In short
For three to six weeks of winter warmth, combine cruises: a crossing to South America, several island weeks in the Canaries in a row, a long voyage from Rotterdam or a part of a world cruise. Choose a cabin with daylight, take enough medication and check that your travel insurance covers the whole trip.
What wintering at sea means
A normal cruise lasts a week. Wintering means staying on board much longer — usually three to six weeks — on routes where it is warm from November to March. You unpack once, the ship moves from port to port, and meals, cleaning and entertainment are part of the day. The difference with a winter apartment is that the view changes every day or two.
Five ways to spend 3–6 weeks at sea in winter
| Option | How long and when | What it is like | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| South America | 17–20 nights crossing, then week-long cruises Crossings late October to mid-November; the season runs to early April | The ship sails from the Mediterranean via the Canary Islands or Madeira to Brazil — no long flight on the way there | Many sea days in a row; you fly back, or sail back in spring |
| Canary Islands | 7-night island cruises, booked back-to-back for 3–4 weeks November to April | Mild weather of about 19–24 °C, about four hours' flight, the same ship every week | The ports repeat each week — plan different trips ashore |
| From Rotterdam | 2–4 weeks Autumn and winter, depending on the year | No flight at all: from Rotterdam to Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands | The first and last days cross the North Sea and the Bay of Biscay, which can be rough in winter |
| Caribbean | About 2 weeks crossing, plus Caribbean weeks Crossings in autumn, back in spring | Warm and dry, about 27–30 °C, with island cruises from Florida or the islands | A long trip in total; one or two long flights if you do not sail both ways |
| World cruise | A segment of several weeks World cruises usually leave in January | You join for one part of the route — for example across the Atlantic or around South America | Segments sell early; you fly to or from the start or end port |
Examples, not specific sailings: routes change every season. Holland America, for instance, has announced that its ship Nieuw Statendam will stay in Europe all year from 2027–28, with long winter voyages from Rotterdam — such as a 14-day Canary Islands voyage on 2 January 2028. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing in the club's search.
Wintering at sea or an apartment in Spain?
Both work, and they suit different people. Many do both: a few weeks on board, and the rest of the winter in their usual place.
| On a cruise ship | In a winter apartment | |
|---|---|---|
| Every day | A new port every day or two, with sea days in between | One place, your own rhythm, the same café and the same walk |
| Housekeeping | Meals and cleaning are taken care of | You cook and clean yourself, or arrange help |
| Company | Easy to meet people at dinner and activities; just as easy to be on your own | Often a familiar circle of other winter guests |
| Medical care | A medical centre on board, usually charged separately | Local doctors and hospitals |
| How long | Usually 3–6 weeks, fixed by the sailings you book | As long as you like, often several months |
How to make a month on board work
- Choose a cabin with daylight. For one week an inside cabin is fine; for a month, a window or a balcony makes a real difference. A cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck moves least. See how to choose a cabin.
- Ask for the same cabin on back-to-back cruises. If you book several cruises in a row on the same ship, ask to keep one cabin. On the change-over day you usually stay on board while other guests leave and arrive.
- Make your own routine. A morning walk on deck, a fixed table at dinner, a lecture or a class — a rhythm keeps a long trip pleasant.
- Plan for laundry. Many ships have a laundry service, and some have self-service launderettes. Pack for about ten days, not for the whole trip.
- Stay in touch. Mobile roaming at sea is expensive. A ship internet package for the whole trip is usually better value than paying per day. See internet and phone on a cruise.
- Keep an eye on the on-board account. Over a month, drinks and extras add up. Check the account in the app every week. See money and tips on a cruise.
Your home while you are away
- Post: ask a neighbour or family member to collect it, or have it held or forwarded for the period you are away.
- Heating: in winter, do not switch the heating off completely — keep the house frost-free so the pipes do not freeze.
- A lived-in look: timer switches for lights and someone who checks the house once a week.
- Home insurance: some policies have conditions for a house that is empty for a longer period. Check yours, and tell your insurer if needed.
- Registration: if you live in the Netherlands, you only need to deregister if you are abroad for more than eight months within a year. A winter cruise of a few weeks does not come close.
Insurance, health and medication
- Travel insurance for the whole trip. Many continuous travel policies have a maximum number of days per trip. Check that it covers the full length of your voyage, including the days before and after.
- Medical costs. Dutch basic health insurance covers urgent care abroad up to Dutch rates. The ship's medical centre is private and often more expensive, and an evacuation is costly — medical cover in your travel insurance matters. Read more about travel insurance for a cruise.
- Medication. Take enough for the whole trip plus a week extra, in your hand luggage, with an English overview of your medicines from your pharmacy.
- Pre-existing conditions. Tell your insurer about them before you go; otherwise a claim may be refused.
Travelling with someone who needs extra care? See our guides to cruising with elderly parents and cruising with limited mobility.
Common questions
How can I spend a month on a cruise ship in winter?
Usually by combining sailings: several island weeks in the Canary Islands in a row, a crossing to South America followed by cruises there, a long voyage from Rotterdam or a segment of a world cruise.
Is a long winter cruise a good alternative to wintering in Spain?
For many people, yes, if they like variety: the view changes every day or two, and meals and cleaning are taken care of. If you prefer one familiar place for several months, an apartment suits you better. Some people combine both.
Can I stay in the same cabin on back-to-back cruises?
Often, yes, if you book the cruises in a row on the same ship and ask for it. On the change-over day you usually stay on board.
Does my travel insurance cover a cruise of several weeks?
Check the maximum number of days per trip in your policy. Many continuous policies have a limit; if your voyage is longer, you need an extension or a separate policy.
What do I do with my house while I am away?
Arrange the post, keep the heating on low so the house stays frost-free, use timer switches and ask someone to check the house regularly. Check the conditions of your home insurance for an empty house.
How the club fits in
Long 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. For an overview of warm winter destinations, see winter cruises compared.
General information, not insurance or legal advice; routes and ships change every season. Check the current itinerary and the conditions of your own policies 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.