Looking at booking a winter cruise, ideally sailing from the U.K. Any recommendations?

[BloodyPoppet]

Hi, can anybody recommend a winter cruise? DH and I are looking at booking one for my 60th birthday which is in January 2026. (Argh, that looks weird typing that 😮👀😁).

This will be our first cruise, so any recommendations, advice or experiences would be welcome.

It doesn’t matter if it can’t be a sail from the UK, but it would be ideal. Not too far away either, the furthest we’d prefer is Cyprus.

Thank you in advance 🌺

How long would you want to be away for? And what’s your budget?

When you say no further than Cyprus, is that flying or on the boat?

P&O, Fred Olsen and Cunard have cruises leaving from Southampton in January 2026 I know.

January is often the month that the big cruises of the year set off - the world cruises for P&O usually leave in January for example.

But, I think there are also no-fly Caribbean options and some no-fly European options - at least down to the Canaries I think

@BloodyPoppet

Surely it will be cold sailing from uk in January? What about big seas? Not much happening on deck! Not a great idea really.

Follow the warmer weather would be my view. You might get something in the south Med, eg North Africa, but the Caribbean is your best bet for warmth. Or go down the Nile.

If you don't want to go far.. canaries maybe? Other than that, northern Europe from Southampton but will be freezing 🥶

I like a Mediterranean cruise. Something like the Spanish Islands would be warm. I'm going on a cruise to Portugal, Spain, Spanish Islands, Italy and I think Malta in last week of October and early November. I went at the same time last year and it was warm in several countries then. I went with Norwegian Cruise lines and did the drinks upgrade package which is great value, also internet, specifically dining 3 times and money off excursions. The shoes are brilliant. We saw the Burn the Floor ballroom dancing, Beatles tribute act, DH went to see a comedian and singers in bats good too.

Thank you for all your replies 🌺 .

That sounds lovely @caringcarer ❤️. Enjoy your cruise. We went to Valencia one November and it was a lovely temperature 😎.

@cherryassam It’ll only be a week away as we have a dog, and we don’t want to leave her for too long. We've not worked out a budget yet…..👀🙂.

@TizerorFizz @Upallnight2 I know we might not be lucky with the weather. It’s one of the downsides of having a birthday in January, I’m afraid, especially a big one. We flew to the Caribbean for my milestone birthdays in the past, but we don’t have the same budget now we both work part time/drawing a pension, plus the dog.

The Canaries sound like the best option, I think. Thank you all again xxx

I think a fly cruise is likely to be a better choice with a 7 day limit at that time of year - unless you’d be happy just doing something in Northern Europe as it’s just not long enough to get very far. Later in the year, P&O and others, Princess I think and maybe Cunard, do 7 day sailings from the UK up to Norway and down to Spain / Portugal but those don’t usually start until April time.

P&O Azura have 7 day Canary Islands itineraries in January 2026 which might fit the bill.

@cherryassam Ooh, I’ll have a look at the P&O Azura, thank you. Sailing from the UK is preferable, but for the right holiday, a fly/cruise is an option 🚢 ❤️