Travel booking company Expedia just revealed a new wave of trending destinations based on data from millions of online searches. The new destinations of the year list is set to shape how travelers explore beyond well-known hot spots in 2026.
Among the top 10 trending destinations in Expedia’s Unpack ’26 travel trends report is Hobart, Australia, the capital of Tasmania. A historic and lively harbor city, Hobart is emerging as a must-visit spot for vibrant culture, creative cuisine, and scenic mountaintop views.
If Hobart and other popular destinations in Australia are on your radar for 2026 travel, you may want to consider an Australia cruise for a unique and convenient way to explore multiple destinations in the region.
Celebrity Cruises just kicked off a standout Australia cruise season from Sydney featuring voyages to Hobart and other sought-after destinations on board Celebrity Edge, one of the premium cruise line’s most innovative and elevated ships. A highlight of the season is a nine-night Australia wine journey along the eastern and southern coasts, which offers the chance to visit renowned vineyards across Hobart, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, and Melbourne.
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Celebrity Edge kicked off her Australia cruise season from Sydney on Oct. 20.Image source: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Edge offers immersive Australia and New Zealand cruises
Popular Celebrity Edge began her third Australia season on Oct. 20, offering travelers a refined way to explore destinations across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific on diverse cruise itineraries through April 2026.
The season includes 17 sailings departing from Sydney and Auckland, from short four-night escapes to immersive 14-night journeys. Seven of the itineraries are dedicated to exploring New Zealand, including a festive 13-night holiday cruise featuring visits to New Zealand’s breathtaking fjords, along with seven port stops across the North and South Islands.
Related: Celebrity Cruises expands cruise options in Europe, Alaska, Japan
To elevate their adventures in port, passengers can choose from 54 new and exclusive shore excursions, including a brand-new selection of experiences in Newcastle, where Celebrity Edge will make its first-ever port call in December.
Celebrity Edge enriches voyages with premium onboard experiences
On board Celebrity Edge, travelers can enhance their voyages with sophisticated dining, entertainment, and spa experiences. The ship boasts 29 bars, restaurants, and lounges, plus more than 120 spa treatments and Broadway-quality production shows.
Designed to better connect passengers with the sea and the regions they sail through, Celebrity Edge features spaces that offer more expansive views like the standout Magic Carpet, the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform at sea.
Related: Celebrity Cruises’ new ship will be an entertainment destination
“With its revolutionary, outward-facing design, Celebrity Edge has been a game changer for the cruise industry — offering guests premium travel with enriching experiences and culinary journeys,” said Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge. “Sailings on Celebrity Edge are much more than just a vacation, and we’re thrilled to welcome her back to these waters for a third season — providing immersive experiences that showcase all this incredible region has to offer.”
Celebrity Edge’s Magic Carpet offers an extraordinary way to take in the scenery on a cruise.Image source: Celebrity Cruises
Upgraded Celebrity Solstice will sail reimagined cruises in the region for 2026-2027
Celebrity Cruises showcased its commitment to Australia with its first-ever consecutive port days in Sydney Harbour as Celebrity Solstice arrived in port on Oct. 21 after Celebrity Edge departed on an 11-night journey to the Great Barrier Reef.
Celebrity Solstice will return to the region to sail a series of Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific cruises for the 2026-2027 season, after undergoing major updates as part of the cruise line’s Solstice Series $250 million modernization project. The ship will receive a bow to stern refresh that will add eight new experiences, including four new-to-sea spaces.
Related: Celebrity Cruises plans massive ship upgrades
For the 2026-2027 cruise season, Celebrity Solstice will offer a range of itineraries including a 13-night Best of New Zealand cruise, 10-night Australia wine voyage, and a 12-night South Pacific adventure. As they sail through the region, travelers will experience a reimagined Celebrity cruise vacation with reinvented outdoor escapes, new dining and entertainment options, and new stateroom categories.
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Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Oct 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
