Winter cruises
Table of contents
Winter cruises to Mexico
Winter cruises to Hawaii
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European winter cruises
Start your winter adventure
Plan your winter cruise
Tips for winter cruising
Book early for the best deals and cabins
Pack for your destination
Book flights with extra buffer time
Consider shore excursions tailored to the season.
Explore the Princess Fleet
When the temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to sail somewhere warm. A winter cruise with Princess® trades snow boots for sandals and gray skies for golden coastlines. These seasonal sailings are packed with vibrant destinations, relaxed pacing and just the right amount of sunshine.
Curious if cruising in winter makes sense? It definitely does. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds, seasonal menus and destinations that feel like well-kept secrets. And if you’re planning a family Christmas cruise, Princess makes it easy to celebrate at sea with festive touches and memory-making moments.
Winter cruises to Mexico
A winter cruise to Mexico brings bold flavors, sun-drenched coastlines and culture-rich ports that feel anything but off-season. With Princess, you can sail to the golden beaches of Puerto Vallarta, explore the sea arches of Cabo San Lucas or stroll the waterfront Malecón in Mazatlán.
These itineraries offer more than warm weather — they give you a taste of regional cuisine, historic plazas and vibrant local markets, all with fewer crowds than the peak travel months. Whether you want a quick escape or a longer voyage along the Mexican Riviera, winter is the perfect time to go.
Winter cruises to Hawaii
While snow falls at home, the islands of Hawaii stay in bloom. A winter Hawaii cruise delivers vivid landscapes, open-air markets and breezy afternoons with the scent of plumeria in the air. Princess brings you to ports like Honolulu, Maui, Kauai and Hilo, with plenty of time to take in each island’s personality.
Watch the sunrise over Haleakalā, trace the edge of Waimea Canyon or sample shave ice steps from the shore. These are the kinds of winter days that stay with you — sun-warmed, easy-paced and unmistakably Hawaiian.
European winter cruises
European cruises in winter feels like a secret worth sharing. Coastal cities are quieter, shopfronts glow with holiday lights and you can explore iconic landmarks without the summer rush. Princess winter cruises visit ports in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, where history and seasonal charm go hand in hand.
Stroll through the old town of Dubrovnik, browse handmade ornaments at a holiday market in Vienna or sip espresso beside the harbor in Valletta. These itineraries bring a slower, more intimate perspective to destinations that usually buzz with crowds.
Plan your winter cruise
Ready to find your perfect winter escape? Use the cruise search tool below to explore itineraries sailing in November, December, January and February. You can base your search on your destination, your departing port, or the date.
Tips for winter cruising
Whether you're toasting with champagne on New Year’s Eve or trying to escape a gray February day, Princess creates a warm and memorable experience at sea during the winter. To make the most of your winter vacation, here are some quick tips.
Book early for the best deals and cabins
Winter cruises — especially those around the holidays — are in high demand. Booking several months ahead gives you the best selection of staterooms, including popular options like balcony and mini-suite categories. You’ll also unlock early booking perks featured in our best cruise deals and promotions for 2026–2027 sailings.
Pack for your destination
Packing smart depends on where you're headed. Caribbean and Mexico cruises call for light clothing, swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen and something breezy for evenings on deck. For European itineraries, include layers, a warm jacket and weather-ready shoes so that you are perfectly ready to explore historic cities that still sparkle in winter.
Book flights with extra buffer time
Winter weather can bring flight delays, especially in colder regions. Consider arriving at your departure port a day in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Not only will you build in a cushion of time, you’ll also have the chance to unwind before boarding and explore a bit of the city.
Consider shore excursions tailored to the season.
Some excursions are especially memorable during the winter season. Picture shopping handcrafted ornaments at a German-style market in Northern Europe or snorkeling calm, clear waters in the Southern Caribbean. Booking your shore excursions early can give you a better idea of experiences you might otherwise miss, due to either seasonality or limited capacity.
Explore the Princess Fleet
Each ship in the Princess fleet is designed with discovery in mind, offering signature experiences like Movies Under the Stars®, The Sanctuary Collection and the MedallionClass® experience. You’ll find thoughtful design and spaces that feel made for unwinding after a day in port. Add in elevated dining and gracious service throughout the ship, and every sailing starts to feel like home.
If you're planning a winter cruise, consider sailing aboard Sun Princess® or Star Princess®. These newest ships feature expanded outdoor decks, next-generation staterooms and bold new venues like The Dome and Princess Arena. They're crafted to make the journey just as memorable as the destination. See just what your life at sea will look like during your winter vacation with Princess!
