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 cruise on Christmas? While Christmas is an excellent time for cruise trips, which one is best suited for you? Which one is suited for family fun? Traveling with kids? Which one is the best kid–friendly cruise? Prefer to unwind and relax and have a quiet Christmas trip away from kids? Or do you want a romantic getaway cruising to the Caribbeans? Whatever you want, there are several 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, it is absolutely worth every penny!
Also, Christmas is a time to be with family and kids, which also means most cruises are filled with kids. Most cruises offer 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 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 the cruise itineraries for this Christmas.
Itinerary | Sailing On | Ship | Prices From |
7-night cruise from Miami to the Western Caribbean and CocoCay | Dec 21 | Icon of the Seas | $2053 |
4-night cruise to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral | Dec 23 & 30 | Utopia of the Seas | $885 |
6-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale CocoCay, Falmouth & Labadee | Dec 22 | Oasis of the Seas | $949 |
7-night cruise from Miami to Puerto Rico and Sint Maarten | 22 & 29 | Symphony of the Seas | $1385 |
7-night cruise from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera | 20 & 27 | Navigator of the Seas | $1401 |
4-night Cruise from Miami to Labadee (Haiti) | 19 | Independence of the Seas | $381 |
7-night cruise from Port Canaveral to the Mexican Coast and CocoCay | Dec 29 | Wonder of the Seas | $1922 |
8-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to the Southern Caribbean and CocoCay | Dec 28 | Oasis of the Seas | $1787 |
For all itineraries, visit the Royal Caribbean official website
Celebrity Cruises
At 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 Celebrity Winter Cruises
Itinerary | Sailing on | Ship | Prices From |
7-night cruise from Tampa to the Bahamas & Mexico | Dec 20 | Celebrity Constellation | $955 |
7-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Eastern Caribbean | Dec 21 | Celebrity Apex | $1,401 |
8-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southern Caribbean | Dec 21 | Celebrity Reflection | $1,315 |
7-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, & Puerto Plata | Dec 22 | Celebrity Ascent | $1,560 |
11-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southern Caribbean | Dec 22 | Celebrity Eclipse | $2,002 |
11-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean | Dec 23 | Celebrity Beyond | $2,433 |
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 | Sailing On | Ship | Prices From |
Hallmark Christmas Cruise November | Nov 5 & 17 | Norwegian Gem | $1,265 |
3-day Cruise from Miami to the Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay & Nassau | Dec 24 | Norwegian Pearl | $279 |
5-day Cruise from Miami to The Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel | Dec 19 | Norwegian Pearl | $309 |
7-day Cruise from Miami to The Caribbean: Harvest Caye, Cozumel & Roatan | Dec 21 | Norwegian Bliss | $949 |
7-day Cruise from Galveston, Texas, to The Caribbean: Harvest Caye, Cozumel & Roatan | Dec 22 | Norwegian Escape | $1,099 |
7-day Cruise from Los Angeles to Mexican Riviera: Cabo & Puerto Vallarta | Dec 20 | Norwegian Joy | $1,129 |
7-day Cruise from Miami to The Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic | Dec 20 | Norwegian Encore | $1,329 |
For all itineraries, please visit the Norwegian Cruise Line official website.
Carnival Cruises
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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 | Sailing on | Ship | Prices From |
4-Day Cruise to Baja Mexico from Long Beach, LA | Dec 23 | Carnival Radiance | $559 |
4-Day cruise to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida | Dec 23 | Carnival Glory | $739 |
5-Day cruise to The Bahamas from Jacksonville, FL | Dec 23 | Carnival Elation | $849 |
5-Day cruise to the Western Caribbean from New Orleans, LA | Dec 23 | Carnival Valor | $804 |
5-Day Cruise to Mexican Riviera from Long Beach, LA | Dec 26 | Carnival Firenze | $749 |
For all itineraries, please visit Carnival Cruise Line official website
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Virgin Voyages
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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 | Sailing on | Ship | Prices From |
5-night cruise to the Dominican Republic from Miami (Round Trip) | Dec 15 | Valiant Lady | $2,388 |
4-night cruise from Miami Bahamas | Dec 26 | Valiant Lady | $1,790 |
6-night cruise from Miami (Round Trip) to Mexico, Honduras, and the Bahamas | Dec 22 | Scarlet Lady | $2,816 |
8-night cruise from Miami (Round Trip) to the Dominican Republic, Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas | Dec 14 | Scarlet Lady | $2,708 |
For more itineraries, please visit Virgin Voyages official website
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MSC Cruises
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The traditional decorations and Christmas trees adorned in 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 | Sailing on | Ship |
7-Night cruise to the Caribbean & Antilles from New York (Round Trip) | 15 & 29 Dec | MSC Meraviglia |
7-Night cruise to the Caribbean & Antilles from Miami (Round Trip) | 15 & 29 Dec | MSC Seaside |
4-night cruise to the Caribbean & Antilles from Port Canaveral (Orlando) | Dec 15 | MSC Seashore |
14-night cruise to the Caribbean & Antilles from Miami | 15 & 29 Dec | MSC Seaside |
4-night cruise to the Caribbean & Antilles from Miami (Round Trip) | 16 & 30 Dec | MSC Divina |
For details, please visit MSC Cruises official website
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Oceania Cruises
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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 | Sailing on | Ship | Prices From |
50-day cruise from Miami to Rio de Janeiro | Dec 07 | Oceania Marina | $14,849 |
38-day cruise Miami to Buenos Aires | Dec 07 | Oceania Marina | $8,799 |
10-day cruise from Miami (round-trip) to Hidden Caribbean Coves | Dec 17 | Oceania Vista | $4,399 |
16-day cruise from Miami to Los Angeles: Beyond the Panama Canal | Dec 23 | Nautica | $3,999 |
14-day cruise Miami (round-trip): Festive Caribbean | Dec 22 | Oceania Insignia | $3,655 |
14-day cruise from Miami to Bridgetown |
Dec 21 | Oceania Sirena | $2,925 |
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.
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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.
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, someone who has spent their Christmas on a cruise often returns, 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.
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.
Who are the celebrities on 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 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 are 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.
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.