Christmas cruises have become an increasingly popular way to celebrate the holiday season in recent years. From stress-free planning to unique destinations and unforgettable onboard experiences, more travellers are trading in icy pavements for festive sea voyages. If you’ve ever wondered what a Christmas cruise is like or if you are considering this magical way to celebrate the festivities, our guide will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next holiday getaway.
For many people, cruising during the holidays offers a welcome change from the usual seasonal routine. For others, Christmas cruises are more than just a holiday, they're an experience. Here are some of the top reasons why this is becoming a popular choice among solo travellers, couples, families, and even mult-generational groups:
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Planning Christmas can be overwhelming. From shopping and cleaning to preparing meals and hosting guests, it can feel like anything but a break. A Christmas cruise removes the hassle of the holidays so you can forget meal prepping, tidying the house, or fighting for a table at busy restaurants. From festive décor and entertainment to traditional Christmas dinners and desserts, all you need to do is relax and enjoy.
Christmas cruises cater to all kinds of travellers with activities and entertainment reserved for different age groups. Explore our family-friendly cruise lines if you are going away with your littles or teens. Want to relax in the sun with a cocktail on an adults-only cruise? You can find holiday itineraries on board adult-only cruise ships. Looking for snowy adventures and winter markets? That’s an option too. With onboard kids’ clubs, spa treatments, evening shows, and fine dining, everyone can enjoy the experience their way.
You’ll celebrate the season alongside fellow cruisers from around the world, enjoy a fusion of holiday customs, and experience new cultures along the way. From Caribbean carols and Mexico's all-night parties with piñatas to European Christmas markets, every voyage offers something different.
One of the most exciting parts of a Christmas cruise is choosing your destination. Whether you're chasing the winter sun on long-duration cruises or dreaming of snow-covered markets on a short break cruise, there’s an itinerary to match your holiday style.
Escape the cold and snow for sunshine, white sand beaches, crystal waters and more. Ideal for sun-seekers, cruises to the Caribbean offer warm weather and beachside celebrations with stops in places like Barbados, St. Maarten, and the Bahamas. Expect island-style parties, fireworks, festive beach barbecues, and colourful decorations. Caribbean cruises are perfect for couples, solo travellers, groups and families looking for a different holiday experience.
Sail the Danube, Rhine and other popular European rivers with cruise lines like Viking River Cruises or AmaWaterways. These cruise lines offer intimate sailings that stop at some of Europe’s most enchanting traditional Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Enjoy hot mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, and fairytale towns dusted with snow on your Europe cruise, making it perfect for travellers who want a cultural and nostalgic holiday experience.
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Setting sail from New York City offers a magical start to any festive cruise. Before boarding, you can enjoy classic holiday sights like the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, ice skating in Central Park, and Fifth Avenue’s famous window displays. Make the most of your cruise by opting for a cruise and stay holiday package that includes hotel stays in the Big Apple before you set sail, as you immerse yourself in the perfect land and sea getaway. From New York, you can head to the Caribbean or enjoy transatlantic journeys with Cunard's Queen Mary 2, known for her traditional British elegance and refined Christmas celebrations.
For a summer-style Christmas, head Down Under. Enjoy Christmas in summertime in the Southern Hemisphere, making this a great choice for those wanting a sunny, adventure-packed holiday. Expect beachside celebrations, warm weather, and plenty of outdoor activities. Celebrate with sunshine, seafood and beach barbecues. These cruises offer a unique way to enjoy the holidays, making it perfect for those who want to avoid winter altogether.
Christmas cruises are packed with holiday magic, and each cruise line offers something a little different. Here’s what you can expect during your festive sailing:
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From the moment you step aboard the cruise ship, you are immersed in the full festive spirit. Common areas are dressed in elegant Christmas décor, and ships are fully decorated from bow to stern, often from late November onwards. Expect towering Christmas trees, cruise staff dressed as elves, seasonal music, sparkling lights, wreaths, and garlands throughout the interior, making the ship feel like a floating winter wonderland.
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Christmas Eve is usually celebrated with formal dinners, festive shows, and classic carol singing. On Princess Cruises, guests can enjoy Christmas Eve performances in the theatre, followed by mulled wine and gingerbread village displays in the atrium. Come Christmas Day, the festivities continue with all the traditional trimmings, a festive breakfast, holiday-themed activities, and a grand multi-course Christmas dinner in the main dining room. Some cruise lines offer a midnight mass as well as menorah lighting for Hanukkah, allowing guests to observe the day in a meaningful way. Father Christmas often makes a surprise visit, especially on family sailings, handing out gifts to children and spreading festive cheer throughout the ship. Royal Caribbean also pulls out all the stops, with festive scavenger hunts, holiday movie marathons, gingerbread competitions and themed parades that appeal to both children and adults. Carnival Cruise line gives you an opportunity to show off your creativity with ugly Christmas jumper competitions and holiday themed parties. Kids love the Children’s grotto and will get a chance to meet Father Christmas with floor to ceiling dazzling decorations on board P&O Christmas Cruises. Many ships offer special Christmas activities in kids’ and teen clubs, giving younger passengers their own festive fun while parents enjoy some well-earned relaxation.
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Entertainment is a major highlight of any cruise, but during the festive period, it becomes even more enchanting. Enjoy a Christmas concert in the theatre, festive-themed musicals, or a pantomime on stage (a tradition embraced by P&O Cruises). Some ships screen classic Christmas films under the stars, complete with blankets and hot chocolate, while others offer live carol singers performing around the ship. On board bands and choirs often prepare seasonal sets for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, creating moments that feel celebratory, intimate, and perfectly in tune with the holiday spirit.
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Food plays a starring role in any Christmas cruise. On Cunard line, guests can enjoy an elegant Christmas day lunch served by white-gloved waiters in Art Deco surroundings, with roast turkey, Christmas pudding, and festive drinks. Princess Cruises offers seasonal menus featuring traditional menus, festive desserts, and even gingerbread displays crafted by onboard pastry chefs. P&O Cruises keeps the British traditions alive with crackers on the table, pigs in blankets, and mince pies with afternoon tea. Families will find dedicated children’s menus, while premium venues on many ships offer refined Christmas tasting menus paired with fine wines. Expect festive cocktails, spiced lattes, and maybe even Christmas cookies delivered to your cabin.
Christmas cruises are in high demand, often selling out months in advance, especially family cabins and suites. Booking your holiday early secures your preferred itinerary, dining times, and better fares. If you’re planning to sail with a group or during school holidays, early planning is essential.
Warm-weather cruises call for swimwear and light clothing, but don’t forget a smart outfit for formal Christmas dinners on board. If you are opting for winter cruises, bring thermals, waterproofs, and layers for excursions. Many guests also pack festive accessories, Christmas jumpers, party outfits, or Santa hats for onboard celebrations.
Some ports may have limited operations over Christmas and Boxing Day. While cruise lines adapt with special excursions, popular tours can fill up fast. Booking excursions in advance is strongly advised, and it's worth checking which local attractions will be open on the day.
A Christmas cruise is wonderfully different. You’ll skip the stress of cooking and cleaning and instead enjoy the day with fellow guests from all over the world. For families, it’s helpful to prepare children for a new version of Christmas, one where Santa might arrive by sea and Christmas dinner is served by candlelight in a grand dining room.
Yes, you can bring gifts, but avoid wrapping them in advance as security may need to check them. Small, packable presents work best. Some cruise lines also offer onboard gift packages and vouchers, which make for easy, space-saving alternatives.
If you plan to check in on your family back home, consider buying an internet package in advance. Most cruise lines offer festive features like virtual photo booths or digital postcards — perfect for sending Christmas greetings from sea.
Christmas cruises are usually fully booked, with a vibrant and social atmosphere. Expect full theatres, themed events, and lots of holiday cheer. For a quieter escape, make use of spa areas, adult-only zones, or your cabin balcony to recharge.
Top Tip
Come prepared to embrace a new kind of Christmas. It may not look like home, but it’s filled with joy, surprise, and new traditions. Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or spending your first Christmas on the water, embracing the experience is the key to making it truly memorable. No matter where you dream of spending Christmas, Cruise 118 can help you find the perfect cruise itinerary that ticks all your boxes.
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