Our interactive calendar maps over 40 global festivals and events, aligning them with Odysia’s 2026/27 cruise itineraries. Explore destinations by month, category, or interest, from music and food festivals to heritage and art fairs and see which sailings coincide with the world’s biggest cultural moments.
From the dazzling colours of Rio Carnival to the timeless elegance of the Venice Biennale, and from Japan’s cherry blossom season to the vibrant lights of Diwali, our new calendar turns cruise planning into a cultural adventure, helping travellers time their holidays around once-in-a-lifetime global experiences.
Cultural Calendar at Sea
Event title
Browse relevant cruisesHighlights include:
February: Carnival Season in Rio de Janeiro, Venice, and Tenerife
Experience the world’s most iconic carnivals, from Rio’s samba-charged parades to Venice’s masked balls and Tenerife’s vibrant street celebrations. Each festival is paired with its closest cruise port to help travellers sail straight into the heart of the festivities.
April: Cherry Blossom Season Across Japan’s Cruise Ports
Sakura season transforms Japan’s coastline into a pastel landscape of blooming cherry trees. Key cruise ports such as Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kyoto (via Osaka) offer easy access to the most celebrated hanami viewing spots.
June: Midsummer Festivals Across Scandinavia and the Baltics
Celebrate the longest days of the year with traditional bonfires, folk music, and local feasts. Ports in Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Latvia give guests front-row access to these magical Nordic celebrations.
August: Edinburgh Festival Fringe & Notting Hill Carnival (UK)
The world’s largest arts festival takes over Edinburgh, while London’s Notting Hill comes alive with Caribbean culture, music, and parades. Nearby ports like South Queensferry (Edinburgh) and Southampton make planning a culture-rich UK cruise effortless.
December: European Christmas Markets & Sydney’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Sail into the festive season with Europe’s charming Christmas markets, glühwein, crafts, and winter lights just steps from major cruise terminals. Then welcome the new year under Sydney’s world-famous fireworks, easily reached via the city’s bustling harbour port.