The wonderful flexibility of worldwide cruising means that you can choose to enjoy a sunny climate during the harsh winters at home, and equally a wintery climate during the summer season; or indeed head for tropical climates where sun is guaranteed during summer, and polar climates where snow and ice is all around during winter.

If you are looking for a winter wonderland, there are many cruise lines which now sail specific luxury exploratory ships in the icy Arctic and Antarctic waters. These ships provide a rare luxury in what would appear to be inhospitable environments, and allow their passengers to experience the raw beauty of these far corners of the earth. Guests can spend days watching whales surface between their ships and soaring icebergs as far as the eye can see.

One of the most loved ships currently sailing the polar waters is the Minerva, under the Swan Hellenic banner. The Minerva is often likened to a luxurious floating country house, with a wonderfully relaxed ambience, and has been leading the way in exploratory leisure cruises for many years. The emphasis here is on focusing the minds of the passengers on their location, through bringing the environment to life with lectures from expert guest lecturers throught a cruise.

Another popular exploration ship is the Prince Albert II, which sails for the luxury Silversea cruise line, transporting guests to the edges of the earth on a winter cruise with an atmosphere of a true expedition, in a vessel which features some of the most modern technologies and facilities seen on board any ship.

Opting to sail through an icy landscape will provide an atmospheric, wonderful winter cruise holiday.