Winter holidays are underrated. When the UK’s daylight hours reduce and rain seems to come fast and thick, what better time is there to escape from it all? Better yet, you could take a cruise and have everything you want in the contained space of one ship. This could allow you to visit several locations that are prettier than home this winter!
Here are a few things a winter cruise has going for it.
- More affordable
It’s usually cheaper to take a cruise at this time of year. Demand for cruises surges during summer, yet setting sail at an off-peak time can be enjoyable for reasons of its own. Just bear in mind that for the lowest prices (and a quieter time on board), booking outside the school holidays is your best bet.
Have a scout around and see if you could get a cruise from Southampton or somewhere similar for less this winter!
- Unique winter landscapes
The scenery in many countries is especially scenic in winter. Scandinavia and the Baltic states certainly see their fair share of the white stuff. You can easily get that winter wonderland feeling by travelling there via cruise. There’s something uniquely satisfying about sailing into the sight of snow-covered buildings, roads and hills.
Once you disembark, you might be able to explore the landscape by sledding or snowmobiling. Or drop in on some of the best Christmas markets Europe has to offer in the coastal cities of Bruges, Tallinn or Copenhagen.
If that’s not your vibe, you could always use your cruising experience to get some winter sun! Look for a cruise that takes you further afield to somewhere like the Caribbean, the Seychelles or Florida.
- No hurricanes
If you fancy heading west to the Americas, one advantage of going there at this time of year is that it won’t be hurricane season.
Atlantic Hurricane season spans the beginning of June to the end of November, so cruises running during that time may be rerouted at the last minute. Of course, you might have travel insurance to cover the costs associated with this. But you might still be disappointed if there was a particular spot you were banking on seeing.
- Because “why not?”
If you have no other plans this winter or feel like you’re stuck in a bit of a with your festive traditions, a cruise could be the answer.
It’s also a great way to cut out all the noise of the festive season, sit back and take in a new country or three at a leisurely pace.
It’s also a wonderful way to combat the post-New Year’s blues.