If you’re a healthcare worker dreaming of the perfect escape, NHS cruise holidays for 2025 and 2026 offer an incredible opportunity to unwind, explore the world and enjoy luxury travel at great value. Cruises continue to be a favourite among NHS staff, especially as more people look for all-inclusive, stress-free holidays where everything is taken care of.
The cruise industry has introduced new itineraries, upgraded ships and better onboard experiences for 2025/2026 — making this the perfect time to book. At NHS Discount Offers, we’re here to help you get the best value possible with curated offers, promotions and expert savings tips.
Before you set sail, you may want to secure accommodation for your departure or return nights using our Booking.com discounts, helping you save even more.
Yes — every cruise holiday featured below includes some form of discount, whether that’s early-booking savings, seasonal deals, free upgrades or package extras. Not all cruise lines offer dedicated NHS-only discounts for 2025/2026, but many promote value-added deals that NHS staff can use.
Brands such as TUI historically offer generous promotions, and while their Help for Heroes Holiday scheme changes yearly, strong cruise discounts still appear throughout the season.
Top savings NHS staff can expect in 2025/2026 include:
Free or reduced cabin upgrades
Onboard credit to spend on dining, drinks and excursions
Low-deposit booking options
All-inclusive packages for easy budgeting
Kids-go-free or reduced child fares on selected sailings
If you’re also looking for general holiday savings, our Thomas Cook discount page provides helpful extra options for NHS staff.
Finding a discount on NHS Cruise Holidays is simple when using our up-to-date cruise guides. Each linked article below includes:
Active NHS and general discount codes
2025/2026 cruise itineraries
Tips on saving money on cabins, drinks packages and shore excursions
Details on free upgrades and seasonal price drops
Early-bird vs last-minute booking advice
As cruise lines release new ships and routes for 2026, we expect to see more exclusive promotions — so checking back frequently is highly recommended.
And if you regularly book holidays or short breaks, our Opodo savings page may help you compare deals before you commit to your cruise.
Below is the full list of cruise holidays with current offers. Click through for details.
Marella Cruises remain a top pick for NHS staff thanks to their incredible all-inclusive value. Updates for 2025/2026 include:
New Mediterranean and Atlantic itineraries
More overnight port stays
Enhanced family entertainment and childcare options
Upgraded menus across restaurants
Greener and more fuel-efficient ships
For NHS staff looking for low-stress holidays where budgeting is predictable, Marella’s all-inclusive drinks and dining make them a standout option.
If you’re also exploring alternative holiday brands, see our First Choice Holidays guide for additional travel savings.
TUI Cruises’ “Mein Schiff” fleet continues to evolve with:
Expanded wellness and spa zones
New speciality restaurants
Updated theatre shows and live entertainment
All-inclusive dining and drinks included as standard
Their 2025/2026 itineraries also include more immersive shore excursions focused on cultural and environmental experiences — perfect for healthcare staff who want travel with meaning.
The Marella Voyager offers fresh experiences for the 2025/2026 season, including:
New themed dining evenings
Destination-inspired onboard activities
Expanded adult-only quiet zones
Refreshed entertainment across lounges and theatres
Its new itineraries feature more time ashore, giving NHS workers a chance to explore at a slower, more enjoyable pace.
The Marella Explorer continues to impress with:
Upgraded spa treatments and wellness areas
Larger pool and sun deck zones
Improved kids clubs and teen lounges
Wider restaurant and bar choices
For those planning a big 2026 adventure, the Explorer now offers multi-region cruises covering several continents — ideal for NHS staff saving annual leave for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Caribbean cruises are a huge trend going into 2025/2026, offering NHS workers guaranteed sunshine and relaxation. Highlights include:
Sailings to Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic
New eco-friendly shore excursions
Sunset and wildlife tours
Upgraded dine-around packages
With year-round warm weather, Caribbean cruises offer the ultimate escape from long shifts and cold UK winters.
If you’re thinking about long-haul travel options, our British Airways flight savings page may also help with connecting flights to cruise departure ports.
Cruise lines are adopting greener fuels, reducing emissions, and launching more hybrid and LNG-powered ships.
Ships built for 2026 feature enhanced onboard medical suites — reassuring for many NHS professionals.
New app-based systems make embarkation quicker and queue-free.
Cruise companies now offer easier cancellation, low deposits and flexible payment plans.
Wellbeing, fitness, food, music and culture-focused cruises are increasing in popularity.
Our cruise deals are updated regularly and every offer has a clear expiry date. As cruise lines release new 2026 itineraries, fresh discounts are added throughout the year.
If you don’t see a deal today, keep checking — cruise promotions often appear without notice, especially during sales events and new-ship launches.
From relaxing Caribbean escapes to culture-rich European voyages, our cruise category is updated frequently to help NHS staff find the best value possible. With new ships, upgraded itineraries and more offers launching each month, 2025/2026 is shaping up to be an incredible time to book your next adventure.