The idea of winter cruises might conjure visions of ice floes, or it might be an island escape from the doldrums of those typically cold months. In reality, a winter cruise is both.
Winter weather depends on where you live, but a cruise during the months that end and begin the year offers the chance to either seek the sun or delve into the frosty depths of the winter solstice. From the ultra-pleasant ports of Spain’s sunny Canary Islands to the enthralling icescapes of Antarctica, there is a cruise line that will get you there this winter.
Cool cruising is in. If you’ve never considered the upside of a cold-weather sailing, now is the time to do a little research. However, if it’s not for you, never fear — the Caribbean will never go out of style.
Read on for some FAQs about winter cruising, followed by our best winter cruises, no matter the forecast.
Where do winter cruises go?
Winter in the Northern Hemisphere (December to March) offers four months to trot the globe, whether it’s in search of warmer climes or doubling down on frigid, wintry weather. The winter cruise season finds many cruise ships repositioned to ports in Mexico and the Caribbean, where it’s tropical year-round.
However, winter is also the best time to visit the perpetually chilly White Continent of Antarctica. While it might seem counterintuitive, temperatures are warmest at the South Pole from November through March — and specifically December through February — when it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere. An added benefit to longer days and more sunlight is the chance to see endemic wildlife at their most active.
Are there no Alaska cruises during winter?
One place that cruise ships do not go during the winter months is Alaska. Alaska cruise season typically runs from May through September. While some lines might visit in April or October, there are no Alaska cruises during winter, from November through February. This is due to the bone-chilling cold, dark winters throughout the state this time of year that not only hamper sightseeing (difficult to spot bald eagles in pitch dark) but also create rough sailing conditions with choppy seas.
Is it a good idea to cruise in winter?
Cruising is always a good idea! Of course, the sea conditions and air temperature depend on when and where you’re sailing. Let’s put it this way: If cruising somewhere in the winter wasn’t a good idea, cruise lines wouldn’t sail there.
However, it’s fair to point out that hurricane season extends into November, and winter storms could impact rough seas as you depart ports on the Eastern Seaboard or the waters surrounding Costa Rica on the Pacific side, for example. If winter-related conditions affect your getting to your port of departure (i.e., a snowstorm delays or cancels your flight and you miss the ship), that’s the time you pat yourself on the back for purchasing travel insurance.
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A benefit of cruising during the winter is that it’s considered offseason for many destinations, with way fewer crowds than during summer break. This is especially true for Europe and specifically the Mediterranean, when temperatures continue to be mild, while the throngs of tourists thin significantly in the fall and winter.
Are winter Caribbean cruises cold?
The only thing cold about a cruise to the Caribbean would be too much air conditioning on board or the weather in your port of departure and arrival. For example, if you book a November cruise to the Caribbean from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, there is a chance you might have some crummy weather as you sail from New York City. (This scenario also applies to cruises leaving from New York’s Cape Liberty cruise port or Flynn Cruiseport Boston.)
Luckily, the weather should improve the following day as you inch ever closer to the Caribbean Sea and the balmy breezes of the islands there. It might be a good idea to hang onto a warm coat in case the wintry winds of reality greet you upon your return home.
What winter cruise outfits should I pack?
If you’re cruising over the holidays, don’t forget your family’s matching pajamas. Apart from common-sense packing (enough underwear and a cardigan for all occasions), your outfits will depend on your destination.
A winter cruise to view the northern lights will likely require a significantly different wardrobe than a New Year’s sailing to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). Check with your cruise line about an itinerary-specific packing list. If you are embarking on an expedition, like a voyage in Antarctica, most cruise lines will provide the gear you need for exploration, including the hefty boots and heavy parkas that might be problematic to pack.
When should I book a winter cruise?
Popular wintertime cruise itineraries, like Christmas market cruises on European rivers, might require booking in advance, while last-minute deals can be found sailing during the offseason months in many locations.
The seasonality of when exactly to cruise during the winter months will depend on your destination. For example, January is considered primetime for the Galapagos due to its ideal temperatures and wildlife viewing. Even though the Galapagos welcomes visitors year-round, if you’re planning a cruise during high season, you might want to book in advance for the best choice of cabin.
The best winter cruises for warm weather
8-night Celebrity cruise to the Southern Caribbean
Hurricane season in the Atlantic extends into November, but the Southern Caribbean is typically spared by this season of storms. Welcoming slightly fewer cruisers than the bustling ports of the Eastern or Western Caribbean (calling on the U.S. Virgin Islands and Mexico, respectively), the Southern Caribbean offers a slower pace of island life.
This Celebrity Cruises itinerary on Celebrity Reflection focuses on Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, where trade winds blow warm breezes well into the winter months. These conditions are ideal for a snorkel through the sparkling reefs of Bonaire or perhaps a cocktail dockside in Curacao. Back on board, the ship’s half-acre of live grass welcomes cruisers to dig their toes into the inviting lawn of the top deck.
10-night Azamara cruise to the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands, a Spanish territory off the coast of Morocco, enjoy a temperate climate year-round, with 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. That means plenty of warm winter weather, and those visiting during the Advent season will find the Christmas markets that Europe is known for in ports like Tenerife.
This destination-intensive itinerary from immersion experts Azamara spends time in three of the eight Canary Islands, as well as nearby Madeira, mainland Portugal and Morocco. Just one sea day means a busy sailing with up to 14 hours in port per day. On board, Azamara is known for its on-deck White Party and local entertainment program. Off the ship, AzAmazing Evenings are exclusive events to explore local culture, and guests on board this sailing will have the chance to experience a Carnival parade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
14-night Princess cruise to Australia and New Zealand
Wintertime in the Northern Hemisphere is summertime in the Southern Hemisphere. That reason alone makes it a no-brainer to head Down Under for a summery Princess Cruises sailing throughout New Zealand.
The round-trip itinerary departs from Australia’s underrated gem of Brisbane. Passengers will spend two weeks in Kiwi territory, with calls on five different cities in New Zealand, as well as scenic cruising through the jaw-dropping tall peaks and raging waterfalls of Fjordland National Park. Especially in the region of New Zealand’s South Island, skies are clear, and temperatures are warm for the start of summer in December. Dates spanning Christmas and New Year’s make this voyage extra festive, and plenty of sea days provide ample time to unwind in the sun aboard the intimate Diamond Princess.
7-night Silversea cruise to the Galapagos Islands
Off the coast of Ecuador (and therefore on the equator), the Galapagos Islands benefit from favorable weather year-round. However, the islands shine from December until May, which is considered the region’s warm season.
Take advantage of pristine conditions to hike, swim and paddle your way through this biodiverse expedition with luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises. Silver Origin was purpose-built to sail this fragile ecosystem responsibly, featuring all-balcony suites, a team of Ecuadorian guides, a fleet of Zodiacs and locally inspired cuisine.
Round-trip from San Cristobal, this in-depth exploration covers eight islands and an impressive 13 calls, which will boost your chances of checking off the “Big 15,” the list of the most iconic species in the Galapagos Islands — from blue-footed boobies to Galapagos giant tortoises.
5-night National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cruise to Baja California
If you’re looking for a shorter, warm winter getaway, head down to Mexico for an abridged whale watching expedition. In winter (late January through mid-March), gray whales migrate to give birth to their calves in the waters of Magdalena Bay, off Baja California Sur and protected from the Pacific Ocean by sandy barrier islands.
Everyone who’s dreamed of spotting a whale breach can increase their chances with a Lindblad Expeditions voyage designed around these magnificent creatures. Anyone looking to limit vacation time can fly into Loreto, Mexico, board your ship in San Carlos, spot some memorable spouts and fly out of Loreto in less than a week.
The best winter cruises for cooler temperatures
18-night Viking cruise to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands
Due to the Antarctic’s location in the South Pole, its summers fall during the months of October, November, December, January, February and March, meaning peak conditions lie around December.
Despite the word “summer,” likely no one cruising to Antarctica is doing so for sunbathing. With less ice in the water to navigate, this is the continent’s cruise season for most cruise lines, giving intrepid types the chance to tread across otherworldly-looking landscapes. However, temperatures hover in the range of 25 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping it brisk (aka freezing).
Viking’s expedition fleet is designed for polar waters and contains all the gear needed to make a landing, including parkas, boots and dry suits. Passengers can luxuriate in all the onboard comforts of a Nordic spa and a gorgeous observation lounge while the captain navigates across the South Atlantic from Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and eventually the White Continent, followed by a crossing of the famed Drake Passage.
Related: Best Antarctica cruise ships: 11 stylish expedition vessels exploring the White Continent
13-night Hurtigruten cruise to Norway
When experts of the Arctic offer a northern lights guarantee, you take them at their word. Hurtigruten has been sailing the coast of Norway for more than a century, and the cruise line knows this region like its own backyard … because it is.
The North Cape Line itinerary is an Arctic winter cruise through Norway, sailing through the fjords and into the Arctic Circle under the polar night. With daylight scarce, nights are long and velvety dark, setting the stage for the aurora borealis (northern lights) to dance across the sky above your ship. This ethereal phenomenon is so common here during this time of year that Hurtigruten offers a guarantee to its guests, or else it will offer another cruise, free of charge. Excursions during the winter months in Norway include the chance to go dogsledding and Arctic ice fishing.
14-night Ponant cruise to Greenland
Very few cruise ships brave the waters of Greenland in winter, but then again, very few passenger ships are a P2 ice class — one of the highest ratings for ice-breaking ships.
A winter cruise ship if there ever was one, Ponant Cruises’ Le Commandant Charcot is not only built to navigate icy seas, but it also staffs expert conservationists, photographers and scientists whose work in the ship’s onboard lab contributes to valuable ongoing research.
If Greenland is a far-flung destination the rest of the year, consider it nearly isolated from tourism in winter. For the lucky ones on this two-week voyage with Ponant at the very end of the winter season, they will capture a time and place that few outsiders ever glimpse. Passengers will sail Canada’s St. Lawrence River before sailing up toward southern Greenland and ending the journey in Reykjavik. The prize for braving freezing temperatures is the rare and precious chance to connect with the local communities as they prepare to welcome spring.
7-night AmaWaterways Christmas markets cruise to Europe
No list of winter cruises is complete without a solid recommendation to take a Christmas markets cruise. We’re here to say believe the hype about Europe’s Christmas markets, whether you observe the holiday or not. Imagine a children’s choir performing adjacent to uber-charming wooden chalets proffering handicrafts or seasonal treats like roasted candied chestnuts and mulled wine in souvenir mugs.
A river cruise, like this one from AmaWaterways, gives guests the chance to unpack once while ferrying down the Danube to several of the region’s most popular festive markets. Even though it is wintertime in Western Europe, the weather tends to be mild and comparable to the East Coast.
Embark in Nuremberg, Germany, for a week of good cheer featuring a different Christmas market each day. Overnights in Nuremberg, Vienna and Budapest, Hungary, offer cruisers the opportunity to make the most of these markets by night as well when they’re all aglow and beckon evening strollers to shop, snack and soak in the magic of the season.
Related: Best Christmas cruises
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