December is the best time of the year to plan your next holiday. Caroline O’Toole, head of cruises and luxury holidays at JWT Travel, shares her top favourites to inspire your memorable travel experiences for 2026.
Ocean adventures
“With so many stunning ships launched this year and new ones arriving in 2026, ocean cruising is still top of our clients’ favourite travel experiences and something we are experts on,” says Caroline.
Whether guests are looking to experience the big thrills of a mega ship with all the amenities onboard or the intimate feel of a small ship voyage or yacht cruise, there is a wide range of travel styles available, and the JWT Cruises award-winning team will help you find the perfect one for you.
River cruises
River cruising is ideal for guests looking for a holiday with a big focus on culture and gastronomy, travelling to the heart of each city, onboard small intimate ships that feel like a floating boutique hotel.
These are some of the hottest trends in river cruising:
Festive river cruises over Christmas and New Year, sailing classic waterways take you to Europe’s more charming Christmas markets, and now is the time to book for 2026.
Porto and the Douro Valley in Portugal, with its terraced vineyards and supreme food, is fast becoming one of the new favourite destinations in river cruising in Europe.
Beyond Europe, the Mekong River, meandering through Vietnam and Cambodia, is in high demand and a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. This river cruise can be combined with land tours to make it an unforgettable holiday.
Luxury escapes
The JWT Travel team in Galway also specialise in luxury holidays, with Maldives being one of the top exotic destinations. “It is the ultimate paradise, an idyllic escape for couples and honeymoons,” says Caroline. “In Europe, some of the top luxury resorts have to be Ikos and Sani Resorts in Greece and Spain, stunning properties in beautiful coastal settings and featuring world class sports and activities for the whole family.”
And if you are looking for something really special for next Christmas, now is the time to book your trip to see Santa in Lapland.
Visit JWT Cruises on Upper Salthill Road, open from Monday to Saturday. No appointment is required.
JWT Travel is licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority TA 0804 TO 273.
To talk to the team about your travel idea, contact JWT Cruises at [email protected], phone 091 394484.
