Winter is fast approaching and while the British weather may offer the occasional sunny day, there is no denying it also brings a fair share of gloomy, grey days. For those hoping to escape the drearier winter weather for sunnier climates, plenty of destinations fit the bill, and a cruise can be an easy way to explore some of the best sun-soaked spots.
Whether you are after a no-fly cruise to the Canary Islands for some last-minute sunshine, or are tempted to book a getaway further afield, there are many beautiful winter sun cruise hotspots to keep on your radar. Cruise lines including P&O Cruises, Marella Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line all have sun-soaked itineraries, featuring picture-perfect Caribbean islands, fascinating landscapes in the Galapagos and bustling city ports of call in Southeast Asia, to name a few.
Here, we take a look at five of the best winter sun cruise holidays, including the cruise lines that offer a variety of sailings there.
Canary Islands
The Canaries offer year-round sunshine, and even during the winter months you can enjoy daytime temperatures of around 25C, ideal for beachfront walks and al fresco lunches. The islands' popularity means you will also still find plenty of hotels, bars and restaurants open throughout the winter season.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria tend to offer the warmer weather, but Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are also balmy, which can be ideal if you are hoping to take on some of the scenic hikes through the volcanic landscapes. If you are after a no-fly cruise from the UK, cruise lines including P&O Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line and Fred. Olsen all offer some tempting options.
Southeast Asia
The winter months can be some of the best times to explore parts of Southeast Asia when the weather is hot and sunny, and you can swerve the monsoon seasons. A cruise can be a great way to get a taste of some of the region's most beautiful destinations, whether that is the beaches of Thailand, the bustling markets in Singapore, or the breathtaking historic towns in Japan.
The likes of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and MSC Cruises all offer a range of itineraries, including some over 12 nights if you want an adventure of a lifetime.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal offers up a very unique experience, sailing along one of the world's biggest engineering marvels, including the iconic Gatun Lake. However, these itineraries also include a chance to explore dense green jungles, picture-perfect beaches and vibrant cities.
Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are just some of the cruise lines that offer tempting itineraries across this breathtaking spot.
Caribbean
There is nowhere that screams 'winter sun' quite as much as the Caribbean islands. Winter can be one of the best times to explore those pristine golden beaches, sipping on cocktails, basking in the warmth of the sunshine and cooling off in the turquoise ocean waters.
A cruise offers a chance to sample some of the region's best islands, and with both Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, you can do multiple sailings and still get a completely unique holiday. You can find no-fly options with P&O Cruises and Cunard, or you can fly across to the USA and board ships from the likes of Disney Cruise Line and Marella Cruises.
Australia
Sydney's iconic harbour is often top of the list on an Australian itinerary, and a cruise can be a great way to not only explore the city, but also get a taste of some of Australia's incredible landscapes, such as Tasmania's rugged coastlines, with a number of sailings also including ports of call in New Zealand. Given the winter months are actually Australia's summertime, it is a great chance to discover the country while it is hot and sunny, although be warned to stick to southern Australia, as November brings the rainy season in some northern parts of the country.
Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises all offer a wide array of itineraries that can also span both Australia and New Zealand.
