Whether you’re in the mood for winter sun or festive fun, a cruise is the hottest ticket for a holiday this winter. Some of the mainstays of winter cruising – including the Caribbean, Europe’s Christmas markets and the remote reaches of Antarctica – are about to have their first full seasons since the pandemic, so here are a few cruise highlights to watch out for this winter.
Caribbean
Why choose one island when you could wake up to a different white-sand beach every day, and get a taste of the varied cultures and cuisines across the Caribbean along the way?
Those sun-kissed shores and crystal-clear waters are in demand this year, with dozens of cruise lines sending their newest ships to the region. P&O Cruises’ Arvia, which means ‘from the seashore’, launches in December and will be based in Barbados – and it’s already infused with Caribbean vibes thanks to a rum distillery on board. MSC Seascape is also taking to the water from December on voyages that stop at Ocean Cay, the cruise line’s private island and marine reserve in the Bahamas.
If you haven’t experienced some of the other new ships that launched this year – including NCL’s first-in-class Norwegian Prima, Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, Celebrity Beyond, Disney Wish or Royal Caribbean’s colossal Wonder of the Seas – you can get on board and get your dose of winter sun at the same time.
Christmas markets
Do your Christmas shopping in style with a market-packed cruise along the Rhine or Danube
(Alamy Stock Photo)
The towns and cities scattered along the riverbanks of the Rhine or Danube are renowned for their legendary markets, some of which can trace their history back more than 500 years, which run from late November until Christmas Eve. With the scent of gingerbread and gluhwein wafting through the air at every stop, a river cruise lets you sample the delights of several markets in one festive journey, and because river ships often dock right in the heart of the city, you can hop off and explore then come back to the comfort of your ship when it’s time to warm up.
Canary Islands
For blue skies and warm temperatures without the long-haul flight, consider the Canary Islands. You can even skip the airport altogether with a cruise that departs from the UK – often travelling via Funchal in Madeira – so by the time you dock in Tenerife, Lanzarote or La Palma, you’re already well into your holiday stride.
NCL has seen such demand that it is featuring the Canary Islands…
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