Considering a Christmas Cruise? Best Winter Destinations

It’s time to reconsider your holiday traditions. Instead of hosting everyone for a big meal and spending too much money on gifts they didn’t even ask for, why not shake things up and take a Christmas cruise?

Winter cruises are the perfect way to give yourself a break without feeling guilty that you aren’t doing the holidays “right.” Here’s proof that you can have your Christmas cake and eat it, too.

Is It a Good Idea to Cruise in Winter?

Winter is one of the best times to take a cruise. The peak of Atlantic hurricane season is over in mid-October. And while the hottest summer temperatures are gone, many cruise destinations are still popular for helping you to escape the cold back home.

It’s true that not all itineraries are available in the winter. Some of the northern routes may be out of season, but if you don’t mind the cooler temperatures and can book a cruise on the cusp of the worst weather, you might be able to find inexpensive fares and pleasantly uncrowded passages.

Winter cruise deals

Is it expensive to cruise in December? If you want to sail during the week of Christmas, yes. The actual holidays — Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day — are in high demand. Because of that, you’ll pay extra.

But if you don’t have your heart set on a holiday cruise or your choice of destinations is flexible, then you’re in luck.

Look for winter cruise deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You’ll likely be booking about a year in advance. Cabins go quick with these promotional prices, so you’ll be playing a bit of a hurry up-and-wait game (book now, wait 12-18 months to sail).

You might also be able to snag some last-minute deals in January, especially if you aren’t picky about the itinerary.

Best Winter Cruise Destinations

Winter cruises to Alaska

Although we’re normally fans of combining a short Alaskan cruise with an overland tour by train, for example, the less predictable weather in winter changes things. Many areas of Alaska might not be accessible by car or even train in the dead of winter, making sticking to cruise ships a better choice.

Waters will be icy — but so will the mountains and glaciers, delivering some powerful views you won’t find in many other places of the world. This is also why so many Alaskan cruises in the winter tend to be on smaller ships, so that they can sail through narrow passages made even tighter by ice floes.

Smaller ships are ideal for cozy sailings. A winter cruise draws fewer passengers, and with fewer tourists in Alaska across the board this time of year, you won’t be contending with large crowds.

Some of the best winter cruises in Alaska get you unobstructed views of the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is at its peak September through April. Aim for a little later in the winter — February or March — so that you can enjoy the Lights as well as have enough daylight hours for other activities.

Time your cruise for early March and you’ll be able to see some of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race as well.

Winter cruises in the Mediterranean

Winter in Europe is considered the off-season, and that applies to cruises, too. When everyone else is headed for the Caribbean, you’ll find better deals and smaller crowds on the Mediterranean.

There is a trade-off for winter cruises in the Mediterranean. While these itineraries can help you stretch your travel budget, it is colder. Swimming or lounging on the pool deck isn’t going to be how you’ll want to spend your days (unless you’re in the polar plunge).

But if you’re more interested in the destination than some of the summery amenities on board, you’ll be more than happy with your decision.

Windstar is one of the most popular cruise lines offering winter Mediterranean sailings. You can choose from itineraries that transport you between Rome and Barcelona (with iconic French coastal cities in between) or more expansive routes that also include the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia.

Winter cruises to the South Pacific

“South Pacific” is a broad geography that, for cruises, includes everything from Australia and New Zealand to Polynesian islands like Fiji and Tahiti. It’s a favorite region for cruising to get away from the Northern Hemisphere winter.

While you might be avoiding snow, November through April is hurricane season in the South Pacific. If you choose to sail during this time, take extra precautions. Be sure to include cruise insurance, which can help you recover trip expenses if a hurricane forces you to cancel your trip or if your ship is diverted because of the weather, on your list of preparations.

Silversea offers several expedition cruises in the region. As of one of fewer than 300 passengers (there are almost as many staff on board), you can enjoy personalized service as you make your way from Australia to Fiji.

Or maybe you’d rather book a longer journey, from Tahiti all the way to Valparaiso, Chile, calling at Easter Island and other oceanic ports in between. Despite it being the off-season, you still have choices.

Is Christmas a Good Time to Go on a Cruise?

Christmas cruises offer all the season’s best highlights and few of the headaches. It’s a great way to create new holiday traditions, but if you’re worried it won’t feel enough like Christmas, there are also plenty of sailings that offer your favorite trimmings — Christmas tree lighting events, decadent meals and treats, caroling, and even ugly sweater contests.

If what you’re looking for is an easy holiday trip, a Christmas cruise checks all those boxes, too. Someone else handles all the party planning and festivities. All you have to do is show up, making this one of the most stress-free Christmases you might ever have.

And if you need a good family gift that isn’t another game that gets tossed in the corner, try a cruise. Giving travel experiences is a great way to show someone how you feel and encourage some quality time together.

Where is the Best Place to Cruise during Christmas?

When taking a trip is about more than just escaping the cold, you have so many great Christmas-themed cruises to choose from.

Christmas cruises from Florida

If your Christmas wish list includes some sun, a tan, and the sand between your toes, book one of these favorite Christmas cruises from Florida. Not only will you enjoy the warm luxury of ports like Aruba and the Bahamas, but you’ll also have plenty of cheer to lift your spirits on board.

We might be most excited about the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise, which is sailing for the first time in November 2024. Billed as the “jolliest vacation ever,” you’ll get to meet some of the stars from your favorite Hallmark Christmas movies. And if you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you’re in luck. Each cruise will screen a brand-new movie, just for guests.

At just four days, the Hallmark Channel cruises are short. You’ll have plenty of time in the Bahamas after departing from Miami, though, not to mention enough time to still spend time with loved ones back home.

If you’re looking for a longer getaway out of Miami, check out Royal Caribbean’s 11-night Southern Caribbean itinerary. You’ll get a taste of the islands — Aruba and Curacao — as well as points less often seen on these types of schedules. You’ll also call in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia, which are some of our favorite destinations for an unexpectedly delightful Christmas.

Christmas cruises in Europe

There are two ways you can go with a Christmas cruise in Europe. One is to embrace the holiday season with Christmas markets, ice skating, and music. The other way is less traditional, combining Mediterranean and African ports on one itinerary.

If you want the iconic European Christmas with mulled wine and holiday lights, book passage on a river cruise. And if you aren't sure where to start, turn your attention to the Danube River.

Budapest, Vienna, and Nuremberg are some of the major European cities that tend to be part of Danube River cruise itineraries. These are the destinations you’re looking for if you’re torn between sailing and indulging in shopping and holiday foods.

These itineraries leave some people wondering if a Christmas market cruise is worth it. The answer is yes.

Nuremberg boasts one of the oldest Christkindlmarkts in the world. Vienna’s markets are renowned for their art. Each stop will treat you to different twists on the tradition based on the host city’s unique character. What better way to experience them all, leaving the logistics and in-between travel to someone else on board?

Thinking outside the (gift) box, you might book a cruise in northern Africa. Celebrity Cruises offers a popular route that begins and ends in Barcelona. In between, the ship makes calls in the Canary Islands, Casablanca, and Tangier, among other cities.

Morocco is a top destination for when you want to avoid the Christmas rush — most Moroccans are Muslim — but if you still want some of the holiday spirit, you’re bound to find it in Spanish territory. You’ll also have plenty of days at sea. These are prime opportunities to unwind with no holiday responsibilities or expectations cluttering your calendar.

Disney Christmas cruises

Combine the magic of Disney with the magic of holiday time and you have the makings of a very memorable Christmas. Disney’s Very Merrytime cruises depart from either Texas or Florida and sail through the Caribbean and Mexico, depending on your itinerary.

On board, there are character appearances, including Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party, as well as other holiday-themed entertainment and activities.

Knowing Disney, you can bet that the ship will be decorated for the season to the max. But it doesn’t stop there.

The private island, Disney Castaway Cay, is also done up with holiday decor. It’s a great way to maintain the holiday traditions you love most while creating new ones with the family.

Travel Insurance for Christmas Cruises

It’s always a good idea to get travel insurance for your cruise, but for some, the advantages are even greater when sailing in the winter.

Not only do you want to protect the cost of the cruise itself if you have to cancel your trip — cruise insurance can get you a refund on your fare — but you also have expenses for flights that are at risk of delays and cancellations because of winter weather, seasonal illness that could prevent you from traveling, and other risks that increase in winter.

Insurance from the cruise line is unlikely to cover all of those risks, but a plan like Seven Corners Cruise Insurance can.

If storms keep you from making it to the port on time and you miss the start of your cruise, Cruise Insurance can cover the expense of catching up with your ship.

If your cruise has to change its itinerary because of weather, Cruise Insurance can help.

If you get sick or hurt, and treatment at the infirmary can get expensive, Cruise Insurance can help.

Learn more about Seven Corners Cruise Insurance and get a quick quote online. Our licensed agents are also available to help make sure you have the best coverage for your holiday sailing.