Thinking about a winter vacation that takes you to far-away places with the least muss or fuss? How about a cruise? Cruises are no longer relegated to typical “warm Weather” time frames and destinations like the Caribbean. For some, going someplace warm may not be of as much motivation as simple getting away from the routine or experiencing something new and unique.
According to the web site Afar, Winter cruises are part of a trend emerging across the cruise industry to develop off-season cruises, on oceans and rivers, in response to port overcrowding during peak season and shifts in weather patterns due to global warming. River boat Christmas Market sailings have been a staple for years and now, there are many more “off peak season” cruises from which to choose. For example, AmaWaterways and Viking have river boat cruises scheduled on the Danube this winter. In 2026, AmaWaterway’s is set for February 8 and Viking’s is scheduled for March 12. Windstar is now offering Mediterranean winter itineraries from Barcelona, Venice, Athens, and Rome.
Winter cruises are part of an emerging trend for various reasons. One reason is port overcrowding during peak season.
Back in 2021, the Italian government banned large cruise ships from passing through the center of Venice by declaring the surrounding lagoon a national monument. The move was in response to international outcry over the liners causing permanent harm to the fragile city.
Obviously, a big advantage of cruising during the fall and winter times of year is avoiding such peak-season crowds. Global warming also plays a role. The French cruise line Ponant began offering sailing in January along Canada’s icy St. Lawrence River due to shifting weather patterns.
Some of the most popular destinations for fall and winter cruises include the Mexican Riviera, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Cruises are hard to beat for convenience no matter what time of year. Unpacking just once is appealing. Someone tidies your room and makes your bed every day and usually leaves whimsical animals sculpted, according to Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic.
And there is another bonus for retirees who want to do a trip with children, grandchildren and/or other family members. “Cruising can provide exceptional value compared to land-based vacations. Cruises typically include meals, entertainment, and activities throughout the day, with a wide range of stateroom options to fit different budgets, said McDaniel. “Larger families or multigenerational groups can benefit from flexible cabin choices, including Norwegian’s Haven suite complex, which comes with exclusive perks.”
Of course, not everyone wants a large cruise ship which, to many, may seem like a floating hotel that holds 4-5,000 people or more. Royal Caribbean holds the title of largest cruise ships on the world with its Icon of the Seas which debuted in early 2024, and its sister ship, Star of the Seas, that entered service in 2025, both are massive, floating resorts with record-breaking capacity (around 7,600 guests) and amenities like huge water parks, numerous restaurants, and entertainment venues, essentially acting as “cities at sea”.
There are many choices ranging from smaller sailing vessels, river boats and even Clipper ships – tall ships that blend traditional sailing (non-motorized) with the amenities found on other types of cruises. Clipper ship cruises often recruit guests to help hoist the sails manually. Companies such as Star Clipper offer transatlantic ocean crossings in addition to more typical cruises, but spring would be the next best opportunity to take that adventure.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
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