Whoever said luxury cruises are best in summer has obviously not read this list of exceptional luxury winter cruises. Time to swap your swimmers for a scarf, and set a course for the world’s most remote regions. Discover the Northern Lights, one of the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and walls of looming glaciers. Dare to be different, cruise in winter.
Aurora Borealis – See the Northern Lights with Silversea
Silversea is an all-inclusive cruise line offering excellence in service, attention to detail and awe-inspiring destinations. And what could be more awe-inspiring than experiencing the world’s greatest light show?
The aurora borealis is a phenomenon on many bucket lists. The sky lights up with pulsating ribbons of vivid light, often in green, white and purple hues. It’s a truly magical experience. On Silversea’s Northern Lights cruises, the captain will dim the ships lights to enhance the experience.
Although there is no guarantee of seeing the aurora borealis (mother nature can be fickle), guests sailing on Silversea’s Iceland, Greenland and Arctic Circle voyages will still enjoy an unforgettable trip. Especially with the plethora of wildlife in the region. See polar bears, whales and seals in their natural habitat.
September to the beginning of April is often the best time of year to witness the aurora borealis.
Go on a Penguin Safari in Antarctica with Quark Expeditions
Polar adventure experts, Quark Expeditions offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for passengers to experience South Georgia Island and Antarctic Peninsula.
This region is home to an abundance of wildlife and often considered to be the ‘Galapagos of the Poles’. Passengers can watch the albatross and pintado petrel swoop above them as the ship sails into South Georgia Island. Once on South Georgia Island, passengers will be welcomed by curious locals. Who are the locals? The island’s population of king penguins and elephant seals, of course. The king penguins are very photogenic, so make sure to have a camera on hand.
Passengers with an adventurous spirit can add extras like, paddling excursions, snowshoeing, hiking, sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to their trip.
Experience Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords with Ponant
French cruise company, Ponant, offers effortless elegance and refined service for passengers. Those seeking an exciting journey, accompanied by French gastronomy and wine, will love the authenticity and sophistication of Ponant.
Ponant’s luxury tour, Adventure in Patagonia, will take passengers on a discovery tour of Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords. Across 13-days, visit remote villages, encounter sea lions and porpoises playing, and sail next to stunning glaciers.
The Brüggen Glacier, a coastal glacier in southern Chile also known as Pio XI, is the largest of the glaciers making up the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Another glacier passengers can visit is the Garibaldi Glacier. Passengers will set out with a team of naturalist guides in Zodiac inflatables to discover this towering ice titan. Making the experience more memorable, sea lions will often accompany the inflatables on their glacier exploration.
Finally, passengers will round the mythical Cape Horn, before disembarking in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city.
Itineraries are sometimes adapted as a result of the regions ice and weather conditions.
Northeast Passage with Crystal Cruises
Luxury cruise company, Crystal Cruises will take adventure seekers through the Northeast Passage in 2021. The luxury vessel, Crystal Endeavour, will explore the coasts of the High Arctic. Passengers will have a unique opportunity to see the stunning landscapes of the world’s most remote polar regions. A venture few have ever experienced.
Over 29 days, passengers will sail from Anadyr, Russia to Tromso, Norway and experience the highlights of the region. These include, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wrangel Island, the New Siberian Islands, Severnaya Zemlya (the last charted archipelago on earth), Cape Chelyuskin on the Taimyr Peninsula.
Passengers will have access to expedition guides, scientists and destination experts. In addition, passengers will also have access to private butler service when staying in a suite.
For more personalised information tips and advice, or to book this incredible holiday contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager here.
