At a glance
- November’s mild weather and sun-dappled ports make it ideal for Middle East exploration
- Antarctica cruise season begins with dramatic landings and penguin colonies
- River cruises are an excellent way to see the festive markets that pop up along the Danube and Rhine
- In South Africa, late spring brings safaris, seafood and scenic vineyards
- No-fly cruises to the Canaries deliver autumn warmth without long-haul flights
Why trust us?
World of Cruising, along with our sister publication Cruise Trade News, has one of the UK’s most experienced teams of cruise journalists and contributors. Our experts have racked up hundreds of nights at sea and sailed with most cruise lines. Most weeks, one of our writers will be at sea or on a river. Here, that expertise informs our list of the best cruise destinations for November.
Is November a good time to cruise?
It most certainly is. November is a shoulder-season gem, offering excellent value, milder temperatures and quieter ports across the globe.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Middle East is basking in late-year warmth, while routes off the coast of Norway and Iceland offer the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere is just waking up to summer, making it prime time for sailings in South Africa and Southeast Asia. Or if you're after something more adventurous, November is the beginning of cruise season in Antarctica, where jaw-dropping wildlife encounters and cinematic landscapes await
Best November cruise for autumn sun: Arabian Gulf
Why here, why now: This is the sweet spot for Middle East sailings – comfortably warm without the fierce summer heat. Temperatures hover in the high 20s, making it perfect for exploring mosques, souks, beaches and museums.
New cruise terminals and infrastructure in Abu Dhabi and Doha have elevated the region’s appeal, while overnights in Dubai allow for rooftop cocktails, dune safaris and record-breaking skyscrapers. It’s a luxurious, high-impact autumn escape – and one that’s steadily gaining ground as a cruise hotspot.
Weather: Highs in the mid-20s to low-30s, with minimal rainfall and balmy evenings.
Top Ports: Dubai for Burj Khalifa views and desert brunches, Abu Dhabi for the Louvre and beach clubs on Saadiyat Island, Doha for pearling heritage and futuristic architecture and Muscat for rugged coastline and incense-scented souks.
Who to sail with: MSC Cruises offers affordable week-long itineraries with excellent excursions. Explora Journeys, meanwhile, is an ultra-luxury option offering a private yacht-like ambience onboard.
Price: MSC seven-night sailings from £850 per person; Nine-night itineraries from Explora start from approximately £4,600 per person.
Best November cruise for Christmas markets: The Rhine or Danube
Why here, why now: Late November is when Europe’s justly famous Christmas markets start to sparkle – and river cruises offer the cosiest, most atmospheric way to see them. Glide along the Rhine or Danube as towns like Cologne, Vienna and Budapest light up with carol singers, cinnamon-scented stalls and fairy-lit squares. It’s a gentle, scenic style of travel, with festive excursions and plenty of heady Glühwein stops.
And by cruising in November, you’ll beat the December rush – enjoying the magic without the mayhem. Ideal for culture lovers, couples or first-time cruisers seeking a seasonal treat.
Weather: Highs of 6-10C, with crisp air and festive chill.
Top Ports: Cologne for riverside markets and spiced biscuits, Strasbourg for gingerbread houses and canal-lit strolls, Vienna for ornate palaces and giant Christmas trees, and Budapest for thermal baths and paprika-spiced goulash.
Who to sail with:Viking combines festive excursions with stylish Scandi-inspired ships. AmaWaterways adds wine tastings and expert guides to its Danube and Rhine sailings.
Price: Viking’s eight-day cruises cost from £2,300 per person. Fares for a seven-night November cruise with AmaWaterways begin at around £2,500 per person.
Best November cruise for a no-fly escape: The Canary Islands
Why here, why now: November is when the Canaries really come into their own – still sunny, still warm and within reasonable sailing distance from Britain. For UK cruisers, no-fly sailings from Southampton offer hassle-free access to these volcanic isles, with their dramatic coastlines and black sand beaches.
Add in fewer crowds, off-season charm and the chance to hike, swim or sip sangria at your own pace and you’ve got the ultimate easy autumn warmer.
Weather: Highs in the low to mid 20s with sunny days and sea breezes.
Top Ports: Tenerife for Mount Teide hikes and colonial streets in La Laguna, Lanzarote for lunar landscapes and César Manrique art, Gran Canaria for botanical gardens and tapas in Vegueta, and La Palma for stargazing and salt pans.
Who to sail with:P&O Cruises offers no-fly Canaries itineraries with solid value and British-friendly service. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is another strong option, with itineraries combining the Canaries with Madeira. Solo offers are available on select sailings.
Price: 12-night no-fly cruises aboard a P&O Cruises ship start at around £800 per person. A 15-night no-fly cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines starts at around £1,600.
Best expedition cruise for November: Antarctica
Why here, why now: November is the start of Antarctica’s short but spectacular cruise season – and one of the very best times to go. Ice floes are dramatic, penguins are adorably courting and nesting, and there’s a freshness and vitality to the landscape that later-season visitors often miss.
It’s also less busy, with fewer ships and a greater sense of expedition. Expect daily Zodiac landings, up-close glacier sightings and lectures from glaciologists and wildlife experts to fill long days, with up to 20 hours of light.
Weather: Highs of 0-5C, with long daylight hours and crisp, dry air; depending on where you sail, it can be considerably colder.
Top Ports:Ushuaia (Argentina) for last-minute gear and penguin murals, Paradise Bay for ice cliffs and Zodiac rides among seals and Deception Island for volcanic beaches and steaming fumaroles.
Who to sail with:HX offers science-led voyages with landings and lectures. Seabourn combines luxury and adventure with sumptuous suites and incredible expeditions.
Price: HX cruises start from around £8,000 per person for a 12-day sailing. Seabourn's Antarctica cruises start at around £10,400 for 11 days.
Best November cruise for a bucket-list escape: South Africa
Why here, why now: In the Southern Hemisphere, November is late spring, easing into summer – and one of the best times to cruise South Africa. Expect fine weather, fewer tourists and a coastline packed with personality. Cape Town’s Table Mountain rises above vineyards and surfers, while Durban serves up spice, history and golden beaches. Many itineraries include safari add-ons or stop near game reserves, so you can go from ship deck to big cat in a matter of days.
Weather: Highs in the low to high 20s, depending on the port. Expect mostly sunny skies.
Top Ports: Cape Town for vineyard tours and sunset hikes on Signal Hill, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) for nearby game reserves and penguin colonies and Durban for bunny chow, Zulu culture and beaches backed by palm trees.
Who to sail with:Azamara has a variety of South Africa itineraries in November, with overnight stays allowing guests to experience destinations more fully. Oceania is a top option for wine lovers due to its focus on food and drink, as well as those who are looking for longer, more immersive itineraries.
Price: Azamara offers 13-night sailings from around £2,400 per person. You can find Oceania cruises spanning 27 days from around £5,500.
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