With lots of Brits currently planning their 2026 holidays, a travel expert has warned of an easy mistake people make while booking cruises. More than 25 Ocean-crossing cruise ships will launch by 2027, meaning there will be more options than ever, but not all will be a dream getaway.

Mark Barton, cruise expert at Avanti Travel Insurance, has said many travellers are making a key mistake when booking their cruises - choosing popular lines without considering quieter alternatives that offer the same experience but without the stress. This week, searches for popular cruiselines like Royal Caribbean and MSC are up by 200% and 100%, according to the travel insurance company. Last year, Royal Caribbean reportedly had a total of 8.5 million passengers and MSC had 2.5 million. Larger cruise ships can feel busy, with some passengers saying they are "overcrowded" and "space is at an absolute premium". Liam also shared his top three destination dupes to maximise your paradise holiday while avoiding the chaos of more popular places.

The cruise expert recommends skipping the Caribbean and heading, instead, to the Sea of Cortez and Baja Peninsula. Located in Northern Mexico, the Sea of Cortez is also known as the Gulf of California. It is separated from the Pacific Ocean by the Baja Peninsula.

Known for its incredible marine life, peaceful natural parks, and charming local markets, Liam says this region gives you "a perfect balance of adventure and serenity".

Plus, visitors can experience authentic local cuisine like fish tacos and ceviche, all while enjoying the "tranquillity of less crowded shorelines".

Liam also recommends Vietnam as a spring cruise destination, offering "stunning landscapes with a slower pace" that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether you're hiking through lush jungles, kayaking across calm bays, or snorkelling in pristine coral reefs, Liam says Vietnam offers "all the beauty of more popular regions, but without the throngs of tourists".

The cruise expert finally suggests swapping Hawaii for its neighbour to the south, French Polynesia, which he called "a quieter, more exclusive alternative" with world-class snorkelling and stunning lagoons.

Islands like Bora Bora and Tahiti have beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fewer tourists. Liam said it is an "idyllic alternative" if you're looking for "a peaceful island escape with all the beauty, and none of the chaos".