Cruising the Mediterranean in Winter: Pros and Cons

Table Of Content

• THIS IS THE BEST BEACH CLUB IN COZUMEL 2024 (Mr. Sanchos Review)
• Weather Between Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams
• Consider Less Tropical Destinations for Surprising Winter Cruise Deals
• Use our preferred travel advisors, Bolds Travel, Because…
• Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Holiday
• Madeira – the best New Years Eve Cruise Destination

Others may emphasize cultural immersion, with visits to local communities and opportunities to learn about Costa Rica's rich history and traditions. Offering a myriad of reasons to embark on a winter seafaring adventure, Costa Rica boasts lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. From the picturesque coastal city of Puntarenas to the vibrant capital of San Jose, there are several cities and sights to explore. Some cruise lines, like Windstar, will combine Costa Rica with neighboring Panama.

THIS IS THE BEST BEACH CLUB IN COZUMEL 2024 (Mr. Sanchos Review)

While river cruises are known for celebratory market cruises, itineraries on mainstream cruise lines will still deliver when it comes to finding unique souvenirs on a European Christmas market cruise. From October through to March, you can kick back on sun-kissed Caribbean beaches, savour renowned eats in Spain or take a nature escape to Norway. There’s a whole world waiting for you to explore on a winter cruise holiday with us. Take time to visit the local markets, or head inland and discover the spices of Grenada, Caribbean cocoa, and the rippling sugarcane fields of St Kitts. And although the sun will eventually set on your Caribbean escape, the memories will shine on, and you’ll likely soon be planning your next adventure there with us. Embarking in Manhattan for January cruise deals to the Caribbean islands likely means no sunbathing for your first full sea day (at least).

Weather Between Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams

As you arrive in St. Thomas on this seven-night winter cruise, you’ll be greeted by the gorgeous shoreline of Charlotte Amalie. When you cruise to the British Virgin Islands, you’ll stop in Tortola, which promises a long, lazy day on white sand under the palm trees. The cruise offers a front-row seat to nature’s own performance, where the audience is small, and the experience is deeply personal. The quieter season allows for a more intimate connection with Alaskan culture, offering a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of those living in this remote paradise.

Consider Less Tropical Destinations for Surprising Winter Cruise Deals

Immerse yourself in the underwater wonderland of Palancar Reef, or take a trip to the Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park for a family-friendly day filled with snorkeling and sea lion shows. The island’s Mayan ruins, such as San Gervasio, offer a glimpse into its ancient past. We loved our experience aboard Riverside Mozart, the best cruise ship on the Danube River. The programming they provide to make this time of year extra cozy and special for their guests is impressive. Make note that it’s the hot and humid season here from November to April and is outside of the tourist season. Winter in Egypt is from December to February and brings milder temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore outdoor activities.

Scandinavian Christmas Cruises

‘It is magical to swim surrounded by the Arctic winter in all its brutal glory’: an eco cruise in Norway’s far north - The Guardian

‘It is magical to swim surrounded by the Arctic winter in all its brutal glory’: an eco cruise in Norway’s far north.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Dry air is another issue with winter cruising that can surprise people. Static shocks from door handles and other surfaces should be expected. Make sure you can cover all extremities, including thick and thin socks, gloves, a hat, and a neck warmer. On the Norwegian coastal voyage, photography opportunities are almost endless as the ship is rarely more than a mile or two from land.

It’s not the typical picture that comes to mind when thinking about a cruise, but therein lies the magic. On our trip in November, we only had a few hours of daylight to enjoy, but it was perfect! Weirdly, the sun never fully rose but was always low and soft in the sky, creating stunning colours. We did not do much during the days, we were mostly sitting on the outside deck, watching the landscapes pass before our eyes or stopping at a harbour for 30min to 1h to wander around. We decided to wander around the city, and the scenery + colours were incredible.

Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Holiday

Since hot, sunny destinations are top picks for January cruises, their demand often means higher price points. Consider alternatives for the best last minute cruise deals in December, January and February. The winter months — from December to February — generally offer dry and warm weather, making it an ideal time to visit. Then make a port of call in Salinas, renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and water sports activities.

With the exception of the Christmas and New Year cruises you may find the crowds smaller and have a slightly older demographic (certainly on Caribbean itineraries). We went on a mid January Caribbean cruise and we were the youngest passengers by a long way. This didn’t bother us but if you want more of a party ship you might want to factor this in.

2024 Winter Ecosystem Survey - NOAA Fisheries

2024 Winter Ecosystem Survey.

Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Pro: Cruising the Mediterranean in the Off-Season Makes for Easy Packing

Cruises along the Norwegian coast allow passengers to see the stunning natural beauty of this region and witness the Aurora Borealis in all its glory. Your last port of call on this fascinating voyage is ancient Cadiz, in Spain. While Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is fascinating in itself, it’s also the jumping-off point for glorious Seville. Here, the historic center is packed with exquisite palaces built by the Moors, and narrow, whitewashed alleys concealing alluring tapas bars.

The town of Manta also provides opportunities to explore Ecuador's fishing culture, visit local markets, and admire the iconic Manta Bay. The types of cruises that typically sail Costa Rica range from large cruise liners to smaller ships, like Star Clippers. Some cruises focus on exploring the country's natural wonders, offering opportunities for activities like snorkeling, hiking through rainforests, and zip-lining.

For example, experience the holidays in Europe along the Elbe, the Seine, the Rhine, the Main, and Moselle rivers. A tropical paradise in the heart of the South Pacific, Tahiti beckons you with its breathtaking beauty, Polynesian charm, and a sense of tranquility. Tahiti's allure as a departure point for a winter cruise lies in its unmatched natural magnificence and the unique experiences it offers. The primary port for a winter cruise from Panama is Colon (Puerto de Cruceros), located nearest to Enrique Adolfo Jiménez Airport. Various cruises provide an awe-inspiring journey through the locks of the Panama Canal.

Guayaquil has its own airport making it readily accessible, while it's best to fly to Quito first, stay overnight, and then travel to Manta to reach the port of embarkation. Each island in the archipelago boasts its own unique features and wildlife. Explore the rocky shores of Fernandina Island, observing marine iguanas and flightless cormorant birds. Then visit Genovesa Island, known as the “Bird Island,” where you can see the red-footed and Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, and the elusive short-eared owl.

To further her expertise in the industry, Chantelle has taken numerous courses to become a specialist in various destinations, including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. Through her blog and advising business, Chantelle shares her love for travel and helps others plan their dream vacations. One advantage to enjoying a winter season cruise along the French Riviera is there will be fewer crowds due to the cooler temperatures. The primary port of embarkation for a winter cruise in Egypt is usually Luxor or Aswan, as they offer access to the most significant ancient sites along the Nile. These ports are well-connected to major international airports, making them easily accessible.

Antarctica Cruise - Experience the ultimate winter wonderland on an Antarctica cruise—Marvel at the pristine landscapes, icebergs, and wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Norwegian Fjords Cruise - Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights on a Norwegian Fjords cruise. Some cruises even offer a chance to explore the Arctic Circle and see the wildlife there.