Best Winter Cruise Destinations: Cold Weather and Winter Sun Cruises

Table Of Content

• Con: Sunseekers May Not Find Winter the Best Time for Mediterranean Cruise Vacations
• Beyond Hawaii: 8 U.S. Beaches That Will Blow Your Mind!
• Which boat & itinerary to choose
• Finding the Best Winter Cruise Deals: 5 Things to Watch
• Our Favorite Destinations for Winter Cruises This Year
• Experiences to Make Your Jamaican Vacation Unforgettable

Cruise lines offer a range of amenities, from heated pools to snug lounges, ensuring you stay warm while immersing yourself in the frosty landscapes. Navigating the chilly waters during your cruise to Alaska becomes an adventure in itself, where the crisp air invigorates your spirit, and the beauty of the winter world unfolds at every turn. Back when I went on this trip, I was unaware of the impact of tourist boats. It was only with time and education that I realised that cruises are environmental dinosaurs. Despite continuous improvements in the industry, most ships still have a large carbon footprint, pollute the sea and contribute directly to over-tourism.

Con: Sunseekers May Not Find Winter the Best Time for Mediterranean Cruise Vacations

One of the perks of an Alaska winter cruise is the opportunity to explore small towns and hidden harbors without the summer crowds. Imagine strolling through charming streets covered with snow, discovering local shops, and engaging in conversations with friendly locals eager to share their stories. For a winter cruise, packing choices can make or break your experience.

Beyond Hawaii: 8 U.S. Beaches That Will Blow Your Mind!

There are also excursions to the fascinating Mayan ruins of Altun Ha, deep in the forest. There’s a complete change of scene at your next port, Roatan in Honduras, a gateway to adventure on land and at sea. Next, learn about local art and culture at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, where you can experience both the pre-Spanish and post-Spanish impact that art has had on the island. Your first stop is boho Key West, where you can explore the popular bars, historic homes, and museums on Duval St. and Mallory Square. Join a boat tour to spot wild dolphins, or take an educational tour of the famous Shipwreck Museum. For some of the best beaches near Nassau, head across to Blue Lagoon Island and play castaway as you swing in a hammock under the palm trees.

Which boat & itinerary to choose

This means it’s very busy, especially throughout the Christmas and New Year's holidays. In order to guarantee availability, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and reserve excursions or attractions in advance. Winter cruises are a unique travel experience that blends luxury, adventure, and beautiful scenery.

Northern lights cruises are a good way to see the aurora borealis in Norway. As with all nighttime photography, modern cameras enhance light with long exposures. This means an aurora display rarely appears as intense in person as it does in photographs. If you are prone to seasickness, be sure to pack preventative medication to help keep you steady.

Sample the local wines in a vineyard on Lanzarote, set amid the volcanic soil of this breathtaking island. Marvel at the ornate architecture of the Royal Alcázar in Seville – one of the oldest palaces in Europe. Yes, the beaches, blue skies and vivid landscapes are certainly irresistible, but they also come with the promise of cultural richness and historical fascination. Reach out to me for expert advice and personalized planning services. Together, we’ll craft a Caribbean cruise experience that exceeds your expectations and leaves you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Many of the locations we’ll visit are host to vibrant Christmas markets where that magical festive feeling’s almost palpable. Like Iona, Arvia is another Excel Class ship, with even more freedom, innovation, and variety in store than ever before. There’s always something happening on Ventura, enjoy delicious fine dining, a tranquil spa, many quiet spaces to unwind, great sports facilities and four pools. With us, you’ll have ample time to discover the heart and soul of three cities.

Azamara Cruises Unveils 2025-26 Winter Voyages - TravelPulse

Azamara Cruises Unveils 2025-26 Winter Voyages.

Posted: Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Polar bears, muskoxen, walruses, whales and birds – there is so much to see on both the land and at sea. A true wilderness in every respect with coastal villages founded by Vikings, cruising in Greenland is one of the most culturally fascinating awe inspiring natural spectres in the world. Sailing between Europe’s most famous and impressive cities, experiencing all the best sights along Europe’s original highways.

I felt so relaxed for the first time in a long time, enjoying the sunrise with my morning coffee, trying to see whales, writing my journal, watching the sunset and waiting for the Northern Lights. Notes – as we had some problems with our suitcase, we did not explore Bodø much that day but had the chance to wander the next. Please note that this Norwegian cruise is only a guide with recommendations. You are more than welcome to spend more days in one area or add other stops on your journey. This approach ensures that you can enjoy the stunning landscapes, participate in excursions like dog sledding or aurora hunting, and comfortably transition back to the ship's cozy interior. Layering allows for easy adaptation to fluctuating temperatures, providing warmth outdoors while enabling comfort indoors without overheating.

Want to know more ways to save and plan for the best winter cruise deals ever? Other river cruise lines, such as AmaWaterways and Emerald Cruises, offer similar destinations and ports of call throughout Hungary, Austria, Germany, and France. Popular ports in Australia include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns. In New Zealand, cruises often visit ports such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, offering opportunities to explore stunning national parks and experience Maori culture. The ports of call for cruise ships, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Aqaba, offer access to delve into the rich tapestry of the Middle East.

I'm also a travel advisor with extensive training and certifications in cruise vacations and Disney properties. When I'm not under a palm tree in the Caribbean, I can usually be found hiking the National Parks! Sometimes Sailing is a cruise-focused website by Dan and Mikkel Woodruff, a couple passionate about cruising.

On top of all that, the cruise line presents frequent limited-time offers and seasonal sales, making it easy to score big savings when booking your holidays. Leave the winter chill behind and embark on a luxury cruise vacation to a sun-drenched destination. With these winter cruise offers, you’ll be relaxing by the beach, going on thrilling excursions, and discovering fascinating ports around the world. Just because sun-seekers are drawn south around the winter solstice, don't think you can't find deals on popular warm-weather cruise itineraries in January. Cheap winter cruises can be found on sailings departing from ports such as New York, New Jersey or Maryland because, in the wintertime, you have to wait a day or so for the fun and sun to begin. Cruisers love sailing the Mediterranean during summer months, but there are amazing winter cruise deals to exciting destinations you can sail to in Europe.

Cruising the Mediterranean can be a smart budgetary move as prices drop considerably out of season when cruise lines look to fill their ships. Seek out cheap cruise deals for winter sailings, watch for all-inclusive cruise deals leading into shoulder season, or take advantage of last-minute deals and Black Friday promotions. Royal Caribbean® elevates holidays to holi-yays at any time of year. From spring getaways to family summer holidays and autumn escapes to winter wanders. Escape to the most incredible destinations in the world on the best ships in the biz with big seasonal savings on 2024, 2025 and 2026 cruises. A winter cruise in the Caribbean promises an unforgettable journey where you can bask in the warm sunshine, enjoy local traditions, and welcome the laid-back island lifestyle.

Although expensive, shore excursions offer unique winter experiences. Activities such as dog sledding and snowmobile tours often sell out in advance of cruises. Ice fishing and snowshoeing tours are among the other activities to consider. Even if your priority is to see the northern lights, take advantage of the limited daylight to immerse yourself in winter activities. Even if the aurora doesn’t appear on your voyage, you’ll still go home with good memories. Missed ports are not uncommon in the cruising world, but the chance of it happening in the winter is significantly higher.