Below, our guide will help you choose the perfect festive cruise. Then head over to our GET.cruises where we'll help you find the best cruise deals.
Tips for booking a festive cruise
- Expect prices in the two weeks around Christmas time to be significantly dearer compared to the rest of the season, due to the high demand and school holidays. If you're looking for a bargain, consider early December, when the excitement of Christmas is at its peak, or January, as a relaxing Christmas present to yourself.
- If you are looking to be on the water for Christmas Day, shop around as some websites offer significantly cheaper prices than others. Check out our GET.cruises search engine to show you a quick comparison.
- Flights during the festive season are often a huge proportion of the overall cruise cost. Booking over a year early will reduce this slightly, or consider departing closer to home to cut out the flight altogether.
- During your search, be sure to use our GET.cruises itinerary map to see exactly where you will be for Christmas day. Are you hoping to spend the 25th on the beach, in the snow or soaking up local traditions? Would you prefer to spend the day at sea, relaxing on the top deck, chilling in the spa and crashing down the water slides?
Best festive cruise lines
Expect Christmas trees, music and an added sparkle from your Christmas cruise. On top of this, each cruise line has their own stand out offering, from a Michelin-starred Christmas dinner to a visit from Santa and Mickey Mouse. Below are some of our favourites who really ‘push the boat out’ during the festive season.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity goes all out with their festive menus in each of their restaurants. As always, they're designed by Michelin-starred chefs to ensure a dinner to remember. Of course, the ship will be fully decorated and kids will love the visit to Santa and festive movie nights on the top deck.
Disney Cruises
Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruises have several wonderful traditions to ignite the Christmas spirit in everyone. With tree lighting ceremonies, holiday parties and plenty of crafty projects, there's so much to do to keep little (and big) ones entertained.
Norwegian Cruises
Adults and children looking to have festive fun throughout the season will love Norwegian’s offering. With Christmas quizzes, ugly jumper competitions and eggnog cocktails, they’ve nailed the holiday vibes on board.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises really set the standard for festive merriment and so if you're looking for a trip full of excitement, they have the cruise for you. From snow flurries, to gingerbread house competitions and huge NYE parties on the top deck, Princess work hard to create that festive feeling.
Cunard
Enjoy mince pies and carol singers with your ocean view, before heading in to sample Cunard’s delicious afternoon tea packed with festive treats, such as stollen and mulled wine, served in their best crystal. Enjoy shopping for luxury gifts in high end boutiques, such as Liberty of London, and finish your day with a dinner by the stunning Christmas tree.
Best festive destinations
Once you've decided which ships you'd like to travel on, the next step is to plan where you want to go. Are you looking for some Winter sun with a rum punch or a glimpse of the Northern Lights as you traverse glaciers? Below are some of our favourite destinations to explore in the festive season.
European Christmas Markets
Nothing conjures up the merry atmosphere in November and December quite like a waltz around a Christmas Market. Northern European cities are ablaze with mulled wine, handmade crafts and carols and, with so many destinations in close proximity, it's easy to visit several in a short trip. Our favourites to visit with just a short transfer inland include Bruges, Amsterdam and Oslo.
Caribbean Sun
For sun worshippers, there's nothing better than a Christmas lying on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean, with lapping turquoise waters and a cocktail in hand. With many cruise companies moving their ships into the area during the Winter months, there are plenty of itineraries to choose from.
East Coast of North America
Soak up the festive spirit with markets, lights, trees and wonderful hospitality along the Eastern American and Canadian seaboard. There's a high chance of a white Christmas too. Portland, Bar Harbour and Quebec all deliver at this time of year and also look for New York on the itinerary, where you can explore the locations made famous by Home Alone 2.
Canary Islands
Famed for their year-round warm climates, the Canaries are quick to journey from European departure ports but still offer the tropical vibe. There is a heady mix of cultural delights and natural wonders to be found, along with beautiful beaches to soak up the Christmas Day sun.
Norway
Head North to spend Christmas in a land of mountains and snow. There are also plenty of towns and cities on the coastline to explore. We recommend choosing an itinerary that includes Tromso, Norway's Christmas capital, which looks like something out of a festive fairy tale. Some lucky cruisers will also get to see the Aurora Borealis, a true Christmas miracle.
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