The best winter cruises for a magical holiday on the water
As the evenings get shorter and the weather gets chillier, we're starting to think about wonderful winter escapes to make the most of the season.
In the winter we love to plan weekend getaways to cosy cottages, city breaks in European capitals illuminated with fairy lights, and restorative spa breaks. But if you're looking for a longer holiday, or hoping to travel a bit further afield, a winter cruise might be just what you're looking for.
We often associate cruises with sunbathing on deck with a cocktail in hand between stops in heavenly beach resorts in a far-flung paradise. But winter cruises hold their own magical charm to rival summer escapes.
The best winter cruises allow you to discover a new destination in comfort, sailing through icy waters to explore culture-rich cities or beautiful, snow-dusted rural landscapes in some of Europe's most inviting winter holiday destinations.
And while it might be too chilly for sunbathing on deck by the poolside, the best winter cruises take place on well-equipped ships, with exceptional experiences to enjoy at sea. On cruises with lines Uniworld and Hurtigruten you can enjoy wellness classes, fitness centres, luxurious spas, and packed programs of evening entertainment as you sail.
Of course, if you're after some winter sun, there are plenty of cruises that will take you to exotic long-haul destinations, from the sacred Ganges in India to the fascinating religious sites along the banks of the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Whether you're after a snowy European winter cruise or some warmer weather on a long-haul getaway, here is our selection of the best winter cruises to get you dreaming.
Best for spotting the Northern Lights
Seeing the otherworldly Aurora as it dances its way across the night sky is one of the most memorable activities you can enjoy on a winter cruise. Norway's Arctic is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, and Good Housekeeping's winter cruise will take you through the fjords up above the Arctic Circle to spot this dazzling phenomenon.
What's more, you'll be travelling with the company of the world's first Chief Aurora Chaser, Tom Kerss, an astronomer who has previously worked at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. In between shore excursions to explore enchanting arctic towns and cities, you can enjoy a series of onboard lectures with Tom. These talks will bring our galaxy's stars, planets and meteors closer and touch on the many myths and legends linked to the constellations in our skies.
Best for far-flung winter sun
A winter cruise doesn't always mean cold weather. If you're dreaming of travelling further afield and escaping the cold, you'll find plenty of long-haul winter cruise options. Take good Housekeeping's incredible 17-day voyage along the Mekong. This unforgettable adventure takes you through Vietnam and Cambodia along one of Asia's most important rivers.
Along the way you'll visit the world-famous temple complex of Angkor Wat, the remnants of the royal city of Angkor Thom, the thriving capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, and the elegant boulevards of Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. This is winter cruising in true luxury, sailing aboard the exquisite Mekong Jewel in a balcony suite. On board you'll find two dining venues, a swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam room, two lounges and a library.
Best for culture and Christmas shopping
To help us gear up for the Christmas season, there's nothing quite like a good Christmas market. An early December cruise along the Rhine to visit some of Europe's finest festive markets is a great way to get ready for winter and kick-start your Christmas shopping. You'll enjoy the fabulously festive atmosphere in some of the prettiest cities along this important river, which dazzle with sparkling fairy lights at this time of year.
Good Housekeeping's five-day cruise will take you to the historic markets in Cologne, Mainz, Frankfurt, and Koblenz, where you can tuck into some traditional treats like warming mulled wine, roasted almonds and spiced cider as you browse stalls selling artisanal Christmas gifts. You'll also get to see some of the cultural attractions along the Rhine, like the impressive Cologne cathedral and the pretty town of Rüdesheim, the centre of Rhine romanticism.
Best for incredible wildlife encounters
For a cold-weather cruise like no other, join a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Antarctica. The White Continent is a dream winter cruise destination, which you can only visit on a cruise with the company of an expert expedition team, who'll help you explore this untamed and unspoilt wilderness in safety.
Good Housekeeping's amazing 15-day Antarctica cruise with Hurtigruten will take you to see incredible wildlife and natural landscapes up close, from the comfort of a state-of-the-art expedition ship. Look forward to landings and ice cruises, kayaking among the icebergs, and spotting breaching humpback whales and huddles of penguins. You'll feel like a true explorer as you get to know one of the most remote, cold, and untouched places on earth.
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Best for getting in the Christmas spirit
Get December off to a festive start with a visit to Northern Spain. While it might not be the first European destination that springs to mind when you think of traditional yuletide markets, the cities of Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo and La Coruña have Christmas cheer to rival Germany and Austria.
Vigo in particular goes all out for the holidays, decorating the city in ten million LED lights to create one of the world's largest and most dazzling Christmas light displays. Join Good Housekeeping's 10-day winter cruise of Northern Spain and you'll get to see this amazing display for yourself. You'll also visit the famous pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela, the architectural gems of Bilboa - including the famous Guggenheim museum - and the gorgeous golden beaches of La Coruña.
Best for learning something new
Are you looking to learn something new, pick up a new hobby, or brush up on an old one on a winter cruise? If you're a budding photographer, there's hardly a more photogenic location for a cruise than stunning Norway, especially during the winter when the ethereal Northern Lights regularly paint the skies with their fabulous colours.
Good Housekeeping has a Norway cruise where you'll be joined by an expert photographer who'll give you tips on capturing its beauty on camera. Doug Allan, who has previously worked on David Attenborough's Blue Planet, will be on board for three days and will join you on an Arctic Coastal walk, sharing his expertise and insights. You're bound to come away with some impressive photos from this one-of-a-kind winter cruise.
Best for a bucket list holiday
We're spoilt for choice when it comes to brilliant European cruise destinations, but those looking to explore further afield have plenty of options too. India's sacred Ganges river makes a fantastic destination for a bucket list river cruise, and offers a chance to escape for some warmer climes during winter.
With Good Housekeeping's 18-day Indian adventure you'll cruise along the Ganges in style on Uniworld's Ganges Voyager II, where you'll stay in a Riverview Suite with a private French balcony. Look forward to seeing some of the country's top attractions, including the chance to witness both sunset and sunrise over the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You'll also stop off at some less-visited attractions, including the Hindu temples of Kalna, the artisan village of Matiari and the Terracotta Temples of Murshidabad and Baranagar.
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