8 cruises offer a reprieve from the winter blah blah

Sailings from $669 per person.

Hawaii

While most cruise itineraries to Hawaii last a minimum of 14 days, the Norwegian Hawaii Island tour visits the four main islands in just seven days. There are no days at sea, giving guests more time to explore Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii and Kauai with excursions such as lava field tours and zip-lining through tropical rainforests. The 2,186-passenger Pride of America underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2016. All rooms have been renovated, the decks and entertainment areas have been renovated and all major amenities including the spa and lounge areas have been upgraded. . The ship has an array of specialty restaurants and a center dedicated to Hawaiian culture.

Sailings from $1,250 per person.

Chilean fjords

Azamara is a small ship cruise line that focuses on longer port stops, overnight stays and unique shore excursions. Starting in January, the Quest, an intimate and stylish mid-size ship with a capacity of 700 passengers, will depart from Buenos Aires and make stops in Montevideo, Uruguay, and the resort town of Punta del Este, Uruguay, famous for its beaches, luxury restaurants and nightlife. Before sailing down the Beagle Channel, which is teeming with marine life including sea lions and penguins, the ship will make a stop at the Falkland Islands, where guests will meet some of the 3,000 residents. Next, en route to the Chilean fjords, the Quest stops at Puerto Chacabuco, southern Chile, where hiking and horseback tours through forests, rivers, waterfalls and forested mountains are offered. There are also opportunities to explore the snow-capped volcanoes of Puerto Montt, the capital of the Chilean Lake District, before disembarking in San Antonio, Chile on day 16.

Sailings from $2,812 per person.

Vietnam and Thailand

While Celebrity just launched its newest ship, the ascent, With itineraries in the Caribbean, the line’s Asia cruises remain among the most popular winter vacations for those willing to travel further afield. The Celebrity Solstice 12-day cruise departs from Hong Kong and sails to Hanoi, Vietnam, with an overnight stay at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, giving you time to trek through the mountains of Sapa before experiencing the rich culture of the capital of the country. The next stop is Hue and Da Nang, filled with temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs. During the second half of the voyage, the ship makes an overnight stay in Bangkok, followed by a visit to the tropical island of Koh Samui. The cruise ends in Singapore, which in addition to its skyscrapers and megamalls has a rich cultural heritage and one of the best airports in the world to fly home.

Sailings from $694 per person.

Auckland, New Zealand, to Papeete, Tahiti

With so much to explore in the Pacific Ocean, it may be worth taking a longer cruise to cover more ground. The 36-day Oceania Regatta voyage offers just that, departing from Auckland with multiple stops in the country’s North and South Islands, to the east coast of Australia and ending in the sparkling waters of French Polynesia. The Regatta is a small luxury ship with room for 684 passengers and has a swimming pool, casino and spa. It has a gourmet culinary program and aims to provide a refined cruise experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Sailings from $12,295 per person.

The Emirates

Although several cruise lines have canceled or changed their Middle East itineraries due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, cruises to the Emirates, which are relatively far from the conflict, have not been affected. MSC offers a range of itineraries and a selection of three, five or seven night sailings on its Opera and Virtuosa ships. From skyscrapers, luxury shopping and vibrant nightlife to turquoise waters and warm sandy deserts, there’s plenty on offer for young cruisers, families and couples. During the seven-day cruise to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, the ships stop at Sir Bani Yas Island, known for its nature reserve, bird sanctuary and crystal clear waters. The island offers a range of activities including safaris, snorkeling, kayaking and mountain biking. There is also a water park for children and a playground. The MSC Opera is a mid-sized ship with a capacity of 2,150 passengers and underwent a two-year renovation program in 2014, adding more than 90 rooms with balconies, a new spa and a water spray park. The Virtuosa is one of MSC’s newest and largest ships, complete with a “Himalayan Bridge” that spans more than 80 meters, a water park and a Formula 1 simulator.