Chase the heat: Best Marella winter sun cruises for 2026 & 2027

Marella all-inclusive winter sun cruise holidays not only come with a healthy helping of Vitamin D but they also sail from the UK with drinks and tips included so you can relax without constant budgeting. How’s that for sunny simplicity?

TUI cruise line Marella delivers with sailings through winter 2026 and beyond that suit families, couples and solo travellers. There’s even a dedicated adults-only ship in the fleet.

Natalie Draper, Head of Marketing Partnerships at travel agent Iglu Cruise, told Sailawaze: “Sailing with Marella Cruises over the winter offers an ideal escape from the British winter. In fact, everyone can enjoy the line’s all-inclusive hospitality, as Marella offers both family-friendly and adult-exclusive cruises.

“We highly recommend the Canaries for a winter break, and also have family cabins for this Christmas in the Caribbean on board Marella Discovery. For winter 2026/2027, there are some good-value single cabins available, but don’t hesitate to book them, as they’ll fill up soon.”

With cheap winter sun cruise deals available via travel agents like Iglu Cruise and flights from a range of regional airports included, let’s explore why Marella winter cruises stand out like a perky beach umbrella – and how you can pick your perfect ray-roasted itinerary.

From the warm breeze of the Caribbean to the milder (and closer) sunshine of the Canary Islands, plus offers flying from Southampton, London, Manchester and more, these are the winter sun cruises to watch – maybe with a pina colada in hand.

What makes Marella winter cruises special?

Chris Hackney, CEO at Marella Cruises, told Sailawaze: “Marella Cruises’ winter sailings are carefully curated with our customers in mind. They’ll offer a choice of winter-sun destinations, including the sunny Canary Islands and the tropical Caribbean. All of our cruises are all-inclusive, covering flights, transfers, tips and service charges, so customers can relax as soon as they get onboard.”

Looking for cheap all-inclusive Marella cruises in winter? These deals often appear in early booking offers or sale periods via travel agents like Iglu Cruise so keep an eye out and sign up to emails to be first in line.

Flights are also included with all Marella sailings, and, by choosing Marella winter cruises, you can fly from UK departure points like Birmingham, London Gatwick, Manchester, among others – there are more than 20 regional flight options across the UK! That’s some stretchy-holiday-pants flexibility right there.

And, because many itineraries head to top winter sun cruise destinations, you’re not just escaping cold weather – you’re chasing adventure or relaxation, new friends or time to switch off, foodie fun or wellness chill… the ocean’s your salty oyster, just do it your way!

Where should you go for winter sun?

Caribbean: For the most intense sun in December and into spring, pick a Marella Caribbean sailing. The region is universally considered the best place to cruise in the winter; expect temperatures in the high-20s and low-30s°C, palm-lined beaches, watersports and jerk-chicken-packed local cuisine.

Canary Islands & Madeira: Prefer a shorter flight and still seeking hat and scarf-free warmth? Winter sun cruises to Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma and Funchal in Madeira hit the mark. Daytime highs around 20-25°C make them ideal for mild winter sun rather than tropical heat. Better brush up on that Spanish!

Hackney commented: “Marella Cruises sails from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean throughout the winter season, giving customers more opportunities to extend their holiday with unique cruise-and-stay options. Barbados stands out as the most popular winter 2025 destination, thanks to its balmy temperatures and fantastic Caribbean itineraries.”

Does Marella do Christmas & New Year cruises?

Yes, Marella offers festive sailings, Christmas-week departures and even New Year escapes where you’ll dock, dine and celebrate in tropical settings as the UK heads into cold.

Hackney detailed: “On all of our ships, customers can expect Christmas trees, themed cocktails, carol concerts and even a chance to meet Santa himself at his onboard Grotto. Customers can enjoy festive gala dinners with all the traditional trimmings and watch Christmas movies under the stars.

“On New Year’s Eve, expect a top-deck countdown, surprise performances and sparkling wine at midnight, allowing customers to start 2027 the perfect way, in either the Caribbean or the Canary Islands.”

How to pick the best place for winter sun

According to Hackney: “If customers are seeking white-sand beaches and a hint of paradise, one of our Caribbean cruises will give them the sun they’re yearning for this winter season. For those looking for a subtropical climate within three to four hours from the UK, the Canary Islands boast sunny weather throughout the season, making them a popular choice for our customers.”

How long are Marella winter sun cruises?

Marella Caribbean cruises are generally 14 or seven nights long. Meanwhile, Marella Canary Islands cruises tend to last seven nights.

Booking with a reliable tour operator like Iglu Cruise also means it’s easy to add on pre- or post-cruise stays, too, so you can extend your holiday if you fancy flaunting your new swimwear for longer.

How much does a winter sun cruise cost?

Prices vary based on cabin type, flight region, time of year and length of stay. But for sun-kissed winter sailings via Iglu Cruise, expect:

• Marella Canary Island 7-night cruises from just under £1,000 pp – perfect for budget winter sun.
• Marella Caribbean 7-night sailings start from just over £1,000 pp, while 14-night Marella Caribbean sailings are around £1,700–£2,000 pp – all-inclusive, flights and tips included.

Tip: Book outside the busiest school-holiday weeks to get the best deals. Visitors asking “What’s the best cruise to take in December?” will often find better value just before or after the peak weeks.

Top Marella winter sun cruises you can book now

TUI Marella cruises winter 2026 are available to book if you’re after winter sun cruises 2026 – with Marella cruises winter 2027 also up for grabs.

Here are some of the best cruises for winter sun with Marella, thanks to Iglu Cruise. All are all-inclusive, comprising flights, luggage, transfers and tips.