The short answer: for warmth in winter, the main cruise regions are the Caribbean, the Canary Islands with Madeira, the Arabian Gulf and — from mid-November — the summer season in South America. For snow and dark skies, there are northern lights cruises along the coast of Norway. And if you want to celebrate on board, the Christmas and New Year sailings are the first to fill up.
Best winter cruise destinations
| Destination | Weather in winter | Flight from the Netherlands | Best months | Typical length | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | Warm and dry, about 27–30 °C | About 9–11 hours | December to April | 7 nights | Beaches, swimming, a first cruise, families |
| Canary Islands and Madeira | Mild, about 19–24 °C | About 4 hours | November to April | 7 nights from the islands, 10–14 from Northern Europe | Sun without a long flight or jet lag, walking, volcanic scenery |
| Arabian Gulf | Pleasant, about 22–27 °C in December–February | About 6–7 hours | November to March | 7 nights | Cities, architecture and souks, with warmth on the side |
| South America | Summer, about 25–32 °C | About 12 hours | Mid-November to early April | 3–9 nights, or 17–20 nights crossing from Europe | Real summer, Brazilian beaches, combining a cruise with Rio or Buenos Aires |
| Northern lights in Norway | Cold, about −5–0 °C on the coast | Depends on the departure port | October to March, February for balance | 10–14 nights | Snow, the Arctic winter and a chance of the aurora |
Temperatures are approximate daytime values; flight times are typical direct or one-stop flights from Amsterdam. Always check the itinerary of the specific sailing.
Which one suits you
- You just want sun and warm sea: the Caribbean. It is the classic winter cruise and the easiest choice for a first one.
- You want sun but not a long flight: the Canary Islands. Four hours away, no jet lag, warm enough for walking.
- You get bored on a beach: the Arabian Gulf — skylines, souks and desert, with the warmth as a bonus.
- You want proper summer heat and have more time: South America, ideally combined with a few days in Rio or Buenos Aires.
- You would rather have snow than sun: a northern lights cruise. Go for the Arctic winter itself; the aurora is a bonus that nobody can guarantee.
Winter cruises without flying
You do not have to fly to cruise in winter. MSC Preziosa is based in Northern Europe all year: in winter it sails city cruises of about a week between Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Havre and Southampton, including over Christmas and New Year. You can board in Rotterdam or take the train to Hamburg. It is not beach weather — it is city lights, Christmas markets and a cosy ship.
- Cruises from Rotterdam — winter sailings with MSC and how to get to the terminal
- Cruises from Hamburg — the port that sails all year
- A short first cruise — if you want to try it over a long weekend
Northern lights cruises start from a Northern European port, and longer sailings to the Canary Islands sometimes leave from Northern Europe too. Whether one leaves from Rotterdam or Hamburg in a given winter depends on that year's schedule — check the current sailings in the club's search.
Christmas and New Year at sea
The last two weeks of December are the busiest of the year on almost every route. You can choose a white Christmas in Norway, Christmas on a Caribbean beach or New Year's Eve with fireworks in Funchal or off Rio. These sailings sell out first, so plan them as early as you can. Read more in our guide to Christmas and New Year cruises.
Month by month
Where the ships are in each winter month, with the best regions and what to expect:
- November — the start of the winter sun season
- December — festive sailings and the busiest weeks
- January — quieter ships after the holidays
- February — carnival time and the best balance in the Arctic
- March — the end of the winter season
The full overview is in the cruise calendar.
Common questions
Where is it warm for a winter cruise from Europe?
In the Caribbean (about 27–30 °C), the Arabian Gulf (about 22–27 °C in December to February), the Canary Islands (about 19–24 °C) and South America, where it is summer from mid-November to early April.
What is the best winter cruise for a first cruise?
The Caribbean is the classic choice: reliable weather, beach islands and seven nights that are easy to plan. If you would rather not fly for nine hours or more, the Canary Islands are the closer alternative.
Can I go on a winter cruise without a long flight?
Yes. The Canary Islands are about four hours away by plane. Without flying at all, MSC sails week-long city cruises from Rotterdam and Hamburg all winter — not for the sun, but for the cities and the holiday atmosphere.
When should I book a Christmas cruise?
As early as you can — ideally almost a year ahead. The festive weeks are the first to sell out, and family cabins go first.
Is a northern lights cruise guaranteed to see the aurora?
No. The aurora depends on clear skies and solar activity. A longer route with several nights in the far north between October and March gives you many chances, but nobody can promise it.
How the club fits in
Winter sailings are booked like any other: with the member price (INsider Pricing), about 17% below the retail price, or with your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the price of qualifying bookings. They do not add up in one booking. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing in the club's search. More about booking with points.
General information; temperatures and flight times are approximate, and routes and ships change every season. Check the current itinerary before booking. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.