Perfect Cruise Routes For a Winter Sun Holiday

Last updated on 31st January 2023

When the weather is getting colder and the nights start to darken, there are only two ways to handle it. Get your bobble hats out and resign yourself to spending the rest of the year in a winter coat, or sail off to sunnier seas on a cruise! There are tons of destinations where the sun is still shining and the ocean is still warm, so why not get a cruise booked to tour them in style?

Canarian Flavours – Thomson Majesty

This cruise does just what it says on the tin – over 7 nights you’ll get a small taste of all the main islands in the Canaries! This Fly Cruise starts with a flight to Tenerife, after which you’ll spend a day on the tiny island of La Gomera. The route then heads north for a stop in the Portuguese territory of Madeira, before heading back down to hit Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria before returning to Tenerife to fly home. If you want to get a taste of all the islands without having to settle on one, this is the cruise route for you. As an added bonus, the Canaries is one of the only destinations close to the UK that has warm weather even in December, so it's the perfect place to enjoy some winter sun.

Winter cruise - Canaries and Madeira
Image credit: ATGImages / Shutterstock.com

Arabian Gulf Holiday – Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas

The UAE can be unbearably hot during the summer months, but in winter it’s a sun worshipper’s paradise with highs of around 25°C. The 7-night trip starts with a flight to Dubai, where you’ll have a few hours before boarding the ship in the evening to set sail for Khasab. You’ll then travel around the north tip of the UAE for two days in Muscat, and after enjoying a relaxing day at sea you’ll have the chance to explore Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital. The ship then returns to Dubai where you’ll have a day to sightsee before your flight to the UK.

Winter cruise - United Arab Emirates
Image credit: S-F / Shutterstock.com

Florida & Tropical Caribbean – Holland America MS Eurodam

This jumbo 14-night cruise packs plenty in, setting off from Fort Lauderdale for an epic adventure around the highlights of the Caribbean. First up is Half Moon Cay, bought by Holland America Line to offer their customers a genuine private island to relax on. After a day at sea you’ll spend a day in the Cayman Islands and then stop off at the Mayan ruins of Cozumel in Mexico before having another day at sea to recharge. After looping back to Florida to visit Key West and Fort Lauderdale, you’ll spend a day in Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas before finishing the cruise in Fort Lauderdale.

Winter cruise - Florida and Caribbean
Image credit: Sue Stokes / Shutterstock.com

Hawaii Cruise – Carnival Miracle

How do you fancy living it up on a sea adventure in Hawaii while the UK is in the depths of winter? This 15-night cruise is ideal for those who want to see a few destinations but also have plenty of time to relax along the way; because the ship sails from Los Angeles there are four days at sea on the way to Hawaii and on the way back, allowing you time to enjoy entertainment on the ship. In the middle of this the cruise stops at Maui, Honolulu, Kauai, Kona and Hilo, where you’ll be treated to white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and beautiful natural scenery.

Winter cruise - Los Angeles and Hawaii