The nights are drawing in, the big winter coats are making their way out of the wardrobe, and suddenly every coffee shop is launching its latest pumpkin spiced creation. Yep, winter is on it’s way!
Before the countdown to Christmas really gets going, why not give yourself something else to look forward to. A winter sun cruise could be just the ticket for escaping the cold, chasing some sunshine and exploring incredible destinations along the way.
Because while we’re reaching for the heating, digging out the slippers and debating when it’s actually acceptable to start watching Christmas films, somewhere out there the sun is shining, the sea is warm and cocktails are being served on deck.
So, we asked the Cruise Nation team where they’d recommend escaping to this winter. From tropical Caribbean islands to sunshine closer to home, these are our top 3 winter sun cruise destinations.
Option 1: A Caribbean Kaleidoscope
Chosen By: Jade, Head of Marketing
“I chose the Caribbean because it’s the epitome of a winter-sun paradise, with guaranteed hot weather, crystal-clear waters, and some of the world’s best beaches. Cruising the Caribbean exceeds what a land holiday delivers. You can unpack once and visit multiple diverse islands, with plenty of excursions, from hiking through St. Lucia’s jungles to rum distillery tours in St. Maarten. And, of course, you can even visit private islands dedicated to various cruise lines, giving you the chance to experience a slice of paradise that’s made just for cruisers!”
“My favourite island is Turks and Caicos. The ship docks right next to the island, and you can swim in the waters with the ship in touching distance, whilst surrounded by turtles. But my top tip is to take a taxi further out to one of the secluded beaches. It’s so quiet on the island that you’ll essentially have a beach to yourself, and there’s plenty of local bars serving ridiculously cheap beers and piña coladas. It’s the perfect port to enjoy what the Caribbean is oh-so-good at: rum and relaxation!“
Jade’s right, the Caribbean is front of mind when choosing a Winter sun holiday, and it’s easy to see why. You’ve got an array of itineraries to choose from, depending on the holiday you want, all whilst maintaining what the Caribbean is known for. Choose Eastern for the picture-perfect beach vacation, Western for wildlife and a touch of history, or Southern for wildly different island landscapes.
Top Tip: Jade also recommends departing from Miami. It’s one of the coolest cities in the world. Every corner brings something different, from Art Deco to Latin-inspired districts. You can experience its unique buzz with a Cruise Nation Smart Package, as some of our Caribbean itineraries give you a FREE two or three night stay in Miami.
Option 2: Blissful Canary Islands
Chosen By: James, Email Marketing & CRM Manager
“The Canaries are my pick because you don’t have to travel halfway round the world to find some Winter sunshine. You’ve got great weather, amazing scenery and loads to explore, all while being much closer to home.”
“I’d recommend choosing an itinerary which visits Funchal, on the island of Madeira. It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. I’d recommend taking the cable car up to Monte and exploring the breathtaking botanical gardens, complete with over 2,000 exotic plants (and some of the best views overlooking the bay). If you’re feeling adventurous, you might choose to coast down the steep streets of Monte in a wicker basket sled steered by carreiros. A traditional, authentic experience that will certainly raise your heart rate!”
It’s easy to see why James loved his trip to the Canaries. Alongside Madeira, you can explore Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, each offering its own combination of beaches, landscapes, food and things to do. From Lanzarote’s dramatic volcanic scenery to Tenerife’s lively atmosphere and Gran Canaria’s beautiful beaches, there’s plenty to discover beyond the confines of the port.
Top Tip: Extend your trip by choosing a Cruise Nation Smart Package and enjoy an extra few nights in the sun before your cruise. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore more of your destination and make your holiday go even further.
Option 3: Heavenly Hawaii
Chosen By: Jade, Head of Marketing
“Hawaii is my pick because it feels like stepping into another world. Think golden beaches, lush tropical landscapes and incredible volcanic scenery, all wrapped up in that laid-back island lifestyle. It’s the kind of destination that makes escaping the British winter feel even more worthwhile.”
“I’d recommend exploring Oahu, especially Honolulu and the famous Waikiki Beach. You can spend the day soaking up the sunshine, browsing the shops or trying some local Hawaiian food before watching the sun set over the Pacific. If you’re after something a little more adventurous, head out to explore the island’s dramatic landscapes, discover hidden beaches or watch the surfers take on the legendary waves of the North Shore. It’s a destination with something for everyone, whether you’re after relaxation or a little adventure!”
It’s easy to see why Hawaii makes such an unforgettable winter escape. Each island has its own personality, from Oahu’s buzzing beach scene and Maui’s golden sands to Kauai’s lush green valleys and the Big Island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes. Whether you’re snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, discovering local culture or simply finding your own patch of paradise, there’s so much more to explore than just the beach.
Top Tip: Make even more of your Hawaiian adventure with a Cruise Nation Smart Package. Add a few extra nights before your cruise to explore at your own pace, soak up the island lifestyle and tick even more off your bucket list before setting sail.
Chase The Sun With Cruise Nation
There’s something pretty satisfying about leaving the UK winter behind while everyone else is reaching for another layer. With a winter sun cruise, your hotel comes with you. Wake up somewhere new, spend the day exploring, then head back onboard for dinner, entertainment and everything else your ship has to offer (all without constantly packing and unpacking).
And when you book with Cruise Nation, there are even more reasons to get excited. With years of cruise expertise behind us, our team know the cruise lines and destinations we sell first hand. We’re passionate about finding you great value holidays and work had to bring you some of the best cruise offers around. Plus, with low deposits, flexible ways to pay and every booking ABTA & ATOL protected, you can book your Winter escape with confidence.
Plus, enjoy a FREE hotel stay when you book a Cruise Nation Smart Package, helping you make more of your holiday before you even step onboard. So while the UK gets colder, you could be counting down to something much better: sunshine, new destinations and a cruise you’ll be talking about long after you’ve unpacked.
Our Cruise Nation team have picked their top 3 winter sun cruise destinations. Now it’s your turn! Ready to chase the sun? Call 0333 455 8500 today and one of our friendly cruise experts can help you find your perfect Winter escape.