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Sail further west, and you’ll encounter the Canary Islands and Morocco, a compelling blend of Spanish zest and Moorish mystique. Start your adventure with a thrilling cable car ride in Tenerife, followed by exquisite wine tasting in Lanzarote, an absolute must for any holiday itinerary. Based in San Francisco, Laurie Jo Miller Farr is career-long destination and hotel marketing specialist. She contributes to CBS Travel, Where, Frommers, Foodie Travel USA and We Blog the World.
Cruise by Winter w/ December Holiday Cruise Deals - Virgin Voyages
Cruise by Winter w/ December Holiday Cruise Deals.
Posted: Fri, 08 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Canary Islands, Spain
Among the best scuba diving spots in the Caribbean, Cozumel dazzles as much underwater as above. New Zealand boasts awe-inspiring landscapes, from the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound and the breathtaking mountains of Queenstown. Keep in mind that winter is actually summer from November to February in the land down under because it's in the Southern Hemisphere, so pack accordingly. Comprising countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, Southeast Asia showcases a fascinating blend of ancient traditions, bustling cities, and spectacular scenery. Debuting in February 2024, Sun Princess is the first of Princess Cruises' brand-new Sphere-class series of ships.
The Galapagos Islands
Enjoy fresh seafood and piña colada in the artsy port of Key West, or discover an astonishing variety of marine life as you dive or snorkel the enormous Belize Barrier Reef in Belize City. Take a Southern Caribbean cruise and admire the Dutch-built waterfront of Willemstad, Curaçao’s rainbow-colored capital. Snorkel over colorful reefs and shipwrecks in Aruba, or rest and recharge at Castries in St. Lucia, which was once called “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean” by novelist James A. Michener. By asking these questions, you can get the information you need to plan the perfect December cruise.
Best December Cruises Destinations
In the ancient Vietnamese city of Hue, tour the walled Imperial City and Citadel, built over 200 years ago when Hue was the country’s capital. If you choose to go east, there’s St. Maarten, divided between France and The Netherlands. Here, you can sunbathe on Orient Beach and take in the restaurants and patisseries of Marigot, the capital of the French side of the island.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Pacific waters here are perfect for whale and dolphin spotting, especially in December. The sun-kissed beaches of Punta del Este, are perfect for catching waves or simply soaking up some much-needed sunshine. Known as the “End of the World,” it’s the gateway to snow-capped adventures in Tierra del Fuego and serene catamaran rides along the Beagle Channel. Relax in the glorious sunshine of the Southern Caribbean on a December cruise with Celebrity. Stroll the cobbled streets of historic Cartagena, and drift along Martha Brae River in Jamaica under a canopy of green before digging into spicy jerk chicken and a fruity rum punch. Join a holiday cruise to Panama and marvel at the engineering masterpiece of the Panama Canal.
It can't hurt to ask if any extra-fee restaurants are doing a Christmas or New Year's menu if you're looking for a more intimate holiday meal. Expect cruise fares to be among the highest of the year during the holiday weeks as demand increases. I’m Bobby Pham, but you can call me “Bobby on Cruise.” I’ve been cruising the high seas and exploring the world for years, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with you. 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).
➜ Panama
Sailing from Miami on December 22 to Puerto Plata and Bimini, we’d gladly swap out our traditional Christmas firs for some nice palm fronds this year. As if never-ending shrimp and beautiful coastlines weren’t enticing enough, cruise lines go all out each winter for holiday celebrations. These special sailings bring cheer to the high seas with seasonal activities, festive decor, and even more delicious treats than usual.
For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Sometimes Sailing is a cruise-focused website by Dan and Mikkel Woodruff, a couple passionate about cruising. You’ll be able to explore the incredible Christmas markets like nowhere else in the world and may even see European cities covered in fresh snow cover. You can even sail across the Pacific from San Diego to Oceania for an epic adventure. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Mutrah Souq, soak in the beauty of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and explore historic forts, such as Al Jalali and Al Mirani.
In New Zealand, cruises often visit ports such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, offering opportunities to explore stunning national parks and experience Maori culture. The winter months — from December to February — generally offer dry and warm weather, making it an ideal time to visit. Mexico generally experiences pleasant weather during the winter months, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. This makes it an ideal time to explore the country's coastal regions and indulge in outdoor activities. This makes it the absolute perfect time to go Northern Lights chasing in Arctic Norway. As you cruise up the epic Norwegian coast, weaving in, out and through majestic fjords, you’ll have a very high chance of seeing those mystical curtains of green and purple dance high up in the sky.
For larger vessels that provide a festive party atmosphere, megaships like Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas and Norwegian's Escape ply the Caribbean in and out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami throughout December. If you are looking for the cheapest month to go on a cruise this will definitely depend on the destination as some places are peak season during the Northern Hemisphere summer. The best value winter cruise destination for me is the Caribbean mainly due to the quantity of ships in the area and number of embarkation ports. Our range of no-fly cruises sail from eight regional ports, including cruises from Belfast, cruises from Falmouth and cruises from Newcastle you’ll be closer than you think to your next holiday.
Copyright 2024 Ambassador Cruise Line is a trading name of Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited. During winter there is typically less rainfall, while the beautiful scenery is frequently enshrouded in mist, providing a truly magical atmosphere. You don’t even have to travel all the way through the canal, you can do a partial crossing where your ship enters the canal and allows you to disembark for shore excursions. Before you go it’s also worth reading up on personal considerations in a part of the world, where things like hand-holding and kissing in public can be discouraged or banned, even amongst heterosexual couples. Alcohol consumption often isn’t allowed except in hotels catering to Western tourists.
Others explore the diverse islands and coastlines of the Caribbean or head into the mysticism of South American history on expedition cruises that will take you to other Central and South American countries. Winter cruises are a unique travel experience that blends luxury, adventure, and beautiful scenery. Setting sail in winter promises memorable experiences and a break from routine.
The ports of call for cruise ships, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Aqaba, offer access to delve into the rich tapestry of the Middle East. From magnificent modern cities to ancient ruins and desert landscapes, the Middle East offers a diverse range of experiences for cruise travelers. A winter cruise in the Middle East promises an immersive journey through ancient civilizations, iconic landmarks, and Middle Eastern cuisine. A winter cruise in Mexico promises an unforgettable experience, where travelers can encounter Mexico's diverse regions showcasing a mix of ancient ruins, colonial cities, beautiful beaches, and flavorful cuisine. This means it’s very busy, especially throughout the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
This picture-perfect paradise blends colonial history, private island luxury, underwater magic and dynamic adventure, all surrounded by some of the clearest waters you’re ever likely to see. Let’s dive into some of the stunning destinations you can explore on a December cruise. While on a Christmas market cruise, make sure to try the region-specific delicacies – whether it's Germany's bratwurst, Austria's apple strudel, or Hungary's chimney cake. And don’t forget to sip on a cup of glühwein (mulled wine) to warm up on those chilly nights. MSC Cruises has the largest presence in the region, but you will also find plenty of sailings from Costa Cruises and AIDA (German language). Royal Caribbean, Scenic and Windstar also have limited sailings in the Middle East.
Here, champagne is served in elegant crystal, and afternoon tea is accompanied by stollen and other traditional European Christmas cakes. Soak up the splendor of the onboard gingerbread village or sip eggnog as you enjoy deckside traditions like Christmas carolers, mince pies, and visits from Santa. Beaches are also one of the BVI’s best assets, and you don’t need to venture far to enjoy some of the Caribbean’s finest sands. On Tortola, head for Cane Garden Bay to be lulled by a lapping-wave lullaby. The white-sand beaches of lush Jost Van Dyke island also deserve a dedicated day trip.
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