Saga launches 11 new itineraries – from stargazing to carnivals these are the highlights

The Saga Cruises 2026 winter season has been announced – and there’s plenty for lovers of luxury, boutique cruising to get excited about.

From winter 2026 Saga is offering some unforgettable experiences, from a festival-themed cruise around the Canary Islands and a journey to witness the Northern Lights to spanking new ports of call across Croatia and its islands.

What’s more, seeing these fab destinations in all their glory will be more convenient and affordable than ever as excursions are set to be included in every port.

Passengers will also benefit from nationwide chauffeur service included on all Saga boutique cruises (starting from next year) and they can also save up to 35 percent for a limited time only! So don’t miss this amazing opportunity to bag the 2026 holiday of a lifetime and really give yourself something to look forward to.

Here are just a few of the awesome experiences you can make the most of with the new Saga cruises 2026 from the UK.

Know your Big Dipper from your Orion’s Belt? Celestial Canary Islands includes an overnight stay on Madeira Island – a lush, subtropical paradise known for its rugged cliffs, volcanic landscapes and botanical gardens – where stars shine bright.

As well as sipping on Madeira’s namesake wine and searching for its endemic land birds, cruisers can take an optional stargazing excursion here. Madeira’s remote location in the Atlantic, low light pollution and clear skies, especially in the mountainous areas, make for excellent skywatching. Location-dependent, you might be able to see constellations, planets and even the Milky Way on clear nights.

The cruise also packs in extended time ashore in the Canary Islands of La Palma, Tenerife and Las Palmas – also famous for clear, star-studded heavens.

For a trip to the Canaries that’s less looking up and more dancing in the streets, the Saga 2026 Canaries and Carnivals cruise includes extended visits to Tenerife and Madeira that have been specially planned to coincide with the islands’ vibrant carnival processions.

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is the most “Brazilian” of all Spanish carnivals, renowned worldwide for its lively, popular spirit. For fifteen days, the city’s streets burst to life with joy and extravagant celebration. It’s the most important carnival in Europe and the second most important in the world (after Rio) no less.

As for Madeira Carnival, the energetic float parade in capital Funchal draws thousands of visitors and residents every year. More than a thousand participants in dazzling costumes join a dozen elaborately decorated floats, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

For a proper winter wonderland it’s Norway you want, and among the Saga cruises to Norway is the new Northern Lights and Arctic Circle voyage you can head right up into the Arctic Circle (brrr!) where you’ll enjoy an extended stay in Narvik.

Nestled between mountains and fjords, Narvik is a top spot for hiking and skiing. Originally developed as an ice-free port for Swedish iron mines, it serves as the starting point of the Ofoten Line, a scenic railway built in the late 1800s that passes WWII battle sites.

With Saga’s optional excursions you can hop aboard a scenic journey through winter landscapes on the Ofotbanen Railway, embark on a thrilling dogsledding adventure, and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Hey, perhaps you’ll even spot the celestial ballet from the deck of your Saga ship!

More wildlife awaits on Saga’s The Canary Islands and Ponta Delgada itinerary. São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago is a prime destination for whale and dolphin watching, with sperm whales, common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins commonly sighted.

There’s plenty for bird watchers, too. Fun fact: the endangered Azores bullfinch, one of the rarest birds in Europe is only found in the cloud forests of São Miguel (not that we can promise you’ll spot this little guy, but there are seabirds and migratory birds aplenty on the island.)

The waters teem with marine life over in the Canaries as well, with whale-watching a popular activity. Tenerife is your best bet – pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are often observed here – as well as Lanzarote. Depending on the season, you may also spot fin whales, minke whales and occasionally orcas.

Launched in 2019 and 2021, Saga’s boutique sister ships are designed exclusively for discerning travellers, with all prices in UK sterling. Each cruise departs from and returns to either Dover or Portsmouth, eliminating the need for flights. Guests enjoy an all-inclusive experience that includes unlimited wines, beers, premium spirits, soft drinks, shore excursions, Starlink Wi-Fi and gratuities.

Speciality dining is also included at no extra charge, providing a variety of culinary experiences in a relaxed setting. Additionally, every cruise features a return chauffeur service to the port or complimentary parking for those who prefer to drive.

Accommodating up to 987 guests, Saga’s boutique ships offer spacious cabins, inviting lounges, and expansive outdoor areas, including a lido deck and a wraparound promenade. Every cabin comes with a private balcony for your comfort and enjoyment.

Book early for 2026 to secure discounts of up to 35 percent, and take advantage of Saga’s Cruise Price Promise, which guarantees you the best price throughout the season. The line also offers a “Love your first cruise or your money back” offer – although we’re sure you’ll leave rave reviews with all these cool experiences up for grabs!

Call to book and to quote “Sailawaze” on 0808 304 8538”