Sailing

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 Southampton – meaning no need to faff around with flights.

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 cruise ships – 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 Royal Caribbean ships, and Liberty Of The Seas is no ­exception.

SAIL AWAY

Much-loved Disney cruise to launch from the UK for the first time EVER

SAIL ON

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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 Norwegian fjords cruise.

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.

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 Canary Islands 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 Lisbon, La Palma, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Funchal (for Madeira).

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 Holland and Belgium one, you can get a feel for cruising without jumping in headfirst.

Swing by The Cavern bar, named after Liverpool’s Cavern Club which was visited regularly by the Beatles 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 Rotterdam.

See iglucruises.com.

P&O’s IONA: PORTUGAL, SPAIN, CANARY ISLANDS

YOU need not worry about the weather when you’re sailing on P&O Cruises’ Iona.

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.

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 Mediterranean.

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 Sky Princess, which has a more grown-up atmosphere than the other ships mentioned here.

Entertainment extends throughout the day, well into the evening.

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.

Disney Cruise Line has confirmed the Disney Wish will sail from Southampton for the first time in summer 2027 with European itineraries – and I’ve been onboard to review the incredible ship

Mickey Mouse fans across Britain, it’s time to dust off those iconic ears – because we’re about to welcome an unprecedented wave of Disney enchantment next summer.

In a historic first, the Disney Wish cruise liner will set sail from British shores. Launching from Southampton, the flagship vessel of Disney Cruise Line’s Wish class fleet is confirmed to embark on a series of sun-drenched European voyages throughout summer 2027.

This maiden European adventure will feature sailings ranging from three to 10 nights, departing from the UK, Spain or Italy, with exciting new ports of call including Zadar in Croatia, Trieste close to Venice in Italy, and Hellesylt in Norway.

Having recently experienced the Disney Wish firsthand with my other half and our two year old, I was absolutely thrilled when this announcement dropped – especially since I’ve already been daydreaming about our next voyage. Here’s my guide to the standout features aboard the Disney Wish, and exactly why I’ll be at the front of that virtual queue when bookings launch later this month.

The entertainment

Adults, prepare to unleash your inner child aboard the Wish (whilst, in our experience, your little one also literally unleashes theirs). This isn’t your typical cruise offering a single show, a handful of activities, and then leaving you lounging aimlessly poolside.

Instead, expect an action-packed schedule brimming with spectacular performances, trivia contests, deck celebrations, live musical acts, and two cinemas screening the freshest Disney releases alongside timeless favourites. For those preferring a more relaxed approach, there’s ample poolside real estate – and the onboard spa continuously tempted us throughout our stay.

The ship’s top deck boasts several pools, a feature I particularly appreciate as it prevents overcrowding in one spot. However, being someone who can’t sit idle for more than a couple of minutes, I made a beeline for the AquaMouse water slide.

With its twists, turns and initial surprises, it’s easy to see why it’s dubbed Disney’s first sea attraction – it wouldn’t feel out of place in a theme park!

Deck parties are another must-add to your schedule. On the day of embarkation, Mickey Mouse and his pals host a ‘Sail Away’ party on the top deck that’s well worth attending. Expect lively music, dancing and a grand countdown before the ship’s horn blares out a Disney melody!

One evening is always dedicated to a pirate theme. Dress up, meet characters like Captain Hook, and join in the fun with Mickey and friends at parties featuring spectacular fireworks at sea (Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise company permitted to offer this).

A visit to the theatre promises a fantastic show, whether it’s the charming ‘Seas the Day’ performance, or West End-calibre productions of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.

The Kids’ Club

Families must give a big cheer for the exceptional kids’ club, known as the Oceaneer Club. Included in the cruise package, it boasts zones inspired by Marvel, Star Wars and the Disney Princesses.

We barely saw our friends’ children all week; they were utterly smitten with the place!

The Oceaneer Club caters to children aged 3 and above, so our toddler was a tad too young but there were open house hours where he could scamper about, including ‘Toddler Time’ which provided a fantastic space for him to burn off some energy.

A handy hint for other parents; the Small World Nursery accommodates babies and toddlers under 3. You’ll need to book and it’s an additional $10 per hour, but it does afford you that much-needed breather if you fancy a trip to the spa or an adults-only bar!

Character encounters

An often overlooked benefit of a Disney cruise is the ease of meeting the characters. Besides the shows, there are plenty of chances to meet your favourites throughout the day, with queues typically lasting around 10-15 minutes.

Characters roam the ship, and you can also join dance parties where they’ll have a little jig with the kids – a truly delightful interaction. For princess fans, it’s worth trying to secure a spot for A Royal Gathering; this is free but fills up fast, offering you the opportunity for meet and greets with the likes of Cinderella, Belle, Moana and Rapunzel.

The food

Disney cruises operate on an all-inclusive basis, and even with my most valiant attempts, I’m fairly certain I didn’t manage to sample every single dining venue on offer. Beyond the Marceline Market eatery featuring a conventional buffet spread, passengers can indulge in pizzas, tacos and barbecue fare at the Festival of Foods street food-inspired zone, or help themselves to the self-serve ice cream stations.

For dinner service, Disney has a ‘rotational dining’ system which eliminates the scramble for bookings; you’re guaranteed a table at each of the ship’s three restaurants. There’s a Frozen-themed venue complete with live entertainment and abundant character meet-and-greets, the sophisticated 1923 which exudes elegance whilst paying homage to legendary Disney pictures, and the Worlds of Marvel restaurant where guests become immersed in an interactive superhero escapade.

Whilst these are all covered in your fare, additional premium options are available for an extra charge. Brunch at the Palo Steakhouse proved to be a genuinely memorable experience for our party.

Reservations are required, but this adults-only establishment truly embodied fine dining, with the cuisine being utterly exquisite. Pastries, pizzas, brunch staples such as Eggs Royale and puddings all feature on the bill of fare.

A cautionary note; it’s unlimited dining and those servings are substantial – I genuinely believed I might never manage another morsel. (This proved incorrect the instant I spotted the Inside Out inspired confectionery shop, where I constructed an ice cream creation that I suspect has left me on a sugar rush ever since).

For those partial to an evening drink, there’s a variety of options. The Bayou lounge offers live music, exquisite cocktails and a relaxed vibe, while Nightingale’s is an adults-only bar.

However, it was the themed bars that kept drawing me back – from the Star Wars-inspired Hyperspace Lounge, where you feel as though you’re journeying through space, to the pirate-themed Keg and Compass pub, where you can enjoy a proper pint.

My verdict

I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Disney Wish; it truly caters to everyone. It’s a sophisticated ship with ample adults-only areas for those seeking tranquillity, but there’s also plenty of room for families.

The overall atmosphere is fantastic, and it’s definitely one I’ll be keen to book again. Plus, on a personal note, the extra sprinkle of Disney magic worked wonders for us; amidst all the excitement and fun during the day, our two year old actually managed to sleep through the night!

Want to book it for yourself? The Disney Wish will embark on 3, 4 and 5-night European sailings in summer 2027. Bookings open on February 23, 2026. For more details, visit disneycruiseline.com.