From Cherry Blossoms to Grand Prix: 6 of the Best Event Cruises for 2026 and beyond

2. Monaco Grand Prix Cruises

The Monaco Grand Prix ties in perfectly with many cruise lines' summer Mediterranean seasons, with several offering a day in Monte Carlo or nearby cities along the coast on race day or during the qualifiers, and some offering tickets and exclusive hospitality packages.

Explora Journeys is taking things one step further in June 2026, following their success at this year's event, with an incredible five nights docked in Monaco. The 922-guest Explora I will act as a floating boutique hotel and host an exclusive programme of events throughout race weekend, and guests can enhance their experience with 3-day grandstand access tickets or F1 Paddock Club hospitality for the ultimate exhilarating getaway.

3. Solar Eclipse Cruises in 2026 and 2027

In 2026 a total solar eclipse will pass over the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Atlantic Ocean, and Spain, and there are plenty of cruise lines offering the chance to witness this phenomenon whilst on board, weather permitting of course.

Availability across these special voyages is very limited, with many selling out soon after release, but there are a few pockets of availability to be found such as Ponant's Mediterranean voyage on board Le Boréal on 6th August 2026, joined on board by meteorologist Joe Rao; Crystal Serenity's voyage from Ijmuiden to Lisbon on 3rd August 2026; and Oceania's Scandinavia, Scotland and Iceland voyage on 30th July 2026 featuring guest speakers, a deck viewing party, and more.

If you can't make next year, there is also a solar eclipse visible in Europe in 2027, with Seabourn already releasing a special solar eclipse voyage on board Seabourn Ovation on 23rd July 2027.

4. Rio Carnival Cruises

Carnival in Brazil's vibrant capital, Rio de Janeiro - the biggest in the world - is something everyone should experience at least once. The eight-day festival is a celebration filled with elaborate outfits, colourful floats, samba music, street parties, parades, and more.

A cruise is a great way to enjoy a taste of carnival and your cruise ship offers a great base without the need for an expensive hotel stay. Silversea offers a 12-night February 2026 sailing on board the 392-guest Silver Whisper beginning in Buenos Aires and sailing the Brazilian coast, ending with an overnight in Rio de Janeiro to coincide with the first day of the carnival. Silversea offers the opportunity to purchase an exclusive tour including grandstand seeating for the Samba Parade in the Sambadrome.

For more adventurous options, head over to our sister brand, Mundy Adventures, for expedition voyages. Here are some of the best expedition event cruises.

5. Antarctica Research Mission Cruise

If exhilarating adventure is more your thing, join an expedition to Antarctica's remote Ross Sea region on board Scenic Eclipse II in January 2026 during which, aside from your own exploration of this spectacular area, you will enjoy a front-row seat as two explorers and environmental advocates, Dr. Scott Pallett and Bill Kwok, embark on a research mission in East Antarctica.

Scenic's Discovery Team on board will be supporting the mission with vital communications and guests can enjoy this rare opportunity to witness research in action, with informative lectures before or after the mission, and real-time updates during the mission.

6. Whale Watching Cruises in Baja California

Whilst we're struggling through the desolate winter months, the sheltered waters of Magdalena Bay in Baja California are teeming with life. Between January and March, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' intimate expedition vessels offer the special opportunity to witness grey whale mothers and their calves which thrive in these nursery waters each year.

The vast bay is home to a multitude of other wildlife, too, from numerous seabird species to other marine mammals and you will explore varied ecosystems including mangrove forests, beaches and sand dunes, tranquil lagoons, and more.