NEW HORIZONS FOR GROUPS
Discover the World: 5 Exciting New Destinations for Group Cruising in 2027
Sail Together, Explore Deeper and Discover Remarkable Places Beyond the Familiar
The right emerging itinerary gives a group fresh experiences to share while the ship remains a familiar place to reconnect.
Which Destinations Should Groups Watch for 2027?
Look toward the South Pacific for island discovery, Greenland and the Arctic for dramatic scenery, Africa and the Indian Ocean for culture and nature, smaller Mediterranean ports for quieter exploration and Latin American routes with Patagonia or Antarctic extensions for big landscapes. Choose according to the group’s pace, budget and appetite for complex travel.
MEET THE PERSON BEHIND THE ADVICE
Meet Captain Chuck
Chuck Lund is the founder of America’s Best Cruises and a retired Captain with over 35 years of experience taking care of his guests. He brings the same attention to planning, communication and detail to helping groups turn an exciting destination idea into a trip people can realistically join and genuinely enjoy.
His goal is simple: match the adventure to the people taking it. A spectacular 2027 itinerary only works if the flights, total cost, time away, activity level and pace fit the group. Chuck helps sort through those tradeoffs early, then protects a few meaningful shared experiences while leaving travelers room to explore in their own way. Whether the group dreams about South Pacific lagoons, Arctic scenery, Mediterranean villages or the landscapes of Patagonia, the destination should create anticipation — not pressure. The best group journey is the one people are still talking about years after everyone comes home.
“I treat every guest like family because that's what these trips are all about.”
WATCH
Best Destinations for an Unforgettable Group Trip
Destination choice shapes the cost, pace and personality of the entire cruise.
The best new destination is the one your group can experience comfortably together.
WHY LOOK BEYOND THE USUAL?
New Places Create a Stronger Shared Story
Fresh Discovery
The group experiences somewhere that may be new to nearly everyone.
Natural Connection
Remarkable places give travelers easy conversation and shared memories.
More Variety
Culture, scenery, wildlife and sea days can coexist in one journey.
A Meaningful Occasion
A distinctive route can transform a reunion into a landmark trip.
DESTINATION 1
The South Pacific
Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Vanuatu offer brilliant water, forested landscapes and island communities beyond the most familiar tropical routes.
These sailings suit groups that value scenic sea days, relaxed exploration and a feeling of genuine discovery.
Best For
- Island and lagoon scenery
- Culture and community experiences
- A mix of active and relaxed days
- Travelers comfortable with longer flights
- Groups that enjoy sea days
DESTINATION 2
Greenland and the Arctic
Fjords, glaciers, remote coastlines and long summer light create a cruise defined by scale and wonder.
Expedition-style operations can require more flexibility, mobility awareness and weather tolerance than a conventional sailing.
Consider Carefully
- Expedition activity levels
- Cold-weather clothing needs
- Weather-dependent schedules
- Smaller-ship cabin choices
- Flights and embarkation logistics
DESTINATION 3
Africa and the Indian Ocean
Routes combining African coastal cities, Madagascar, the Seychelles and smaller Indian Ocean islands can bring culture, wildlife and beautiful sea days into one journey.
Coastal Cities
Markets, architecture and guided local experiences broaden the itinerary.
Remarkable Landscapes
Distinct ecosystems make each port feel different from the last.
Balanced Sea Days
Time aboard can provide needed rest between ambitious shore plans.
Complex Logistics
Flights, entry rules and excursion timing deserve early attention.
DESTINATION 4
Mediterranean Beyond the Big Cities
Smaller Adriatic harbors, Albania, Montenegro, coastal villages and less-visited islands offer another side of a familiar region.
This is a strong option for groups that want history, food and scenery without making every day revolve around a famous capital.
Why It Works
- Distinctive smaller ports
- Walkable historic areas
- Regional food and culture
- Scenic coastal arrivals
- Easy pairing with major gateway cities
DESTINATION 5
Latin America With Patagonia or Antarctic Extensions
Chilean fjords, Patagonia and remote southern landscapes can turn the cruise into one part of a broader land-and-sea journey.
Pre- or post-cruise stays add depth, but also require more time, budget flexibility and coordinated transportation.
Plan Around
- Long international travel days
- Seasonal weather
- Hotel nights and transfers
- Extension activity levels
- Travel-document requirements
MATCH THE DESTINATION
Start With What the Group Wants to Feel
South Pacific
Choose islands, water and an unhurried rhythm.
Arctic or Patagonia
Make scenery and remote landscapes the main event.
Africa or Mediterranean
Build days around history, communities and regional character.
Extended Journey
Combine a cruise with a carefully planned land stay.
HOW TO MAKE IT WORK
Turn Excitement Into a Realistic Group Plan
Match the Pace
Choose activity levels that work for the actual travelers.
Reserve Early
Distinctive itineraries and preferred cabins can be limited.
Balance the Days
Mix shared activities with rest and independent time.
Plan the Logistics
Coordinate flights, hotels, transfers and documents early.
THE REAL-COST CHECK
Compare the Entire Journey—not Just the Cruise Fare
International Air
Remote gateways can materially affect the total budget.
Arrival Nights
Extra time before sailing may be wise or necessary.
Signature Experiences
Special destinations often reward advance reservations.
Longer Commitment
Travel days and extensions increase time away from home.
BEFORE THE GROUP COMMITS
Ask the Questions That Protect Attendance
A spectacular itinerary only works when the people who matter can comfortably join it. Test the plan against real budgets, schedules and travel preferences before holding cabins.
Confirm
- Comfortable total budget
- Available vacation time
- International flight tolerance
- Desired activity level
- Mobility and access needs
- Interest in pre- or post-cruise stays
DISCOVERY WITHOUT OVERPLANNING
Protect a Few Shared Moments and Leave Room to Explore
One signature excursion, a welcome meal and a final gathering can connect the experience without turning every day into a mandatory schedule.
The destination creates the wonder; thoughtful planning gives everyone room to experience it their way.
CURIOUS WHETHER A NEWER DESTINATION COULD BE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR GROUP?
Tell Captain Chuck About Your Travelers
Tell us roughly who may travel, where everyone is coming from, the budget range and what kind of experience would excite the group. You do not need the destination, ship or exact dates picked out yet. We’ll help compare newer itinerary ideas against the practical needs of the people going so the trip feels fresh and memorable without becoming harder to organize than it needs to be.
