October cruises in 2027up to -47%

Where do October 2027 cruises go?

October is one of the most versatile months on the cruise calendar. The Mediterranean Sea is the most popular region in October 2027, with the Western Mediterranean also well represented — warm ports, long evenings and ships that sail right up to the end of the month. Japan runs it close, making October one of the best months to see the country by sea. South East Asia, Australia and Transatlantic crossings all feature strongly too, giving you a wide range of options whether you want a classic European escape or something further afield.

Sailings range from 4 nights to 60 nights, with a median of around 10 nights — long enough to cover real ground, short enough to keep costs manageable. Both round trips and one-way voyages are available, and a meaningful share of sailings are one-way, so always check the end port before you book. If your voyage finishes somewhere other than where you boarded, we can sort the flight home as part of the same booking.

Close to home — South East Asia and Australia

For those who prefer to keep things closer to home, October 2027 offers a solid range of sailings around Australia and through South East Asia. Australian departures are a genuine option, and if you happen to be near the embarkation port, you can board without a flight at all. From another state, a short domestic connection is all it takes — far simpler than a long-haul journey to a foreign port. Cruising around Australia in 2027 is especially popular with those who want to see their own country from the water, and Princess Cruises’ Australia season brings some excellent options in this region.

South East Asia itineraries in October tend to be one-way voyages, often beginning in one port and finishing in another city entirely. We handle the domestic or international flight at either end, along with any hotels you need before or after the cruise, so nothing is left as a loose end.

The long haul — the Mediterranean, Japan, Transatlantic and beyond

The majority of October 2027 sailings head to destinations that require a flight from Australia, and those itineraries are where the most variety lies.

Mediterranean Sea and Western Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is the single most popular region for October 2027, and it is easy to see why — the ports are busy through summer, but October brings a quieter rhythm without losing the warmth. Sailings depart from Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Rotterdam, among others. Many of these itineraries are one-way, ending in a different port from where they started — Barcelona, Civitavecchia and Piraeus (Athens) all feature as disembarkation points. We can book your return flight from whichever city your voyage ends in, along with a hotel for the night before or after.

Japan

October is one of the most rewarding months to visit Japan, and the sailing options reflect that. Yokohama (Tokyo) features as a disembarkation port for several itineraries, making it straightforward to combine a cruise with time in the city. Japan sailings are predominantly one-way voyages, so if you are flying in and out of different cities, we put both flights on the same booking alongside the cruise itself. You can explore our full range of Japan cruises to compare itineraries.

Transatlantic

October is a classic season for Transatlantic crossings, when ships reposition from European summer seasons towards the Americas. These are almost always one-way voyages — great for those who want to combine a European stay with a cruise, arriving on one continent and disembarking on another. Rotterdam is a common departure point for these repositioning sailings. We book the flights, hotels and transfers at both ends as a single package.

Norway

A smaller but well-regarded group of sailings heads to Norway in October. The fjords in autumn offer a different character to summer — fewer crowds, dramatic low light and the first chances of seeing the northern lights on longer itineraries. Most Norway sailings depart from European ports, so a flight to the embarkation port is the starting point, and we handle that too.

Also sailing in October 2027

Beyond the main regions, sailings also operate along the USA West Coast and into the Mexican Riviera. Los Angeles and San Diego both feature as departure points for West Coast itineraries, with some sailings heading south through the Mexican Riviera. Vancouver also features as a port for some itineraries in this region. These sailings suit those who want to combine a US trip with a cruise, and we can wrap the flights and hotels around it.

Which cruise lines sail in October 2027?

Several major lines are well represented across October 2027 departures. Viking River Cruises leads the field in terms of available sailings, with a strong programme across European rivers — though note that river sailings make up only a very small portion of the total, with the vast majority being ocean voyages. MSC Cruises has a large range of ocean sailings, predominantly in the Mediterranean. Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines both bring strong options across multiple regions. Viking Ocean Cruises offers a more intimate, destination-focused style of ocean cruising. AmaWaterways covers European river itineraries for those after a different pace entirely.

Other lines sailing in October include Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and Cunard, among others. The full range of cruises available covers a broad spread of price points and travel styles.

What are the itineraries like?

October 2027 sailings come in two shapes: round trips and one-way voyages. Both are well represented in the range, and a significant share are one-way — meaning the ship boards in one port and disembarks in another. This is especially common on Transatlantic repositioning sailings and on longer Japan and South East Asia itineraries. Always check whether your chosen sailing returns to its departure port, and if it does not, we can book the connecting flight home as part of your package.

Trip lengths run from short breaks of 4 nights through to extended voyages of up to 60 nights, with a typical sailing coming in around 10 nights. That middle range suits a two-week holiday well — enough time to call at several ports without the commitment of a month-long voyage.

What do October cruise deals look like?

A good share of October 2027 sailings carry reduced fares, and several hundred include all-inclusive pricing. Fare structures vary by cruise line — some bundle drinks, Wi-Fi and dining into the headline price, while others offer these as add-ons. Our cruise experts help you read past the headline number to understand what each fare actually covers, which is where the real value comparison happens.

Fare types vary by line. Royal Caribbean regularly runs fare types such as last-minute offers and early booking bonuses, while Princess Cruises offers its Princess Plus package — covering casual dining, beverages, MedallionNet Wi-Fi, crew appreciation and reserved theatre seating — alongside its standard base fare. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a Free at Sea package that includes a speciality dining package, Wi-Fi, a premium beverage package and shore excursion credits, or a base fare for those who prefer to pay as they go. It is worth comparing fare tiers before you book: the all-in options often represent strong value once you account for what is bundled.

Which ships are sailing in October 2027?

Several well-known ships sail in October 2027. Below are the ones we have detailed information on — each with something distinct to offer.

MSC Divina

Sophia Loren named MSC Divina, and her influence is visible throughout the ship — from the Swarovski crystal staircase to the Italian-crafted piazza that anchors the interior. The Infinity Pool at the stern is designed so that the water appears to merge with the ocean behind it, which makes for a striking sea-day setting. Evening entertainment covers a wide range: Broadway-style shows, the casino and a 4D cinema give you plenty to fill a fortnight at sea.

MSC Divina cabin grades

• Deluxe Inside Cabin Fantastica — 16 m², sleeps 4. Three square metres larger than the standard inside cabin, giving noticeably more room for luggage and movement on longer sailings.
• Premium Ocean View Fantastica — 20 m², sleeps 4. A window looking directly out to sea adds natural light and an unobstructed view.
• Balcony Aurea — 18 m², sleeps 4. A private outdoor space for breakfast or a sundowner, which inside and ocean-view guests don’t have.
• Premium Suite Aurea — 33 m², sleeps 4. A full balcony suite with your own outdoor terrace.
• MSC Yacht Club Executive & Family Suite — 40 m², sleeps 4. Separate lounge, dining room and walk-in wardrobe — and access to the exclusive Yacht Club private areas of the ship.

See the full range of options on the MSC Divina cabins and deck plans page.

MSC Euribia

MSC Euribia was christened by Sophia Loren in Copenhagen, which sets the tone for a ship that carries a genuine sense of occasion. The Carousel Lounge hosts live music every night, with guest artists rotating each sailing — so repeat voyagers genuinely get a different experience. A touchscreen wine explorer at the Helios Wine Bar lets you navigate grape varieties and regions at your own pace, which is a satisfying way to spend a sea day.

For cabin options on MSC Euribia, see the MSC Euribia cabins and deck plans page.

MSC Preziosa

MSC Preziosa announces itself from the moment you board — crystal staircases and an Italianate piazza set the aesthetic immediately. Sea days are well catered for: a 120-metre waterslide, 4D cinema, Formula 1 simulator and Broadway-style shows cover a wide range of tastes. For those who want something quieter and more exclusive, the Yacht Club offers a private butler, dedicated pool and gourmet dining as a ship within a ship.

Cabin grades and layouts are detailed on the MSC Preziosa cabins and deck plans page.

What cabin grades are available on MSC ships?

Across MSC’s October 2027 sailings, cabin grades typically run from inside cabins at the entry level through ocean-view and balcony grades, up to suite categories including the exclusive Yacht Club. The Yacht Club is MSC’s ship-within-a-ship concept — a private section of the vessel with its own pool, restaurant, lounge and concierge. See individual ship pages for the exact grades and sizes available on each vessel.

Queen Elizabeth

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth carries the Art Deco glamour of a golden era — chandeliers, a sweeping promenade deck and a formal atmosphere that sets it apart from most contemporary ships. Dining is graded by cabin: Britannia, Princess Grill or Queens Grill restaurants assign you a table that matches your accommodation, so the service and menu scale with what you have booked. The Royal Court Theatre hosts production shows in the evenings, and the Queens Room ballroom is still used for proper ballroom dancing, which is a rarity at sea.

Full cabin details are on the Queen Elizabeth cabins and deck plans page.

Azura

P&O Cruises’ Azura completed a full interior renewal in 2025, so the restaurants, bars and cabins are all freshly refitted. The 800-seat Playhouse puts on West End-quality aerial acrobatics as its headline act, and the SeaScreen — an outdoor cinema on the pool deck — is a popular spot on warm evenings. The Glass House offers wine pairings curated by TV wine expert Olly Smith, which makes for a more considered approach to drinking at sea than a standard bar menu.

Azura cabin grades

• Larger Inside Cabin OB — 15 m², sleeps 2. Situated exclusively on Riviera Deck, making it easy to find your bearings on a large ship.
• Sea View Cabin LB — 15 m², sleeps 2. Natural light and an unobstructed sea view, everything an inside cabin offers plus an outlook onto the water.
• Superior Deluxe Balcony Cabin DA — 29 m², sleeps 2. A private balcony with open sea views — personal outdoor space that inside and sea-view cabins cannot offer.
• Penthouse Suite A1 — 69 m², sleeps 2. The largest suite on the ship, with a full separate lounge area and significantly more living space than standard suites.

Full layout details are available on the Azura cabins and deck plans page.

Seabourn Ovation

Seabourn Ovation is built for guests who want classical luxury rather than resort-style volume. Elegant dining is complementary throughout, which means there are no cover charges to navigate — everything is included in the fare. The Grand Wintergarden Suite is the standout grade: at approximately 115 m² it includes a separate bedroom, a generous living area, a full kitchen with bar, and a private hot tub on the balcony. See the Seabourn Ovation cabins and deck plans for the full range.

MSC Orchestra

MSC Orchestra is a well-established ship in the MSC fleet, sailing a range of Mediterranean and international itineraries in October 2027. For cabin layouts and grade details, see the MSC Orchestra cabins and deck plans page.

Also sailing in October 2027

Several other ships operate October 2027 itineraries. Queen Mary 2 is Cunard’s flagship and the only purpose-built ocean liner currently in service — her Transatlantic crossing programme in autumn is a genuine event for those who want to cross the Atlantic the traditional way. You can explore cabin options on the Queen Mary 2 cabins and deck plans page. The Cunard 2027–2028 world cruise season is also worth exploring if you are considering a longer voyage that spans the October window.

Viking Sky operates ocean sailings as part of the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet, with a style that prioritises destination immersion and a quieter, adults-focused onboard atmosphere. Cabin options are listed on the Viking Sky cabins and deck plans page. Nieuw Statendam sails for Holland America Line — a mid-size ship with a strong music and culinary programme across its sailings. Full details are on the Nieuw Statendam cabins and deck plans page.

The Royal Beach Club Lelepa is a destination worth knowing about if you are considering a Royal Caribbean itinerary in this part of the world. And if you are weighing up a voyage that calls at Sydney, our Sydney cruise port page covers what to expect at embarkation and disembarkation.

How do I make the most of a one-way sailing?

A meaningful share of October 2027 sailings are one-way voyages rather than round trips. This is worth understanding before you book, because it means the ship does not return to its departure port. On Transatlantic crossings, for example, you might board in Rotterdam and disembark in a North American city, or the reverse. Japan sailings may finish in Yokohama rather than returning to the port of departure.

The upside is that a one-way voyage lets you cover far more ground — you are not retracing your route. The practical consideration is the return journey, and that is where we help: we book the flight home from your disembarkation port, along with any overnight hotel you need, as part of the same booking. Nothing is left as a problem to solve after you disembark.

Make it a full holiday

Most October 2027 sailings depart from ports in Europe, Asia, the United States and beyond. That means a flight is the natural starting point for most travellers — and we book it as part of the same package. Our DreamAway Packages bring together your cruise, return flights, pre- or post-cruise hotels, transfers and tours into one booking, so you have a single point of contact from departure to return. If you prefer to build your own itinerary, our cruise experts can put the components together in whatever combination works for you. We can also add travel insurance, so the whole trip is covered under one policy.

If your sailing departs from an Australian port and you happen to live nearby, you can board without a flight at all. From elsewhere in the country, a short domestic leg gets you there — our team handles that connection too, so you are not left to piece it together separately.

Whether you are comparing cabin grades on MSC Divina or deciding between a Princess Plus fare and a standard booking on Princess Cruises, our cruise experts know the detail that makes a difference. They can explain what each fare tier actually covers, which cabin grade suits a two-week voyage, and where you are better off booking all-inclusive versus paying for extras as you go. That kind of advice is what you get from a specialist — and it is free.

Are there river cruises in October 2027?

Yes, though river sailings make up only a very small part of the total programme. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways both operate European river itineraries departing in October — routes along rivers including the Danube tend to be at their most atmospheric in autumn, with harvest festivals and quieter ports. These are quite different in character from ocean sailings: smaller ships, closer to the towns you visit, and a more intimate pace. If you are weighing up river versus ocean, our team can talk you through the differences and help you decide which suits you better.

Cruises from Sydney in October — what are my options?

Sydney is one of the disembarkation ports listed for October 2027 sailings, and a handful of itineraries also depart from Australian waters. Cruises from Sydney in October 2027 cover both round trips around the coast and longer one-way voyages heading into the Pacific or South East Asia. If your sailing ends in Sydney rather than starting there, the city is an easy place to spend a night or two before flying home — and we can book that hotel as part of your package. For sailings that continue beyond October, the November cruises programme picks up where this one leaves off, with a similar spread of regions and lines.

If you prefer the flexibility of a September departure — perhaps to take advantage of an earlier availability window — cruises from Brisbane in September offer a useful alternative starting point. And for those open to a broader season view, our spring cruises collection covers the wider shoulder-season programme across all months.

Planning further ahead? The Sydney to New Zealand route is perennially popular and worth bookmarking alongside your October search. You can also explore the broader Australia cruise range or browse cheap cruises if budget is the primary filter.