12 Best Warm Places to Visit in December

Table Of Content

• Where to Cruise During Winter for Sun
• By destination
• Southeast Asia: From Tranquil Beaches to Bustling Cities
• Are there cruises in December?
• Christmas Market River Cruises in Europe
• British Virgin Islands

Disney lovers will appreciate a Very Merrytime Cruise by Disney Cruise Line, where you’ll experience a larger-than-life Christmas at sea. Various cruises voyage from Fort Lauderdale,  Port Canaveral, or Galveston, Texas to the Bahamas or Caribbean islands. Sail up into the Arctic Circle past Norwegian Fjords to witness the Northern Lights, and spot orcas and humpback whales.

Where to Cruise During Winter for Sun

Keep reading to find out which locations we think you should be visiting during the most festive of months and why. As the weather cools down, heat things up with a holiday cruise to a sun-drenched destination. Find Christmas cheer at sea, welcome the New Year in with friends on deck or spend February on a cruise to tropical islands. These are just a few of the many Middle East destinations to explore on a December cruise. From the modern marvels of Dubai to the historical treasures of Jerusalem, the Middle East offers a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern experiences. So, set sail and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and warm hospitality of these remarkable destinations.

By destination

On the 14-night sailing round-trip from San Cristóbal, Silver Origin will alight at a remarkable 27 ports throughout the archipelago. Carnival's seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing is an excellent way to experience Carnival's Celebration Key, the line's new private destination on the south side of Grand Bahama Island. Families are keen to capitalize on school holidays, making this a prime time for cruising. The festive cheer around Christmas and the excitement of New Year’s celebrations can lead to higher demand, subsequently driving up prices. It’s the classic case of supply and demand, with the holiday season being a hot ticket on the high seas. Sailing into the sunset of the year, December cruises unlock a world of diverse adventures, from the sun-kissed beaches of the Bahamas to the pristine ice expanses of Antarctica.

Southeast Asia: From Tranquil Beaches to Bustling Cities

With sailings to six different continents, Norwegian Cruise Line gives guests plenty of options for a relaxing holiday, wherever they want to spend it. In addition to Christmas cruises, Norwegian offers New Year, Hanukkah, and even Thanksgiving sailings. On the latter, guests can sit back and relax as someone else prepares an unforgettable turkey dinner.

The hardworking staff will appreciate your extra generosity during the holiday season. Most of the specialty dining restaurants on major cruise lines have set menus that do not change for the holidays. Christmas cruises can level up your holiday celebrations — and are an ideal opportunity to escape the conventional holiday celebrations in place of an adventure. This Mexican paradise offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and azure seas.

Are there cruises in December?

The Danube River in Central Europe is a popular cruise option year-round, but nothing compares to Christmas time. Make note that it’s the hot and humid season here from November to April and is outside of the tourist season. One advantage to enjoying a winter season cruise along the French Riviera is there will be fewer crowds due to the cooler temperatures.

Take a cable car ride up for a picturesque view of the city of Tromsø, and even try a dog sledding adventure. One of the best places to cruise in December is to an area that really embraces the holidays or on a cruise with a special, seasonal itinerary. Australia is home to iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, and the ancient monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock). The country's coastal regions offer pristine beaches, vibrant cities like Melbourne and Brisbane, and the chance to encounter unique wildlife. The primary port of embarkation for a winter cruise in Egypt is usually Luxor or Aswan, as they offer access to the most significant ancient sites along the Nile. These ports are well-connected to major international airports, making them easily accessible.

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River cruises may have a reputation of appealing to older travelers, but people of all ages are discovering they're a great way to travel. Adventures by Disney offers a range of family-friendly river cruises thanks to a partnership with AmaWaterways, and in the wintertime, three of their itineraries focus on Europe's historic Christmas markets. On these journeys, you'll glide along the Danube or Rhine rivers, making stops in countries like Germany, Austria, and France. Choose a Rhine voyage to see the canals of Amsterdam lit up for the holidays or a Danube trip featuring a shore excursion to a festive outdoor ice-skating rink in the heart of Vienna. No matter which itinerary you select, all meals are included, and you can partake in onboard activities such as gingerbread cookie decorating and a mulled wine tasting. If you’re looking to escape the cold days and dark nights of winter in the UK, then why not consider a cruise to warmer climes over the month of December?

That’s why Key West—an island on the tip of the Florida Keys—is one of North America’s best warm places to visit in December. Europe might not seem an obvious choice for a winter sun escape, but the Canary Islands, which are closer to Morocco than Spain, are one of the best warm places to visit in December. You’ll be able to enjoy traditional European Christmas Markets during a December visit, albeit with a sun-kissed twist. Travel aboard a “Funtastic Thanksgiving Cruise” with Carnival or stay close to home with American Cruise Lines river cruises. Explore Mississippi, Florida, Napa Valley, Charleston, or Portland while enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

A few December departure dates have passengers back home before the holidays and several are scheduled to coincide with Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Southeast Asia is another great cruise to take in Winter and another that will tick many big ticket items off your bucket list. Many of the South East Asia cruises stop at Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and some go as far as Indonesia. Winter is the perfect time to visit these places as in Summer the heat and humidity are much higher. It is bizarre sailing away from a city covered in snow and arriving in a tropical paradise a couple of days later.

Silver Galapagos, a ship in the Silversea Cruise fleet, is a 100-passenger all-suite vessel with an expedition team aboard. Longer cruises may be paired with a visit to the Ecuadorian rainforest or Peru's Machu Picchu. If you are wanting Winter sun then the best winter cruise destination I can think of is the Carribbean which pretty much has year round perfect weather. It really doesn’t matter whether you decide to go on a cruise in November, December or January the Caribbean will be great whatever winter month you travel in. I recommend taking in both a North and South Island Cruise if you can as each island offers something unique. If you like amazing scenery, outdoors pursuits, wine and beautiful cities then a New Zealand cruise might be the best winter cruise destination for you.

The 16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday on Holland America's Zaandam is a great way to retreat from the cold this December. The extended itinerary will whisk you away for both Christmas and the New Year. Make unforgettable memories at Stingray City in Grand Cayman or dive into the world’s second-largest barrier reef off the coast of Belize City. Foodies rejoice with fresh seafood and iconic piña coladas in Key West, or perhaps a rum-tasting excursion in the British Virgin Islands. However if you want to get in the festive spirit I would recommend a Christmas Market Cruise or a Cruise to Sydney, Dubai or Madeira if you love celebrating New Years Eve.

12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025

Table Of Content

• Is December or January a good month to take a cruise?
• The Galapagos: A Unique Ecological Adventure
• By destination
• Are there cruises in December?
• Best Destinations for December Cruises
• night Galapagos cruise on Silversea

Sometimes, as cool water and warm air meet, the islands are draped in a light mist, creating an almost mystical feel. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly cruises, are planning a romantic couples’ getaway, or looking for a unique adventure, here are some of December’s best cruise destinations. Considering the winter season, year-round beach destinations like the Caribbean land at the top of the list. Unexpected locales, such as New Zealand and Patagonia, are worth considering, too. A sophisticated British cruise line, Cunard takes an elevated approach to the holidays.

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Is December or January a good month to take a cruise?

Visit quaint villages, partake in sled rides, and don’t forget to warm up with some mulled wine and heartening Norwegian cuisine. For the brave-hearted, take a plunge into the icy waters, an age-old tradition guaranteed to invigorate! Whether it’s the allure of the auroras or the charm of the snowy climes, Norway presents a magical winter cruise destination.

The Galapagos: A Unique Ecological Adventure

If you're not creative, check if your cruise line offers cabin decoration packages for preorder prior to your sailing. Venture to Hue and wander the ancient Imperial City before diving into the energy of Ho Chi Minh City. If you want a change of pace, relax on the sun-kissed beaches of Phuket or engage in retail therapy in bustling Bangkok.

By destination

The Caribbean is a dream holiday destination for many and a cruise to the Caribbean is no exception. When it comes to having a quality cruise experience, the Caribbean is always a good bet, no matter what season it is. Showered by sunlight and blessed with warmth, the Caribbean islands offer the ultimate antidote for the drab and dreary winter days back home in the U.S. or Europe. Grab a cocktail at the pool, go snorkeling or fishing, explore colonial towns,… within minutes after leaving port, you’ll have forgotten that it’s actually winter at home.

At this time of year, you can escape the chill at home while enjoying the hot, but not too hot, weather in this part of the world. For most of the year, the Middle East is just too hot to be comfortable to visit. As it’s a busy month, it’s worth booking your cruise well in advance (over a year). By taking a cruise on the Rhine or Danube you can visit several famous markets on one holiday. A Rhine Cruise takes in places like Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne and Strasbourg. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.

Best Destinations for December Cruises

Note that regions like Queensland and the Northern Territory can be ridiculously hot this time of year, so make sure to drink enough water and slop on sunscreen. Soon our sunlit morning and evening commutes will be a distant memory and icy patches will catch our unwary feet by surprise. It's time to check the status of our shovels, stock up on ice melt and plan for how we're going to escape the worst the season has to offer -- on a cruise, of course.

Taking a cruise in December is a fun and different way to ring in the winter season (certainly much better than having to shovel snow). Visiting this part of the world is a bit different to somewhere like the Caribbean. When you spend days on land, you need to be more aware of the local cultural norms and ensure that you dress appropriately for the situation. The city has several markets, but the Christkindlmarkt on the central Rathausplatz square is the most famous. Here, you can enjoy ice skating, classical music performances, and a wide variety of festive treats. If you are on board a cruise ship at the end of December you can expect to celebrate New Year with deck parties, live music and dancing.

Choose a departure date that returns before Christmas and New Year's or opt to celebrate the holidays onboard. The best December cruises are bound for warmer ports throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii and Central America where sunshine is guaranteed. Travelers with more time and an exotic destination in mind can set sail for the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands straddling the equator.

Winter Cruises in Warm Weather Destinations for November and December

You’ll visit gorgeous riverside towns such as Cochem, Koblenz and Mainz, all featuring their own Christmas festivities, of course. Cozumel is surrounded by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System which is teeming with exotic sea life to discover, like loggerhead sea turtles and foureye butterflyfish. The Chankanaab National Park is close to the cruise dock, with historical walking trails and a postcard-pretty, white sand beach. As for buying souvenirs, shopping is a delight along the seafront at San Miguel.

The port of Monte Carlo often serves as the embarkation point for winter cruises in this region, although it’s common for Monte Carlo to simply be a port of call for luxury cruises or smaller boutique ships. Mediterranean cruises often include multiple ports of call, allowing passengers to discover a variety of destinations along the coastline. As briefly touched upon before, December is high-summer in Australia and New Zealand. Especially the South Island of New Zealand and the southeastern coasts of Australia are glorious this time of year, soaked in sunshine and enjoying wonderfully warm weather. This is the best time of year for a Down Under cruise—both countries are often included on the same itinerary. Go for wilderness hikes in New Zealand’s ancient forests, visit such iconic metropolises as Melbourne and Sydney, and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

The Jeweled Christmas in Natchez tour features a visit to The Towers, one of the state's most opulent privately owned antebellum homes. Guests will ooh and ahh over the festive decorations and displays that include over 100 Christmas trees. Glide up the Lower Mississippi River and soak in the charms of historic towns decked out in their holiday finest. This American Queen Voyages itinerary will also visit the special European-style Christmas market in Natchez, Mississippi, created especially for the line.

It is definitely going to be cold but you stand a pretty good chance of seeing the Northern Lights which in my opinion is worth the cold weather. Taking an Antartica Cruise in December or January will mean you will get about 20 hours of sunlight and a wealth of wildlife to spot including whales, seal pups and penguin chicks. He swears that his best ever New Year’s Eve was celebrating on board a Galapagos cruise. If you love wildlife but still want good weather then a Winter Galapagos cruise could be perfect for you. To delve into local highlights, a Camel and Mexican Outback Adventure takes you to an oceanside ranch to taste tequila, learn how to make tortillas and go for a camel ride on the beach. You’ll travel aboard a 4×4 Mercedes Unimog along cactus-lined streams and lush nature trails.

Nature lovers can follow in the path of Charles Darwin by flying to Quito, Ecuador, to connect to Galapagos where mid-December through mid-January is high season. Cruises circle around the islands of this wildlife preserve, a volcanic archipelago about 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast. The 98-passenger Xpedition from Celebrity Cruises provides a small-ship experience on six December departures of seven nights each.

Other river cruise lines, such as AmaWaterways and Emerald Cruises, offer similar destinations and ports of call throughout Hungary, Austria, Germany, and France. The primary port for embarkation on a winter cruise in Tahiti is Papeete, the capital city of French Polynesia. Papeete's Faa'a International Airport offers convenient access to the island. The primary port for embarking on your winter cruise is Vaitape, Bora Bora, the island's main town. A Caribbean cruise typically features a variety of ports and itineraries, allowing travelers to explore multiple islands. From larger cruise liners to smaller luxury ships like Emerald Cruises yachts, there are options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Morocco swelters in the summer, making winter a far more appealing time for sightseeing. In December, daytime temperatures hover around a pleasant 72℉ (22℃), offering the perfect climate to experience the cultured coastal cities of Casablanca and Tangier. This site focuses on small-format cruises and ship-within-a-ship concepts on large cruise ships, including special cruise experiences you can enjoy during your next vacation.

Cruises along the Nile often make stops at historic cities such as Luxor and Aswan, where ancient temples, tombs, and ruins await. The Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple Complex, and Abu Simbel are just a few of the captivating sites that can be explored along the Nile's riverbanks. Aqaba, Jordan, is a gateway to the fascinating ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also renowned for its stunning coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.