Say goodbye to bleak midwinter with a host of new ships and sailings to the world’s hottest spots from Explora, Norwegian Cruise Lines and more, writes Katie McGonagle
The summer weather might have had its ups and downs, but this winter is looking hot, hot, hot as far as sunshine sailings are concerned. The winter cruise market has long been split into two camps: Christmas market-goers strolling the cobbled streets of Europe’s prettiest towns, warming their hands on steaming mugs of glühwein; and those who prefer basking in the warmth of the sun instead, jetting off for island-hopping adventures in far-flung hotspots. The latter group is in for a bumper year, if the latest booking trends are anything to go by.
In 2022, cruises to winter-sun mainstays the Canary Islands and Caribbean (incorporating the Bahamas and Bermuda) accounted for a fifth of all UK and Ireland cruise travellers, according to Clia’s latest Europe Market Report. That’s set to rise this year with a return to form for the Caribbean (Clia’s figures span the end of the sluggish 2021-22 season as well as the bounceback in 2022-23), Asia’s cruise ports back up and running, plus a wealth of new product in the Middle East and Latin America.
Norwegian Cruise Line has reported a 112% rise in bookings for winter-sun destinations this year compared with 2019 – and strong forward bookings for 2024-25 as well – with the Caribbean leading the way, up 23% via New York and 14% via Miami, along with a solid showing for South Africa, up 14% on 2019. Even mainstream operators such as Inspiring Travel are reporting strong demand for cruise, which currently makes up 9% of its total winter departures.
On Asia’s rivers, demand for the Mekong has rebounded beyond expectation too, with sister brands Scenic and Emerald Cruises recording 15% more bookings on the river by July 2023 compared with the whole of 2019; while APT and Travelmarvel have seen bookings for the 2023-24 season surpass 2019-20 already, with the lion’s share of sales coming through agents.
Caribbean cruises
Ship-spotters, ahoy – set your sights on the Caribbean this winter and you’re all but guaranteed to glimpse some of the numerous new ships plying its waters. At the luxury end of the market, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur is scheduled for delivery in November, offering all-suite accommodation for 746 guests with a maiden season visiting countries including Mexico, Belize, Dominica and Antigua.
Explora Journeys’ debut ship Explora I, Silversea Cruises’ most sustainable ship Silver Nova, Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship Brilliant Lady and Celebrity Cruises’ latest Edge-class vessel Celebrity Ascent are also set to spend their first winter seasons in the Caribbean.
That’s not the only development for Celebrity Cruises, which has added visits to private island Perfect Day at CocoCay – until now, the preserve of sister brand Royal Caribbean – to voyages on Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Reflection. Expect miles of white-sand beaches, the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas, swim-up bars and overwater cabanas for the ultimate in relaxation, or hot air balloon rides and North America’s tallest water slide for the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Ship-spotters, ahoy – set your sights on the Caribbean this winter
NCL’s Norwegian Viva, which launched in August, will become the largest new ship to homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it commences sailings to the British Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Antigua and the US Virgin Islands on December 15. There’s a Texas homeport for Carnival Jubilee, due to begin week‑long Caribbean itineraries out of Galveston from December, becoming the third ship in the line’s Excel class; while Royal Caribbean’s Miami‑based Icon of the Seas will follow the call of the Caribbean when it launches in January 2024.
At the smaller end of the scale, the diminutive Emerald Sakara – the second yacht‑style vessel from Emerald Cruises – is crossing the Atlantic for its first winter in the Caribbean and Central America, visiting smaller ports and encouraging its 100 passengers to hop off the onboard marina for snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. Sailing ship Royal Clipper – the largest full‑rigged tall ship in the world – will also be offering sports fans something different with a new Wickets and Waves package this December.
Combine the England cricket team’s tour of the West Indies with a sun‑soaked seven‑night Caribbean sailing, including premium match tickets, meet‑and‑greets and ‘state of play’ brunches for total immersion in the tour (from £8,529 including flights).
Latin America
South and Central America have captivated cruise lines’ attention for the coming winter seasons, with a host of new itineraries that run the full gamut of ship sizes from big to small and price points from affordable to ultra‑luxury. Azamara is offering new excursions in the ‘Pearl of the Tapajós’ – aka the city of Santarém in Brazil – set at the merging point of the Amazon and Tapajós rivers, with a cruise on Maica Lake to spot local birdlife and the Amazon’s famous freshwater pink dolphins.
Cunard will also be returning to South America in 2025 for the first time since 2020, with an epic ex‑Southampton sailing on Queen Victoria to Brazil, Chile and Ecuador. The 78‑night South American Discovery voyage will introduce guests to vibrant cities such as Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, the sweeping scenery of Patagonia and the Chilean fjords; invite them to go surfing in Buzios; sample rich Chilean reds on a wine tasting in San Antonio; or see Magellanic penguins in Argentine port Punta Tombo.
The innovations don’t stop there: AmaWaterways is set to become the first major river cruise line to offer voyages along the Magdalena River in Colombia from next year, with the 60‑passenger AmaMagdalena and 64‑guest AmaMelodia sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla. Voyages will feature carnival-style celebrations, a guided walk through the Unesco-listed centre of Mompox, birdwatching excursions and a music-focused tour of Palenque, highlighting the city’s history and renowned musical genres including cumbia and vallenato. Departures start from November 2024.
Escapes to Asia and Oceania
The eastern hemisphere is proving just as popular, with Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific cropping up on dozens of new itineraries for the 2024-25 season. Princess Cruises alone has 72 itineraries taking in 64 destinations in this region, on board Royal Princess, Crown Princess and Diamond Princess. Plus you’ll find plenty of off-the-beaten-track journeys such as Scenic Eclipse II’s new Treasures of the Pacific: The Yasawas to New Zealand, which will take in the South Pacific’s smaller islands on a one-off departure in November 2025.
River cruising is booming with APT’s new Mekong Serenity and Travelmarvel’s Apsara enjoying their first full seasons. Uniworld is also adding a host of land extensions to its Ganges cruises, including the luxurious Maharajas’ Express rail journey (starting from October, with extra departures already added for 2024 due to demand), plus add-ons in Udaipur and Vietnam’s Halong Bay. There is just as much excitement around the reopening of Asia’s ocean ports, with Seabourn Encore based in the continent from December 2024 to April 2025.
Highlights include the line’s signature Caviar in the Surf beach barbecue in Ko Kood, Thailand, plus overnight stays in Manila and Ho Chi Minh City. But the jewel in Asia’s cruising crown is, unsurprisingly, Japan. It seems absence has only made the heart grow fonder of this Far East nation, with new sailings on board Seabourn Quest that will enable guests to experience the ever-popular cherry blossom season and Golden Week in early 2025.
Winter-sun hotspots
Andy Harmer, UK & Ireland managing director, Clia
“Winter-sun cruises give holidaymakers the chance to sail to sun-soaked destinations in comfort and style. Close-to-home options include the Canaries, with both fly-cruise and cruise-from-UK options; and the Caribbean is an obvious choice.
But don’t ignore other options such as the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australasia and South America for both river and ocean cruise holidays. Offering something different as a ‘wild card’ may just grab customers’ attention.
You’ll find fewer families travelling in winter – which would suit some customers – plus lower flight and hotel prices. Sectors of a world cruise can offer something different and are a great way to explore a particular area.”
PICTURES: Getty Images/Apomares/Scenic
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