Top 5 Destinations For Winter Sun

Beach in Florida
Beach in Florida

Updated October 2017

Dark mornings, ice covering the drive way, and freezing temperatures that have us wrapped up so tight we can barely move – welcome to winter in Britain. It seems to come round quicker every year, and we dread the long winter season that leaves us feeling dreary, and with the sun as a distant memory.

The onset of winter leaves many of us precoccupied with thoughts of where we can get our sun fix, when the bleak weather sets in. Some great winter sun deals are starting to circulate in the office, so it is the perfect time to start thinking about a winter break.

We're sure you would agree, there is nothing better than jetting off somewhere hot when everyone else is dreading the thought of stepping outside, and having to turn on electric blankets in order to recover from constant sneezing. However, whilst the ice thickens in England, elsewhere in the world the sun is at its hottest, so here are our top 5 places to cruise to during the winter:

Florida

Known as the sunshine state of America, Florida is one of the friendliest places there is. It is not only the sun that shines bright all day here, the people are extremely welcoming, and invite you to enjoy everything this exciting wonderland has to offer.

With miles of sun-soaked beaches, water-front restaurants, and an array of unique attractions, Florida is the ultimate adventure playground. With most cruise lines basing their ships in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Miami, during the winter you'll be able to choose from an extensive range of different itineraries and ships.

Whether your cruise starts or finishes in Florida, you can spend a few days enjoying the fun way of life that's lived here. Enjoy a day at the Miami Aquarium watching incredible shows featuring killer whales and dolphins, or take a trip to the Everglades where you will glide over the swamps in a hover boat whilst learning about the distinct wildlife that lives there.

Or, if it is just sun that you desire, Florida is your perfect haven with its long stretches of heavenly beaches that can reach temperatures of up to 32°c during the winter.

The average temperature in Florida during November – February is 29°c.

See our: Florida Cruise Deals

The Caribbean

Defining paradise, the Caribbean islands are widely considered the most blissful destinations in the world, that guarantee to take you on the ultimate escape. Picture-perfect beaches with pure white sand, crystal clear waters, and swaying palms make these islands the most desired cruise destinations in the world.

Boasting year-round hot temperatures, the long days of sunshine will enable you to soak up the scorching temperatures to your heart's content. For the more adventurous, there is the chance to try snorkelling, para-sailing, and jet skiing around these fascinating islands.

A Caribbean cruise can include stops at islands such as the Bahamas, St Lucia, Barbados, and Antigua. To some, the islands may look the same, but in fact, they all have their own unique character that makes every stop a new experience. Some cruise lines, such as Virgin Voyages, even own an exclusive private island for guest access only. With carefully selected excursions, delicious dining and plenty of relaxing beaches, these islands are the height of luxury living. The adults-only 'Beach Club' provides six bars, stunning private cabanas and pool parties with all the best tunes to soudntrack your night.

The average temperature in the Caribbean during November – February is 32°c.

See our: Caribbean Cruise Deals

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands entice visitors with their breathtaking landscapes, stunning beaches, and tropical way of life. From indulging on tapas on a rooftop restaurant, to sunbathing on the heavenly beaches, a trip here will help you to completely forget about winter.

Tenerife will amaze you with its backdrop of soaring mountains lining the pristine beaches, perfect for lazy days in the sun or family beach activities. Along the way, Lanzarote invites you to explore its volcanoes and black sand beaches. When it’s time to unwind, Gran Canaria is bursting with quaint fishing villages and attractive harbours that create the perfect scene for switching off.

For the active cruisers, the islands offer an array of memorable adventures. From extraordinary snorkelling, exploring the iconic National Parks, or rock climbing up one of the famous mountains, there is no shortage of adrenalin-pumping experiences to be had here.

The average temperature in the Canaries during November – February is 24°c.

See our: Canary Island Deals

Dubai

A world of its own, Dubai stands ready to show off its luxurious and extravagent lifestyle to anyone who visits. Nowhere in the world exhibits the diversity that Dubai does, one minute you're stood in the middle of an empty dessert, the next you're surrounded by towering buildings. A cocktail of amazing sights, every time you turn you're faced with something that stuns you once again.

Don your explorers hat as you experience adventure after adventure, with everything this extraordinary city has to offer. Go skiing in a shopping mall, slide under shark infested waters at the Atlantis waterpark, or ride a camel through the enchanted desserts. Not many places in the world can offer the variety of excursions that Dubai does.

As evening sets in, the city turns into a magical wonderland with fountain shows, vibrant nightclubs, and award-winning beach front restaurants serving up some of the most exquisite dishes you will ever taste.

The average temperature in Dubai during November – February is 32°c.

See our: Dubai Cruise Deals

Hawaii

There is nowhere else quite like Hawaii. This tropical paradise will excite all your senses as you are welcomed into this fresh, tranquil haven. Crystal clear waters line the dramatic mountains and lush forests, making this island a blissful retreat.

The soothing, swaying palms, and captivating sounds of volcanoes bubbling away, are a recipe for the ultimate winter getaway.  Along with hot temperatures and warm waters, it has everything you dream of during the colder months.

It is not only the scenery that is beautiful here, the locals love to share their lifestyle with you. Encouraging you to join in traditional Hawaiian activities, and try their iconic island cuisine, it will not be long before you are in full 'Aloha' mode!

This colourful island is home to an array of some of the world’s most intriguing National Parks and plant life. Even if you plan to go on a relaxing getaway, we would definitely recommend a stroll around one of these parks.

The average temperature in the Hawaii during November – February is 26°c.

See our: Hawaii Cruise Deals

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Find the perfect shore excursions for you on your Hawaiian cruise with our official local port partner Venture Ashore. Offering a variety of excursions, from tours to culinary experiences, there’s plenty of choice for those of all tastes and ages. Book your land tour experiences here and enjoy the highest quality tours, flexible cancellation and other tempting benefits!