Discover the best cruises in February, from sunny escapes in the Caribbean and Canary Islands to snowy adventures in Norway and Antarctica.
February does not have to be grey and gloomy. It is one of the best months to take a cruise, whether you want to escape to somewhere warm and sunny or embrace the magic of a winter wonderland.
From palm-fringed beaches in the Caribbean to snow-covered landscapes in Norway, there are itineraries to suit every kind of traveller. Add in the fact that February often brings smaller crowds, better value, and plenty of cruise line deals during wave season, and it is the perfect time to set sail.
In this post, I will share some of the best places to cruise in February, whether you are looking for a tropical escape or something a little more adventurous
At a glance: Best cruises in February
Not got time to read the whole post? Here is a quick look at the top destinations for February cruises:
Warm weather
- Caribbean – perfect beaches, turquoise waters and off-peak prices
- Mediterranean – mild days, fewer crowds and historic cities to explore
- Canary Islands – year-round sunshine and volcanic landscapes
- Australia and New Zealand – summer season with natural wonders and wildlife
- French Polynesia – remote islands, coral reefs and tropical beauty
- Hawaii – iconic beaches, volcanic landscapes and easy island-hopping
- Asia – warm, dry weather and a chance to catch Lunar New Year
- South America – diverse itineraries from Rio to the Galápagos
Cold (but beautiful)
- Norway – Arctic ports, snowy scenery and the chance to see the Northern Lights
- Antarctica – glaciers, penguins and an unforgettable expedition cruise
- Northern Europe – charming cities, historic sights and fewer crowds
Why cruise in February?
February is a great time to set sail. In many parts of the world it is either off-peak or shoulder season, which often means lower fares, fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience both on board and in port.
For warm destinations, February brings sunshine and long days in regions like the Caribbean, the Canaries and Australia.
For cold-weather destinations, February is just as rewarding. You can enjoy magical winter scenery in Norway, city breaks in Northern Europe without the summer crowds, or even tick off the ultimate adventure with an expedition to Antarctica.
It is also the middle of wave season, the time of year when cruise lines release their best deals and promotions, so you might be able to pick up a bargain.
Whatever type of trip you prefer, there are plenty of reasons why February is one of the best months to take a cruise.
Warm Weather Destinations
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is a popular cruise destination all year round, but February is one of the best times to visit. With turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, it is the perfect place to escape the winter chill.
The weather is close to perfect, crowds are smaller, fares are lower than in peak season, and it is well outside hurricane season. Cruise ship dress codes are often more relaxed too, particularly in the evenings.
There is no shortage of things to do here, whether you want to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, fish, or simply relax on the beach.
Cruise itineraries usually focus on either the Eastern or Western Caribbean. The Eastern Caribbean covers destinations like Antigua, St Barts, St Kitts, St Thomas, St Maarten and Grand Turk, while the Western Caribbean typically includes the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, Jamaica and Mexico. Some cruises also stop at private islands owned by the cruise lines.
Most itineraries depart from Florida ports such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral or Tampa, though New York is an option too. Alternatively, you can fly directly to the Caribbean and sail from Bridgetown or other island ports, saving time at sea. If you enjoy sea days, you could even start your holiday in the UK or Europe and cross the Atlantic.
The Mediterranean
The Mediterranean really does have something for everyone. From historic cities to island hopping, the variety is hard to beat.
February is off-season here, which means fewer crowds, cheaper fares and mild weather that is a welcome break from the winter cold. You will also find shorter queues at famous attractions, making sightseeing more relaxed.
Popular ports of call include Barcelona, Rome, and Florence or Pisa via Livorno and La Spezia.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are one of Europe’s most reliable winter-sun destinations. Thanks to their volcanic origins, each island has a unique landscape, from the sandy beaches of Fuerteventura to the dramatic volcanic scenery of Lanzarote.
A cruise is a brilliant way to see several islands in one trip, with Gran Canaria and Tenerife often on itineraries too. Outdoor activities range from hiking to water sports, and you will also find four of Spain’s national parks here, including the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park.
Australia & New Zealand
February is summer in Australia and New Zealand, so it is the perfect time to explore. I have travelled extensively around both and can honestly say they are two of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world.
Cruises here often call at major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, as well as natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Southern Alps and the breathtaking fjords of New Zealand.
Wildlife sightings are common too with kangaroos, koalas and kiwis on land, and dolphins and whales often spotted at sea.
French Polynesia
If you are dreaming of a true tropical escape, French Polynesia is hard to beat. Think crystal-clear lagoons, lush rainforests and unspoilt beaches across more than 100 islands.
Cruising here is the easiest way to visit several remote islands in one trip. You can snorkel over coral reefs, kayak in turquoise waters, hike through jungle trails, or simply relax on the sand. Along the way, you will also get a taste of local traditions and culture.
Hawaii
A cruise is one of the best ways to see Hawaii because you can visit several islands without the hassle of unpacking and repacking. Everything is taken care of, so you can just enjoy exploring.
From volcanic landscapes and cascading waterfalls to famous beaches and warm Hawaiian hospitality, the islands offer something for everyone. Popular activities include hiking, swimming, snorkelling and learning more about Hawaiian culture.
South East Asia
Asia offers an incredible mix of vibrant cities, temples, rainforests and mountains. A cruise lets you experience several highlights in one trip.
February is one of the best months to go, with dry, warm weather across much of the region. Depending on your itinerary, you may even catch Lunar New Year celebrations, which make the trip extra special.
Popular ports include Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Tokyo.
South America
For a cruise you will never forget, South America has to be on the list. This diverse continent offers everything from the Amazon rainforest and Andes Mountains to the beaches of Rio and the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Cruises here call at ports such as Buenos Aires, Lima, Montevideo, Santiago and the Galapagos Islands. Depending on the itinerary, you can expect a mix of incredible landscapes, cultural experiences and historic sights.
Cold Weather Destinations
Not everyone wants to chase the sun in February. If you prefer crisp days, snowy scenery and a touch of adventure, a cold-weather cruise could be the perfect choice.
Antarctica
Antarctica really is like nowhere else on earth, and expedition cruises here are becoming more popular every year. The landscapes are jaw-dropping with towering glaciers, snow-covered mountains and waters dotted with icebergs. It is right at the top of my own cruise wish list.
Wildlife spotting is another highlight. Penguins, seals and whales are all found here, and seeing them in their natural habitat is something you will never forget.
If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise packed with adventure, this is the ultimate winter destination.
Northern Europe
For those who enjoy city breaks, a Northern Europe cruise ticks all the boxes. In just one trip you can visit some of the continent’s most beautiful and historic cities, from vibrant Amsterdam to fairytale Bruges.
February is a great time to go. It is off-peak, so you will find fewer crowds, shorter queues at the big attractions and often cheaper fares. Just keep an eye out for half-term when prices and passenger numbers can rise.
The cooler weather makes exploring more comfortable than in the height of summer, but you will need to wrap up warm.
Norway
If dramatic scenery is what you are after, Norway is hard to beat. With its rugged coastline, snow-covered mountains and spectacular fjords, it is breathtaking in any season, but in February it really feels like a winter wonderland.
This is also one of the best times to try and spot the Northern Lights, with long dark nights giving you the best chance. Add in excursions like dog sledding and snowmobiling, and you have a cruise that is both adventurous and unforgettable.
The last word
Whether you are dreaming of sunshine and sandy beaches or snowy landscapes and the Northern Lights, February is a fantastic month to cruise. You can escape the winter blues with a tropical getaway or enjoy the magic of a colder destination.
Because February often falls outside peak cruise season, you will usually find fewer crowds and some really good deals too. That makes it a great time to book if you are looking for value as well as variety.
What I like most about cruising in February is the choice. You could be relaxing in the Caribbean, exploring historic cities in Europe or heading off on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica, all in the same month.
So if you are planning a cruise holiday this year, do not overlook February. It might just surprise you with how much it has to offer.