The best small ship winter sun cruises for 2026/27

Go off the Beaten Track in Central America

For something further off the beaten track, Ponant's Explorer Yachts are operating Central America cruises in December 2026 and January 2027 during which you can expect extraordinary biodiversity, friendly local communities and untouched tropical wilderness. The onboard team together with local naturalists ensure guests are fully immersed in this unique region, offering guided hikes, snorkelling trips and Zodiac outings. Experience Ponant's trademark elegance and flair on board with just 92 rooms and suites, a stylish pool deck and a refined ambience, all whilst sailing to little-known locales boasting some of the best beaches, reefs and nature reserves in the world.

Or, the lovely Star Pride will sail 7-night itineraries between Panama and Costa Rica between November 2026 and March 2027. A nature-lover's dream, excursions to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darién National Park in Panama and Costa Rica's Curú National Wildlife Refugeare included. The yacht's small size means it is the perfect way to explore the scenic coastline including a chance to swim and use the water toys from the onboard marina in Panama's Pearl Islands and Isla Cebaco.

Canary Islands Winter Sun Escapes

The Canaries make for the perfect winter sun getaway that's an easy flight away from the UK. Sea Cloud Cruises has an 11-night November 2026 sailing on the majestic three-masted windjammer Sea Cloud Spirit, while Ponant have several sailings from Cape Verde to the Canary Islands in October, November and December 2026 that stop at Morocco's Tangier and Casablanca on the wonderful Ponant Explorers.

Luxury Indian Ocean Cruises

Crystal's lovely Crystal Symphony is operating in the Indian Ocean between December 2025 and March 2026, incliding an overnight in the stunning Maldives and their low-lying reef-protected atolls and the Seychelles island of Praslin and lovely little La Digue. Enjoy Crystal's trademark service, a large pool deck and fantastic dining, all whilst sailing amongst islands boasting some of the best beaches, reefs and nature reserves in the world.

Or, if you're planning well ahead, Emerald's new 128-guest luxury yacht Emerald Kaia will spend winter 2026/2027 island hopping in the Seychelles on some lovely 7- and 10-night voyages, some of which mix in stops in Tanzania and Kenya.

Australia and New Zealand Winter Sun Voyages

Silversea, Seabourn and Regent all head Down Under in December just in time for the Southern Hemisphere summer. Perhaps opt for Silversea's holiday sailing on 18th December 2026 on the beautiful 596-guest Silver Moon that includes stops in all of Australia and New Zealand's icons.

Or, get away just after Christmas and experience the raw beauty of New Zealand's North and South Islands and Sydney on 14 January 2027 with Regent, or perhaps opt for Seabourn's classic Auckland to Sydney voyage on 22 February 2027.

Explore the Landscapes & Wildlife of South Africa

For an exotic destination with minimal time difference from the UK, look no further than the beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife of South Africa. Regent's Seven Seas Voyager will spend January and February 2027 here sailing two- and three-week voyages along southern Africa, including fascinating Madagascar and enjoy an overnight in Port Elizabeth, gateway to the fantastic Addo Elephant Park. On board, enjoy all-suite accommodation, varied and elegant dining options and spacious yet intimate lounges.

Best Asia Winter Sun Cruises

October to March is one of the best times to visit the Far East, coinciding perfectly with the UK winter. Seabourn's lovely 555-guest Seabourn Encore departs on regular 14-night Vietnam and Cambodia voyages between January and March 2027 as well as a lovely November 2026 Japan, Taiwan and Southeast Asia voyage.

Alternatively, Crystal Cruises and the 740-guest Crystal Serenity sail from Australia to the Far East in March 2027 on in-depth itineraries exploring Indonesia, Malaysia and South East Asia. On board, expect refreshed and elegant décor and sea days that are as relaxed or full-on as you like, with an improved guest-to-space ratio and the exceptional service for which Crystal has been known over the past 30 years. Silversea's lovely Silver Moon also remains here for the winter between November 2026 and March 2027 on a varying range of itineraries, mixing in stops in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Singapore.