In the latest edition of our Question Time series, travel consultant apprentice for Ocean World Travel, Emily Babey asks the experts which destinations she should champion in 2026 to entice new customers

The number of destinations cruise lines can reach is ever-expanding as the industry prepares to welcome 56 more ocean-going ships by 2036. But with more opportunities, come more challenges. Agents will be tasked with becoming experts on all of these new destinations to ensure their customers aren’t left empty-handed when asking for a recommendation.

Emily Babey, a travel consultant apprentice at Ocean World Travel, sells mainly Caribbean and Mediterranean sailings, which comes as no surprise considering they were the top two destinations passengers visited in 2024, with 43 per cent of all cruisers heading to the Caribbean and one in six sailors visiting the Med, according to CLIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Report.

“We sell a lot of the same products here at Ocean World,” Babey says. “The Caribbean, the Med and the Norwegian Fjords are definitely my speciality as I sell them so much. Although I always love it when someone comes in and wants to go further afield or to a totally different destination, I don’t always feel I know a lot about those places. It would be good to learn more about unusual destinations or places we don’t sell a lot of, like Alaska or Japan.”

So, as cruise ships venture further afield, which destinations should Babey focus on selling this year, and how should she choose?

One sector experiencing a huge growth in popularity is expedition cruising, with CLIA projecting 150 per cent growth in capacity for specialist ships from 2019 to 2029.

According to Cruise Trade News’ second Annual Report, 88 per cent of under-45s say expedition cruising appeals to them, and 79 per cent of the age group believe an expedition cruise is “for people like me”.

The rising popularity of expedition cruising is now a known trend, and experts are encouraging agents to latch onto the momentum and push more far-flung, once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list destinations to their customers. As such, Mark Walter, director of sales for northern Europe for HX Expeditions, has thrown his weight behind Antarctica for 2026, saying this is the year agents should be championing the destination.

“For 2026, we are recommending agents actively pitch Antarctica, a destination that offers travellers the ultimate polar adventure with breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and unforgettable experiences,” he explains. “October to December is a perfect time to visit; the Antarctic season officially begins in October, marking the start of spring when wildlife activity increases. This period offers milder temperatures, longer daylight hours and the chance to see penguin chicks, seals and migrating whales in action.”

Echoing this proposition, Andrew Turner, AE Expeditions’ sales director EMEA, urges agents to highlight Antarctica this year in a bid to reach those customers who are looking for a new type of trip to sink their teeth into. “Antarctica should absolutely be on agents’ recommendation list in 2026,” he says.

“It is ideal for customers who have been on a safari, activity holiday, multi-centre or simply looking for something different. Demand for wild, meaningful travel continues to surge, and nothing matches the impact of the white continent.”

He adds: “Antarctica isn’t just a destination, it’s a life-changing journey. For 2026, it’s one of the most powerful, profitable and purposeful destinations agents can sell.”

We’re also seeing growing interest in shoulder season sailings, as travellers look to make their budgets go further without compromising on experience

Sticking on the expedition cruise theme but migrating to warmer climes, Lewis Quigley, key account manager, north at Scenic, suggests the Mekong and Seychelles as two destinations worth spotlighting this year, as the appetite for remote destination sailings continues to grow.

“For river cruising in 2026, there’s nowhere better than the Mekong,” he adds. “It offers a unique experience, even for experienced cruisers, with ancient temples, natural delights and wonderful culture. For ocean, it’s the Seychelles, with fantastic year-round weather, iconic beaches and mesmerising wildlife. It’s the perfect place for a luxury yacht cruise.”

But while far-flung destinations are a key growth area for the cruise sector, director of cruise for the Advantage Travel Partnership Jonny Peat believes the Med reigns supreme. “There’s always a good time to see Europe,” he says. He also notes an increase in demand for shoulder season sailings as customers look for cooler temperatures and reduced costs, saying agents should consider this when pitching holidays to their clients.

“Ocean cruise is already showing very strong momentum for 2026, with bookings well ahead of where we were this time last year,” he adds. “The Mediterranean remains the clear frontrunner – particularly sailings from Rome and Athens to the Greek Islands, Italy and Croatia. We’re also seeing growing interest in shoulder season sailings, as travellers look to make their budgets go further without compromising on experience. My advice is to follow the data and introduce what’s trending to your customers.”

Amanda Love, trade relations manager for Marella Cruises, agrees with Peat, saying Piraeus, Greece, is a destination to support this year. “It offers easy access to iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon alongside traditional tavernas serving authentic Greek flavours,” she says.

“It’s a destination that perfectly blends culture, history and cuisine in one unforgettable port of call.” While Europe remains ever-popular, agents should look to expedition cruising for adventurous clients, while river cruises in more exotic destinations provide a strong alternative for experienced sailors.