Christmas Eve is here and the festive season is once again truly upon us. The lights and decorations are up, the turkey is defrosting and all of the presents have been bought and wrapped (mostly), but we can’t help but feel like something is missing. Oh yes that’s it; snow! It seems as though a white Christmas is off the cards for this year, so to help you fill the frosty void, here are some of the best snowy cruise destinations and winter wonderland ports. Stop dreaming of a white Christmas and go out and find your own winter wonderland at one or all of the following fabulous destinations.
Greenland
Despite its name, Greenland is usually far from green. It’s an icy paradise where majestic, snow covered mountains tower over quaint fishing villages and settlements filled with friendly locals and excited tourists. The port town of Ilulissat is a particularly white winter wonderland, home to the incredible Ilulissat Ice fjord, which is globally recognised as the world’s fastest and most active glacier, spilling huge icebergs into the freezing Atlantic Ocean.
Greenland is a colossal and remote winter wonderland with an area of well over 800,000 square miles, over 80% of which is covered with a gargantuan ice sheet. For this reason, it is hard not to discover your own personal winter wonderland on the island, as snow can be found in abundance at ports all over the country, from Qaqortoq to Nanortalik and from Tasilaq to Nuuk.
Norway
Norway is well-known for its beautiful natural landscape consisting of dramatic mountains, sweeping fjords and vast, verdant woodland, which attracts throngs of cruisers enticed by the stunning scenery. The country receives heavy snowfall every year and has a drawn out ski season, usually lasting for around six months of the year. This astounding winter wonderland stretches up towards the Arctic Circle, so it is hardly surprising that snow is a prominent feature of the landscape.
Although skiing is very popular in Norway at certain times of the year in ski resorts such as Trysil, Hemsedal and Hovden, many people travel to this wonderful country simply to observe and appreciate the awe-inspiring scenery. When the white glistening snow falls gently to the ground, resting on the vast and imposing fjords, it creates a scene that lives long in the memory of all who witness it.
Arctic
Intrepid travellers searching for the perfect winter wonderland should definitely consider an exciting and adventurous cruise to the Arctic Circle. This remote and enormous part of the world has so much to offer bold cruisers, from secluded and immeasurable arctic plains to the range of extraordinary wildlife that roams them, from polar bears and arctic foxes to killer whales and narwhals.
Arctic cruises will transport passengers to some of the most isolated and breath-taking snow and ice covered destinations on the planet, including Svalbard, Nome and the Lofoten Islands.
Alaska
Alaska is by far the USA’s largest state, sitting adjacent to the nation of Canada; the region is famous for its striking landscape and snow-covered mountains, which create an ideal and peaceful winter wonderland. Although for much of the year large parts of the state are free from ice, the view of the amazing snowy mountain tops is an unforgettable sight.
One area of Alaska that is certain to provide visitors with an icy haven is the astonishing Hubbard Glacier, situated to the east of the region. This white giant is constantly on the move, all be it very slowly. Researchers claim that it takes around 400 years for ice to travel the length of the glacier, which gives a great impression of just how ancient and powerful this incredible natural landmark actually is.
Canada
Large parts of Canada can undeniably be declared as a winter wonderland. This frosty nation combines craggy, snow-topped mountain ranges, glaciers and ski resorts with far-reaching and lush forest, containing an array of intriguing wildlife. The spectacular views on offer across Canada make it the idyllic location to go hiking or take part in a range of outdoor pursuits, despite the cold weather.
The Canadian state of Quebec is perhaps one of the most popular ski resorts in North America, attracting droves of enthusiastic skiers every year with its long snowy drops and high mountain peaks, generating a picturesque winter wonderland with a unique and magical ambience.
If you are feeling disappointed by the lack of snow this Christmas, find a fabulous cruise getaway to one of the above destinations with Cruise118 and discover your own winter wonderland, instead of incessantly waiting for the snow to come to you.
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