Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la, la la la la.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la.
Yeah, that’s right! Soon, it will be “that time of the year,” and here we are talking about Christmas cruises!
Planning a Christmas cruise? Christmas is an excellent time to hit the water, but finding the right ship is key. Are you looking for family fun and kid-friendly entertainment? Prefer to unwind, relax, and have a quiet Christmas trip away from kids? Or do you want a romantic getaway cruising to the Caribbean? Whatever you want, there are fantastic cruises to choose from. Read on to learn more about Christmas cruises and which cruise is best suited for you.
Are Christmas cruises worth it?
Day by day, cruises are gaining traction, especially during holidays. So, it is no wonder that Christmas cruises are very popular these days! Other than the Christmas festivities and fun, I think Christmas cruises are so “in” these days because you get a completely relaxed vacation devoid of cooking, cleaning, decorating, and entertaining. While Christmas cruises are very expensive, they’re absolutely worth every penny!
Also, Christmas is a time to be with family and kids, which also means most cruises are packed with kids. Luckily most cruise lines offer fantastic youth programs. The good thing about this is that parents can unwind and relax while the kids are engaged with other kids of similar age, making friends and having fun.
Here are some of the cruise lines that offer the most enchanting “Spirit of Christmas.”
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s Christmas cruises offer festive entertainment, activities, and cuisine, making it a stress-free way to celebrate the season. The ship will be decked out with glowing Christmas trees and holiday decor. Santa’s elves will spread cheer across the ship with a visit from Saint Nick himself. You can also attend Christmas mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Dining includes Christmas classics at various restaurants, plus a special Bottomless Galley Brunch. Royal Caribbean is popular with families with children of all ages.
Other Onboard festivities include
- Lighting of the massive Christmas tree
- Caroling
- Ugly sweater making
- Parties with a DJ
- Holiday Trivia
- Pajama movie nights
- Christmas giveaways by the elves
- Gingerbread cookie decorating classes
- Holiday games
Royal Caribbean offers popular winter cruises to the Western Caribbean, Mexican Coast, Southern Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and Mexican Riviera. Here are some of Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries for 2026 Christmas.
| Itinerary | Ship | Sailing On | Prices From/PP |
| 7 nights Perfect Day CocoCay & Caribbean (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Icon of the Seas | Dec 5 – 12
Dec 19 – 26 |
$1384
$1845 |
| 6 Nights Western Caribbean & Perfect Day (Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida) | Legend of the Seas | Dec 6 – 12
Dec 20 – 26 |
$1,397
$1,666 |
| 7 Nights Western Caribbean & Perfect Day (Roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida) | Star of the Seas | Dec 6 – 13
Dec 20 – 27 |
1,405
1,923 |
| 7 Nights Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day Holiday (Roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Orlando), Florida | Utopia of the Seas | Dec 24 – 31 | $1,356 |
| 7 Nights Western Caribbean & Perfect Day Holiday (Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida) | Oasis of the Seas | Dec 21 – 28 | $1,068 |
| 4 Nights Perfect Day at CocoCay & Bahamas (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Wonder of the Seas | Dec 7 – 11
Dec 14 – 18 Dec 24 – 28 Dec 31 – Jan 4 |
$469
$469 $885 $1,167 |
| 7 Nights Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day (Roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida) | Harmony of the Seas | Dec 5 – 12
Dec 23 – 30 |
$945
$1,367 |
| 7 Nights Western Caribbean Holiday (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Independence of the Seas | Dec 20 – 27 | $945 |
For all itineraries, visit the Royal Caribbean official website
Celebrity Cruises
On Celebrity Cruises, you can experience the true sense of Christmas with their classic Christmas meals, festive decorations, and holiday-themed shows. Adults can relax at The Spa while kids enjoy Camp at Sea. Forget all the cooking and cleaning and just sit back and relax, eat, drink, and be merry this Christmas without lifting a finger. For those who are worried that the cruise will be full of kids, celebrity cruises offer adult-oriented cruises.
Onboard festivities include
- Join the carolers
- Watch Christmas movies and shows
- Spend Christmas with Santa
Here are some of the popular 2026 Celebrity Christmas Cruises:
| Itinerary | Ship | Sailing on | Prices From/PP |
| 3 Nights Key West & Bahamas (Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida) | Celebrity Reflection | Dec 4 – 7
Dec 11 – 14 Dec 18 – 21 |
$177
$159 $159 |
| 7 Nights St. Thomas & St. Maarten Holiday (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Celebrity Xcel | Dec 20 – 27 | $1,202 |
| 7 Nights Bahamas & Mexico Holiday (Roundtrip from Tampa, Florida) | Celebrity Summit | Dec 20 – 27 | $693 |
| 7 Nights St. Thomas, St. Kitts & Puerto Plata (Roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida) | Celebrity Apex | Dec 5 – 12
Dec 19 – 26 |
$1,319
$1,016 |
| 8 Nights Aruba, Curacao & Bonaire (Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida) | Celebrity Silhouette | Dec 5 – 13
Dec 19 – 26 |
$864
$1,326 |
For all itineraries, please visit the Celebrity Cruises official website
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruises offers traditional festive menus, Santa visits, Christmas movies, family-friendly activities, and youth programs for the kids. NCL offers Christmas cruises to destinations including the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Europe, Mexico, and South America. What better way to spend Christmas than cruising to the most exotic places, away from the winter chills?
| Itinerary | Ship | Sailing On | Prices From/PP |
| 12 Days Caribbean: Dominican Republic & St. Thomas (Roundtrip from New York) | Norwegian Bliss | Dec 11 – 23
Dec 23 – Jan 4 |
$1,219
$2,414 |
| 5 Days Bermuda: Royal Naval Dockyard (Roundtrip from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) | Norwegian Pearl | Dec 18 – 23 | $969 |
| 7 Days Caribbean: Bahamas & Dominican Republic (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Norwegian Aqua | Dec 6 – 13
Dec 13 – 20 Dec 20 – 27 Dec 27 – Jan 3 |
$1,750
$1,009 $1,569 $2,439 |
| 12 Days Panama Canal: Bahamas & Costa Rica (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Norwegian Sun | Dec 21 – Jan 2 | $2,899 |
| 12 Days Caribbean: Curacao, Aruba & Dominican Republic (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Norwegian Jewel | Dec 23 – 4 Jan | $2,349 |
| 7 Days Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic (Roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida) | Norwegian Escape | De 4 – 11
Dec 11 – 18 Dec 23 – 30 Dec 30 – Jan 6 |
$779
$779 $1,379 $1,259 |
| 4 Days Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay & Grand Bahama Island (Roundtrip from Jacksonville, Florida) | Norwegian Dawn | Dec 24 – 28 | $839 |
| Hallmark Christmas Cruise: 5-Day Cruise Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Roundtrip from Miami Florida) | Norwegian Joy | Oct 23 – 27 | $1,635 |
For all itineraries, please visit the Norwegian Cruise Line official website.
Carnival Cruises
View this post on Instagram
Carnival Christmas Cruises offers you a festive mood with decorated and lighted Christmas trees and all the frills and fancies that come with Christmas. Some of the activities include Christmas tree lighting, caroling, ugly sweater parties, traditional Christmas cuisine, Christmas movies, Santa visits, and Grinch appearances. On Christmas Eve, attend the Christmas mass, dress up for the Christmas gala dinner, and explore festive decor throughout the ship. Carnival Cruises gives you a perfect opportunity to spend a perfect Christmas with your family.
Onboard festivities include
- Holiday Shows: Singing, Dancing
- Music trivia: Guess the Song
- Ugly Sweater competition
- Holiday Trivia, Holiday Radio, and TV Trivia
- Holiday Bingo
- Holiday Movie
- Wishes For Santa
- Holiday Snow Friends Hunt
- Holiday Arts and Crafts
| Itinerary | Ship | Sailing on | Prices From/PP |
| 5 Days Western Caribbean (Roundtrip from New Orleans, LA) | Carnival Valor | Dec 7 – 12
Dec 12 – 17 Dec 21 – 26 |
$354
$375 $739 |
| 8 Days Mexican Riviera (Roundtrip from Long Beach, Los Angeles, CA) | Carnival Panorama | Dec 5 – 13
Dec 19 – 27 |
$490
$795 |
| 5 Days The Bahamas (Roundtrip from Miami, FL) | Carnival Sunrise | Dec 21 – 26 | $577 |
| 6 Days Mexican Riviera (Roundtrip from Long Beach, Los Angeles, CA) | Carnival Radiance | Dec 20 – 26 | $522 |
| 3 Days Baja Mexico (Roundtrip from Long Beach, Los Angeles, CA) | Carnival Firenze | Dec 4 – 7
Dec 18 – 21 Dec 21 – 24 |
$235
$224 $212 |
| 3 Days The Bahamas (Roundtrip from Miami, FL) | Celebration Key | Dec 18 – 21
Dec 21 – 24 |
$265
$304 |
| 3 Days The Bahamas (Roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Orlando, FL) | Carnival Glory | Dec 18 – 21
Dec 21 – 24 |
$337
$342 |
| 4 Days The Bahamas (Roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Orlando, FL) | Carnival Freedom | Dec 10 – 14
Dec 19 – 23 |
$345
$535 |
For all itineraries, please visit Carnival Cruise Line official website.
You may also like: Carnival Balcony Room: Which Is the Best for You?
Virgin Voyages
View this post on Instagram
Enjoy a luxurious Caribbean or Indian Ocean holiday cruise with Virgin Voyages, a chance to experience Christmas in exotic destinations with specialty meals, themed cocktails, Christmas-themed activities, and decor. Spend time with dear ones, reconnect with family, or escape on an adults-only vacation. Get the vacation you want and deserve!
| Itinerary | Ship | Sailing On | Prices From/PP |
| 4 Nights Key West & Bimini Beach Club (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady Brilliant Lady |
Dec 3 – 7
Dec 17 – 21 Dec 10 – 14 |
$790
$714 $733 |
| 6 Nights Western Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Resilient Lady | Dec 13 – 19 | $774 |
| 10 Nights Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Brilliant Lady | Nov 30 – Dec 10 | $1,091 |
| 9 Nights Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Holiday (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Brilliant Lady | Dec 14 – 23 | $981 |
| 8 Nights Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Holiday (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Resilient Lady | Dec 19 – 27 | $1,352 |
| 5 Nights Mexico & Bimini Beach Club Holiday (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Scarlet Lady | Dec 21 – 26 | $845 |
| 5 Nights Grand Turk & Bimini Holiday Cruise (Roundtrip from Miami, Florida) | Brilliant Lady | Dec 23 – 28 | $1,221 |
| 10 Nights Eastern Caribbean & Bimini New Year’s | Brilliant Lady | Dec 28 – Jan 7 | $1,990 |
For more itineraries, please visit Virgin Voyages official website.
You may also like: When Is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?
MSC Cruises
View this post on Instagram
The traditional decorations and Christmas trees adorned with lights on MSC ships are a sight to be seen. MSC offers Christmas cruises with a variety of holiday activities. Adults can enjoy MasterChef Christmas, Christmas karaoke, and the Christmas shows. Children can participate in Santa’s extravaganza, watch a movie with Santa, enjoy Doremix Xmas, and participate in the Kids Xmas Parade. Additionally, Winter Wonderland at Doremi Village offers games, line dances, and other Christmas magic.
| Itinerary | Ship | Sailing On |
| 3 Nights Caribbean & Antilles (Roundtrip from Miami) | MSC Seaside | Dec 18 – 21 |
| 10 Nights Caribbean & Antilles (Roundtrip from Miami) | MSC Seaside | Dec 18 – 28 |
| 8 Nights Caribbean & Antilles (Roundtrip from Miami) | MSC Meraviglia | Dec 19 – 27
Jan 2 – 10 |
| 7 Nights Caribbean & Antilles (Roundtrip from Miami) | MSC World America | Dec 19 – 26
Jan 2, 2027 – 9 |
| 14 Nights Caribbean & Antilles (From Port Canaveral, Orlando) | MSC Grandiosa | Dec 19 – Jan 2
Jan 2, 2027 – Jan 16 |
| 14 Nights Caribbean & Antilles (from Orlando, Port Canaveral) | MSC Seashore | Dec 20 – 27 |
| 7 Nights Caribbean & Antilles (from Galveston) | MSC Seascape | Dec 20 – 27
Dec 27 – Jan 3 |
For details, please visit MSC Cruises official website.
You may also like: When Is the Best Time to Book a Cruise?
Oceania Cruises
View this post on Instagram
Oceania Christmas Cruises offers luxurious holiday cruises with a variety of destinations and experiences. From seven-day cruises to grand voyages lasting months, Oceania’s holiday cruises offer the perfect festive experience. You can celebrate Christmas and New Year together on Oceania cruises while enjoying luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and festive celebrations onboard. Oceania’s all-inclusive packages ensure that everything you need is included in your voyage fare, from gourmet food to vintage Champagnes and premium wines. In Oceania, every detail of luxury is taken care of.
Onboard festivities include
- Christmas carols
- Tree lighting ceremony
- Holiday Gourmet lunch and dinner
- Dazzling evening performances
- Enchanting melodies of a string quartet
| Itinerary | Ship | Sailing On | Prices From/PP |
| 7 Days (Roundtrip from Miami) | Oceania Allura | Dec 21 – 28 | $3,080 |
| 15 Days Miami to Lima | Oceania Insignia | Dec 19 – Jan 3 | $4,299 |
| 36 Days Miami to Buenos Aires | Oceania Insignia | Dec 19 – Jan 24 | $10,449 |
| 9 Days (Roundtrip from Miami) | Oceania Vista | De 28 – 6 Jan | $3,720 |
| 9 Days (Roundtrip from Miami) | Oceania Allura | Dec 12 – 21 | $3,440 |
| 7 Days (Roundtrip from Miami) | Oceania Vista | Dec 14 – 21 | $2,205 |
For details, please visit Oceania Cruises official website
Christmas market cruises
A Christmas market cruise offers an enchanting way to experience the holiday season. Sailing through scenic rivers, such as the Mississippi River, during Christmas has a mesmerizing quality. Plus, as you sail along, you’ll have the unique opportunity to experience the spirit of Christmas in charming towns that host Christmas with festive markets selling handcrafted gifts, Christmas treats, and beverages. Mississippi River Cruises by American Cruise Lines and Viking River Cruises offer the best Christmas Market Cruises.
Note: In addition to these popular itineraries, several other Christmas cruises are available. Check their official website to get the full information before making an informed decision.
You may also like: How Long Does It Take to Disembark a Cruise Ship?
When should I book a Christmas cruise?
It is always better to reserve your spot months in advance. Reserving your cruise during the early bird offer is the best way to get the cheapest rates. If you miss the early bird window, wait for some offers or promotions.
More about Christmas cruises
Who are the celebrities on the Hallmark Christmas Cruise Sail 1, 2024?
Jonathan Bennett, Rachel Boston, BJ Britt, Brooke D’Orsay, Heather Hemmens, Tyler Hynes, Will Kemp, Hunter King, Kevin McGarry, Kristoffer Polaha, and Ashley Williams were the celebrities on Hallmark Christmas Cruise Sail 1.
Who are the celebrities on the Hallmark Christmas Cruise Sail 2, 2024?
Jonathan Bennett, Benjamin Ayres, Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, Paul Campbell, Nikki DeLoach, Sarah Drew, Aimee Garcia, Tyler Hynes, Kimberley Sustad, and Andrew Walker were the celebrities on Hallmark Christmas Cruise Sail 2.
Are Christmas cruises worth it?
Yes, totally! With the ships adorned with Christmas lights and decor and the luxury of traditional Christmas food and drink, it is an opportunity you should at least experience once, especially if you are a Christmas person.
What cruise line is doing the Hallmark Christmas cruise?
NCL’s Norwegian Gem is hosting a Hallmark Christmas cruise from Miami, Florida, to Nassau, Bahamas, on November 5 to 9 & November 17 to 21.
Are Christmas cruises cheaper?
No, Christmas cruises are way more expensive than any other cruise.
Conclusion
When choosing a cruise, make sure it is tailored to your needs. When you are traveling with kids, would you want to go on a cruise where the majority are adults? Your kids would hate it, right? So, when cruising with kids, choose something that has kids’ and youth programs.
If you want to spend romantic, intimate time with your partner or you prefer a vacation with no kids around, choose an adults-only cruise.
Price: Holiday cruise prices tend to be on the higher side, especially during Christmas and New Year’s. But it is totally worth it. In my experience, people who have spent their Christmas on a cruise often return for another one, regardless of the expense.
All-inclusive packages: The good thing about all-inclusive packages is that you can relax and enjoy everything onboard without worrying about the budget. Plus, holiday cruises have plenty of perks that come with all-inclusive packages, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on them.
