The cold winter months can lead many of us to dream about getting away. So why not think about a cruise? Not only can you see multiple different places while cruising, but you can relax and unwind on board, taking full advantage of your ship’s service and amenities. And there are all kinds of fabulous destinations to choose from.
The dark days might have you dreaming of sun, sea, and sand. Or perhaps they’re inspiring you to embrace the season, and visit destinations that are known for their snow-swathed landscapes or bustling Christmas markets. Whatever type of holiday you’re thinking about, there are some places that shine more than others during the winter months.
So, to get you inspired, here are 10 of the best destinations for a winter cruise.
1. Northern Europe
If you want to get into the festive spirit and don’t fancy travelling long distances, a Northern Europe cruise could be perfect. Sailing across the North Sea, usually directly from the UK, these cruises take you to some of the continent’s most beautiful and characterful cities. Amsterdam, Bruges, Hamburg, and Rotterdam are often on the agenda, and each boasts their own charm, culture, history, and cuisine. It’ll be cold, but wrapping up and getting cosy is part of the fun.
Plus, during the winter months, few places in the world are more festive. You can visit Hamburg’s famous Christmas market, picking up quirky gifts from the artisan stalls, sipping hot spiced gluhwein (mulled wine), and tucking into traditional lebkuchen (gingerbread). Bruges’ own market is just as good, and this fairytale-like city is a joy to explore. In Amsterdam, you can lose yourself in the maze of cobbled streets and tranquil canals, soaking up the culture of one of Europe’s most iconic cities.
2. The Caribbean
If you’re seeking warmth and sunlight, there’s one place that really stands out. The Caribbean is the quintessential winter sun destination; the perfect antidote to the cold, dark days. Temperatures hover around the mid 20s, nights are pleasantly cool, and the crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. The famously pristine white sand beaches are also perfect for kicking back on – and then there’s the fabulously fresh seafood and delicious cocktails!
If you’re not fussed about hitting the beach, or you want to get active on your holiday, there are all kinds of activities to try. You can hike through the islands’ tropical forests, zip-line through the treetops, go birdwatching or wildlife spotting, or explore charming colonial towns. Popular destinations include Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. Or, for something a bit different, why not consider a cruise to Colombia’s Caribbean coast or the Mexican Riviera?
3. Canary Islands, Spain
Another destination for sun-seekers – but one that’s more affordable and closer to home – is Spain’s Canary Islands. While it doesn’t usually get too hot in winter, temperatures hover around the low 20s, so it’s still warm enough to hit the beach. Many cruises to Spain and Portugal stop in the Canaries, but this volcanic archipelago is so diverse, it’s worth taking a dedicated cruise. Each of these seven islands offers something different, but all are packed with culture, history, and natural beauty.
The largest island, Tenerife, has excellent hiking trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to trek to the top of Mount Teide; the views from the summit are sensational. The soft, sandy coastline of Fuerteventura is a dream for beach-lovers, and the national parks are great for escaping the crowds. History buffs can enjoy exploring the cobbled streets and pretty old town of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria’s capital, while wine enthusiasts will have fun touring Lazarote’s excellent vineyards.
4. Norway
While heading to sunnier climes is a great way to beat the chill, it’s not the only option. Another way to tackle winter is to embrace it and enjoy it – and on a cruise to Norway, you can do just that. The Norwegian coast is beautiful throughout the year, but in winter, where you can gaze out at twinkling lights and snow-blanketed mountains, it’s particularly breathtaking. The weather will be cold, but almost all of Norway’s coast remains ice-free, so cruising is a great way to explore.
A Norway cruise allows you to try all kinds of winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or dog-sledding. Nature lovers will be blown away by the Norwegian fjords, which are arguably at their most dazzling when the sun reflects off the ice. Winter is the best time to spot the Northern Lights too – and seeing these lights dance across the sky is something you won’t forget. And, if you want to get cosy, you’re in the right place; after all, Norwegians are the experts on hygge.
5. Australia and New Zealand
In the southern hemisphere, the winter months mean summer, so if you’ve always dreamed of visiting Australia and New Zealand, it’s a great time to go. While the centre and north of Australia may be too hot for an extended visit, the eastern and southern edges of the country enjoy gorgeous weather, and temperatures in Sydney and Melbourne hover around the high 20s. The further north you go, the hotter it gets – so why not cool off by snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef?
New Zealand also sees its warmest weather at this time of year, but temperatures rarely go over 30°C – so it’s not too hot. And the long, sunny days are perfect for exploring New Zealand’s famously beautiful landscape. You can marvel at the rugged fjords and snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alp, swim in the azure waters between the North and South Islands, and hike in the peaceful Marlborough region. Cities like Wellington, Napier, and Dunedin are packed with culture too.
6. Central and South America
If you’re drawn to Latin America, winter is a wonderful time to visit. Because this part of the world is big and diverse, visiting on a cruise makes sense. You’ll see more than you would on a traditional holiday and, as winter marks the start of the dry season in Central America, your excursions won’t get rained off. You can explore Guatemala’s colourful colonial towns and Mayan temples, unwind on the beach in Belize, be awed by Costa Rica’s jungles and biodiversity, and cruise through the Panama Canal.
In South America, conditions are equally lovely. Coastal cities like Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and Argentina’s Buenos Aires buzz under the summer sun, so soaking up the local culture is even more enjoyable. At the very tip of the continent is Patagonia, a vast, rugged wilderness that’s famous for its desolately beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife. If you’ve always wanted to visit, winter is the best time to enjoy peak temperatures and longish days.
7. Southeast Asia
When it comes to cuisine, culture, natural beauty, and history, Southeast Asia is one of the most exciting regions in the world. But, in summer, it’s usually hot, humid, and often downright uncomfortable. A winter cruise allows you to make the most of your time here, travelling vast distances in comfort, and enjoying sunny days that are warm but not scorching. Plus, you won’t get caught in the torrential downpours of the rainy season!
You can choose an ocean cruise to countries like Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Whether it’s touring food markets in Bangkok and sampling the local cuisine, or marvelling at the idyllic peaks and coves of Vietnam’s Halong Bay, there’s so much to see and do. But you might also want to think about a river cruise. The Mekong River winds through some of the most spectacular parts of Vietnam and Cambodia, and you’ll cruise past emerald rice fields, mirror-like lakes, and sultry jungles.
8. The Middle East
From the ancient history of Egypt’s Valley of the Kings to the futuristic architecture of Dubai – not to mention the otherworldly charm of Jordan’s Petra and the natural beauty of Oman – cruises to the Middle East are packed with treasures. This part of the world boasts rich history, captivating culture, delicious cuisine, and modern luxury, so there’s something for everyone. It’s a land cloaked in intrigue and mystery – but, on a cruise, you’ll uncover many of the most fascinating secrets.
If you’re tempted to visit, winter is the best time to go. Summer in the Middle East can be overwhelming, with average highs regularly topping 40°C. For most people, this is too hot to do much, let alone tour ancient cities or go thrill-seeking in the desert. Winter temperatures are far more pleasant (25°C is the average high) and while it’s the rainy season, showers are usually sporadic and short-lived. Plus, journeying through the historic Suez Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
9. Hawaii, USA
Hawaii, like the Caribbean, is one of those year-round destinations for travellers seeking sun. The weather is great year-round, but there are a few reasons why winter is the best time to cruise. The first is that, discounting the Christmas and New Year rush, it’s much quieter. During summer months, popular places like Waikiki Beach can get unpleasantly busy, so if you’re dreaming of relaxing on a quiet white sand beach, winter is your best bet.
If you’re a wildlife lover, there are other advantages to a winter cruise. On a whale watching trip, you can spot humpback whales as they migrate in their hundreds from Alaska. You might be lucky enough to spot blue, minke, fin, Bryde’s, and North Pacific right whales too. And, if you’re a keen surfer, some of the biggest waves hit during winter. Even if you don’t surf, watching top Hawaii surfers crest enormous waves is an incredible experience. Plus, each island has its own character, so there’s plenty of variety.
10. Antarctica
For half of the year, sea ice surrounds Antarctica, making it impossible for cruise ships to get there. At this time, the sun vanishes over the horizon and the region plunges into darkness. But if you’re dreaming about visiting one of the world’s last true wildernesses, there’s good news. Antarctica is in the southern hemisphere, so our winter is the very best time to visit for warmer temperatures, longer days, and the best wildlife experiences.
By December, the ocean is packed with whales feeding, and you can spot seals sunbathing on ice floes. Seeing penguins is a common occurrence on a cruise to the Antarctic, but, in winter, the penguin colonies are teeming with adorable fluffy chicks and doting parents. Plus, the warmer weather makes entering these always-frigid waters more inviting. Whether it’s kayaking or scuba diving, Antarctica is best explored from the water – and because the snow is melting, getting onto land is much easier.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re dreaming of some winter sun or getting into the seasonal spirit, there’s a winter cruise to suit everyone.
If you’re looking to combine a beach break with an island-hopping adventure, why not think about a cruise to the Caribbean or Hawaii? Or you could stay closer to home and tour Spain’s Canary Islands, where it’s still hot enough to swim and sunbathe.
If you’re itchy to explore far-flung shores, you might want to think about a cruise to Southeast Asia, Central and South America, or Australia and New Zealand. Each cruise provides a very different experience, you’ll be graced with sunny weather, compelling culture, and extraordinary natural beauty.
Or, if you’re more interested in embracing winter than avoiding it, why not book a cruise to Norway, Northern Europe, or even Antarctica? From bustling Christmas markets to landscapes that look like a true winter wonderland, it’s difficult not to get into the seasonal spirit on a cruise to these destinations.
For more inspiration, head over to the travel section of our website, which includes articles such as; 10 best destinations for first-time cruisers and 20 best places to cruise month by month.
Or to access some great cruise deals, check out the page on our website below.
Are you tempted by a winter cruise? Are any of these destinations calling you? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.