Fun Winter Cruises the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Cruise During Winter With Your Family

By Cynthia J. Drake | Published: March 23, 2022 | Updated: February 23, 2026

And you’re off! The chill of winter is in the air, your cheeks are rosy from the breeze and laughter fills the moment as you race down a snowy hill with family. Winter vacations bring out the childlike joy of the season, turning frosty days into unforgettable adventures. Now imagine pairing that same sense of wonder with the comfort, warmth and excitement of a winter cruise vacation. Instead of just sledding at home, you could be exploring snowy port cities, enjoying festive onboard activities and bonding with loved ones as your winter cruise ship carries you to new winter wonders. Here’s how to make the most of winter cruise holidays with your favorite people.

Key Takeaways

● Winter vacations offer diverse experiences, from snowy adventures in the Alps or an Alaska winter cruise to sunny escapes in the Caribbean.

● Planning a winter getaway blends comfort, family fun and outdoor activities like sledding, skiing and exploring festive cities.

● Winter cruises provide an all-in-one experience with cozy accommodations, onboard entertainment and access to unique seasonal destinations.

● Popular destinations for the best winter cruises include Alaska, Northern Europe, Canada and select ski-friendly regions, with options for both intense and gentle snow sports.

● Booking early, packing smart and planning excursions with the season in mind ensures a smooth, memorable winter cruise for the whole family.

● Select the cruise destination that fits perfectly into your winter vacation bucket list.

If you think about a vacation in winter, you may picture yourself fleeing the cold and heading for breezy palm trees, glistening sand and warm sun. An active, snowy holiday vacation can be just as great as an escape.

This season is an exciting time to travel the world, exploring different holiday cultures and experiencing winter in a faraway land. That may mean traveling to a fantastically snow-covered destination like Switzerland or Russia, or staying a little closer to home and wandering around a chilly city like Portland, Maine or New York City. No matter your preference, the winter season has so much to offer.

Ideas for Planning the Best Winter Vacation

Planning the perfect winter getaway is all about blending comfort, adventure and family fun. Think cozy afternoons spent exploring museums, catching a movie by the fireplace or gathering for warm, laughter-filled evenings indoors. Outdoors, snowy landscapes open the door to sledding, skating or simply strolling through twinkling holiday streets.

To keep the energy high, add a little friendly competition. This could be a snowball fight, a sled race or a trivia night on board a Royal Caribbean cruise. A winter cruise vacation takes these experiences to the next level, offering festive activities, family bonding opportunities and magical destinations that transform your seasonal trip into lasting memories.

Places To Go in Winter for Cruise Traveling: Popular Destinations

The Swiss and French Alps

A postcard-esque winter vacation idea worth considering is traveling to the Swiss or French Alps for a breathtaking backdrop on an adventurous ski trip with the whole family. If you've never learned to ski or snowboard (or it's been a while since you've hit the slopes), sign your family up for private or group lessons.

Most ski hills offer lessons for skiers as young as 2 or 3 years old, and you're never too old to learn. As you develop advanced skills and find your ski legs, race each other to the bottom of the hill, or compete to see who can rip the most moguls on a black diamond. To sweeten the pot, the winner gets extra marshmallows in their hot chocolate.

The Canadian East Coast

If your family is seeking a thrill that's a little less intense, head to flatter terrain for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Both of these activities can be accomplished with minimal instruction, while still providing a physical challenge as well as a great family bonding experience.

Alaska and Northern Europe

For those who dream of combining snowy adventures with the comforts of a cruise, winter itineraries open the door to destinations like Alaska’s icy fjords, Canada’s coastal gems or even Northern Europe’s storybook cities.

Imagine spending the day exploring a frosted landscape, then returning to the ship for hot cocoa, festive onboard entertainment and cozy family time. A winter cruise vacation gives you the best of both worlds: stunning seasonal backdrops and all the relaxation that comes with life at sea.

British Columbia and Norway

When seeking places to go in the winter for prime cross-country skiing, head toward British Columbia and Norway, as they are near many of the great downhill ski resort destinations. Fortunately, in the U.S., speed isn't the goal. Enjoying the natural environment is.

So make a game out of spotting as many different varieties of wildlife as possible along the way. A deer, a bunny, an elk, a moose: Your kids will have so much fun shouting out the name of the animal and enjoying its beauty from afar.

The Benefits of a Winter Cruise

All-in-One Holiday Experiences

When temperatures drop and days grow shorter, a winter cruise offers the perfect escape. Unlike traditional land-based vacations that can be limited by icy roads or unpredictable weather, a cruise provides a warm, comfortable base with everything you need at your fingertips.

Dining, Leisure and Entertainment

From gourmet dining and spa treatments to entertainment and kid-friendly activities, you can enjoy the season without worrying about logistics. On board, every detail is taken care of, so your focus stays on relaxation and making memories.

Beautiful Destinations

Another major benefit is the variety of destinations available during the winter months. If you’re seeking snow-dusted charm, certain itineraries in Alaska, Canada or Northern Europe allow you to experience magical winter landscapes and activities like skiing or sightseeing in festive cities.

Varied Location-Specific Weather Conditions

If you prefer to escape the cold altogether, head south for winter Caribbean cruises or a vacation in the Canary Islands, where sunny beaches, turquoise waters and tropical breezes create a blissful contrast to winter back home. No matter your choice, a winter cruise truly offers the best of both worlds. You’ll get to make the most of cozy seasonal magic or sun-soaked adventures, depending on your mood.

So, Is It Worth Going on a Cruise in the Winter?

Absolutely! You can avoid the peak-season crowds, enjoy more affordable fares and gain access to unique seasonal experiences that simply aren’t available at other times of the year. Celebrate the holidays at sea, chasing the Northern Lights or savoring a warm getaway while everyone else is shoveling snow. A winter cruise delivers value, variety and unforgettable memories.

Unleash Your Inner Child: Snow Activities During a Cruise Trip

As a kid looking for things to do in the snow, the greatest wintertime rush is careening down a snowy hill on a sled or tube, all while unleashing your loudest scream while going what feels like 100 mph. You can revisit this magical feeling with your own family while making games in the snow.

Winter activities for kids, like playing on snowy hillsides, can be done with minimal equipment as long as you're in proximity to a reasonably steep snow-covered slope. Rediscover the beloved pastime of having fun in the snow with lesser-known winter cruises to destinations like Japan and Dubai.

The Joy of Skiing With the Family

If you're used to spending the cold months indoors cozied up by the fire, discovering a fun wintertime sport may be just what you need. Perhaps it holds the key to unlocking a new tradition for your family. There are some truly iconic ice skating rinks throughout the world, like London's Hyde Park, the Eiffel Tower, Red Square in Moscow and, of course, New York's Rockefeller Center.

The rinks dazzle during the holidays with twinkle lights and grandiose Christmas trees, making you feel like you're inside a snow globe. No matter where you choose to hit the ice, for kids and novice skaters, there are so many options to help you gain confidence on skates.

Assuming your family isn't composed of Olympic skating hopefuls, create a silly skating competition where each family member must come up with the most ridiculous and outrageous ice dancing routine. Bonus points if sequins and music choreography are involved. You'll have so much fun on the ice, you won't even care if you fall.

Tips for Planning a Winter Cruise

When booking a winter cruise, timing is everything. December through February is often less crowded than summer sailings, meaning you can take advantage of lower fares and fewer lines at popular attractions. Holiday sailings, like Christmas and New Year’s, tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to book early if you’re aiming for a festive trip. Keep in mind that shoulder-season cruises in late fall or early spring can also offer great deals while still delivering a winter experience.

Packing smart is another key to a successful winter cruise. What to wear on a winter cruise? Well, if you’re heading somewhere snowy, bring layered clothing, waterproof boots and gear that’s suitable for excursions like sledding or skiing. For warmer winter destinations such as the Caribbean, you’ll still need light clothing and swimwear. Don’t forget a sweater or light jacket for breezy evenings on deck. Essentials like sunscreen, motion sickness remedies and reusable water bottles are must-haves regardless of the climate.

Finally, plan your excursions with the season in mind. In colder regions, prioritize winter-friendly activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing or visiting holiday markets. If you’re sailing to sunny locales, book water sports or beach days early, as these are popular winter escapes.

Many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, also offer onboard holiday celebrations, themed dinners and seasonal entertainment, so balance your schedule with a mix of on-ship fun and off-ship exploration. This way, your winter cruise will feel both relaxing and adventurous.

Embrace the Magic of a Winter Cruise

Winter doesn’t have to mean staying indoors or strictly enduring cold and snow. A winter cruise offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and family bonding. Dare to chase snowy landscapes or relish the sunny escapes you’ve become so well-acquainted with. From festive onboard activities to shore excursions that showcase seasonal wonders, every moment can create lasting memories.

By planning carefully, packing smart and choosing destinations that match your winter mood, a cruise can transform the season into an unforgettable experience. So, go ahead, prepare to set sail this winter. Embrace the warmth, the excitement and the joy of exploring the world from the comfort of a ship.