January Cruises
January cruises are a fantastic way to start the year, combining quieter sailings, a variety of itineraries and the chance to escape the winter chill or embrace seasonal highlights abroad. Whether you’re looking for warm winter sun close to home, short cultural breaks in Europe, or something more adventurous as part of a longer journey, cruises in January offer a wide choice of destinations and durations.
From sun-filled destinations like the Canaries and Spain, and city-focused sailings to Belgium, or the opportunity to experience Japan as part of a world cruise, Fred. Olsen’s hand-crafted itineraries are designed for rewarding travel at this time of year.
Discover Cruises in January
Popular January Cruise Destinations
Start the year somewhere warmer or wilder – explore our complete range of winter cruises from the UK.
Canaries & Spain
Average Temperature: 18-22°C
Swap grey January skies for the Canary Islands, where the days are mild, bright and made for being outdoors.[ReadMoreMob][ReadMoreDesk] Our winter sun itineraries often call at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where a cable car climbs Mount Teide, and Las Palmas, home to the twin towers of Santa Ana Cathedral. On Spain's mainland coast, ports such as La Coruña offer Galician food and centuries of maritime history. Pack light layers, sun cream and sunglasses for the islands, with a warmer jacket for evenings on deck and cooler days further north. Expect relaxed days at sea between ports, unhurried time ashore and plenty of open deck space to enjoy the sunshine, all in the warm, friendly atmosphere of a smaller ship.
Belgium
Average Temperature: 3-6°C
A short January cruise to Belgium is a gentle way to start the year, with no flights and no long days of travel.[ReadMoreMob][ReadMoreDesk] Our ships call at Zeebrugge, a short journey from Bruges, a UNESCO-listed city of canals, cobbled lanes and medieval squares. Step inside the Church of Our Lady, climb the Belfry for views across the rooftops, or settle into a café with a Belgian hot chocolate while the streets are quieter than in summer. Pack a warm, waterproof coat, gloves and comfortable shoes for the cobbles. Expect crisp, often damp days ashore, with the warm welcome of a smaller ship to return to and unhurried evenings on board as you sail home.
World cruise
Average Temperature: Typically 20–28°C (varies by region)
For an extraordinary start to the year, a world cruise sets sail from the UK in the depths of winter and follows the sun across continents.[ReadMoreMob][ReadMoreDesk] The opening weeks often include Atlantic calls such as Lisbon, where vintage trams rattle through the cobbled streets of Alfama, and Funchal in Madeira, known for its subtropical gardens and levada walking trails. From there, warmer waters and far-flung destinations lie ahead. Pack versatile layers for mild European days, alongside lightweight clothing and sun protection for the tropics. Expect long, unhurried sea days filled with enrichment talks and time to settle into life on board, as a smaller ship carries you around the world at a pace that lets every place sink in.
Tips for Cruising in January
Tip 1:
Pack for layers – January cruises can span multiple climates, so lightweight layers work well alongside warmer outerwear.
Tip 2:
Book early for peak itineraries – Popular winter sun routes and world cruises can fill quickly.
Tip 3:
Look out for longer stays – Fewer sailings mean more time in port on selected itineraries.
Tip 4:
Take advantage of a fresh start – January cruises are ideal for those wanting a relaxed, uncrowded experience at sea.
More Cruises By Month
More Cruises By Month
Answering FAQs about January cruises
Is January a good time for a cruise?
January is an excellent time for a cruise, offering a perfect escape to warmer climates with lower fares and fewer crowds. There is a wide range of itineraries available across different durations and destinations.
What destinations are best for a January cruise?
Winter sun destinations such as the Canaries and Spain are especially popular. At the same time, longer world cruise itineraries to the Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii, and Asia are also well suited to January.
Is it cold on a cruise ship in January?
This depends on your itinerary. Tropical destinations like the Caribbean are warm, with daytime temperatures often in the mid-20s to the low 30s. While it is rarely cold in popular southern regions, evenings can get chilly, so it is recommended to bring layers.
Do January cruises suit first-time cruisers?
January is an excellent time for first-time cruisers, offering lower fares, quieter ports and a relaxed onboard atmosphere. Tropical destinations offer pleasant, warm temperatures rather than the extreme heat and crowds of summer.
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