Floating along on a luxury cruise liner may be one of the most relaxing, hassle-free ways to see the world.
Indeed, as the UK winter draws in, the idea of escaping to a sunny destination might sound idyllic. Or perhaps you’re seeking an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Whatever type of holiday floats your boat, you’ll be spoilt for choice with these four amazing winter cruise destinations.
1. The Caribbean
The peak season for cruising the Caribbean is from mid-December to mid-March, when temperatures range from around 75 to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
With its warm weather, stunning beaches, and naturally beautiful scenery, this is a dream destination for many winter sun-seekers.
Yet, there’s much more to the Caribbean than sun, sea and sand.
If you’re an adventure-lover, you won’t want to miss out on stop-offs for world-class snorkelling and diving in the Cayman Islands or hiking in the unforgettable rainforests of Puerto Rico.
There’s plenty to enjoy if you’re looking for a more relaxing trip too – from shopping at Aruba’s vibrant flea market to sampling the famous Caribbean cuisine in the Dominican Republic.
Indeed, with so much choice, it’s easy to tailor-make your ideal winter cruise in this incredible part of the world.
2. Antarctica
While you’re unlikely to top up your winter tan, a cruise to Antarctica might be high on your bucket list.
The most popular time to visit is between December and February when you can enjoy around 20 to 24 hours of daylight. Temperatures are generally close to freezing at this time of year, so you’ll need to wrap up warm!
Most cruises to Antarctica depart from Buenos Aires or Ushuaia in Argentina, but you might want to choose your vessel with care.
Only ships that carry fewer than 500 passengers are allowed to land on Antarctica. So, if you want to go ashore and see the incredible resident wildlife – such as sea lions, penguins, and seals – it’s worth opting for a smaller expedition ship.
Some possible highlights of an Antarctic cruise include stopping off at the breathtakingly beautiful Paradise Bay to marvel at the colossal icebergs, taking a guided snowshoeing tour, and cruising between the towering cliffs and glaciers of the Lemaire Channel.
If you’re feeling extremely brave, you might even fancy “polar plunging” – swimming in the icy cold Antarctic waters!
3. The Galápagos Islands
Cruising is perhaps the best way to see Ecuador’s wondrous Galápagos Islands. It’s also a unique experience, as you’re likely to be on a much smaller ship than you might find yourself on in other destinations – possibly even a small yacht.
The Galápagos are famous for their stunning volcanic formations and incredible wildlife. Many species that inhabit the islands can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Some islands are home to specific species and the time of year can affect what you see. So, you might want to plan your trip depending on the wildlife you’re particularly interested in.
Weather-wise, the best time to visit these fascinating islands is between November and January, and May through July. The Galápagos has a subtropical climate, which means it never gets too cold, but outside of these seasons, you might experience heavy downpours and excessive heat.
4. Norway
The Norwegian coast is beautiful throughout the year, but in winter, when the mountains are covered in snow and the towns are filled with Christmas markets, it’s magical.
What’s more, planning your cruise between September and March gives you the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis, better known as the “northern lights”.
This breathtaking natural light display occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. While Norway is not the only place you can witness this jaw-dropping spectacle, it’s well-known for being one of the best locations to see the most impressive auroras.
When you’re not gazing up at the skies, there are all kinds of winter activities to check off your wish list, such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or even dogsledding. Or, you might prefer to sit back and enjoy coasting along, taking in the views of the majestic fjords as you go.
Get in touch
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We’d love to hear from you, so please get in touch. Email info@lloydosullivan.co.uk or call 020 8941 9779 to see how we can assist you.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
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