Fresh Off A European Cruise: My Latest Cruise Recommendations

Key Takeaways

Fall and winter cruises (September–December, the “BER months”) often mean smaller crowds, cooler weather, and unique itineraries.
September is a great time for Alaska before the season closes.
October is perfect for leaf-peeping cruises in New England and Canada.
November offers springtime in the South Pacific with Australia and New Zealand sailings.
December is all about sunny escapes to the Canary Islands when the rest of Europe is bundled up.

Stone cottage in the British Isles with red trim and green lawn on a sunny day

Why I’m Thinking About Fall and Winter Cruises

Ahoy from home! I just returned from my bucket-list British Isles cruise with Virgin Voyages, and what a trip it was. My longest cruise ever turned into a journey filled with castles, cozy pubs, and ports like Edinburgh, Belfast, and Amsterdam. It was such a great experience that I could have stayed even longer.

I can’t wait to share my stories from sailing Virgin Voyages in Europe, along with all the tips I picked up along the way. From ship life to exploring those unique ports, there’s so much I’ll be passing along to help you plan your own adventures.

That long trip also got me thinking about what’s next. The fall and winter months, September through December, are often overlooked, but they can be some of the best times to cruise. You’ll find smaller crowds, festive events, and itineraries that feel totally different from the Caribbean. Here are my favorite ideas if you’re looking to set sail during the cooler months.

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View of a glacier in Alaska from a cruise ship excursion surrounded by mountains

September: Alaska Adventures Before the Snow Falls

Alaska is a summer superstar, but September is the sweet spot to catch the end of the season. You’ll see fall colors creeping in, wildlife getting ready for winter, and prices that are often lower than peak summer. Bonus: fewer crowds in port.

If you want to check out an itinerary, take a look at this Holland America 14-Day Collector’s Voyage. It’s a classic example of how you can stretch the season into fall and still catch incredible scenery.

Want more details? The folks at Alaska.org have a great guide on what to expect when cruising Alaska in September.

Cruise ship in a New England harbor surrounded by colorful fall foliage

October: Leaf Peeping by Land or Sea

New England and Canada light up in October. Think crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and cozy sweater weather with a side of maple syrup. Cruising here means you get the best of both worlds — fall foliage from the ship and charming port towns to explore ashore.

A sailing like this NCL cruise from Boston shows off the region at its peak.

Tip: pack layers. The weather can swing from sunny afternoons to chilly evenings, but that just makes it feel extra cozy.

Cruise ship passing the Sydney Opera House with blooming spring flowers in the foreground

November: Spring in the South Pacific

While we’re pulling out scarves and coats, it’s springtime in the South Pacific. November is a wonderful time to see Australia and New Zealand without the heavy summer crowds.

Cruises like this sailing on Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess can take you from Auckland to Los Angeles with plenty of stops in between. It’s a long haul, but what an adventure!

Think blooming gardens, outdoor markets, and a chance to soak in springtime down under while your neighbors are raking leaves.

Sunny beach in Ferrol, Spain with clear blue water and sandy shoreline

December: Canary Islands Sunshine

When most of Europe is bundled up, the Canary Islands are still soaking in the sun with sangria in hand. December is a brilliant time to trade snow boots for sandals.

If you’re curious what a trip looks like, check out this 12-Night Celebrity Infinity itinerary that even includes Morocco. It’s an off-the-beaten-path escape that feels both adventurous and relaxing.

For a more detailed look at why this region is special, the official Canary Islands Tourism Board has plenty of inspiration. It’s a region many Americans overlook, but it deserves a spot on your cruise radar.

Want a Recommendation?

I know that searching through the mountains of cruises can feel overwhelming. Sometimes just having someone to bounce a few questions off of makes planning so much easier. Inspired by my recent European adventure, I’d love to help you figure out what might be right for you.

If you’re curious about fall and winter cruises, reply or leave a comment with your dates, budget, and who’s sailing with you. I can share what I’ve been looking at for our next adventures, and maybe those ideas will spark inspiration for your plans too.

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Thanks for cruising through the BER months with me.
We’re with you from Shore to Cruise 🚢

Michelle Strawcutter

Michelle Strawcutter is a cruise educator, group travel leader, and the creator of Shore to Cruise, where she helps adults cruise smarter — from embarkation tips to bucket list itineraries. With 30+ cruises under her belt (and counting), she shares real-world insights, favorites, and “wish I knew that sooner” advice to help fellow cruisers make the most of every port and sea day.

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