Travel Tip: Alternative Winter Cruises

You might associate a winter cruise with sailing to places like the Caribbean or Mexico. But winter can be the best time to cruise to some alternative destinations. Here’s why.

Right around this time of year, the Christmas markets in Europe start to open up in cities like Vienna and Nuremberg. The bigger ships can’t access these ports, but the river cruises can.

So look for last-minute winter deals with companies like Viking and Uniworld.

Winter is also the time to explore some seriously remote destinations. I’m talking about cruising to places like Antarctica and the Falkland Islands.

Quark Expeditions and Lindblad are just two companies that sail there between November and February, using small expedition ships that can get to the really off-the-beaten path areas.

They’re not cheap, but they’re definitely bucket list trips.

And if cold isn’t your thing, you’re in luck. Winter is exactly the time to take a cruise to South America…because it’s summer down there!

Deals are popping up for early January and mid-March sailings on Princess Cruises, and in early February on Royal Caribbean.