A few weeks prior to Christmas, Philip Keener and his wife got into the festive mood in a memorable way.

The couple from Annapolis, Maryland, embarked on a Christmas market cruise along the Rhine River in Europe with Viking, visiting numerous holiday markets over the course of a week.

“There were towns, like Strasbourg, where the buildings were decorated so beautifully,” Keener, 73, shared with YSL News. “One building was even draped with giant teddy bears.” In Gengenbach, Germany, the town hall was turned into a massive Advent calendar.

They enjoyed glühwein – a traditional mulled wine – along with bratwurst and potato pancakes. “The food was definitely the highlight for us – especially for me,” he remarked.

Cruises often evoke thoughts of sunny destinations, beachside drinks, and lazy days by the pool. However, there are many colder cruises that are just as enticing. Here are some options worth considering.

Northern Europe and Greenland

According to Claire Maguire, a travel agent and franchise owner at Cruise Planners, Iceland, Norway, and Greenland are sought-after chilly destinations. “Typically, the peak season is during the summer months – our summer – mainly due to the ice in Greenland and the harsh weather conditions,” she explained. Visitors also enjoy longer daylight hours during this period.

While large mainstream cruise lines visit these areas, smaller expedition companies like Aurora Expeditions and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offer more adventurous Arctic routes. Guests can explore using Zodiac boats, with activities including hiking, kayaking, and even polar plunges for the brave.

Expedition companies usually provide some equipment, like jackets, to help guests cope with the challenging climates at many locations (packing lists are also available on cruise lines’ websites).

Scotland can remain cool even during summer. “It’s not typically snowy, but it can be quite chilly, especially on the outer islands, such as the Orkneys and the Hebrides, and even further north off the mainland,” Maguire noted.

Antarctica

Travelers might also want to consider heading to the opposite end of the globe.

Antarctica is becoming a favored cruise destination, with both traditional and expedition ships serving the area. However, guests should note that ships with more than 500 passengers cannot disembark on land, as per the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, and will primarily offer scenic cruising.

Antarctica cruises usually run from late October to March during its summer season, according to Maguire.

New England and Canada

Cruises through New England and Canada – which may include stops in locations like Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; Quebec City, and Montreal – can start as early as spring. However, fall is particularly popular, according to Maguire, offering refreshing temperatures and stunning foliage views.

Historically, cruise ships have steered clear of the St. Lawrence River once winter sets in, but Ponant recently announced that its Le Commandant Charcot icebreaker will begin sailing there this season.

Alaska

Alaska is another area with a seasonal appeal. While cruise ships typically sailed from May to September, that window has now been extended to include April and October, according to the Cruise Lines International Association Alaska.

Known for its glaciers and snow-covered mountains, Alaska experiences temperate summers before the weather cools as the season progresses.

“By July, average daytime temperatures in the Interior can be around the 70° F mark – although there are occasions when it can soar into the 90s – while coastal areas and higher elevations rarely exceed 65° F,” the Travel Alaska website states. “Temperatures start to drop in August and September, showcasing vibrant fall colors across Alaska’s tundra and forest vistas.”

Spring and autumn temperatures can fluctuate; they may be warm during the day but quite chilly at night.

Still, the weather can be unpredictable, Maguire cautions. She described experiencing days in the 30s during the cruise season, noting, “It can even snow in June up there.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter based in Nashville.