The best cruises for winter sun in 2026
Get that warm feeling by securing a cruise taking in the Great Barrier Reef, the Canary Islands or the Caribbean during the colder months
AbJimroe
It may be wet and cloudy in the UK but there are plenty of winter sun hotspots around the world that are waiting to welcome you on a cruise.
Most cruise lines offer itineraries in the winter months from November to March, visiting top destinations such as the Bahamas, Tenerife, Dubai and Sydney.
It could be a great way to get over Christmas with the in-laws or just to have something to look forward to and help escape the dreary British weather in the new year.
Options range from luxury cruises to family-friendly, all-inclusive sailings.
You could even pick up a great deal during “wave season” – the sales period for cruise brands early each year.
Here are some of the best cruise deals for some winter sun in 2026.
Read more: The best Caribbean cruises for winter 2026 getaways
P&O Cruises: Canary islands and Madeira
Tenerife – Madeira – Fuerteventura – La Palma – Tenerife – Madeira – Gran Canaria – Lanzarote – Tenerife
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Seek out the warmer climes of the Canary Islands in January. You will start your trip in the winter sun by departing from Tenerife aboard Azura with P&O Cruises for a fortnight in the Canary Islands sun. There is so much time on this sailing that you get to visit some islands twice.
Read more: Best cruise deals for 2026
Passengers can marvel at the varied landscapes across the itinerary, from the volcanic views of Lanzarote to the sandy beaches of Tenerife and the mountains of Madeira.
Departs 17 January 2026. From £999pp, return flights and transfers included
Celebrity Cruises: Great Barrier Reef
Sydney – Brisbane – Queensland – Cairns – Port Douglas – Willis Island – Sydney
Enjoy the Australian summer with an 11-night cruise aboard Celebrity Edge. Departing from Sydney, this Celebrity Cruises itinerary includes an overnight stay in Cairns, giving you time to explore the Great Barrier Reef. There is also a day cruising alongside Willis Island where you could spot seabirds such as boobies, wedge-tailed shearwaters and sooty terns.
Onboard, passengers can choose from nine restaurants and bars, three pools and a nightclub as well as enjoying food and drink in the famous Magic Carpet raised platform that moves up and down the side of the ship.
Departs 14 January 2026. From £1,134pp
Marella Cruises: Canarian Flavours
Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Las Palmas - Arrecife – Puerto del Rosario – Funchal – San Sebastian – Santa Cruz de Tenerife
See the best of the Canaries as you island hop between hotspots including Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
There is also a visit to Madeira to get your fix of pastel de natas
Sailing on Marella Voyager, guests can enjoy 17 bars and restaurants on board, more than any of its sister ships.
Between stops, you can also visit the indoor cinema on board and take part in outdoor activities such as mini-golf and swim in the two pools.
Departs 27 February 2026. From £994pp
Read more: The best Marella ships and Tui cruise deals
MSC Cruises: Caribbean
Miami – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – San Juan, Puerto Rico – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas – Miami
Enjoy MSC Cruises’ newest ship MSC World America in the sunny surroundings of the Caribbean. Departing from Miami, you will soon be relaxing on the beaches of Puerto Plata or discovering its ancient city walls before drinking the local coffee and rum in San Juan’s old town.
The itinerary also includes a trip to MSC Cruises’ private Ocean Cay island in the Bahamas, where you can take part in watersports or just top up your tan before heading back to the cold at home.
Departs 7 February 2026. From £433pp
Royal Caribbean: Western Caribbean & Perfect Day
Port Canaveral – Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico – Roatan, Honduras – Cozumel, Mexico – Perfect Day at CocoCay – Port Canaveral
Enjoy guaranteed sun and sand on this seven-night Caribbean cruise. Sailing with Royal Caribbean its newest ship, Star of the Seas, this voyage includes a stop on the brand’s private Caribbean island for ‘PerfectDay at CocoCay’ experience.
Read more: The best Royal Caribbean ships and cruises
Other destinations include Costa Maya in Mexico, where passengers can discover ancient Mayan ruins and lush jungles. Onboard, Star of the Seas offers giant waterparks and slides onboard as well as 40 bars and restaurants to explore.
Departs 15 February 2026. From £1,244pp
Celestyal: Iconic Arabia
Abu Dhabi – Doha – Siri Bani Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – Fujairah – Muscat – Khasab – Abu Dhabi
Sail the smooth waters of the Arabian Gulf on the seven night Iconic Arabia cruise aboard Celestyal Discovery. Departing from Dubai, this itinerary is packed with ancient history and cultural treasures from the exotic wildlife of Sir Bani Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates to the souks and architecture of Muscat in Oman.
Onboard, the ship pays homage to its Greek routes with Mediterranean dishes and entertainment, but there are plenty of local influences such as Arabian night themed cocktails.
Departs 27 February 2026. From £739pp
Read more: The best cruise lines for solo travellers
Disney Destiny: Very Merrytime Cruise
Fort Lauderdale - Lookout Cay - Castaway Cay - Fort Lauderdale
Plan ahead for Christmas 2026 and spend the festive season aboard Disney’s newest cruise ship, Disney Destiny.
You won’t have to worry about Christmas dinner or the cold as you sail around the Bahamas and visit Disney’s private island.
There will be chances to meet Mickey and the gang in their Christmas outfits, as well as to try web shooting sessions with SpiderMan. You can also see the Hercules stage show and enjoy an immersive Lion King-themed dinner.
The ship is heroes and villain themed, and is perfect for Marvel fans with a Doctor Strange bar called The Sanctum, and large Black Panther statue in the Grand Hall.
Departs 23 December 2026. From £2,031pp.
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