Winter is a great time to escape the cold and enjoy some sun and fun on a cruise. Whether you want to explore exotic destinations, see amazing wildlife, or experience different cultures, there is a cruise for you. Here are some of the best winter cruises to consider for 2023-24.
Caribbean & Bahamas
If you are looking for warmth, sunshine, and relaxation, you can’t go wrong with a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise. You can choose from a variety of itineraries, ranging from three to 14 nights, and visit some of the most beautiful islands in the world. You can snorkel with colorful fish, swim with stingrays, shop at local markets, or just lounge on the beach. Some of the popular ports of call include Nassau, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, and San Juan. You can also enjoy the onboard amenities and entertainment on the new Celebrity Ascent, which offers seven-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale.
| Cruise Line | Ship | Departure Port | Duration | Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Ascent | Fort Lauderdale | 7 nights | Nassau, Cozumel, Grand Cayman |
| Royal Caribbean | Symphony of the Seas | Miami | 7 nights | St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Labadee |
| Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Horizon | Miami | 6 nights | Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Bliss | New York | 14 nights | San Juan, St. Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Maarten |
Galapagos
For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, book a Galapagos cruise and discover the unique wildlife and landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can see giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, penguins, and more on guided excursions and snorkeling trips. You can also learn about the history and conservation of the islands from expert naturalists. The Galapagos cruise season runs year-round, but the winter months offer calmer seas and better underwater visibility. You can choose from small ships that accommodate 16 to 100 passengers and offer intimate and immersive experiences.
| Cruise Line | Ship | Departure Port | Duration | Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Flora | Baltra | 7 nights | Daphne Island, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Santiago, North Seymour |
| Silversea Cruises | Silver Origin | Baltra | 7 nights | Bartolome, Genovesa, Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal |
| Lindblad Expeditions | National Geographic Endeavour II | San Cristobal | 10 nights | Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Santiago, Rabida, Bartolome, Genovesa |
| Quasar Expeditions | M/V Evolution | Baltra | 7 nights | Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Rabida, Chinese Hat, South Plaza |
Europe
If you don’t mind the cold and want to experience the festive spirit of Europe, a winter cruise is a great option. You can visit some of the most iconic cities and attractions, such as Rome, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, and London, and enjoy the winter scenery and activities. You can also explore the famous Christmas markets, where you can shop for handicrafts, sample local delicacies, and sip mulled wine. Some of the best winter cruise destinations in Europe include the Mediterranean, the Norwegian Fjords, and the Canary Islands.
| Cruise Line | Ship | Departure Port | Duration | Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSC Cruises | MSC Grandiosa | Barcelona | 7 nights | Marseille, Genoa, Rome, Palermo, Valletta |
| Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Star | London | 15 nights | Dover, Bergen, Flam, Stavanger, Aalborg, Copenhagen, Warnemunde, Kiel, Amsterdam |
| Princess Cruises | Crown Princess | Southampton | 12 nights | Vigo, Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Lisbon |
| Costa Cruises | Costa Smeralda | Savona | 7 nights | Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Rome, La Spezia |
Australia & New Zealand
If you want to experience summer in the Southern Hemisphere, a cruise to Australia and New Zealand is a perfect choice. You can see the stunning natural wonders, such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Milford Sound, and the Bay of Islands, and enjoy the diverse wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas, penguins, and dolphins. You can also visit vibrant cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Wellington, and experience the culture, cuisine, and entertainment. You can find cruises that range from seven to 28 nights and cover different regions and ports of call.
| Cruise Line | Ship | Departure Port | Duration | Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Ovation of the Seas | Sydney | 9 nights | Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Dunedin, Wellington, Napier, Picton |
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Eclipse | Melbourne | 12 nights | Sydney, Hobart, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Tauranga |
| Princess Cruises | Majestic Princess | Sydney | 14 nights | Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, Willis Island, Darwin, Kimberley Coast, Broome, Geraldton, Perth |
| Holland America Line | Noordam | Auckland | 14 nights | Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney |
Middle East
For a mix of ancient history, modern marvels, and exotic culture, a cruise to the Middle East is a great option. You can visit some of the oldest and most sacred sites in the world, such as Jerusalem, Petra, and Luxor, and marvel at the architectural wonders, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. You can also experience the desert landscapes, the vibrant souks, and the rich cuisine of the region. You can find cruises that cover different countries and areas, such as Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
| Cruise Line | Ship | Departure Port | Duration | Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Constellation | Dubai | 15 nights | Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Aqaba, Suez Canal, Ashdod, Haifa, Limassol, Rhodes, Athens |
| MSC Cruises | MSC Opera | Dubai | 7 nights | Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Bahrain, Doha |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Jade | Dubai | 20 nights | Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Muscat, Salalah, Aqaba, Safaga, Suez Canal, Haifa, Limassol, Rhodes, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Mykonos, Athens |
| Azamara | Azamara Journey | Dubai | 17 nights | Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Muscat, Salalah, Aqaba, Safaga, Suez Canal, Ashdod, Haifa, Limassol |
Southeast Asia
For a cruise that offers diversity, beauty, and adventure, Southeast Asia is a great destination. You can visit some of the most fascinating and diverse countries in the world, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Singapore, and experience the culture, history, and nature of each one. You can see the stunning temples, such as Angkor Wat, Borobudur, and Wat Arun, and explore the bustling cities, such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kuala Lumpur. You can also enjoy the tropical beaches, the lush jungles, and the exotic wildlife of the region.
| Cruise Line | Ship | Departure Port | Duration | Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Solstice | Singapore | 14 nights | Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hanoi, Hong Kong |
| Princess Cruises | Sapphire Princess | Singapore | 10 nights | Kota Kinabalu, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville, Bangkok, Ko Samui |
| Holland America Line | Westerdam | Hong Kong | 14 nights | Halong Bay, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu My, Sihanoukville, Laem Chabang, Ko Samui, Singapore |
| Royal Caribbean | Quantum of the Seas | Singapore | 5 nights | Penang, Phuket |
These are some of the best winter cruises for 2023-24, but there are many more to choose from. You can find the best deals and packages on CruiseBooking.com, where you can compare prices, read reviews, and book your dream vacation. Whether you want to soak up the sun, see amazing wildlife, or explore different cultures, there is a winter cruise for you. Don’t let the cold weather get you down, book your winter cruise today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
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