Winter Cruise 2026/2027: Caribbean, Canary Islands or Asia?

When the Mediterranean turns cool from November onwards, the cruise lines move their ships to warmer waters. Here is a comparison of the three big winter routes — and which suits which type of traveller.

Caribbean: the classic for German winter-sun seekers

Caribbean cruises have been the classic for decades. The water temperature is 26–29 degrees year-round, land temperatures 25–32 degrees, with very stable weather between December and April.

Route variants:

• Eastern Caribbean (Miami – Bahamas – San Juan – St. Thomas) — the classic, many beaches
• Western Caribbean (Miami – Cozumel – Belize – Roatán) — Mexico and Central America
• Southern Caribbean (San Juan or Barbados – Aruba – Bonaire – Curaçao) — no flight to the ABC Islands needed if departing from Barbados

Best ships: Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas or Icon of the Seas — the largest ships in the world, perfect for families. The private island Perfect Day at CocoCay as a Royal Caribbean exclusive stop.

Effort: a 10–12 hour flight from Frankfurt to Miami/Fort Lauderdale. Plus 1–2 days at a hotel before boarding is recommended.

Canary Islands: the German winter solution

For those who find the Caribbean too far: Canary Islands cruises from Las Palmas or Tenerife. Water temperatures of 20–23 degrees, land 22–25 degrees — not high summer, but warmer than mainland Europe.

Routes: from Hamburg/Kiel with AIDA ships directly to the Canary Islands (3 sea days out, 3 back, 7 port days), or from Las Palmas with Mein Schiff (direct flight from Frankfurt to Las Palmas).

Best ships: AIDAcosma (the LNG flagship, year-round in the Canaries), Mein Schiff 4 (premium all-inclusive), MSC Magnifica.

Effort: only a 4–5 hour flight from Frankfurt — the optimum middle ground between accessibility and warmth.

Southeast Asia: a long-haul destination with cultural depth

For those who have the time and the budget: Southeast Asia cruises from Singapore or Hong Kong. Water temperature 27–29 degrees, land 26–32 degrees — perfectly warm. The best weather is between November and March (the dry season).

Routes: Singapore – Bangkok – Cambodia – Vietnam — rich in cultural history. Or Hong Kong – Taiwan – the southern coast of Japan.

Best ships: Resorts World Cruises Genting Dream (a large Asia cruiser), Princess Cruises Diamond Princess (part of the Japanese fleet with an Asian crew), Silversea Silver Muse for premium travel.

Effort: a 13–15 hour flight from Frankfurt to Singapore. Recommendation: combine the cruise with a land extension (e.g. 3 days in Singapore before the cruise plus 3 days in Bangkok afterwards).

Comparison matrix

• Caribbean — the best water temperatures, classic cruise atmosphere, beaches. Effort: high (flight 10h+).
• Canary Islands — the shortest flight, classic German cruise brands, moderately warm. Effort: low (flight 4–5h).
• Southeast Asia — culturally deeper, exotic ports, perfectly warm. Effort: very high (flight 13h+, jet lag).

Conclusion: which route for whom?

• First winter cruise: the Canary Islands — the least effort, a familiar cruise line (AIDA/Mein Schiff)
• Families with children: the Caribbean with Royal Caribbean Wonder/Icon — a mega-ship plus warm beaches
• Experienced cruisers with time: Southeast Asia — the most impressive experience in terms of cultural history and cuisine