World's 'most beautiful cruise destination' is about to be extra special in 2026

Cruise experts have named the world's most beautiful cruise destination, and the great news for Brits is that it's in Europe so there are heaps of various sailings on offer if you want to check it out for yourself.

The Norwegian Fjords are already firmly established as a bucket list worthy destination. In spring and summer, passengers will be treated to picture-perfect views of the dramatic rocky and green landscapes, and charming fishing villages and waterfront towns that wouldn't look out of place on a postcard.

Come winter, the Fjords offer up some incredible winter wonderlands, not to mention you can spot the Northern Lights from certain regions from October to February.

In fact, those night skies may be about to be prettier than ever. If you've always dreamed of ticking the Aurora Borealis off the bucket list, then you may want to consider a cruise in January or February, as 2026 is expected to be the best year in a decade for Aurora viewing opportunities.

That's because it will bring with it a once-in-a-decade phenomenon; the solar maximum. This rare event sees the Sun's heightened magnetic activity release charged particles that collide with Earth's atmosphere, creating brighter and more frequent auroras. Scientists are expecting it to peak until March 2026, before fading again until the mid 2030s.

Of course the closer you are to the Arctic Circle, the better your chances, so head to the likes of Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, Alta, and Svalbard if you want to absolutely maximise the opportunity. However, if you're looking for a holiday that's more than Aurora-chasing, then the Norwegian Fjords could offer the ideal mix of adventure and opportunity to witness those dazzling green skies.

Even without the Aurora, there's so much to see and do; there's a reason why these beautiful landscapes have inspired poets, novelists and artists for generations.

Nestled amidst awe-inspiring mountains and valleys, these narrow fjords are home to everything from breathtaking waterfalls to jaw-dropping glaciers.

It's the abundance of beauty that has seen the Norwegian Fjords be named the world's most beautiful cruise destination, in new rankings from the insiders at Cruise118.com. Sharon Hodgkiess, Sales and Customer Experience Director for the brand, said: "Seeing Norway from the deck of a ship is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each fjord has its own charm, including sights such as mountains, waterfalls, hamlets and mountainside farms."

If you are planning a cruise next year, Sharon advises that you think carefully about the itinerary you sign up for. She explained: "Think carefully about what you want from your cruise and select one that aligns with your travel style and interests. If you love nature and scenery, Norway or Alaska are unbeatable. If you're after sun and relaxation, lean more towards destinations such as the East and West Mediterranean."

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