Do Cruise Ships Sail Northern Ocean Seas In Winter?

Aurora, a cruise ship with a deeper hull design, is ideal for rough weather cruises due to its ability to handle rough seas, cold temperatures, and rain. During shoulder months (May, June, and September), cruises often set sail in the North Sea, which can be particularly rough. Some popular winter cruises include the Christmas Market Cruise along the Rhine River and Northern Lights Cruise in Norway.

While cruise ships can handle rough weather, passengers may prefer to avoid trying to make an East to West transatlantic journey. Cunard also offers transatlantic cruises throughout the winter, sometimes attracting passengers who want to sail on rougher seas. Hurtigruten has launched a Northern Lights Guarantee for winter cruises, ensuring that if the Northern Lights do not occur within the specified timeframe, the cruise will continue.

Cruise ships typically operate in a stable temperature range of 10-20°C, so they typically leave the winter to catch up with the summer and spring. Some of the best winter cruises include those from the Caribbean to New Zealand, offering warm and exciting experiences.