Here's something you're going to hear me speak more about - being on the water!

Luxury travel is always evolving, and 2026 is set to be a big year on the water. Gone are the days of cruising meaning large vessels and buffets; today’s ships are now undergoing a total reimagining, embodying the exceptional service, spacious areas, and the experiences of your favorite land-based brands. Let’s dive into how 2026 will be the golden era of luxury cruising and why travelers, even those who say they aren’t cruisers, are setting sail. 

• The Rise of the Floating Hotel: The arrival of established luxury hotel brands such as Four Seasons and Aman is shifting the focus from traditional cruising to ultra-yachting. These new vessels allow travelers to enjoy the service and comfort of their land-based counterparts at sea. 

• High-Tech Wellness at Sea: Prioritizing your health is growing in popularity, and cruise lines are incorporating advanced wellness treatments into their spa menus. Think expanded fitness spaces, red light therapy, cryotherapy chambers, and more. 

• "Hyper-Residential" Design: Small luxury ships are replacing interior cabins and overcrowded public spaces with ocean residences and capped maximums. Families can now enjoy spacious suites with living areas, kitchens, connecting cabins, and sun terraces that are often as big as the room itself. 

In addition to the ships, the itineraries are also being reimagined. Setting sail to unique frontiers such as Iceland, Greenland, and the hidden gems of Northern Europe are gaining in popularity, and the small scale of these ships allows travelers to visit "yacht-only" harbors. Let 2026 be the year you discover the world on the water. 

Explora Journeys’ Destination-Led Approach to Cruising 

As many iconic brands begin making their ocean debut, Explora Journeys was the first to seamlessly transform the warm hospitality and refinement you typically find at a European boutique hotel into a luxurious voyage. First setting sail in 2023, Explora Journeys quickly set the standard for what small ship luxury should be: spacious all-suite balcony accommodations, itineraries that embrace longer port stays for immersive experiences, thermal spas and outdoor wellness areas reminiscent of European retreats, and an intentionally low guest-to-space ratio designed to evoke calm. 

First-time cruisers can enjoy the ease of unpacking once and truly connect with the destinations on their journey that day-trippers never reach. Imagine an unrushed morning, enjoying a calm breakfast at one of the many dining options onboard, before heading out in the afternoon to explore the region when the ports go quiet. Take your time discovering the destination, enjoying dinner in the town, before returning to your floating hotel. With new voyages debuting in 2026, I can help you discover the perfect journey so you can experience this refined serenity for yourself. 

Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays in England

There’s something special about sailing in or out of London and its neighboring ports, especially if it takes you down the Thames under Tower Bridge. Whether you need a few nights to adjust to the time change before your cruise or want to explore the city before returning home, here are a few of my favorite hotels that perfectly mix modern comforts with quintessentially British elegance for the ultimate pre- or post-cruise stay. 

Corinthia London

Nestled in the heart of London steps from the West End, Corinthia London blends historic grandeur with intelligent design where every comfort is considered. Enjoy exclusive hotel credits, exquisite cuisine headed up by Michelin-starred chef, Tom Kerridge, and the world-renowned Thermal Floor at their spa. Outside, a short stroll will take you to iconic sites like Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly Circus for a perfect stay in the city. 

The Chancery Rosewood

Actually one of the recent new hotels I am most excited about in the world! Set within the former U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square in London, The Chancery Rosewood offers an extraordinary sense of place where heritage, contemporary design and refined hospitality meet. The perfect landing for art lovers, explore a curated collection of over 700 artworks with the guidance of the hotel’s dedicated Art Concierge, or immerse yourself in evolving programs that celebrate art, music, and culinary creativity.

Heckfield Place

Less than an hour outside London and Southampton Cruise Port sits the Georgian family home turned hotel, Heckfield Place. Travelers can unwind in the countryside for a pre- or post-cruise stay enjoying their fill of estate-grown produce and seasonal cooking, nature-led experiences, and restorative wellness treatments. No matter where your journey takes you next, you will leave Heckfield Place rested and relaxed.