From Arabian odysseys to Russian river cruises, plenty of exciting voyages are slated to launch in 2019, alongside some spectacular ships. Whether you fancy getting a foodie fix in France or sailing through sparkling Caribbean waters on an ocean liner, we’ve found the cruise for you.

Princess Cruises are adept at balancing tradition with innovation, and new ship Sky Princess won’t disappoint. She launches in the Mediterranean in October 2019, before heading to the Caribbean for the winter season.

Travellers can expect a serious emphasis on R&R. The Sanctuary area on Sky Princess boasts twice as many private cabanas as its sister ships, plus there are numerous hot tubs and a thermal suite. If you fancy something a little more active, head to the infinity-style Wakeview pool towards the back of the ship, or one of the two sun-drenched top-deck pools.

Sky Princess’s first voyage departs 20 October from the port city of Piraeus, near Athens, and sets sail for the Montenegrin town of Kotor. The seven-night cruise then takes in Greek island Corfu and the Italian isle of Sicily, where you'll visit hilltop Taormina and gaze up at Mount Etna. Next stop is Naples, for Capri and Pompeii, before finishing up in Barcelona, Catalonia's absorbing capital.

If you prefer, you can extend the week-long cruise to a fortnight. You'll explore Toulon, in France, and Pisa in Italy, where you can admire the Cathedral's impressive mosaics, before climbing the famous Leaning Tower. The adventure draws to a close with the ancient sights of Rome.

New for 2019, P&O’s Arabian Gulf Cruise visits Sir Bani Yas Island, Manama, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, before finishing up in Muscat, Oman's capital (pictured). There’s a dazzling array of excursions on offer during the 10-day trip, from wildlife safaris to mosques and Arabic souks.

Kick things off by exploring Dubai, where futuristic skyscrapers jut out of the arid landscape. Visit the gold souk, or even the three-story aquarium, home to some 30,000 marine animals. Finish off with a sundowner at the elaborate Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel, before heading back to ship.

Next stop Manama, where you can get your adrenaline pumping with a track experience at Bahrain International Circuit, or visit some of the country’s 170,000 ancient burial mounds. Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island follow, where travellers can kayak the mangrove forests or take a wildlife safari.

Finally, you’ll head back to Dubai, where you can go on a desert safari. Watch the sun sink slowly behind the dunes, before tucking into a barbecue under the Arabian stars. You’ll sail on board P&O's Oceana, which has five restaurants, three deck bars and an adults-only spa.

With their unparalleled wildlife, the remote Galápagos Islands make for an incredible cruise destination. In May 2019, Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, Celebrity Flora, will make her first journey around the archipelago on a 10-night adventure.

With just 100 guests, the ship has an exclusive, luxury feel – it's more like a high-end yacht than a city on water. Celebrity Flora’s outward-facing design has been carefully thought through to ensure travellers are fully immersed in their surroundings. You’ll find 360-degree views over the volcanic islands, an open-air stargazing platform and a glass-wrapped observatory.

The first adventure, leaving 26 May, takes in the Galápagos' Outer Loop. It includes a stop at Daphne Major Island, where sea lions, pelicans and blue-footed boobies make their home in the rocky cliffs. Jump aboard one of the ship's smaller zodiacs and look out for dolphins, brightly coloured parrotfish and vivid blue king angelfish.

Other Celebrity Flora routes throughout 2019 include moon-like Isla Santiago, where you can hike over the blackened landscape, peppered with craters, lava and cacti. Photograph the Galápagos' fur seals and sea lions at Puerto Egas, where you can also snorkel in the crystalline water and admire the blue-water grottos. 

You can find our expert's review of Celebrity Cruises' recently launched ship, Celebrity Edge here too. 

Boutique brand Azamara Club Cruises ventures into Alaska for the first time in 2019, with 11 different routes. The eight-night Alaska Adventure voyage, on board Azamara Quest, kicks off in Vancouver with destinations including Ketchikan (pictured), Icy Strait Point and Hubbard Glacier.

With just 690 passengers on board, Azamara Quest is a small ship, popular for its fun and friendly service. You’ll find all the amenities you’d expect, including a theatre, spa, bars and a library, plus great food, with sushi and Italian options.

Expect jaw-dropping fjords, icy glaciers and snow-clad peaks, as well as whales, eagles and bears on your journey. Tread Ketchikan’s famous boardwalk (pictured), traverse Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier with a dog-sledding adventure, or try your hand at Alaskan salmon fishing.

The highlight of the voyage has to be the mighty Hubbard Glacier, an imposing 8-mile wide, 350-foot high wall of frosted blue ice. Watch from Azamara Quest as it calves vast icebergs into the Russell Fjord – when you hear the dramatic sounds you’ll know why it’s dubbed “White Thunder”.

On the opposite side of the world, a cruise to Antarctica is another bucket-list experience. While many expedition ships can be a little rough-and-ready, often with shared bathrooms, from late 2019 Aurora Expeditions's Greg Mortimer, will be offering the chance to travel the region in sleek luxury. Staterooms come with balconies and ensuite facilities and the ship only has space for 160 passengers.

Conscious of preserving the environment in which she is sailing, the ship has a virtual anchor that keeps the boat in position without disturbing the sea floor. An enhanced bow means the ship uses less fuel, slashing pollution, while still being about to cut through the waves of Drake Passage, the notorious waters between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica.

In addition to taking in the magnificent scenery, you can also experience a huge range of activities including polar skiing, where you tour glacial slopes, see penguins and follow Shackleton’s footsteps in South Georgia. Ice camping, kayaking and snowshoeing are also available on board. Be warned though: only the very brave take the “Polar Plunge”, stepping off the ship into the icy waters, before being quickly plucked from the sea by waiting crew.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Encore, is set to launch in the autumn of 2019, from her homeport of Miami. From there she’ll embark on seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises, before sailing to Bermuda from New York in 2020.

With its floor-to-ceiling windows, Encore’s 180-degree Observation Lounge offers spectacular views. Suites range from singles to Spa Suites, which have their own private hot tub and vast waterfall shower. You could also splash out on one of the 900-square-foot Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites (pictured), which come with a 24-hour butler service.

 

Encore’s Eastern Caribbean voyage takes in Puerto Rico, the US and the British Virgin Islands, before completing the round trip to Miami. Visit impressive El Morro, the world’s oldest Spanish fort, in San Juan, before heading onto St Thomas to seek out sugar sand beaches and aquamarine waters, flanked by gently swaying palms.

Tortola, part of the British Virgin Islands, offers yacht-filled harbours, flower-clad hillsides and incredible birdlife. Take a trip to the Baths, on nearby Virgin Gorda, where you'll find spectacular sea-polished granite boulders, up to 40 feet wide. Afterwards, follow the trail to nearby Devil’s Bay, where you can snorkel in the pristine waters.

Spring 2019 sees the launch of the S.S. Bon Voyage for river-cruise specialist Uniworld. The Super Ship was known as the River Royale, before it underwent an extensive renovation. It has now been transformed into something more akin to a floating boutique hotel. Expect original art, marble bathrooms and an intimate atmosphere, with just 124 passengers on board.

When she launches on 14 April, the S.S. Bon Voyage will sail the Bordeaux region of France. The cruise places a massive emphasis on the area’s food and wine. Immerse yourself in French cooking classes with the chef, then tuck into an evening feast of beef bourguignon and escargot. Wine buffs will enjoy tastings in Claret’s, the ship's private dining room (pictured).

The eight-day Brilliant Bordeaux voyage takes you from Bordeaux itself to Pauillac and back. Stop off in Cadillac, where you can try the town’s deliciously sweet dessert wines. Later, you’ll head to the pretty hilltop town of Saint-Émilion, famous for its smooth red. Explore the vineyards, then get involved with a tasting at a local château.

Riviera Travel are set to expand into Russia for 2019, with a new Russian Odyssey river cruise. Travellers will journey from Moscow to St Petersburg on the 12-day trip, taking in medieval villages, ancient monasteries and breathtaking rural landscapes along the way.

The cruise starts with two full days in Moscow. Here travellers can visit the iconic Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral with its famous onion-domed roofs (pictured), as well as the vast Kremlin Fortress.

The ancient city of Yaroslavl, dramatically positioned at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosi Rivers, follows later. Admire the intricate frescoes in the 17th-century church of Elijah the Prophet, then climb the Cathedral bell tower to enjoy views over the rivers and buildings below. Another trip highlight is a visit to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, perched elegantly on the edge of a glassy lake.

The cruise culminates in St Petersburg, where must-sees include the Hermitage Museum, with its incredible art collection. You’ll sail on board MS Rossia, a 224-passenger ship adept at navigating the country’s waterways. The food on board includes Russian specialities, such as hearty stews or golubtsy (rice, vegetables and mushrooms wrapped in cabbage), alongside international options.

 

A legion of cruise veterans will no doubt be looking forward to the launch of Viking Jupiter in February 2019. Jupiter will be the sixth ocean ship for Viking, and this adults-only brand places a huge emphasis on history and art. It’s no accident, then, that Jupiter’s maiden voyage starts and ends in two cities steeped in culture – Rome and Athens.

Viking’s eight-day Journey to Antiquities itinerary takes in Naples, Sicily, Katacolon, the birthplace of the Olympic games, and Crete, before finally arriving in Athens. You can kick off your culture fest with a trip to Herculaneum, near Naples, which is dubbed Italy’s ‘other’ Pompeii for its well-preserved ruins, or explore the Amalfi coast, with its stunning pastel-coloured towns. 

First time on a cruise? Read our need to know tips and hacks here. 

In Crete, you can explore Chania, one of Europe's oldest cities. Wander the winding streets and admire the Byzantine churches, before sipping an espresso at a café in the Venetian harbour. End your cruise on a cultural high in Athens, with a visit to the famed Acropolis, perched on its rocky outcrop above the city.

Uncover the best time to book a cruise with our money-saving guide. 

Viking Jupiter promises to be every bit as refined as you’d expect, with Scandinavian décor, light-filled spaces and even a glass-roofed pool. All 930 guests can expect their stateroom to have a balcony and the multiple dining options give plenty of opportunity to eat al fresco. Foodies can choose anything from Italian cuisine, to a five-course tasting menu and Norwegian specialities, including Nordic pastries and open sandwiches. 

Now read about the strangest things that have ever happened on cruise ships.

When MSC Cruises's Bellissima is launched at Southampton in March 2019 she will be the largest ship ever Christened in the UK.  Her big size means big facilities and there are 20 bars onboard, 10 restaurants, a shopping centre and space for 4,500 passengers. Laying on fabulous facilities for young people, MSC Cruises are great for families. In addition to the LEGO themed rooms in the kids’ club there is a large water park with a series of twisting slides and a pool to keep youngsters occupied.

The ship will spend its first summer sailing around the Mediterranean, with cruises stopping at Barcelona, Naples and Valletta, Malta (pictured). As MSC Cruises attracts an international crowd, both grown-ups and kids alike are sure to enjoy making new friends along the way.

If all the fantastic destinations aren't enough, the onboard entertainment is unique. During the evening there’s a chance to catch original shows from the Cirque du Soleil, with two performances held six nights each week in the purpose-built Carousel Lounge.

Sailing from Shanghai, Spectrum of the Seas will be based permanently in Asia after her launch in April 2019. She’s the first in Royal Caribbean's "Quantum Ultra Class" of ship and offers some exciting features for her 4,246 passengers. Accommodation onboard for families has been taken to the next level with a 2,809 square-foot family suite with room for 11 guests including grandparents. It also includes an in-suite slide so kids can zip from the upper level to the family space below.

Take a look at 24 things you didn't know you could do on cruise ships.

Whether you want to see beaches or big cities there are itineraries aplenty taking Spectrum around Asia. The four-night cruise departing on 21 May 2019 stops in both Singapore and Penang, Malaysia with two days at sea. Take in the view of George Town from Penang Hill (pictured), join a cooking class or simply tuck into some serious street food.

Discover 35 cruise myths you should stop believing right now. 

Other sailings allow you to visit both China and Japan on one cruise, with Shanghai, China and Kagoshima and Nagasaki in Japan the highlights. In Nagasaki, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is a sobering experience while Kagoshima is the perfect place to admire Sakurajima (pictured), one of Japan’s most famous – and not to mention active – volcanoes.

Now take our guided tour around the most luxurious cruise ship suites in the world.