Sunday, March 31, 2024

7 Cruise Lines Offering Festive Christmas Cruises in 2023

cruise at christmas

I hope you are able to plan and fulfill all of your fantastical travel dreams! Feel free to click around my site to discover more exciting destinations and itineraries. While it might be winter back home, tropical sun can be intense, and some regions can have bugs or mosquitos. If you’ve pre-booked special Christmas-themed excursions or tours, make sure you have all the details, confirmation receipts, and necessary items (like walking shoes for tours).

FAQs on Christmas Cruises

Get your adrenaline fix with two onboard water slides, a wave park and the only boomerang slide at sea. Dash through the seas and launch into the holiday spirit with themed parties and daily shows. Enjoy one of our specialty restaurants where you'll find traditional favorites and new holiday-themed dishes and delights. Seasonal activities aren’t the only holiday fun you’ll find on a Christmas cruise.

Mike – Solo Traveler

If you don’t have enough days off, you can cut your travel time by four whole days by booking Silversea’s Fly-Cruise Antarctica Bridge. These flights chartered by the cruise line allow you to avoid the Drake Passage by flying you straight there from Santiago and Punta Arenas in Chile. Whether you need a break from festive overkill or are contemplating a new family travel tradition, a Christmas cruise or Hanukkah cruise may be exactly what you need.

Night Repo - Panama CanalDetails

With kids out of school, holiday cruises have become a popular getaway for families. And to keep younger guests busy, youth counselors provide a wide array of activities including parties, sing-a-longs and arts and crafts classes, where they can create ornaments to decorate the ship's Christmas tree. Junior cruisers can also participate in an endearing holiday play, which they perform for guests. On Christmas day, Santa Claus makes a surprise appearance, bringing joy (and gifts) to each child on board.

And in the spirit of Grinchmas — the only one at sea — you’re in for lots of extra fun! Taking a page from Dr. Seuss’ classic book, The Grinch himself will join you at sea during this most merry time. He’ll make surprise appearances throughout your vacation, so keep your eyes peeled. If you don’t catch him, catch his live holiday show and character breakfast. And it’s no wonder — every ship is decked out, bow-to-stern, with wreaths, lights, Christmas trees… and ooh, mistletoe! Holidays onboard are decked out with everything you love most about the season.

8 Things to Know for Singles Cruising During the Holidays - Cruise Critic

8 Things to Know for Singles Cruising During the Holidays.

Posted: Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Is it really Christmas if you don’t enjoy some delicious festive fare, both on the run-up to the day itself and for a delicious Christmas dinner? Embarking on a Christmas cruise is a unique experience, blending the magic of the seas with the festive spirit of the holiday. By ensuring you’ve packed these essential items, you’ll be setting the stage for a seamless, memorable, and festive voyage. A sophisticated British cruise line, Cunard takes an elevated approach to the holidays. Here, champagne is served in elegant crystal, and afternoon tea is accompanied by stollen and other traditional European Christmas cakes.

Experience New Cultures

Enjoy the ultimate holiday celebration with loved ones this festive season. All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. Rates for the seven-night Roundtrip New Orleans Christmas cruise start from $3,819 per person, including taxes, port fees and gratuities. Glide up the Lower Mississippi River and soak in the charms of historic towns decked out in their holiday finest. This American Queen Voyages itinerary will also visit the special European-style Christmas market in Natchez, Mississippi, created especially for the line. The "door-to-door" rate for this sailing starts from $24,400 per person, including port fees and taxes.

Looking for Christmas markets? A new cruise sails to 20 of France’s markets this winter - CNBC

Looking for Christmas markets? A new cruise sails to 20 of France’s markets this winter.

Posted: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Search

cruise at christmas

If you’re planning on going on a Royal Caribbean, Norwegian or a Carnival holiday cruise to the Caribbean, chances are you’ll be departing from the Sunshine State. Cruises to Antarctica take place during fall and winter months -- the only time of year when travel to the region is manageable. In addition to the adventure, you can expect holiday decorations and festivities onboard most ships during a late December cruise to the Land of Ice. The top-of-mind December cruises are likely to be those that call upon European Christmas markets in the weeks leading up to December 25. There are numerous river cruises dedicated to exploring the markets and even a few oceangoing sailings that include ports known for their Christmas markets.

How the Holidays are celebrated on a Cruise Ship

For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. For those who love getting creative, consider packing some craft supplies. Making a special Christmas ornament while sailing can be a memorable activity, especially for kids.

This four-night Very Merrytime Bahamian cruise sails from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando) to Disney's Castaway Cay, followed by a day at the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The new island destination will highlight island culture with work by local artists and Bahamian music throughout the colorful beachside resort. Cruise ship crew members go beyond the standard service on all lines for the holidays, whether it's a kind note wishing you well, a Champagne toast for New Year's or a fanciful towel creation.

Just remember that both the tree and its decorations need to comply with cruise ship rules (as we said, no string lights). Figuring out what to pack for a Christmas or Hanukkah cruise can take some creativity. With that in mind, read on for our top 10 tips for brightening up your holiday cruise experience, from your cabin to attire and gifts.

Furthermore, you don’t need to shop for gifts that may just get forgotten, lost, or broken in a few months, and instead the cruise is your gift to yourself and the family members or friends who join you. Onboard, you will make memories to last a lifetime with the different ports of call you visit, shore tours you experience, specialty dining you indulge in, and other fun. While there is a lot going on that makes Christmas cruises extra memorable, these holiday sailings also command a premium price and often sell out months, if not years, before the holiday season.

As mentioned earlier, you should always use strong magnetic hooks to hang them as many cruise lines are picky about adhesives on their walls. There are some elegant non-candle menorahs, plus most have the option to turn on each "flame" in order, so you can light one more candle each night as you sing the blessings. However, you should check with your specific cruise line and ship because some will provide an electric menorah to guests upon request.

One of the leading names in the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean promises a dynamic and festive holiday season aboard its fleet. This is especially beneficial during the hectic holiday season when juggling family gatherings, gift shopping, and meal preparations can become overwhelming. Have you been waiting for the right season to enjoy all of those holiday movies? Join your fellow cruise guests and settle in for all of those Christmas favorites. Plus, now’s your chance if you’ve always wanted to join in on an Ugly Sweater Contest. Pack your appetite — all your favorite flavors of the holiday season are onboard.

If you are religious, then you don’t need to worry about a cruise preventing you from taking part in traditional services and celebrations. Add in the rest of the vacation memories you’ll make – the great food on the other days, the entertainment, and the destinations you visit – and you’ll have an experience to treasure. If you have particular dietary restrictions or a favorite festive treat, consider packing them. While cruise lines are accommodating, having your favorite Christmas cookie or specialty tea can add a touch of home. However, with a bit of foresight and flexibility, these potential drawbacks can be addressed, ensuring your Christmas cruise is a memorable and joyous experience. With a plethora of onboard activities, events, and shows, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, leading to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

5 Best Christmas and Holiday Cruises

cruise at christmas

Christmas, a universally cherished holiday, provides a fantastic backdrop for forging new friendships. On an all-inclusive cruise, the staff takes care of the minutiae, leaving you free to soak in the festivities, relish gourmet meals, and partake in entertainment options without the typical holiday stress. A Christmas cruise offers a refreshing change from traditional celebrations, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in a variety of cultures, festivities, and landscapes.

A Christmas Cruise VacationYOUR FAMILY WILL NEVER FORGET

She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. These take place from November onwards, and incorporate festive ports of call that have some wonderful Christmas markets. Here you can sample local delicacies and buy all kinds of trinkets and ornaments to give your loved ones as their Christmas gift.

cruise at christmas

FAQs on Christmas Cruises

Part of the reason to book a Christmas cruise is just to soak up the Christmas spirit. While the crew will be working hard to make sure you have an incredible time, it’s also the rest of the guests onboard who contribute to a special atmosphere. So, as the festive season beckons, perhaps it’s time to consider a new backdrop for your celebrations – one where horizons stretch endlessly and where every sunset promises a new adventure.

Christmas on a Cruise Ship: What To Expect

It can't hurt to ask if any extra-fee restaurants are doing a Christmas or New Year's menu if you're looking for a more intimate holiday meal. Christmas cruises can level up your holiday celebrations — and are an ideal opportunity to escape the conventional holiday celebrations in place of an adventure. While not all of these activities are offered on every cruise or with every cruise line, any sailing near Christmas is sure to have special activities in store for its passengers to celebrate. Some far-flung destinations will have celebrations and decorations, while others (like those in Asia) may have little or no sign of the holidays. Either way, you'll find celebrations onboard and lots of relaxation, away from the cold. Spending Christmas on a cruise vacation with your family will probably be the most relaxing Christmas ever!

cruise at christmas

SPEND THE HOLIDAYS ON THE BOLDEST CRUISE SHIPS AT SEA

Here's What It's Like To Spend The Holidays On An MSC Cruise Ship - Forbes

Here's What It's Like To Spend The Holidays On An MSC Cruise Ship.

Posted: Sun, 31 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

This year, spend the holidays in a warm winter wonderland with your favorite holiday traditions — plus some epic new ones — onboard the world’s boldest ships. Bring everyone together for Thanksgiving memory-making that the whole family will be grateful for. Sailings in December keep magical Christmas celebrations dancing through your head. Your ship will dock in the heart of each city, usually just a few steps from the markets.

Exotic Destinations

Holiday sailings to the Caribbean also vary in length, from quick four-day itineraries to the Bahamas to 10-day cruises around the Eastern Caribbean. The outdoor markets themselves include a variety of handmade items, as well as an abundance of food and beverages. The atmosphere is far more relaxed and congenial than your average crowded shopping center at home, making it easy to shed the holiday stress and slip into a jolly attitude. Brighten up your diligent cabin steward's day or express appreciation for newly made friends with holiday chocolates. When bringing holiday greeting cards, we recommend using blank options so you can add personalized messages and specific holiday wishes to each receiver.

Adding to the cheer, guests and the ship's crew can participate in caroling, and despite no chimney in sight, a special visitor from the North Pole is scheduled to make an appearance. Holiday highlights often include Christmas Eve caroling, an ugly Christmas sweater crafting competition, Christmas ornament and gingerbread cookie decorating classes, and holiday games and trivia. A river cruise through Europe is the most convenient way to visit many of the continent's famous Christmas markets. The 16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday on Holland America's Zaandam is a great way to retreat from the cold this December. The extended itinerary will whisk you away for both Christmas and the New Year. Expect cruise fares to be among the highest of the year during the holiday weeks as demand increases.

Bring a set of holiday greeting cards with you to write notes to new friends that you make onboard, your Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle group and your favorite crew. Have the whole family put them on and grab some quality keepsake photos with the ship's photographer. Some mugs of hot chocolate from the buffet would up the seasonal vibes, too.

12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025 - The Points Guy

12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Spending Christmas on a Cruise: What To Expect

A family cruise to an exotic destination could be the perfect way to celebrate the season. These always-popular festivities can range from casual to black-tie affairs, depending on the ship and itinerary. Whether you're sailing to sunny Sydney or the Mexican Riviera, Princess Cruises promises a forecast that includes a daily snowfall.

While cruise ships have medical facilities, having a basic first-aid kit and essential meds can be handy. Carnival holds a special, non-denominational Christmas service either December 24 or 25, depending on the cruise itinerary. This service will feature hymns, prayers and plenty of stories to bring everyone closer together during the holiday season. As you embark on your first day, you’ll immediately notice the Christmas decorations found throughout the ship.

Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Whether it’s the classic “A Christmas Carol” or a new festive novel, having some holiday-themed reading material can set the mood during those quieter moments on the ship. While cruises can offer a luxurious experience, there are ways to keep the trip affordable without compromising on the festive fun. Planning your Christmas cruise is more than just selecting a date and destination. It’s about crafting a memorable experience, ensuring every detail, from packing to excursions, enhances your festive spirit.

Even more casual dining options, such as the buffet, will offer special Christmas dinner dishes. The river cruises sailing during the festive season typically immerse you in the traditions of each country on the itinerary with food, music and decorations. But if you want a Christmas cruise that hits all the highlights, you can’t go wrong with a Danube River cruise. Itineraries vary between cruise lines, but most call on top destinations like Vienna and Budapest. These stories, from travelers of varied backgrounds, showcase the universality of the festive spirit, the magic of the seas, and the unique charm that a Christmas cruise brings to the holiday season.

The Best Hairstyles for Long Faces to Appear More Balanced

Table Of Content #1: Long Jet-Black Hair with Face-Framing Layers Curly Bangs Most Requested Hairstyles For Long Faces Blowout #13: Sleek Lo...