It's hard to believe that we are less than a month from Christmas. But the holiday isn't what gets me (Cruise Editor Marc Shoffman) excited at this time of year. Instead, it is the cruises that are, as always, on my mind. A winter cruise opens up a whole new way to see a variety of destinations in a different light to the summer. You can still travel to popular areas of the Mediterranean and Greek Islands but benefit from far fewer crowds. Sunseekers can discover new regions such as the Gulf coast or even head to Australia or New Zealand to enjoy an extension to their summer. Another option is to look out for a repositioning cruise, where a ship travels from one region to another for the change of season. Many cruise ships will be moving from Europe across the Atlantic this November and these types of sailings are usually cheaper than a standard cruise as there are fewer stops and more sea days. This is also an ideal point in the year to catch the aurora borealis on a northern lights sailing, or maybe a Christmas cruise could be in your stocking. |
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A Christmas tree on MSC World Europa (Marc Shoffman) |
I have been on three Christmas cruises and it is a lovely way to mark the season. You can visit many of the continent's top Christmas markets in a week such as in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Plus, the ship takes care of everything from entertainment to Christmas dinner. This means you get to avoid all those awkward family members – except the ones you are travelling with. Even if you are not heading to the water this winter, this is a good time of year to start thinking about booking a cruise. Some of the best cabins I have stayed in have been purchased in advance Black Friday or Travel Tuesday sales. Be warned though: the best offers and top cabins often disappear fast. |
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| This month, cruises through the Suez Canal have resumed with two Celestyal repositioning voyages to the Gulf. During 2026, Star Clippers, Norwegian and Explora each have cruises that include a transit between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. |
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| To test the water and see if cruise appeals build a short voyage into a wider winter trip. Virgin Voyages has a four-night itinerary from Miami that includes Bimini and Key West. |
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| Don't miss your chance to book a room at one of 34 UK hotels from just £59 in the Village Hotels sale! Plus, you can upgrade to a Club Room from only £15. Hurry – offer ends soon! Learn more. |
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| Save £200 per person on Mercury Holidays' worldwide tours. Use code "BLACK200" at checkout. But you'll need to be quick – offer ends midnight 1 December. Learn more. |
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| Book your dream Caribbean getaway! Enjoy £100 off Sandals holidays travelling between 1 June 26 and 31 December 27 with code "BF100". Expect premium all-inclusive board and a host of luxurious extras. Learn more. |
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| Make your UK getaway even sweeter! Take advantage of the Travelodge Black Friday sale and enjoy 10% off a 1-night stay, or 30% off the cheapest night when you book 2 or more consecutive nights. T&Cs apply. Learn more. |
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| From Buddhist teachings to wild swimming, these are the UK's best meditation retreats for the new year |
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| Our writer discovered the South Hams Way, a new route taking in Dartmoor, five estuaries and swathes of woodlands |
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The intention is to show off what south Devon has to offer and get more people out walking – a tonic for both physical and mental wellbeing. |
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| Swap smartphones for bricks |
Billund, in Denmark, is the home of Legoland – and the perfect place to find creativity and familial connection |
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| Querétaro is bursting with beautiful gardens, incredible restaurants and a thriving music scene | |
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"At The Independent, we've always believed journalism should do more than describe the world – it should try to improve it.
This Christmas, we're asking for your help again as we launch our new campaign with the charity Missing People – the SafeCall appeal.
Every year, more than 70,000 children in the UK are reported missing. The misery that follows – for the child, for the family, for the community – is often hidden. Too many of these young people have nowhere to turn when they need help most. SafeCall will change that. Our goal is to raise £165,000 to help Missing People launch this new, free service – designed with the input of young people themselves – offering round-the-clock support, advice and a route to safety."
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Our Pick: Today's Top Deals |
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| Stay entertained on long journeys – Kindle devices see huge price drop |
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.JPG?quality=75&width=1368&crop=3%3A2%2Csmart&trim=153%2C0%2C13%2C0&auto=webp "Legoland Billund makes a fun family holiday, whatever the ages of your brood")
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