Wave goodbye to the cold weather blues, swap snow to sandy beaches and barter blizzards for trade winds on our winter cruises! As nights begin to draw in and the cool breeze sets in on chilly mornings, there’s no need to shiver through the season — why not take a sunny escape and soak in the warmth on winter cruise destinations? Cruise along the Caribbean coastline, set sail for Southeast Asia, island-hop across the Indian Ocean and beyond! Or, if you'd rather embrace the winter chill, there’s plenty of bucket-list destinations and experiences to explore on a cruise — from the magical northern lights in Scandinavia to the festive European Christmas markets, the snow-capped ski resorts in North America and more!
Winter Sun Destinations
AntiguaBahamasSt. Lucia
Caribbean
With its miles of dazzling beaches and tropical weather, it’s no wonder that the Caribbean reigns top of the winter sun cruise destinations of many travellers. Here are our favourite destinations:
Antigua & Barbuda are known for the iconic 365 beaches, all of them are open to the public — so there’s one for every day all year round!
The Bahamas is home to Nassau, one of the busiest ports in the world, as well as some private cays owned by major cruise lines, such as the Great Stirrup Cay and CocoCay.
St. Luciais a famous honeymoon hideaway, combining romance and relaxation in a single setting, with the lush emerald-green Pitons looming in the island’s background.
IndonesiaThailandPhilippines
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia offers an eclectic mix of exotic cultures and culinary delights, blended with year-round sunshine and sun-kissed beaches. Get inspired by the countries that top our list:
Indonesiais dubbed the ‘Emerald of the Equator,’ blessed through and through — from the beautiful Bali to the jaw-dropping Jakarta, kaleidoscopic Komodo and more!
Thailandis packed with centuries-old temples and tantalising local dishes like Pad Thai, with a weather as warm as the smiles of its locals.
The Philippinescomprises over 7,000 islands, where you’ll find some of Southeast Asia’s most stunning islands, such as Boracay, Palawan and Siargao.
TenerifeLanzaroteLa Palma
Canary Islands
Off the coast of mainland Spain, the Canary Islands are a perfect escape for a winter sun holiday not far from home. These are some of the islands that you must visit:
Tenerifeis the largest of the Canary Archipelago, which is not only an ideal spot for sun-seekers but also for hikers as it’s home to Mount Teide — the highest point in Spain!
Lanzaroteboasts fiery lava fields and rugged landscapes that create a surreal kaleidoscope of colours and its iconic black-sand beaches.
La Palma is a place of stars, sands and sights galore — begin your morning with an adventurous hike, splash on the beach in the afternoon and gaze at the stars at night!
Winter is one of the best seasons for visiting the Scandinavian region, where you can enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery, wintery magic and of course, the aurora borealis display!
Norway’s main claim to fame are the over 1,700 Norwegian fjords made all the more captivating by the snow-covered hillsides and frozen waters.
Denmark is hailed as one of the world’s happiest countries, and Tivoli Gardens is a proud testament of non-stop entertainment — wrapped in enchanting lights and sounds!
The breathtaking Northern Lights can be seen throughout Swedish Lapland — a region in northernmost Sweden lying within the Arctic Circle or the “aurora zone.”
GermanyAustriaBelgium
Europe’s Christmas Markets
Europeans celebrate the Christmas season full of fun and festivities! The colourful and brightly-lit christmas markets dotting the mediaeval squares are a staple to the long-standing holiday traditions, so be sure to check them out!
Germany packs a punch of traditional markets across its mega cities, such as Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg, with stalls selling crafts, decorations, and delicious treats.
Austria is where some of the most picturesque markets in Europe can be found – from the glittering skating rinks in Vienna to the UNESCO-listed city of Salzburg.
Belgium cities transform into a fairy-tale in the Yuletide season, where romance fills the air of Brussels and Bruges – perfect for sampling the sweet Belgian chocolates!
CanadaCaliforniaColorado
North America
Some of the world’s premier ski resorts are in North America, especially across Canada and the USA, thanks to its great snow quality, almost-perfect slopes and efficient lift access.
As a proud home to the Canadian Rockies, Coast Mountains and Laurentian Mountains, Canadaoffers a range of snow-capped mountain ranges ideal for skiing.
California prides itself on having a majestic alpine scenery and powder-covered slopes, from big mountain-style resorts to small local mountains.
Colorado easily tops the list for skiing, boasting world-class resorts and seemingly endless terrain, such as Vail Mountain Resort and Aspen Snowmass.
Winter Cruises FAQs
Is it a good idea to cruise in winter?
Winter cruises are perfect for those who wish to experience the winter magic and witness the magnificent scenery. Lesser crowds can also be expected as fewer people tend to book their cruise during winter, so you can enjoy a quiet and tranquil experience away from the hustle and bustle. Meanwhile, winter sun cruises promise endless sunshine and sun-drenched shores.
What to do on a winter cruise ashore?
The things you can do on winter cruises depend on your itineraries. You can witness the magnificent light spectacle throughout Europe, Canada and Northern America, but it's most visible in Scandinavia and the Nordics. You can also visit the glittering Christmas markets across Europe. If you’re cruising to the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Canary Islands, Indian Ocean and other tropical destinations, you can enjoy the sun-kissed beaches and the warm weather.
How to enjoy your time on board a winter cruise?
There’s plenty of ways to spend your time on board a winter cruise, including joining the Christmas and New Year festivities and special events, enjoying a long, leisurely breakfast in bed and getting cosy with a movie in a theatre or under the stars. You can also take a relaxing dip in a hot tub, grab a cup of hot coffee and delight in your wintry comfort food.
What to wear on a winter cruise?
Winter cruises require multi-layer outfits to keep you comfortable amidst the cold weather. You might also consider thermal clothes underneath your outerwear to keep your body warm. Be sure to bring mittens, gloves and scarves for your hands and neck as they’re usually not covered by clothes. Boots and socks are also important to keep your feet dry and warm. Other essentials include moisturiser, lip balm and hot packs.
Which cruise lines offer winter cruises?
The major cruise lines that offer winter cruises — with itineraries sailing to seasonal locations like Europe and Alaska or winter sun destinations in the Caribbean and Southern Hemisphere — include Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen Cruises and more!
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