Hilda When most people think of cruising, they likely picture sunny beaches in the Caribbean. There is nothing comparable to a cold piña colada in the warm sun while cruising!
However, you can sail around the world on a cruise. Not every destination will bring sunny weather and warm skies during your cruise. Every continent is accessible by cruise ship; yes, even Antarctica!
As someone who lives in a warm climate, I’ve spent the last four summers cruising to cold destinations. Here’s how each cold-weather cruise compares.
Alaska cruise
I’ve cruised to Alaska three separate times over the last 20 years. In the last four years, I’ve sailed to Alaska twice in the summers. Each time I cruise to Alaska, it’s been better than the last trip.
If you’re looking for a cold-weather cruise, you’ll find many options to Alaska. The Last Frontier is one of the most popular cruising destinations, aside from the Caribbean. You’ll find all major cruise lines sail to Alaska, along with a variety of itineraries and cruise ships.
One of the biggest perks of cruising to Alaska is having more choices. You can choose one-way voyages between Alaska and Canada. Or, many cruise lines offer round-trip sailings from Seattle or Vancouver. Alaska itineraries are varied, meaning you are more likely to find a sailing that fits your schedule. If you want to explore Alaska, you can extend your vacation with a pre-cruise or post-cruise exploration, as many do.
Weather in Alaska is typically cold, although it can vary from freezing to warm and sunny in peak summer. Many popular ports include Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Seward. Whether you want to hike, watch a lumberjack show, whale watch on the sea, or take a train ride through the mountains, Alaska has it all.
Norway cruise
Across the Atlantic, you’ll find most mainstream cruise lines also sail to Norway with majestic fjord cruises. I’ve cruised twice to Norway, and it’s become my favorite destination in the world!
As a country, Norway is quite expensive. Cruising allows you to experience the scenery and stunning views without blowing your vacation budget on local accommodations or food. Considering a small pizza can cost $30 USD, cruising to Norway offers excellent value.
Norway has recently tried to limit cruise ships for sustainability purposes, so consider sailing sooner rather than later. You can sail directly through the fjords as your ship visits tiny villages throughout the country. Further north will bring cooler weather and even the chance to see the Northern Lights. Geiranger Fjord is a must-see while quaint towns like Bergen, Flam, and Olden offer local attractions. You can ride the famous Flam Railway, soar above the fjord on the Leon Skyway, or simply wander the tiny alleyways of Bergen.
Iceland cruise
Similar to Norway, it’s also possible to cruise to, from, or around Iceland. The Land of Fire and Ice has been extremely popular for travelers recently, and cruise lines are capitalizing on this. For example, Celebrity Cruises offers roundtrip sailings from the capital city as a newer itinerary option.
Iceland has a diverse ecosystem with glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, and more. Most cruises will stop in the capital city of Reykjavik, with some offering overnight stays. The Golden Circle is an easy day trip from the city while cruising, along with exploring the city itself. Other ports include Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Seydisfjordur on the northern side of the island.
Iceland is also expensive, meaning cruises offer great value to see the country. However, you won’t find as many options for sailings that visit Iceland. In addition, most sailings will be longer due to the remoteness of Iceland compared to mainland Europe.
The weather in Iceland is usually quite chilly, with the chance of rain almost every day. Sunshine might find its way to you, but cold weather is normally in the forecast. Pack accordingly!
