If winter makes you want to trade gray skies for warm breezes, the cruise calendar delivers like a very organized sun-chaser. For 2025, cruise lines are leaning into a mix of classic warm-weather getaways, off-grid expedition voyages, and lesser-known ports that reward explorers with fewer crowds and bigger stories. Below is a handpicked list of the best cruises for winter, featuring 20 stunning destinations, top cruise lines to consider, and expert tips to make your journey effortless and unforgettable.
Think of this as your stylish, slightly cheeky compass for planning the best sea-bound escape this winter.
20 Best Cruises for Winter You’ll Want to Book in 2025
1. Eastern Caribbean — Classic, Easy, Sunny
The Eastern Caribbean stays a top winter pick for a reason. Expect reliable warm weather, picturesque beaches, and shore options from snorkel-fueled bays to local rum tastings. Large lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian still dominate with big-ship entertainment and family-friendly options. In contrast, smaller lines like Oceania and Celebrity offer more refined dining and port-focused itineraries. If you want serenity, book ports like St. Lucia or Dominica on a quieter itinerary.
2. Southern Caribbean — For Deeper Exploration
Think Barbados, Grenada, and Bonaire. These islands reward longer itineraries and are perfect for travelers who want more than the usual three-island loop. Luxury and mid-size lines are increasingly programming Southern Caribbean seasons for winter, making it a great time to seek boutique shore excursions or scuba trips.
3. Western Caribbean and Panama Canal — History Plus Tropics
If you want mixing waterways with beach time, Western Caribbean runs and partial Panama Canal transits give both adventure and relaxation. New deployments by major lines are expanding options from Galveston and New Orleans seasonally, making logistics easier for U.S. travelers.
4. Canary Islands — Europe’s Winter Sunshine Hub
For Europeans or anyone chasing milder winter temps, the Canaries are reliably sunny and easy to combine with Atlantic island-hopping. Several Mediterranean lines reposition ships here for the winter to maintain a sunny schedule. These islands are ideal for active shore days, from volcanic hikes to coastal cycling.
5. Mediterranean in the Shoulder Season — Quieter Ports, Local Life
Winter Mediterranean itineraries focus on the southern basin and Atlantic approaches, plus fewer tourists in historic ports. Some cruise lines run special winter or repositioning cruises that visit Spain, Sicily, and Morocco. If you prefer cultural outings and cooler, walkable days, the winter Med offers more authentic local scenes.
6. Hawaii — Island-hopping Without the Airport Shuffle
Cruising around Hawaii offers the convenience of unpacking once while exploring the islands. Winter can bring humpback whale watching into the mix, and smaller premium ships often run in-region itineraries that give extra berth time on each island for hiking and luaus.
7. Panama and Colombia Coastlines — Less Crowded, Big History
For a different Caribbean vibe, cruises that hug the Colombian and Panamanian coasts combine colorful port towns and logistical ease for travelers aiming for both sun and culture. Repositioning and niche operators have been adding these coastal routes to winter schedules.
8. Mexican Riviera and Baja California — Sunsets and Sea Caves
West Coast travelers will love winter Baja itineraries that combine wine country near Ensenada, La Paz sea kayaking, and gorgeous sunsets. Expedition and small-ship operators also run Baja whale watching and wildlife-focused journeys in the winter months.
9. Bermuda — Accessible, Elegant, and Pastel
Only a short hop from many East Coast ports, Bermuda is a winter classic for a refined island escape. It blends British flair with crystalline water and is ideal for travelers seeking a compact yet stylish shore experience.
10. The Bahamas — Close, Quick, Varied
From Nassau classics to Exuma’s swimming pigs, the Bahamas are a classic winter pick for families and quick getaways. Lines from Disney to Carnival, and higher-end options, keep busy schedules here during the winter season.
11. Galápagos Islands — Wildlife That Wows
The Galápagos remain one of the most compelling destinations for expedition cruises. Winter months in the islands are excellent for wildlife encounters, and specialist expedition lines like Silversea Expeditions, Lindblad, and smaller locally focused operators maintain high standards for boots-on-land experiences and naturalist-guided excursions. For nature lovers who want an immersive, educational voyage, this is it.
12. Antarctica — Bucket-List Expedition
For most travelers, winter means polar season in the southern hemisphere, and while “winter” in Antarctica is technical, the southern summer (our winter) months are prime for expedition cruises northward across the Drake Passage. Ships range from nimble expedition vessels to luxury explorers, each offering zodiac landings and expert guides. If wildlife and raw landscapes are your goal, this remains an unmatched time to go.
13. Australia and New Zealand — Summer Down Under
For travelers who can swap hemispheres, Australia and New Zealand are in full summer. Cruises here offer varied coastal highlights, from the Great Barrier Reef to the fjords of New Zealand. Several lines reposition ships to the southern hemisphere for extended seasons of exploration.
14. Japan and the Ryukyu Islands — Culture and Mild Winters
Japan’s coastal cruises offer access to off-the-beaten-path ports, and certain late-winter sailings line up with plum blossom season in warmer southern ports. Expedition and luxury lines are increasingly exploring small-island itineraries around the Ryukyus.
15. Red Sea and Arabian Gulf — Warm Cultural Contrasts
Winter is prime time for cruises in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, where comfortable temperatures and calmer seas meet dramatic desert landscapes and historic ports. Luxury lines and niche boutique ships serve this region, pairing heritage sites with high-end onboard hospitality.
16. Madagascar and the Indian Ocean — Biodiversity and Beaches
For travelers seeking exotic wildlife and less trodden beaches, Indian Ocean itineraries around Madagascar, the Seychelles, and the Maldives offer unique biodiversity and private-island-style stops. Expedition vessels and luxury yachts often favor winter windows to avoid the monsoon seasons.
17. Alaska — Crisp, Uncrowded Winter-Style Options
Although common in summer, some travelers opt for late-fall and early-winter repositioning cruises that still showcase fjords, coastal wildlife, and opportunities to see the northern lights. Smaller expedition ships are best for reaching the quieter nooks and maximizing scenic experiences.
18. Chilean Fjords and Patagonia — Dramatic Scenery For Intrepid Travelers
Patagonia is at its most accessible during the southern summer months, when expedition ships push into channels and remote harbors. If dramatic glaciers, steppe landscapes, and windswept beauty appeal, consider an expedition line that specializes in Patagonia routing.
19. West Africa — Cultural, Less Explored
Winter itineraries along the West African coast are niche, focused on culture, music, and markets. These require more careful planning but offer rich, immersive shore experiences. Some lines and specialized operators include ports in Ghana, Senegal, and Cape Verde.
20. River Cruises in Warm Winter Climates — Mekong, Nile, Douro
If big-ship ocean crossings are not your thing, winter is a great time to consider river cruising in warmer regions. The Nile and sections of the Mekong can be especially pleasant, with less heat than in summer and comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Choosing the Right Ship and Brand Picks
Cruise experiences vary as much as vacation styles. Big ships from lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and MSC offer entertainment, pools, and family programming. Premium and luxury lines such as Celebrity, Oceania, Seabourn, and Regent focus on refined dining, smaller ships, and immersive shore experiences. Expedition specialists like Lindblad, Silversea Expeditions, Hurtigruten, and Ponant deliver expert-led, small-boat landings to wild places. Condé Nast Traveler and industry rankings consistently highlight these differences when helping readers match ships to priorities.
Practical Tips for Winter Cruise Planning
- Book early for popular itineraries. Winter sailings to warm spots still sell out fast, especially during holiday weeks.
- Check the ship redeployments and homeport news. In 2025, several lines redeployed ships to make the winter Caribbean and Canary Island seasons more robust. This affects available dates and ports.
- Consider expedition insurance and flexible change policies for far-flung itineraries. Weather and operational changes can affect remote itineraries more than mainstream routes.
- Choose stateroom location wisely. For rougher routes like Patagonia or Antarctica, mid-ship cabins lower in the vessel help with motion.
- Book key shore excursions in advance for must-do options like Galápagos landings or Antarctic zodiac trips.
Gear and Product Recommendations
Smart packing makes the trip feel curated rather than chaotic. A few stable brand recommendations that suit most winter cruise goals:
- Carry-on and daypack: Osprey or Peak Design travel daypacks for comfort and organization.
- All-weather jacket: A lightweight, packable shell from Patagonia or Arc’teryx. These work for rainy Caribbean squalls and Antarctic wind-chill layering.
- Power and charging: Anker power banks and a compact multi-plug travel adapter keep devices powered during long shore excursions.
- Sun and skin: Broad-spectrum reef-safe sunscreen, a protective hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Comfort items: A travel neck pillow, Sea-Bands for motion discomfort if susceptible to seasickness, and quick-dry clothing from Uniqlo or Smartwool for layering.
- Travel writers and experienced cruisers widely recommend these choices for durability and travel friendliness.
Charting Your Next Winter Voyage
This winter is shaping up to be a terrific season for cruising, with cruise lines repositioning ships to chase sunshine and ramping up expedition offerings for adventurers. Whether you want the ease of a Caribbean beach day, an immersive Galápagos wildlife tour, or a bucket-list Antarctic crossing, there is a ship and itinerary that will fit your mood and budget. Book mindfully, pack thoughtfully, and go ready to swap winter layers for salt air and sunrise views over the bow.
