The Caribbean may offer golden sand and winter sun, but research suggests cruise guests are actually favouring festive breaks among the Christmas markets of northern Europe this year.
Analysis by travel agent the Southampton Cruise Centre found northern Europe has overtaken the Caribbean as the most popular winter cruise destination among its clients.
The travel agent analysed its recent enquiries for winter 2026/27 cruise departures to find the most sought-after destinations for the upcoming season. In its findings, northern Europe accounted for 30 per cent of winter cruise interest, making it the most popular region over the coming months.
Interest has also increased from 22 per cent of booking enquiries in the previous year, showing growing demand. Last year, the Caribbean was the most popular winter cruise region for Southampton Cruise Centre, making up around 27 per cent of recorded destination interest.
This was followed by the Canary Islands at 25 per cent last year. The Canary Islands and the wider Atlantic, which includes destinations ranging from the Azores and Madeira to Greenland and Iceland, ranked second this winter, representing 21 per cent of queries.
The Caribbean was the third most popular enquiry at 20 per cent.
Rounding out the top five, the Mediterranean and western Europe accounted for 17 per cent and four per cent, respectively.
Lewis Johnston, head of ecommerce at Southampton Cruise Centre, said: “This change in the most popular winter cruises suggests fewer people are looking for sunny getaways following the intense run of heatwaves this summer.
“While winter sun cruises remain popular, more people seemingly want to embrace the cold weather and festive atmosphere of European cities this year.”
Mr Johnstone said northern Europe winter cruises are ideal for anyone who wants to experience several Christmas markets over a short period.
Cruise lines such as Ambassador, Cunard and MSC Cruises offer seven-night sailings from Southampton visiting Christmas market hotspots including Hamburg, Normandy, Paris, and Rotterdam.
Mr Johnstone added: “Northern Europe winter cruises can offer fantastic value compared with organising multiple individual festive city breaks.
"Your accommodation and meals are included, you're transported between destinations while you're onboard, and you only have to unpack once. The ship essentially becomes your travelling hotel, taking you from one Christmas market to the next.
“We’re now reaching the point in the year when Christmas market offers start to emerge, and customers can find some really attractive options for their festive break if they haven’t already booked.”
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