New to cruising? Try a long weekend in France

Not every cruise needs to be a grand adventure. Enjoy a weekend away exploring the wonders of France without the commitment of a long cruise to far-flung destinations, allowing you to discover cruising at your own pace. 

Ambassador Cruise Line's Bank Holiday Short Break to Honfleur is the perfect introduction to life at sea, combining a relaxing cruise experience with an extended stay in one of France's most charming coastal towns.

Nestled on Normandy's coastline, Honfleur is famous for its colourful harbour, cobbled streets and artistic heritage. And with two days in port, there's plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy French cuisine and explore at your own pace.

Best for: First-time cruisers and long weekend travellers.
 

Escape to Northern Spain

Looking for one last summer getaway before autumn arrives?

Fred. Olsen's Escape to Northern Spain sailing combines the ease of a no-fly holiday with the opportunity to discover one of Spain's most underrated regions.

The itinerary visits Getxo, gateway to Bilbao and its world-famous Guggenheim Museum, as well as Santander, known for its sweeping beaches, waterfront promenades and relaxed atmosphere. Along the way, guests can sample traditional pintxos, sip Rioja wine and explore what is often referred to as "Green Spain".

Best for: A short no-fly summer escape.

Discover France and Ireland's coastal charms

If you enjoy history, food and beautiful coastal destinations, Ambassador's Coastlines of France & Ireland sailing is the ideal cruise for some European exploration this autumn.

Visiting St Malo, Cherbourg, Brest and Cobh, this seven-night itinerary combines maritime heritage, local cuisine and charming harbour towns. Expect colourful waterfronts, fresh seafood, fascinating history and plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture.

Best for: Food lovers, history enthusiasts and coastal explorers.

Experience the Greek islands at their best

Whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular sunsets — explore Greece and its iconic islands. 

Celebrity Cruises' Best of Greece itinerary brings together the sites that make the Greek Islands one of Europe's most sought-after holiday destinations.

Highlights include Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete and Thessaloniki, alongside a visit to Kusadasi, gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus.

Best for: Greek island lovers and Mediterranean sunshine seekers.

Experience the romance of a transatlantic crossing

Some cruises are all about the destinations. Others are about the journey itself.

This 15-night transatlantic sailing aboard Celebrity Constellation combines both, offering the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime voyage while travelling from Europe to the Caribbean.

Departing Rome on 2 November 2026, the itinerary includes Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga and Tangier before crossing the Atlantic to St. Maarten and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
While the ports themselves are impressive, many guests consider the crossing to be the real highlight. With eight consecutive days at sea, there's time to fully embrace life on board, whether that's relaxing by the pool, enjoying world-class dining, catching a show, unwinding in the adults-only Solarium or simply watching the ever-changing Atlantic Ocean roll by.

For travellers who love life at sea, few holidays feel quite as special as a transatlantic voyage.

Best for: Travellers who love sea days and want to experience one of cruising's most iconic journeys.

Which cruise offers the best value?

While every cruise on this list comes in at less than £1,000 per person, some stretch your holiday budget even further.

Celebrity Cruises' Spain & Bermuda Transatlantic sailing offers the lowest nightly cost at just £39 per person, per night. Longer itineraries can cost more, but often offer higher value for money. 

Celebrity Cruises' Best of Greece sailing comes in at £93 per person, per night, while Ambassador's Coastlines of France & Ireland delivers excellent value at £75 per person, per night.

Of course, the best cruise isn't always the cheapest. So whether you're looking for a long weekend in France, autumn sunshine in Spain, a Greek island adventure, a Scandinavian city break or a bucket-list transatlantic voyage, there are still some fantastic cruise opportunities available in 2026.

Prices and availability correct at time of writing and subject to change. Cruise Collective member savings, promotional codes and cruise line booking terms and conditions apply.