12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025

Table Of Content

ESTONIA - Tallinn Christmas Market "Rotermann Square"

CARIBBEAN HOLIDAY CRUISES

CZECH REPUBLIC - Prague Christmas Market "Wenceslas Square"

Viking Cruises

Then the whole family can reunite for a stress-free Christmas dinner, feasting on a delicious banquet while cherishing each other’s company. From festive onboard activities — like tree trimmings and dessert making — to the mulled wine and fresh gingerbread that will welcome you at each stop, these Christmas market cruises give travelers plenty to be merry about. Cruise ships can be festive settings brimming with decorations, themed events and special meals. Having extra days off for the holidays may also allow you to take vacation without dipping into as much paid time off or pulling your kids out of school.

ESTONIA - Tallinn Christmas Market "Rotermann Square"

Other seasonal events include a holiday-themed high tea service, holiday choir performances and Santa meet-and-greets. Trade the glow of a Christmas tree in your living room with the warmth of the sand and the sun on a holiday cruise. Skip the mulled wine on your stovetop for some of the world's best at a European Christmas market.

CARIBBEAN HOLIDAY CRUISES

Itineraries vary between cruise lines, but most call on top destinations like Vienna and Budapest. As with sailings at any other time of the year, a holiday cruise can be as rowdy or as mellow as you wish, but be warned that most cruise lines go all out for the end-of-year cruising crew. This means that even if each cruise line has its own dress code and vibe, as a rule of thumb, plan to join the festivities donning your smartest attire -- especially if you’re spending New Year’s Eve onboard. It's not uncommon to see Yuletide carolers strolling the decks singing favorite holiday tunes, or waiters wearing Santa hats on our Christmas cruises.

CZECH REPUBLIC - Prague Christmas Market "Wenceslas Square"

Enjoy lovely autumn décor, take part in a Turkey Calling Contest, and add a special message to our annual Tree of Thanks in the ship's Atrium. Debuting in February 2024, Sun Princess is the first of Princess Cruises' brand-new Sphere-class series of ships.

It features the largest ice rink in Europe, stunning views from Ferris Wheel over Edinburgh Castle, Santa's train and Grotto, several choirs and shows. Every year, in Princes Street Gardens, Christmas comes to live with interesting rides and German Christmas Markets. You can find all customary Christmas goodies in the wooden chalets, along with handmade decorations and gifts. The Silver Origin's Christmas sailing will include many festive enhancements, beginning with an extensive overlay of greenery and ornaments throughout the interiors of the ship. The ship's culinary team will prepare a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner menu, along with mulled wine, eggnog and hot chocolate.

Christmas Holidays cruise travel destinations

A resident tour director is on-hand to guide guests through a tour of Munich's old town and its Christmas market, the Christmas market in Austria's Domplatz, and a private linzer torte baking class in Linz. The best way to check the cost of a Christmas cruise is to start the reservation process online or call a travel agent—getting a quote is not a commitment to buy. Nearly all cruise lines quote a starting price but the rate will change based on the exact type of stateroom you prefer and number of passengers in your room. Mandatory taxes and fees can also increase your total cost but will be included in your final quote. However, it’s not uncommon for ships to be fully sold out and more expensive than normal. And in some cases, you may be limited on tours or activities in port if they fall on a holiday, so you’ll want to check options in advance.

Tom Cruise still sends Kristen Dunst a Christmas coconut cake - HOLA! USA

Tom Cruise still sends Kristen Dunst a Christmas coconut cake.

Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This is simply the most profitable time for all companies, and they want to get the most out of it. Booking early is essential to secure your Holiday vacation - both as itinerary/stateroom type and pricing. Early booking savings are generous, plus this is the time when the brands start promoting their holiday discounts. However, to be 100% sure, booking a year in advance is highly recommended. Glide up the Lower Mississippi River and soak in the charms of historic towns decked out in their holiday finest.

These Holiday Cruises Will Take You to Christmas Markets Around Europe

Spend close to two weeks exploring the farthest reaches of the earth on the Antarctic Explorer itinerary aboard Viking's Polaris. The route sails round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, before traversing the Drake Passage and cruising Antarctica for seven days. You'll have a cruise line-provided pre-cruise stay in Buenos Aires the night before you fly down to Ushuaia to meet your ship. This sailing is one of Disney Cruise Line's Very Merrytime Cruises, so expect plenty of holiday-themed surprises and special moments. Disney's December sailings feature snow flurries in the ship's atrium, pop-up meet-and-greets with Disney characters dressed in their holiday best and a Christmas wonderland on the beach at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.

Moweaqua invites visitors on a Christmas Cruise - Herald & Review

Moweaqua invites visitors on a Christmas Cruise.

Posted: Fri, 08 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

In addition to Christmas cruises, Norwegian offers New Year, Hanukkah, and even Thanksgiving sailings. On the latter, guests can sit back and relax as someone else prepares an unforgettable turkey dinner. If you love the holiday season and want to make the most of this time, opt for a cruise that encompasses both Christmas and New Year's celebrations. There are 10-day cruises that catch both December 25 and January 1 in almost every region of the globe, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia. The German-style Piazza dei Signori Christmas market in Verona sells german specialty foodstuffs and handmade items. Sip vin brule on a cold night, or eat specialty bread and wurst while the kids visit babbo natale and whisper christmas wishes.

All larger-sized European riverboats dock in big cities and visit some of the most popular ports in France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Hungary, Czechia. Unlike most Christmas-related retail stores in the U.S. that stay open through the holiday season, many of Europe's Christmas markets close up shop by Dec. 22, so you'll need to take your vacation before Christmas itself. AmaWaterways' seven-night Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise takes place aboard AmaBella. You'll be immersed in the holiday spirit with port stops in Passau, Germany; Linz, Vienna and Weissenkirchen, Austria; and Budapest.

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. Onboard services won't stop, so if all your top lunch spots in port are closed, you're always guaranteed a hot meal on the ship. Funtastic Christmas cruises also include all the fun of a typical Carnival cruise. Now through July 19 you can sign up for the pre-sale, where you can register to receive a booking appointment for the chance to reserve your cabin.