Winter Cruises: Best Places to Sail This Season

Are you hoping for a sunny winter getaway this year? As temperatures drop, warm up with a festive cruise to a sun-kissed destination. Experience holiday joy at sea, celebrate the New Year with friends on the deck, or enjoy February aboard a cruise to tropical havens.

Looking for some inspiration? Check out our top selections for the perfect winter cruise getaway.

Caribbean

The Caribbean Sea provides the warm, tropical haven you seek when winter's chill descends at home. Here’s a glimpse of your options to help you find winter cruise deals in the Caribbean.

1. Grand Cayman

If your mind is set on swimming in turquoise waters, snorkeling alongside vibrant marine life, and relaxing on the beach, a cruise to Grand Cayman is the perfect choice. Here, you’ll even get the chance to interact closely with stingrays, dolphins, and turtles. Eager for some shopping? Charming George Town is only a short distance from the cruise dock, ideal for retail therapy.

When you embark on an adventure to explore Cayman both on land and in the sea, you’ll enter the underwater realm aboard a luxurious semi-submarine. Uncover enigmatic shipwrecks and admire beautiful angelfish among the coral reefs. You’ll also visit the magnificent Governor’s House, the renowned Seven Mile Beach, and green sea turtles at the Cayman Turtle Center.

2. Belize

With endless sunny days and warm nights, Belize is one of the top cruise destinations in December and throughout the winter season. This locale is perfect for adventure enthusiasts, featuring jungles for mountain biking and zip-lining, rivers for tubing, and vibrant coral gardens for snorkeling.

A cruise to Belize wouldn’t be complete without exploring ancient Mayan sites. Discover the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, just two miles from the Guatemala border. El Castillo, a 40-meter high temple, is surrounded by plazas and palaces against a stunning panoramic backdrop. Back in port, Belize City offers a taste of culture with its colonial charm and the lively Tourism Village for souvenir shopping.

The Bahamas

A warm winter family getaway to The Bahamas provides activities for all ages. This region is a premier destination for the finest cruises in February, with islands enjoying warm temperatures beneath clear blue skies.

3. Nassau

The Bahamian capital exudes Caribbean charm, featuring the lively rhythms of calypso music and delicious fresh seafood to satisfy your cravings. This idyllic paradise seamlessly blends colonial history, luxurious private islands, underwater wonders, and thrilling adventures, all set against some of the clearest waters you’ll ever encounter.

A visit to Atlantis Resort is essential, especially for families cruising with kids. The Aquaventure water park provides endless entertainment with exhilarating water slides, a river ride with rolling rapids, 20 swimming pools, and a Mayan-themed pool complete with mini-slides and water cannons for younger children. Additionally, the Atlantis marine habitat boasts over 50,000 fish species, offering opportunities to swim with dolphins and interact with sea lions.

4. Princess Cays

With a marina named Love Boat, you can expect delightful experiences at the renowned cruise destination of Princess Cays. This private resort is situated on the island of Eleuthera, surrounded by pristine white sand beaches and tranquil turquoise lagoons. It’s truly paradise if you want to enjoy the sensation of sand between your toes, a gentle breeze in your hair, and the soothing water on your skin all day long.

If you manage to pull yourself away from your private bungalow by the shore, there’s a wealth of activities to enjoy, including snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and biking. A Dune Buggy Heritage Adventure Tour takes you off the beaten path to uncover hidden beaches at Bannerman Town Park and historical landmarks like The Anglican Church of the Assumption and the Packing House Ruins.

Mexico

If you’re in search of the top cruises in January, Mexico is the perfect destination to kick off the New Year with excitement, fun, adventure, and, of course, tequila!

5. Cozumel

Cozumel is encircled by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, brimming with exotic marine life, including loggerhead sea turtles and foureye butterflyfish. Located near the cruise dock, Chankanaab National Park offers historical walking paths and a picturesque white sand beach. For souvenir shopping, you can enjoy the delightful seafront shops at San Miguel.

To fully embrace this island paradise, embark on a Deluxe Snorkel, Sail and Beach Party where you can sail in style aboard a sleek catamaran. Discover Paradise Reef to encounter spotted morays and splendid toadfish, a species unique to Cozumel. Engage in a game of volleyball on Fury Beach, try your hand at kayaking, or simply relax in a hammock swaying to the sounds of island music.

6. Cabo San Lucas

Nestled between the tranquil Sea of Cortez and the crashing waves of the Pacific, Cabo San Lucas offers an array of scenic locations perfect for swimming, fishing, and enjoying margaritas under the sun. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the charm of colonial San José del Cabo, featuring its mission church, art galleries, and historic town square.

For a taste of local adventures, embark on a Camel and Mexican Outback Adventure, where you’ll visit an oceanside ranch to sample tequila, learn tortilla-making, and ride a camel along the beach. Travel through cactus-lined streams and lush nature trails in a 4×4 Mercedes Unimog.

The top cruise destinations during winter share one common feature: sun-soaked beaches. Experience everything from zip lining through jungles in Belize to swimming with dolphins in Nassau and dune buggy escapades in Princess Cays. On a cruise to these tropical havens, you’ll completely forget the chill of winter.

Please be aware that the activities available onboard, shore excursions, and dining selections can differ based on the ship and the destination you choose.