO BOOK
The most sought-after voyages in 2026 and 2027 are already seeing strong demand, particularly for limited-capacity expedition ships and new river vessels. Whether your passion lies in Arctic wildlife, European culture, spiritual India or the ancient wonders of Egypt, planning ahead ensures access to the best suites, dates and itineraries.
At Jigsaw Travel, our cruise specialists work closely with our partners to match you with the journey that best reflects your interests, travel style and sense of adventure.
If you’re ready to chart your next voyage, we’d be delighted to guide you.
Main image: Amangati