Where to go on a cruise in December? 10 perfect destinations for a winter in the sun

Are you also tired of spending winter shivering with cold? Staying home all day? Seeing the days constantly getting shorter? Why not go on a cruise?

And as December is approaching, I'm offering you in this article 10 dream destinations to go on a cruise in the sun before the end of the year.

The Grenadines: discovering the sunny Caribbean paradise

A small archipelagic region located in the southern Antilles, the Grenadines offer their vacationers numerous palm-lined beaches and underwater wildlife including tropical fish, coral and sea turtles. Accessible by sailboat from the port of Le Marin in Martinique, the Grenadines will warm up your winter, whether you spend it stretched out in the sun or aboard your catamaran.

The must-sees

• The Tobago Cays, 5 small protected Caribbean islands, including Petit Tabac, the only one of the five that is exclusively coral. Among the things you can see are the pink conch shells that line the rocks, and sea turtles. A stop to discover or rediscover in our Caribbean brochure.
• Bequia, the largest island in the Grenadines. There, you can go to the anchorage at Admiralty Bay, and disembark in the island's capital, Port Elizabeth, where you'll find bars and restaurants to enjoy a gourmet moment.

What's the weather like in December?

December falls right during the dry season, also called Lent, often considered the most suitable season for catamaran charter in the Grenadines.

Average temperatures range between 26° and 30°C (temperatures in Kingstown, the capital). There are 8 hours of sunshine per day.

And for the budget?

Here is a table summarizing the orders of magnitude of minimum, median, and maximum rates for a departure with Filovent in the Grenadines, according to the 4 types of services we offer there:

Source: Filovent - Official data from our website for departure on Saturday 12/05/2026, and from our December 2026 cruise catalog. Data calculated from 427 actual rates for a week's sailing and 6 actual rates for a cabin cruise, extracted from our official database. Complete catalog available at: https://www.filovent.com/uk/boat-hire/Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines.html & https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/grenada. All rates mentioned are verifiable online (last update: 10/14/2025). All rates are rounded to the nearest hundred.

Egypt: a sensational winter in the ancient land of the pharaohs

Egypt is a country that allows the discovery of an ancient civilization, less than 5 hours from Paris by plane. The region is suitable both for people wishing to swim in high-end beach resorts, such as in El Gouna near the Red Sea, and for people seeking to satisfy their cultural curiosity in Egyptian temples during a Nile cruise.

The must-sees

• Cairo, the Egyptian capital. Whether for its brand new Grand Egyptian Museum, or for the Giza plateau, its pyramids and sphinx, Cairo is a place much appreciated by tourists, to visit before your cruise.
• The Temples of Abu Simbel. With their 4 statues 20 meters high representing Pharaoh Ramses II, the two Temples of Abu Simbel are among the most important monuments in the country, classified by UNESCO.

What's the weather like in December?

In the north of the country (Cairo for example), temperatures hover around 20 - 22°C, while in the south of the country (Aswan, Luxor…), they revolve around 23 - 25°C. At night, they generally drop to 10°C.

And for the budget?

Here is a table summarizing the orders of magnitude of minimum, median, and maximum rates for a departure with Filovent in Egypt, according to the 2 types of services we offer there:

Source: Filovent - Official data from our website for departure on Saturday 12/05/2026, and from our December 2026 cruise catalog. Data calculated from 4 actual rates for a week's sailing and 32 actual rates for a cabin cruise, extracted from our official database. Complete catalog available at: https://www.filovent.com/uk/boat-hire/Egypt.html & https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/egypt. All rates mentioned are verifiable online (last update: 10/14/2025). All rates are rounded to the nearest hundred.

The Bahamas: white sand and turquoise water as a remedy for the cold

With its flat islands formed from coral, and its famous beaches like Cable Beach, the Bahamas are particularly suitable for a cruise, during which you will sail on this clear water characteristic of Bahamian geography. There, you can find deserted cays, delicious typical conch dishes, and small colorful villages along the coasts.

The must-sees

• Big Major Cay, home of the swimming pigs. If you're still looking for where to go in the Bahamas, choose this cay in the Exumas nicknamed pig beach, where the locals are pigs that have the habit of going into the water to look for food.
• Norman Cay, and its plane wreck. A few meters south of the island, we find the remains of this plane that was supposedly used by Pablo Escobar's cartel, who at the time used Norman Cay as a stopover, before illegally dropping the drugs he was transporting into the United States.

What's the weather like in December?

December marks the beginning of the dry season in the Bahamas.

Temperatures during this period vary between 21°C and 27°C. The water, on the other hand, is heated to 25°C (approximately) by the sun.

And for the budget?

Here is a table summarizing the orders of magnitude of minimum, median, and maximum rates for a departure with Filovent in the Bahamas, according to the 4 types of services we offer there:

Source: Filovent - Official data from our website for departure on Saturday 12/05/2026, and from our December 2026 cruise catalog. Data calculated from 378 actual rates for a week's sailing and 1 actual rate for a cabin cruise, extracted from our official database. Complete catalog available at: https://www.filovent.com/uk/boat-hire/Bahamas.html & https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/bahamas. All rates mentioned are verifiable online (last update: 10/14/2025). All rates are rounded to the nearest hundred.

Thailand: spend New Year's Eve on a longtail boat, among the cliffs

What is sometimes called "the land of smiles" offers its tourists its share of discoveries. From tropical forests like Khao Sok, to renowned beach resorts like Pattaya and Phuket, via the most beautiful moorings of Thailand, this trip is a discovery of one of Southeast Asian cultures, proudly attached to the traditions of the ancient kingdom of Siam, and to its royal family.

The must-sees

• Khao Phing Kan, James Bond Island. Known for its appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun, Khao Phing Kan is a small group of forest-covered islands where you can also find the famous Koh Tapu, that large vertical rock planted in the water.
• The Big Buddha of Phuket. Watching over the city from Nakkerd Hill, this temple entirely covered in white marble is topped with a statue of a seated Buddha, 45 meters high and 25 meters wide.

What's the weather like in December?

December marks the break between the just-ended monsoon season and the beginning of the cool season.

Temperatures during this month fluctuate between 20°C and 27°C. Variations can be observed, with more heat in the south and more coolness in the north, generally.

And for the budget?

Here is a table summarizing the orders of magnitude of minimum, median, and maximum rates for a departure with Filovent in Thailand, according to the 4 types of services we offer there:

Source: Filovent - Official data from our website for departure on Saturday 12/05/2026, and from our December 2026 cruise catalog. Data calculated from 146 actual rates for a week's sailing and 11 actual rates for a cabin cruise, extracted from our official database. Complete catalog available at: https://www.filovent.com/uk/boat-hire/Thailand.html & https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/thailand. All rates mentioned are verifiable online (last update: 10/14/2025). All rates are rounded to the nearest hundred.

Polynesia: tropical vegetation and outrigger canoes for a perfect December 

Going on a cruise in Polynesia means choosing one of the 5 regions that make up the country (the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Gambier Islands, the Austral Islands and the Marquesas) and sailing the Pacific waters, encountering beaches of varied colors, peaks like Mount Mou'aputa on the island of Moorea, and, why not, spend the night in one of the famous overwater bungalows in Tahiti. 

The must-sees

• Bora Bora, flagship of the Leeward Islands. A volcanic island topped by Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora is one of the key visits in French Polynesia thanks to its lagoon, populated by rays and sharks.
• Maupiti, the remote one. 89 kilometers from Raiatea, Maupiti, the smallest of the Society Islands, reserves for its visitors what makes Polynesian beauty: deserted motus all around the island, wild vegetation, and historic marae.

Polynesian weather in December is not the most clement but coincides with the low tourist season.

Temperatures oscillate between 24°C and 33°C. The estimate of rainy days is 17 per month, without these precipitations generally bothering travelers.

And for the budget?

Here is a table summarizing the orders of magnitude of minimum, median, and maximum rates for a departure with Filovent in Polynesia, according to the 4 types of services we offer there:

Source: Filovent - Official data from our website for departure on Saturday 12/05/2026, and from our December 2026 cruise catalog. Data calculated from 284 actual rates for a week's sailing and 12 actual rates for a cabin cruise, extracted from our official database. Complete catalog available at: https://www.filovent.com/uk/boat-hire/French_Polynesia.html & https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/french_Polynesia. All rates mentioned are verifiable online (last update: 10/14/2025). All rates are rounded to the nearest hundred.

Cambodia: escape the freezing temperatures to take refuge in the Temple of Angkor

Rice field landscapes, bustling cities, and gastronomy influenced by Indian and Chinese culture are all symbols of Cambodia. But one of the other faces of this Southeast Asian country are its archaeological sites, like the Temple of Angkor, former capital of the Khmer Empire. Set sail on the Mekong, and let yourself be transported on this sensory journey into Cambodian culture.

The must-sees

• Angkor Wat. The Angkor Wat temple collects superlatives: largest religious monument in the world, best-preserved temple in Angkor, first tourist site in Cambodia, symbol appearing on the country's flag… 
• The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh. The residence of the Khmer monarch is also a visitable complex, housing the Moonlight Pavilion, the Silver Pagoda, and other buildings with white walls and golden roofs.

What's the weather like in December?

The last month of the year coincides with the beginning of the dry season in Cambodia.

Temperatures are therefore relatively cool compared to the wet season, between 26°C and 29°C, with little rain.

And for the budget?

Here is a table summarizing the orders of magnitude of minimum, median, and maximum rates for a departure with Filovent in Cambodia, according to the single type of service we offer there:

Source: Filovent - Official data from our December 2026 cruise catalog. Data calculated from 37 actual rates for a cabin cruise, extracted from our official database. Complete catalog available at: https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/cambodia. All rates mentioned are verifiable online (last update: 10/14/2025). All rates are rounded to the nearest hundred.

The Seychelles: no blizzard on the golden beaches of the Indian Ocean

This country is composed of 115 islands, whose composition, between granite and coral, gives a particular shape to the rocks. Beyond the beauty of its tropical landscapes, its beaches, and its lagoons, the Seychelles stand out for their culture inherited from a civilizational mixing, and marked by influences from the United Kingdom, Creole, African but also Asian culture.

The must-sees

• The Vallée de Mai, the "Garden of Eden of Praslin". A nature reserve located on Praslin Island, the Vallée de Mai promises an exotic walk under the palm trees where the famous coco de mer grows.
• Curieuse Island. Initially named Red Island because of the vermilion color of its earth, Curieuse is today the haven of giant Seychelles tortoises, the largest species of land tortoise in the world!

What's the weather like in December?

If you're looking for when to go to the Seychelles, December actually corresponds to the wet season, but the country remains pleasant to visit during this month. 

The Seychelles benefit from constant temperatures, between 25°C and 30°C, with water at 27°C on average.

And for the budget?

Here is a table summarizing the orders of magnitude of minimum, median, and maximum rates for a departure with Filovent in the Seychelles, according to the 4 types of services we offer there:

Source: Filovent - Official data from our website for departure on Saturday 12/05/2026, and from our December 2026 cruise catalog. Data calculated from 280 actual rates for a week's sailing and 12 actual rates for a cabin cruise, extracted from our official database. Complete catalog available at: https://www.filovent.com/uk/boat-hire/Seychelles.html & https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/seychelles. All rates mentioned are verifiable online (last update: 10/14/2025). All rates are rounded to the nearest hundred.

The Canary Islands: an archipelago with ideal weather to forget the shivers

4 hours by plane from Paris, the seven Canary Islands (Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro) await you west of Morocco. It's their still-active volcanism that has shaped their ocher and rocky landscapes that make their charm today, while it's their lagoons that attract people who love thrills and wish to go on a kite cruise.

The must-sees

• The Maspalomas dunes. With 4 square kilometers of surface area, these dunes located on the island of Gran Canaria guarantee total disorientation, in the middle of oases, facing the sea and the horizon.
• The Cactus Garden of Lanzarote. Last spatial work of Canarian painter and sculptor César Manrique, this garden brings together more than 1,400 species of cacti from around the world, arranged to embrace the natural shape of the landscape.

What's the weather like in December?

The Mediterranean weather of the Canaries makes December still pleasant for nautical and beach tourism.

Expect a temperature of 22°C on average during your cruise.

And for the budget?

Here is a table summarizing the orders of magnitude of minimum, median, and maximum rates for a departure with Filovent in the Canary Islands, according to the 4 types of services we offer there:

Source: Filovent - Official data from our website for departure on Saturday 12/05/2026, and from our December 2026 cruise catalog. Data calculated from 51 actual rates for a week's sailing and 3 actual rates for a cabin cruise, extracted from our official database. Complete catalog available at: https://www.filovent.com/uk/boat-hire/Canary_Islands.html & https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/canary-islands. All rates mentioned are verifiable online (last update: 10/15/2025). All rates are rounded to the nearest hundred.

Vietnam: sail the Mekong and its superb landscapes for Christmas

Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country, is discovered through the senses. The smell of phở, traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, in the bustling streets of Hanoi, the colors of temple roofs, whether Buddhist, Hindu, or Taoist, the music in locals' conversations… Go on a cruise to visit Vietnam on a traditional ship, and sail the Mekong, contemplating the hills from the deck, in the middle of a Tai Chi session.   

The must-sees

• Ha Long Bay. The 1,969 wild and uninhabited islets of this marine bay located in the Gulf of Tonkin are UNESCO-listed and abound with coves and caves to explore.
• Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon. Built during the 19th century, this red-colored religious monument and its two 57.6-meter bell towers are witnesses to the common history between Vietnam and France.

What's the weather like in December?

December also corresponds to the winter season in Vietnam.

Temperatures generally range between 15°C and 22°C, although there are differences between the north, center, and south of the country.

And for the budget?

Here is a table summarizing the orders of magnitude of minimum, median, and maximum rates for a departure with Filovent in Vietnam, according to the single type of service we offer there:

Source: Filovent - Official data from our December 2026 cruise catalog. Data calculated from 39 actual rates for a cabin cruise, extracted from our official database. Complete catalog available at: https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/vietnam. All rates mentioned are verifiable online (last update: 10/15/2025). All rates are rounded to the nearest hundred.

The Maldives: a thousand dream islands to say goodbye to hibernation

In the Indian Ocean, south of India, lies the smallest country in Asia: the Maldives. Composed of 1,199 small islands sometimes inhabited, sometimes deserted, this archipelagic region is covered with palm-lined beaches and turquoise water where you'd want to swim, surf the waves, or dive to meet the local wildlife, including whale sharks, dolphins, or clownfish.

The must-sees

• The bioluminescent sea of Mihiri Beach. To discover this natural curiosity of the South Ari atoll, you'll need to wait for nightfall to see the water glow thanks to a bioluminescence phenomenon, illuminated by the phytoplankton living in it.
• The Véligandu atoll, and its beach. On this island with flourishing vegetation, you can dip your feet in the warm lagoon water, not far from the overwater bungalows, built above the sea.

What's the weather like in December?

Located in Asia, the Maldives is a country affected by the monsoon phenomenon. December therefore corresponds to the dry season.

Temperatures can range from 25°C to 30°C, suitable conditions for a catamaran charter in the Maldives.

And for the budget?

Here is a table summarizing the orders of magnitude of minimum, median, and maximum rates for a departure with Filovent in the Maldives, according to the 2 types of services we offer there:

Source: Filovent - Official data from our website for departure on Saturday 12/05/2026, and from our December 2025 cruise catalog. Data calculated from 10 actual rates for a week's sailing and 1 actual rate for a cabin cruise, extracted from our official database. Complete catalog available at: https://www.filovent.com/uk/boat-hire/Maldives.html & https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/maldives. All rates mentioned are verifiable online (last update: 10/15/2025). All rates are rounded to the nearest hundred.

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