christmas cruise december 2023

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The Best Holiday Cruises Are With Princess!

Holiday celebrations at sea.

A variety of holiday activities on board offer fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to pack your festive outfits and take part in the holiday cheer! Enjoy games & activities including:

• Stanley breakfast event – wear your family pajamas
• Holiday Wishes Variety Show
• Menorah Lighting
• Ugly Holiday Sweater Competition 
• Lighting of the Lights Ceremony
• Family Gingerbread House Making Competition, judged by the Executive Chef, Pastry Chef, Captain and Entertainment Director*
• Holiday Family Movie Nights, featuring favorites like “Elf,” “A Christmas Story” and “The Grinch” 
• Holiday Caroling in the Piazza
• Santa’s Arrival and Gift Giving
• ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas reading, where kids are encouraged to wear their PJs and enjoy hot chocolate
• Interdenominational Church Services, led by guest volunteers or onboard teammates

*Subject to availability

Christmas Cruises

Take a Christmas cruise with Princess

• White Christmas
• Baby It's Cold Outside...
• The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Regardless of where you're sailing, it actually snows in the Atrium of your decked‐out Princess ship. And of course, Santa visits each of our ships for gift giving — we offer cookies for him, and carrots for his reindeer. Experience the Christmas tree lighting and mingle with Kris Kringle as Yuletide Carolers sing joyful classics onboard your ship. And our very own Stanley the bear joins in on the fun for holiday storytime and breakfast event. Don't forget to pack and wear your family holiday matching pajamas!

But it’s warm and toasty onboard a Princess ship! Enjoy Christmas on a cruise ship as you sip eggnog, compete in a magical gingerbread house‐making contest, snowman building competition or design a special keepsake ornament. Revel in the Ugly Sweater party (don't forget to pack it!), Holiday Family Fun Fair, and countless joyful activities await you on your holiday cruise.

The most wonderful time of the year should be wonderful for everyone. That’s why Princess, voted the best cruise line for multigenerational families (Portholes) offers the best Christmas cruises for families and guests of all ages. Kids can go play in our youth and teen centers, where they’ll enjoy fun holiday parties (and you’ll enjoy evening kid-sitting for a nominal fee so parents can celebrate a festive night out too!). Then the whole family can reunite for a stress-free Christmas dinner, feasting on a delicious banquet while cherishing each other’s company.

Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and New Year's Cruises

• The Best Thanksgiving Cruises
• Thanksgiving Dinner
• Thanksgiving under the Stars
• Hanukkah Cruises
• Hanukkah Traditions
• New Year's Cruises

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.

Leave the cooking to Princess, and join us for an elaborate traditional holiday feast in the dining room, complete with all the trimmings.

What would Thanksgiving be without football? Watch the games on our Movies Under the Stars® outdoor big screen.

The Festival of Lights burns brightly with a menorah‐lighting ceremony, themed crafts, festive décor and special events, like a reading of Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah on the first night of Hanukkah.

Enjoy traditional Hanukkah delicacies specially prepared by our professional chefs, such as potato latkes and gefilte fish. You can even pre-order kosher meals!

Take a New Year's cruise. Count down and count your blessings on the biggest night of the year with a special New Year’s Eve dinner followed by a midnight celebratory Champagne toast.

The Best Holiday Cruises — All Year Round

• Chinese New Year
• Valentine's Day
• Easter & Passover
• Mother's Day
• Father's Day

Mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year, with time–honored traditions for an immersive experience. Our Chinese New Year celebrations include symbolic red decorations that adorn the Piazza, mythological Lion Dancers thrill spectators, and much more.

Love, life’s sweetest reward, is celebrated with hearts and flowers and special touches throughout the ship. Onboard, you can make a card for your sweetheart, send a singing telegram, renew your vows, watch themed Movies Under the Stars, and so much more.

Celebrations of hope and springtime abound during this holy period. Onboard, you can participate in a Seder service, sit down with family for a traditional Easter dinner, and enjoy special visits from the Easter Bunny, and a candy egg hunt.

What’s the #1 travel gift moms want? A Mother's day cruise. Celebrate and pamper mom onboard with a relaxing spa treatment, a specially-themed balcony breakfast, complimentary sparkling wine and a rose at dinner, and much more.

Watch the big game on our giant Movies Under the Stars screen, complete with grilled burgers and craft beers on deck. Treat your special dad to a hand–cut steak cooked to order at the Crown Grill. Celebrate the day with a whiskey tasting at the Wheelhouse Bar. It will be a Father’s Day he never forgets!

Halloween on a Princess cruise ship promises more treats than tricks. Delight in spooky décor while carving pumpkins in the Princess Piazza. Ghostly grown-ups can attend our Halloween Fright Night Party, while little pumpkins can enjoy a costume parade, scavenger hunt, and, of course, lots of candy!

Gifting for someone special?   It's easier than ever! Buy gifts online for anyone sailing with Princess.

Already booked with Princess?   Login to Cruise Personalizer to buy a gift for yourself or others on your booking .

To speak to a member of our Celebrations support team,  call 1-855-500-7690

#PrincessCruises Celebration Moments

View photos from our guests that capture their onboard celebrations.

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CHRISTMAS CRUISES

• Celebrate with Celebrity
• Holiday Cruising
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Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year on a Christmas cruise.

Spend an unforgettable vacation on one of our Christmas cruises, where you’ll enjoy the spirit of the season while sailing to some of the most spectacular destinations around the world.

Feast on traditional meals designed by a Michelin-starred chef—without worrying about any of the prep or cleanup. Marvel at our festive decorations, like Christmas trees covered in trimmings and tinsel that will make you feel right at home. Sing along with carolers, watch holiday-themed shows at The Theatre, and welcome Santa on board as he pays a special visit to all of the lucky kids spending Christmas at sea.

Christmas Fun for Everyone

On one of our luxury Christmas cruises, you can rest easy knowing that every member of the family will enjoy the vacation of a lifetime. Adults can schedule an indulgent afternoon at The Spa, while the kids are entertained at Camp at Sea. Teens can mingle with other teens at the Teens Club, while grandparents will love the nightly family dinners that take place in the main dining room. On Christmas Eve, watch a festive holiday show together in the theater, enjoy live holiday music, or head up to the rooftop for a Christmas-themed family movie night under the stars.

Christmas Cruise Itineraries

Escape the winter chill and plan a holiday vacation to some of the sunniest destinations around the world. Build a sandman on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean. Get into the holiday spirit while sailing around Australia and New Zealand. Or spend Christmas Eve during a once-in-a-lifetime cruise around the Galapagos Islands.

Itineraries

Tips for planning the perfect christmas cruise.

Go the extra mile and book a stay at The Retreat ® , our luxury vacation experience, where you and your family will have access to a private restaurant and lounge, a team of dedicated butlers and concierges to assist you in whatever you may need, and an array of stunning suites to choose from. 

You can also purchase unlimited premium beverage and specialty dining packages, bon voyage gifts, perks packages, an unlimited class pass to the fitness center, and more special treats on our website.

View All Christmas Cruises

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The 10 most festive christmas cruises for 2023-2024.

Set sail for the holidays on your next cruise vacation.

The Most Festive Christmas Cruises

Courtesy of American Queen Voyages

These festive cruises are full of activities, food and destinations to make your holiday special.

If you're ready for a break from holiday traditions and family gatherings at home, consider booking a Christmas cruise. What makes a better present than the chance to leave all the planning, cooking, cleaning and decorating behind – and celebrate the holidays in beautiful destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean or other countries around the globe?

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, you can book a festivity-filled river cruise along Europe's iconic waterways and bundle up in your winter gear to explore the Christmas markets in the snow. If you prefer sunshine and warm temperatures, celebrate the holidays in an exotic locale, sailing crystal-clear turquoise waters and relaxing on white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees.

Whether you prefer to stay close to home or jet off for a bucket list adventure, one of these cruises may just be the perfect gift to celebrate your holidays in style.

Book a Christmas cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise

Put your name on the waiting list for November 2024 if you want to set sail on what Hallmark is touting as the "jolliest vacation ever." The Hallmark Channel – known for its year-round holiday-themed programming with Christmas in July, Countdown to Christmas and Christmas Fridays – will host the first-ever Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise sailings in November 2024 from Miami to the Bahamas . Lucky fans of the television channel will travel with their favorite Hallmark stars on one of two four-night cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Gem during the 2024 holiday season.

Highlights of the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise include photo opportunities and panels to meet the stars. Attend Christmas craft workshops or tastings with Hallmark's winemaker – the wines have names like Jingle (cabernet sauvignon) and Joy (sauvignon blanc). Guests can also look forward to "carol-oke" singalongs, cookie decorating, an ugly sweater contest and a world premiere viewing of a new Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers seven itineraries to visit the Christmas markets along the Rhine and Danube rivers – and to see the holiday splendor of Europe's grand cities, such as Vienna and Prague . Travelers can stroll through snow-dusted beautiful medieval squares and fairytale markets with chalet-inspired stalls, thousands of colorful lights, festive decorations, ice skating rinks, whimsical handmade gifts, Christmas carolers, carousels and more.

The eight-day Iconic Christmas Markets itinerary from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary , features a visit to Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas markets. Sip glühwein (hot mulled wine) and sample savory specialties like currywurst (curried sausages) and kartoffelpuffer (fried potato pancakes). Be sure to save room for sweet delights like schaumkuss, a chocolate-covered marshmallow, or lebkuchen, a traditional spiced cookie.

While on board the ship, guests can participate in festivities like tree-trimming, caroling and "Shoes for St. Nick." This European tradition encourages passengers to leave their slippers outside their stateroom door before bed. In the morning, they wake up to slippers filled with tasty treats like the children find in Europe on Saint Nicholas Day.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrate Christmas Day in the Canary Islands and ring in the new year on the Mediterranean Sea during Celebrity Cruises ' Canaries, Morocco, Spain Holiday itinerary. The 13-day round-trip voyage from Barcelona embarks a few days before Christmas 2023 on Celebrity Infinity. It features eight ports of call, including the Moroccan cities of Casablanca and Tangier as well as Seville and Valencia in Spain.

On the ship, guests can revel in the joyous spirit of the season with festive Christmas trees, traditional holiday meals, themed shows and pop-ups, carolers, gingerbread winter villages, and even a visit from Santa. The onboard bars serve up holiday-inspired cocktails like candy cane and gingerbread martinis as well as other seasonal favorites, including spiked apple cider and classic mulled wine. On New Year's Eve, plan to join in the merriment with fellow cruisers during the big countdown bash.

If you want to cross South Africa off your list of must-visit destinations , consider spending Christmas and New Year's Eve sailing round-trip from Cape Town on Azamara 's 14-day South Africa Intensive Voyage. The 2023 voyage departs Dec. 21 on Azamara Pursuit and includes stops in Port Elizabeth, home to one of the densest elephant populations in the world, and Richards Bay, which is teeming with exotic wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Guests on board the holiday cruise will be treated to Christmas performances, including singalongs and carols performed by the crew. There will be special menus in the restaurants, holiday-themed buffets, religious services and a tree-trimming party. Festive treats like hot chocolate, cookies and snacks are provided throughout the cruise. The New Year's Eve White Night party, where all the guests don their best white attire, will take place throughout the ship and on the pool deck with entertainment, music and light bites.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 12-day Christmas on the Main & Moselle cruise sails between Paris and Prague in 2023 and 2024. The adults-only sailing affords passengers 18 or older the opportunity to visit four European countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic. In addition to browsing the boutiques in Paris and a variety of Christmas markets in Germany, you'll want to explore iconic landmarks like Reims Cathedral in France and the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Don't miss the famed wines produced in the region, including Moselle, riesling, Müller-Thurgau and gewürztraminer.

The holiday spirit continues on board the ship with Christmas-themed cooking demonstrations in addition to festive decorations with garland, lights and gingerbread houses. Guests will also taste regional cuisine, enjoy cultural performances on board the ship and ashore, and learn about the history of the Christmas markets and local holiday traditions.

Read: Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees

Disney Cruise Line

Kent Phillips | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers dozens of Christmas-themed cruises in November and December of 2023 and 2024. Cruisers looking to celebrate the holidays with Disney's cast of characters in 2023 can book a Very Merrytime cruise as short as a four-day sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas. For an extended getaway, consider Disney Cruise Line 's eastbound eastbound 15-day voyage that embarks in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico , and transits the Panama Canal, disembarking in Galveston, Texas .

On the first evening of every sailing, guests can gather around the three-deck-tall Christmas tree for the tree lighting ceremony, a holiday singalong and the introduction of Santa Claus. Other festivities include the fun-filled Mickey and Minnie's Holiday Party, themed Very Merrytime activities for children of all ages, carolers singing songs, and Christmas-inspired food and beverages. Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be sporting jolly new holiday attire during the special voyages.

Read: The Top Themed Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Celebrate the holidays with a once-in-a-lifetime getaway to the sun-drenched islands of Tahiti . You'll set sail a few days before Christmas aboard the four-masted sailing yacht Wind Spirit. Windstar's 10-day Overwater Bungalow & Tahitian Paradise Cruise Tour also includes a three-night stay in overwater bungalows on the island of Moorea. Resort perks include a half-day private car tour and a romantic beach dinner where you can watch a spectacular French Polynesian sunset over the South Pacific Ocean.

Guests can join in on the holiday spirit around the ship with festive Christmas trees and decorations and holiday-inspired cocktails and treats. Special programming for the voyage includes a Christmas movie, a gala tea, an interdenominational Christmas service and a Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas morning brings more celebrations throughout the day, with holiday meals, a Yuletide afternoon tea and a Christmas dinner followed by a variety show in the evening.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Grab the swimsuit, flip-flops and sunglasses for a tropical holiday on Norwegian Cruise Line 's newest ship, Norwegian Viva. The line's nine-day Caribbean voyage departs round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico , several days after Christmas. There are eight ports of call, including stops in the beautiful islands of Curaçao , Bonaire , St. Lucia and Aruba . For a special celebration, splurge on luxurious suite accommodations in The Haven. The ship-within-a-ship retreat features a private restaurant, a lounge, a sundeck, a concierge desk and 24-hour butler service.

Holiday-themed activities on Norwegian's ships vary by itinerary and ship. Still, guests will find plenty of festive fun on board, including traditional holiday fare and holiday-inspired musical sets, trivia, and family and youth programming. Guests are invited to offer interdenominational services for fellow passengers during the sailing. You'll also find Hanukkah services listed in the Freestyle Daily Program. Plan to sleep in on New Year's Day and spend a blissful day relaxing at sea after a late night celebrating New Year's Eve on board the ship.

American Queen Voyages

The holiday-themed, eight-day Roundtrip New Orleans voyage on American Queen begins with an overnight in the city and disembarks just in time to spend Christmas Eve in the Big Easy . The ship – a 417-passenger paddlewheeler that is the largest steamboat ever built – will call on four ports during the sailing on the Lower Mississippi River. In Natchez, Mississippi, guests will find holiday markets exclusively created for the voyage, where you can shop for gifts and sweet treats. You'll also be greeted with bonfires along the riverbanks at the historic Nottoway Resort in White Parish, Louisiana. Join in the real spirit of Christmas with donations to Giving Trees in the port towns that help local charities.

There are plenty of cheery activities on board the ship with Christmas shows, singalongs, caroling and cooking demonstrations. Guests can also put their creative talents to work decorating gingerbread houses, ornaments and cards while sampling holiday-themed cocktails or sipping hot chocolate. Specially prepared dishes will celebrate the traditions of Hanukkah, including traditional foods like homemade latkes (fried potato pancakes).

Read: The Top Mississippi River Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea

For a life-changing experience and the merriest Christmas of all, spend the holiday with several species of waddling penguins, giant seals and majestic whales while visiting the ice-covered shores of The White Continent. The 10-day Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams expedition on Silversea 's Silver Endeavour sets sail from Chile a week before Christmas in 2023 for the Antarctica Peninsula. Five days of excursions allow travelers to explore this surreal and magical part of the world. Weather permitting, guests will even take a Zodiac cruise with the expedition team in the South Shetland Islands on Christmas Day.

Festive touches on board the ship include Christmas trees and lights, gingerbread houses, holiday arts and crafts, caroling, religious services, and musical performances by the crew and professional entertainers. Guests will also enjoy a traditional holiday dinner on Christmas Day.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, and river ships in Europe and on the Mekong River. She used her extensive knowledge and experience with the cruise industry to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

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Tags: Travel , Cruises , Winter Vacations , Christmas

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Adventure in Warm Shores

Holiday cruises.

Heat Up the Holidays

This Holiday Season, say no to the cold and go for bold, taking your family on a sun-kissed Caribbean cruise. Make their spirits shine bright exploring the hottest tropical destinations, including the island paradise of Barbados and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private resort. Sail on our amazing Oasis Class ships, the world’s largest. These fan favorites have reframed what boatloads of adventure and next-level relaxation look like! Treat your family to a Christmas cruise or New Year’s cruise and create memories to light up a lifetime.

Baby, It’s Bold Outside

Seize sensational, spending the Holidays in balmy destinations where uncharted adventure awaits. Book an all-inclusive cruise in 2023 for a value that frees up your dreams.

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Way to Wander

Go on a holiday cruise in 2023 and start a tradition that will have the whole family ditching their snow boots and slipping on swimsuits! Dive into crystalline waters, tan on sugary sands, wander colourful colonial towns. Cheers to a habit you’ll never want to break!

A Pearl of Rare Worth

Book a Barbados cruise to explore a spectacular treasure of the Caribbean. Home to beautiful cave formations, 17th century plantations and the world’s oldest rum, Barbados is a must-see destination.

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Perfect Day at CocoCay

Where can you find the Caribbean’s biggest wave pool and the tallest waterslide in North America? Thrill, chill, and be merry at Perfect Day in CocoCay, the ultimate backdrop for your 2023 cruise.

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Your most unforgettable holiday season yet.

Escape the winter weather on a luxury December cruise. Spend the holiday season at sea with family, friends, and loved ones on an unforgettable adventure in the sunshine. Head south to New Zealand to explore serene fjords, mountains, vineyards, and laid-back cities. Get close to extraordinary wildlife in the Galapagos, or explore Asia’s dynamic cities coupled with beach time on sun-kissed islands to unwind.

December is the perfect time to visit the Caribbean, too. Snorkel over coral reefs, swim with wild dolphins, admire the candy-colored Dutch architecture of the Southern Caribbean, and even discover the incredible Panama Canal. Embark on a luxurious warm-weather adventure this December with Celebrity Cruises.

Itineraries

Top december cruise destinations.

Enjoy a sunny escape to the Southern Hemisphere, where summer is in full swing. Admire the sweeping natural landscapes of New Zealand on a cruise from Sydney. You could spend both Christmas and New Year’s enjoying the holiday spirit as you explore the coast, visiting the serene beauty of the fiords, Scottish-influenced Dunedin, cosmopolitan Christchurch, and the award-winning wineries at Hawke’s Bay. Spend a day in Auckland, too, before visiting the serene Bay of Islands.

The Galapagos

December cruises to the Galapagos Islands promise an experience unlike any other. Board one of our luxury cruise ships for an all-included vacation to this awe-inspiring island chain. Award-winning excursions are led by expert naturalists who will show you surreal landscapes and unique wildlife up close. Waddle next to blue-footed boobies, wander past scaly iguanas, and marvel at animal species you won’t find anywhere else.

The Bahamas

Bask in the tropical sunshine as you celebrate the holiday season with a luxurious getaway to The Bahamas and Key West. Doze in a hammock on Blue Lagoon Island with an iced rum punch on a day trip from Nassau, or whizz down thrilling water slides at Atlantis on Paradise Island. Snorkel over dazzling corals and the intriguing wreck of the S.S. Sapona off the coast of Bimini, and explore quirky, arty Key West, where you can visit Hemingway’s home and feast on tangy Key lime pie.

Southern Caribbean

Relax in the glorious sunshine of the Southern Caribbean on a December cruise with Celebrity. Swim over sunken wrecks in the crystal-clear waters around Aruba. Stroll the cobbled streets of historic Cartagena, and drift along Martha Brae River in Jamaica under a canopy of green before digging into spicy jerk chicken and a fruity rum punch. Join a holiday cruise to Panama and marvel at the engineering masterpiece of the Panama Canal.

Thailand & Vietnam

Sail between Hong Kong and Singapore on a voyage to some of Asia’s most exciting cities. In Vietnam, visit Ho Chi Minh City, where ancient, incense-scented temples sit against a backdrop of gleaming skyscrapers. In pretty Hoi An, crisscrossed with canals, you could join a cooking class or cycle through the lush countryside. In Bangkok, your time will be filled with gilded palaces, gleaming Buddhas, and bustling markets before heading to Ko Samui’s white-sand beaches.

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December, 2023 Cruise Deals

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Canada & new england , from .css-nd89np{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);cursor:pointer;}.css-nd89np:hover,.css-nd89np[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-nd89np:focus-visible,.css-nd89np[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);} new york (manhattan), aug 31, 2024, enchanted princess, deal details.

$1,229 pp — 7-Nt Caribbean Oceanview Cabin w/ 50% Off Fares, $200 Excursion Credit, Free Specialty Dining, a Beverage Package, Free WiFI, & More

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$4,799 pp — 7nt Luxe Alaska Suite: exclusive $800 OBC, $900 bonus + free hotel, tips, drinks, excursions, upgrades

Alaska , from vancouver, may 1, 2024, seven seas explorer.

$1,299 pp — 10-Nt Mediterranean Oceanview Cabin w/ 50% Off Fares, $75 OBC, $400 Excursion Credit, Free Specialty Dining, a Beverage Package, Free WiFi, PLUS More

Mediterranean , from trieste, jul 12, 2024, norwegian pearl.

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Caribbean , from fort lauderdale (port everglades), jun 1, 2024.

$3,499 pp — 10-Nt Mediterranean Balcony Cabin w/ 72% Off Fares, 2-for-1 Cruise Fares, $600 Shore Excursion Credit + Free Specialty Dining, Beverages, WiFi, & More!

Mediterranean , from athens (piraeus), jul 23, 2024, oceania vista.

$376 pp — 3nt Weekend Bahamas & Perfect Day Balcony: exclusive $150 OBC, kids sail free & reduced rates

Bahamas , from miami, oct 25, 2024, allure of the seas.

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Caribbean - eastern , from miami, nov 17, 2024, carnival celebration.

$716 pp — 4-Nt. Caribbean w/ Exclusive $25 bonus, up to $50 to spend, 60% off 2nd guest, kids sail free & more

Apr 18, 2024, independence of the seas, about cruise critic's cruise deals.

Look no further for your cruise deals in 2023 and beyond. Cruise Critic's Deal Score makes it easy to see exactly what the best deals are this year and next. Our score factors in price, upgrades, onboard credits, package discounts, and more so that you can quickly see just how much money you're saving on your next cruise.

Check out deals on popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean , Norwegian , and Carnival or look for that discount on a pricey Holland America cruise. Or maybe you have a particular destination in mind, like a Caribbean cruise or cruise to Alaska . No matter which cruise line you love or which destination speaks to you, there's a deal out there for you.

Using our sort feature, you can explore cruise deals by what matters to you most. Whether you are looking for the best deal available , or the most popular , we make it easy for you to explore. Cruise Critic sources new cruise deals every week, so make sure to sort by new cruise deals to ensure you don't miss out on the latest offerings!

We know how important an impromptu getaway can be, so be sure to check out our constantly updated last-minute cruise deals. And if you're looking for a little pampering with your time at sea, you can check out our luxury cruise deals on lines like Regent Seven Seas , Azamara , and Viking . Trust us, that spoil-yourself cruise glow is even brighter when you're getting it for way less money.

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Holiday Flash Sale

Reserve your 2023 holiday cruise today with our lowest fares yet, plus bring the kids for only $99! Leave the party planning to us while you relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with family and friends. Set sail on close-to-home Caribbean getaways, tropical Hawaiian escapes, or discover Mexican wonders and beyond! 

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Fares are based on Promo(s) QJ. Featured fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise or cruisetours only. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are not included. All savings amounts are included in fares shown. Subject to availability. Offers are applicable on select 2023 departures and available for 1st/2nd guests on new bookings only. Fares and deposits are non-refundable and final payment is due at time of booking. Savings amounts per stateroom are based on a discount on applicable Early Advantage fares on a space-available basis at the time of booking on select sailings only. Guests ages 5–18 (“children”) are eligible to travel for $99 per person when booked as a 3rd and/or 4th guest on select cruises. Limit up to two free children per eligible booking.

Offers have limited space and may be modified or withdrawn. Departure dates may be substituted without prior notice. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. It is the responsibility of guests to ensure they have a full passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date on which travel is to commence. For full terms & conditions, please visit HollandAmerica.com. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands. 

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• Christmas Cruises

Christmas & New Year Cruises

Celebrate the festive season on a Fred. Olsen Christmas cruise and discover a world of merriment. Step aboard our smaller ships and embark on a journey to spectacular destinations, whether you are looking to find some winter sun or explore more traditional festivities, we have everything you need to make this holiday season unforgettable. 

On a Fred. Olsen cruise, you'll experience Christmas at sea. Our guests are treated to an array of joyous delights with all the trimmings. From traditional Christmas feasts to incredible onboard entertainment, our warm and attentive staff will take care of your every need, so you can relax and savour this magic season. If you opt for one of our cruises over the New Year, you'll have the chance to join in our New Year's Eve Cruise festivities for a truly memorable experience.

Whether you’re looking to cruise the sunny shores or dream of winter wonderlands in Europe , Fred. Olsen has the perfect trip for you. Bask in the Canary Islands' sunshine and arrive in Lisbon or Funchal just in time for a breathtaking New Year's fireworks display. Explore the charming Christmas markets of France and Belgium, on a Christmas market cruise , or set out on our Northern Lights Christmas cruises . Whichever one you select, you can unwind and make cherished memories.

With incredible destinations such as Madeira, Spain, and Norway to discover, Fred. Olsen guarantees an unforgettable Christmas and New Year Cruise in 2024. Explore our range of festive cruises for a Christmas to remember, and create lasting memories as you journey to exciting destinations.

"This cruise brought the magic of Christmas back for me." Mr Abbott, River Cities and German Christmas Markets - Feefo Independent Review 

13 Ocean Cruises

In Search of the Northern Lights • S2427

• Enjoy an overnight stay in the 'Gateway to the Arctic, Tromso
• Spend time with local Sámi people to learn about their way of life
• Explore the historic Hanseatic city of Bergen
• 2 offers available

Festive Spanish Break • T2428

• Enjoy festive Spanish culture on this pre-Christmas break
• Sample pintxos, Galician mussels and Asturian cider
• See the Tower of Hercules from the decks of Bolette

European River Cities & Christmas Markets • L2436

• Browse stalls at two traditional Christmas Markets in two cities
• Sample delicious Belgian chocolates in Antwerp
• Explore the winding medieval streets of Rouen
• 1 offer available

Canary Islands Christmas & Lisbon New Year • T2429

• Celebrate Christmas Day on board en route to Gran Canaria
• Discover volcanic landscapes in Tenerife, La Palma and Lanzarote
• Celebrate the arrival of 2025 with New Year's Eve fireworks

Canary Islands Christmas & Funchal New Year • S2428

• Visit UNESCO-listed Risco Caído archaeological site in Gran Canaria
• Celebrate Christmas Day festivities on board Borealis
• See in the New Year with the annual fireworks display in Madeira

In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas • L2437

• Have the chance to see the Northern Lights during the festive season
• Celebrate Christmas Day on board Balmoral
• Experience the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle

Hamburg Christmas Markets in Five Nights • L2531

• Enjoy the traditional Christmas Market in Hamburg
• Sample delectable treats such as lebkuchen, stollen and Glühwein
• Discover the rich history of the long-standing German festive markets

Sub-Tropical Landscapes of the Canary Islands • L2532

• Explore the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands
• Discover local cultures, such as La Gomera's whistling language
• Uncover the Olsen family's links to the Canaries

Fairytale Castles & Old Towns of the Baltic • S2532

• Discover the magic of the Baltic's extraordinary landmarks
• Browse around enchanting Baltic Christmas Markets
• Experience local festive food and drink

Mystery Cruise • T2527

• There will be an air of excitement as soon as you board Bolette
• Try and guess each destination as it will be kept a secret!
• Follow in the footsteps of explorers, navigators and seafarers

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• Royal Caribbean christmas cruises

Royal Caribbean Christmas and New Year

Christmas cruises 2024, 2025 new year's eve.

All Royal Caribbean Christmas and New Year cruise offers listed here are just itineraries and not cruise deals for sale. Vessels are ordered alphabetically. Comparing all the ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet is a most convenient way to select the best for you Holiday voyages as departures (homeports, dates), destinations (regions, visited countries), itineraries (ports of call, arrival dates, port times) and also to compare cruise prices.

CruiseMapper shows cruise prices per person. These are only indicative fares on the ship's lowest category staterooms. All rates are based on double occupancy (twin share) and don't include cruise line or travel agency promotions, group booking rates or any other special offers and discounts.

Royal Caribbean Christmas and New Year cruise deals are a "mega ship" travel choice for inexpensive December Holiday vacations. RCI's best features are the world's biggest cruise ships ever, top sea travel destinations and signature uniqueness.

The list of exotic RCI Xmas destinations includes Asia (from Singapore and China), Australia (Sydney to NZ and the South Pacific Islands), South America (from Brazil) and Europe (Mediterranean itineraries with UK departures).

Just like with the rest of the "big ship" companies, most RCI voyages for Christmas are roundtrips to the Caribbean, with departures from Florida (Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral).

Royal Caribbean's Caribbean ships also depart from New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Galveston, New Orleans, plus the special roundtrips from Puerto Rico (San Juan) and Panama (Colon).

Royal Caribbean Holiday specials feature unique onboard activities and signature activities offered by no other line. The special cuisine and one-time-in-the-year-only entertainment menu on the ship is another reason to spend the year's merriest time at sea. As to the prices on RCCL cruise package deals, their ticket prices are not cheap, and often perfectly match the size of their ships. Following the most common pattern for big lines Holiday itineraries, the majority of Royal Caribbean voyages for New Years are round-trips departing from Florida ports (Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral). Another set of highly popular deals includes the round-trips to the Caribbean leaving from New York (NYC and Bayonne NJ), Baltimore, Galveston, and New Orleans, along with the line's deals from Puerto Rico and Panama. The list of the Royal Caribbean New Year destinations also includes Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe and South America (Brazil departures).

Next tables show all Royal Caribbean Christmas New Year cruise itineraries as ships, departure ports, call ports (dates and arrival/departure times) and regions.

12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... to go on a cruise.

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.

Christmas cruises can level up your holiday celebrations — and are an ideal opportunity to escape the conventional holiday celebrations in place of an adventure.

On a holiday cruise, you can leave the cooking, cleaning and decorating to the pros and simply enjoy time with your family. Christmas and New Year's cruises can also be good options for people trying to avoid the crush of relatives or who don't have family but still want to spend the holiday surrounded by other people and festive cheer.

Winter cruises feature holiday-themed activities for all ages, special feasts that capture the magic of the holiday season and port calls at destinations that let you enjoy the holiday spirit without shivering from frigid temperatures.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

It's never too early to plan your holiday getaway, especially as these cruises are among the quickest to sell out. Here are the best Christmas and New Year's cruises still available in 2024 and holiday sailings in 2025 to book now, as well as some useful tips about holiday cruise travel.

Holiday cruise tips

Before you book, keep in mind a few key facts about Christmas cruises.

Rates will be high

Expect cruise fares to be among the highest of the year during the holiday weeks as demand increases.

The best prices will be for early bookings; you likely won't find any last-minute discounts. If you do, they might be on windowless inside cabins or guarantee cabins , where the cruise line picks your room location.

Sailings will sell out

Holiday sailings sell out earlier than other itineraries, as people plan their holiday vacations months in advance. Suites and special cabins (family, spa and solo rooms and so forth) book up the fastest.

Consider booking your holiday cruise as early as possible, as the December sailings often fill up a year in advance .

Consider your own decorations

The crew will decorate public areas on board, but passengers often go all-out decorating their doors and cabins for the holidays.

Magnetic doors on cabins are blank canvases for the imagination. You'll find stateroom doors on Christmas cruises covered in wrapping paper, adorned with garlands or dotted with holiday-themed images.

It's best to double-check with your cruise line before attaching anything to your door or in your cabin, as rules and regulations differ per line. If you're not creative, check if your cruise line offers cabin decoration packages for preorder prior to your sailing.

Specialty dining is not advised on the actual holiday

Most of the specialty dining restaurants on major cruise lines have set menus that do not change for the holidays.

Your best bet for traditional holiday dinner options (think roast turkey, smoked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy) will come from the main, included dining options on board. It can't hurt to ask if any extra-fee restaurants are doing a Christmas or New Year's menu if you're looking for a more intimate holiday meal.

Expect holiday hours in port

Most cruise ships will plan for Christmas to be a sea day, but if you're in port on Dec. 25 (or on Boxing Day, as many islands celebrate the day after), expect shops, restaurants and attractions to have modified hours or be closed.

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.

Consider a holiday bonus for the crew

Cruise ship crew members go beyond the standard service on all lines for the holidays, whether it's a kind note wishing you well, a Champagne toast for New Year's or a fanciful towel creation.

They can't be at home celebrating with their families because they're working hard to make your holiday special. While gratuities are often included in your fare or added automatically to your final bill, consider tipping extra on a Christmas cruise. The hardworking staff will appreciate your extra generosity during the holiday season.

Best Christmas cruises for 2024

If you're on the hunt for the ideal holiday getaway, consider these Christmas cruises for this year's holiday vacation. (Note: These sailings had availability at the time of writing, but prices may change or ships sell out at any time.)

4-night Very Merrytime Bahamian cruise on Disney Cruise Line

Sail dates: Dec. 22-26, 2024

Ship: Disney Fantasy

Access Disney Cruise Line's newest private island when you sail Disney Fantasy this Christmas. This four-night Very Merrytime Bahamian cruise sails from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando) to Disney's Castaway Cay, followed by a day at the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The new island destination will highlight island culture with work by local artists and Bahamian music throughout the colorful beachside resort.

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.

Rates start at $4,862 for two adults sharing an inside cabin, including all taxes and fees.

16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday cruise on Holland America

Sail dates: Dec. 18, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025

Ship: Zaandam

The 16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday on Holland America's Zaandam is a great way to retreat from the cold this December. The extended itinerary will whisk you away for both Christmas and the New Year.

The ship sails round-trip from San Diego with stops in Honolulu; Kahului, Maui; and Hilo and Kona, Hawaii. You'll spend five days traversing the Pacific Ocean on your way to Hawaii and five days at sea returning to the west coast for one more stop in Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to San Diego. You can also enjoy scenic cruising by the Kilauea Volcano.

Don't forget your holiday best, as Zaandam will host a Christmas Eve formal ball with dinner and dancing, as well as a midnight Mass. Other seasonal events include a holiday-themed high tea service, holiday choir performances and Santa meet-and-greets.

Rates for inside cabins start from $1,739 per person, not including an estimated $282 per person in taxes, fees and port expenses.

13-night New Zealand holiday cruise on Celebrity Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 20, 2024-Jan. 2, 2025

Ship: Celebrity Edge

The most appealing holiday itinerary on Celebrity Cruises takes you Down Under for a two-week celebration, sailing round-trip from Sydney.

You'll cruise during the region's summer season with an itinerary that traverses the picturesque Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound before making port stops in Dunedin, Napier, Auckland, Tauranga and Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

The cruise doesn't call on Australian ports, but you can easily tack on a land-based pre- or post-cruise stay since the ship sails from Sydney.

If you're feeling the holiday spirit, sign up to join a group of crew and passengers to go caroling around the ship. Cookie decorating, visits with Santa and Christmas games are part of the holiday fun. On New Year's Eve, gather for a special party with a complimentary midnight Champagne toast, party favors and live music.

The lowest cabin fares start at $1,664 per person, plus $444.55 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

15-night South Africa Intensive Voyage on Azamara

Sail dates: Dec. 20, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025

Ship: Azamara Pursuit

Azamara is known for its travels to less-frequented ports, often with longer stays providing more time for immersion. Go somewhere new with Azamara's 15-night Christmas and New Year's cruise around South Africa. Azamara Quest sails round-trip from Cape Town with stops along the east coast of South Africa, including Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Durban and Mossel Bay.

Holiday events include caroling concerts, pop-ups with Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, and a special tree-trimming party on Dec. 24. Azamara Quest will time its popular White Night pool deck party to coincide with New Year's Eve. The line has a tradition of seeking out the oldest person on board to ring the ship's bell two minutes prior to midnight to literally "ring out the old." Then the youngest passenger on board will "ring in the new" as the clock strikes 12 o'clock.

Rates start from $2,784 per person, not including $196 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

7-night Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise on AmaWaterways

Sail dates: Dec. 9-15, 2024

Ship: AmaBella

A river cruise through Europe is the most convenient way to visit many of the continent's famous Christmas markets.

Your ship will dock in the heart of each city, usually just a few steps from the markets. Sailing with AmaWaterways during the holiday season, guests return from a day exploring the markets to events on board that include tree-trimming, caroling and a fun European tradition called "Shoes for St. Nick," where passengers who leave their slippers outside their stateroom awake to find them filled with sweets.

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.

Rates for the weeklong cruise start at $3,699 per person, not including $224 in port charges and taxes.

7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Princess Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 21-28, 2024

Ship: Sun Princess

Debuting in February 2024, Sun Princess is the first of Princess Cruises ' brand-new Sphere-class series of ships.

Take the line's newest flagship for a Christmastime spin on a round-trip Fort Lauderdale itinerary that features port calls at Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Roatan, Honduras. Three sea days give guests plenty of time to explore all the attractions on board, from a dome-covered pool area to a top-deck family activity zone.

The 4,300-passenger vessel will be about 21% bigger than the current biggest ships in the Princess fleet. It will be the line's first ship that features suites with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck. Sun Princess will also boast an innovative new "cabana cabin" along the ship's extra-wide 10th deck with access to a private deck area.

It will be easy to get into the holiday spirit while on board Sun Princess, with festive decor throughout the ship and an occasional "snowfall" in the Atrium. If you're traveling with kids, you can leave cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. Christmas caroling, storytime and other holiday events will help you create special holiday memories.

Rates for the Western Caribbean cruise start at $957 per person for an inside cabin, not including $153 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

12-night Antarctic Explorer cruise on Viking

Sail dates: Dec. 22, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025

Ship: Viking Polaris

While instinct might say to stop by the North Pole to check in on Santa's operations, it's just too cold, dark and icy for cruising. Instead, head toward the South Pole and Antarctica for a Christmas expedition.

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.

You'll explore the icebergs and cliffs of Antarctica on Christmas, presumably followed by a hot cocoa or a warm cocktail on deck. Afterward, treat yourself to Nordic-inspired dishes like smoked salmon and caviar, along with holiday treats like krumkake (a Nordic take on the cannoli) and sandkaker (Norwegian sugar cookies).

As with all Antarctica itineraries, ports and destinations on the continent change by the day, depending on weather and climate conditions. Rates for available staterooms on the cruise start from $15,495, including airfare, port taxes and fees.

Best Christmas cruises for 2025

If you want to score the best prices on a holiday cruise, book far in advance. Here are a few cruises to consider for your 2025 Christmas vacation.

Royal Caribbean: 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise

Sail dates: Dec. 20-27, 2025

Ship: Icon of the Seas

Catch a ride on the world's largest cruise ship during the 2025 holiday season. Highlights of Royal Caribbean 's new Icon of the Seas include a reconfigured Aqua Theater, now set at the bow of the ship inside a giant glass dome and featuring a dazzling 50-foot waterfall and dancing robotic arms, and Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six waterslides, including the tallest drop slide at sea.

This holiday-week sailing departs round-trip from Miami with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas). Three days at sea might not be enough time to try everything on board!

Holiday highlights often include Christmas Eve caroling, an ugly Christmas sweater crafting competition, Christmas ornament and gingerbread cookie decorating classes, and holiday games and trivia.

The lowest available cabin category for this sailing is an ocean-view cabin, starting at $3,266 per person, not including $182.51 in taxes, fees and port expenses per person.

7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Cruise Line

Sail dates: Dec. 21-Dec. 28, 2025

Ship: Carnival Celebration

Carnival's seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing is an excellent way to experience Carnival's Celebration Key, the line's new private destination on the south side of Grand Bahama Island. Carnival Celebration sails round-trip from Miami with stops in Celebration Key; Nassau, Bahamas; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, so you can get some much-needed beach time and warm weather.

The line understands its family-forward "fun" ships are built for cheery escapes, and its Christmas celebrations fit perfectly into that world. Seasonal holiday events include Christmas caroling, an ugly sweater competition and a live holiday show with appearances by Santa and the Grinch.

Rates for inside cabins start at $1,049 per person, not including an estimated $215.65 per person in fees.

14-night Galapagos cruise on Silversea

Sail dates: Dec. 13-27, 2025

Ship: Silver Origin

Escape to the exotic Galapagos Islands for the holidays with a Silversea cruise. On the 14-night sailing round-trip from San Cristóbal, Silver Origin will alight at a remarkable 27 ports throughout the archipelago.

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.

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.

The "door-to-door" rate for this sailing starts from $24,400 per person, including port fees and taxes. It includes a transfer service to the airport, airfare, shore excursions, premium alcoholic beverages, all gratuities, butler service and a return transfer back home at the end of your trip.

11-night Monteverde Cloud Forest & Arenal Volcano cruise tour on Windstar Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 16-27, 2025

Ship: Wind Spirit

Give yourself a bucket list gift for Christmas and book a Panama Canal cruise for your winter vacation.

Windstar Cruises ' Wind Spirit — a cruise ship that's part yacht, part four-masted sailing ship — is sailing down Costa Rica's Pacific coast and through the Panama Canal during the 2025 holiday season.

The journey begins with a five-day land tour of Costa Rica, taking guests to the Arenal volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. You'll then head to Puerto Caldera to board Wind Spirit. The ship will sail south to Quepos and Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica. Then it's on to ports in Isla Parida and Balboa (for Panama City) in Panama before sailing through the Panama Canal.

To sweeten the holiday, Windstar gifts each cabin with a basket of Christmas cookies, candy canes, mandarin oranges, roasted nuts and chocolate candies.

Rates for the 11-night Central American getaway start from $5,599 per person, not including $474 in port fees and taxes.

7-night Roundtrip New Orleans Christmas cruise on American Queen Voyages

Sail dates: Dec. 22-29, 2025

Ship: American Countess

Glide up the Lower Mississippi River and soak in the charms of historic towns decked out in their holiday finest. This American Queen Voyages itinerary will also visit the special European-style Christmas market in Natchez, Mississippi, created especially for the line.

The itinerary begins with a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans, where the bustling Bourbon Street awaits exploration. The Mississippi river sailing includes stops along the river at Nottoway, Louisiana; Natchez, Mississippi; St. Francisville, Louisiana and an overnight in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Guests can opt for a premium holiday shore excursion in Natchez. The Jeweled Christmas in Natchez tour features a visit to The Towers, one of the state's most opulent privately owned antebellum homes. Guests will ooh and ahh over the festive decorations and displays that include over 100 Christmas trees.

While on board, passengers will enjoy festive holiday decorations, special holiday performances, seasonal cuisine and Christmas cocktails.

Rates for the seven-night Roundtrip New Orleans Christmas cruise start from $3,819 per person, including taxes, port fees and gratuities.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• Christmas Cruises

Christmas Cruises 2023

Getaway with Carnival in 2023!

Thinking about a holiday in 2023?

Christmas should always be a relaxing time, and with a Christmas cruise in 2023 you can take that relaxation to the next level.

Spend the Christmas holidays snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific, or exploring the magnificent natural wonders of Airlie Beach.

And enjoy the Christmas-themed fun of one of our award-winning cruise deals.

CHOOSE YOUR HOLIDAY SPOT

Set sail from Brisbane or Sydney and leave the usual Christmas stress behind.

Instead, have a Christmas party you and your family will cherish forever.

Travel to some of the most picturesque destinations in the world, and make the most of more than 45 activities onboard the Carnival Luminosa or Carnival Luminosa.

A Christmas cruise in 2023 will be a Christmas you will never forget.

Jump online today at Carnival to plan and book your Christmas cruise 2023 to remember.

Commonly Asked Questions

Are christmas cruises in 2023 worth it.

Yep. And anyone who thinks otherwise is a scrooge! When you book one of our Christmas cruises in 2023, we take care of Christmas for you. And who wouldn’t want that? Christmas in a cruise ship means chilling out on a beach, relaxing on a sundeck, or exploring the South Pacific.

Christmas cruises in 2023 don’t mean stressing, spending hours cooking, or running around with family dramas. Spend the festive season with your loved ones on a cruise ship and enjoy.

Are Christmas cruises being cancelled?

Keep an eye on this page to find out the latest about our Christmas cruises for 2023. We’re planning a lot of fun for your family holiday and some pretty amazing shore excursions to places such as:

• Airlie Beach
• Isle of Pines

Are Christmas cruises crowded?

Summer is always the most popular time on cruise ships, but our Christmas cruises from Brisbane and Christmas cruises from Sydney tend to be a little quieter than others in the warmer months. But that doesn’t mean they’re not a lot of fun. As well as the heap of Christmas themed fun, there’s still all our activities onboard to enjoy including:

• Amazing food
• Waterslides
• Playlist Productions

When should I book a Christmas cruise in 2023?

You can book Christmas cruises for 2023 at any time. Our great cruise deals are ready and waiting for you.

Do cruise ships decorate for Christmas?

We don’t just decorate. Christmas cruises in 2023 will go full-out Christmas theme with fun such as:

• Santa visits
• Backyard cricket
• Festive show
• Christmas food
• Christmas tree lighting

What is a Christmas cruise like?

Just like Christmas itself, a Christmas cruise in 2023 will be full of joy and a lot of merriment. You and your family will create memories that will last forever.

New York Cruise Guide > Cruises > December 2023

Cruises from NYC December 2023

The complete calendar of cruises from New York ports (Manhattan, Brooklyn and Cape Liberty cruise terminals) in December of 2023. Enjoy an early winter cruise out of NYC.

15 cruises are scheduled in December. 2 are holiday cruises to the Caribbean, 12 to the Bahamas, and 1 to England.

December 2: 7-night cruise to the Bahamas & Florida on MSC December 3: 7-night cruise to the Bahamas & Florida on Royal Caribbean December 8: 7-night cruise to England on Queen Mary 2 . December 9: 7-night cruise to the Bahamas & Florida on MSC December 10: 8-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Cruise Line December 10: 7-night cruise to the Bahamas & Florida on Royal Caribbean December 16: 7-night cruise to the Bahamas & Florida on MSC December 17: 7-night cruise to the Bahamas & Florida on Royal Caribbean December 21: 12-night cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line December 22: 12-night cruise to the Caribbean on Queen Mary 2 . December 23: 7-night cruise to the Bahamas & Florida on MSC December 24: 7-night cruise to the Bahamas & Florida on Royal Caribbean December 28: 9-night cruise to Bahamas & Florida on Carnival Cruise Line . December 30: 7-night cruise to the Bahamas & Florida on MSC December 31: 7-night cruise to the Bahamas & Florida on Royal Caribbean

Christmas cruises from NYC .

New Year cruises from NYC .

< < Cruises from New York in November 2023

Cruises from New York in January 2024 > >

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Amsterdam to Basel
• Basel to Amsterdam

Christmas on the Rhine

• From $2,799
• 9 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Amsterdam to Basel Basel to Amsterdam

Christmas on the Rhine Map

‘Tis the season to be joyful

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you journey through storybook villages. Sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies as you browse colorful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. Admire the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace the holiday season. This 8-day voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Belgium at Christmas

From $999 | 3 Nights

Pre: Amsterdam

From $699 | 2 Nights

Pre: Amsterdam Premium

From $1,199 | 2 Nights

Post: Basel at Christmas

From $599 | 2 Nights

Post: Lucerne at Christmas

From $899 | 2 Nights

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Exclusive Christmas Markets Rhine River Cruise with Transcend Cruises

You're invited to a very special river cruise this December!

There is nowhere more magical for a glowing holiday than being amongst some of Europe’s most famous Christmas Markets. And we — Dan and Mikkel, along with some special hosts — will be on a luxury river cruise that you can sail on, too!

Disclosure: We are working with Transcend Cruises to co-host this special Christmas Markets river cruise. All opinions are our own. All images are courtesy of Transcend Cruises.

Special Christmas Markets Cruise with Limited Availability — Sailing Overview

In this post, we'll review the following:

• What makes this cruise so special.
• About the Transcend Cruises luxury river cruise ship .
• The amazing and exclusive December 2023 Rhine River itinerary and the specific cruise dates.
• What the cruise includes.
• Benefits of signing up for this particular cruise.
• Meet your hosts.

What Makes this River Cruise So Special?

Transcend Cruises is a luxury river cruise line. Usually, only groups can book with the cruise line by chartering the whole ship. However, for this rare occasion , you are able to book your own stateroom and sail with us on their luxury river cruise ship.

It's special programming with Transcend Cruises, called “Advance by Transcend.”

Join us in Europe during the most magical time of the year for special onboard cooking demonstrations by Chef Jon Ashton , special panels with John Robert from In the Loop Travel , Justin and Lauren Cerkes of Justin Plus Lauren , and us, Dan and Mikkel from Sometimes Sailing.

Dates of this Special Advance by Transcend River Cruise

About the transcend cruises luxury river cruise ship.

Transcend's ship is a beauty! She is truly a luxury river cruise vessel featuring some of the most spacious rooms on the world's rivers.

The furnishings are indeed deluxe, from the lounges and fitness center to its restaurants and sundeck. There's even an indoor pool on the ship, which few river cruise ships have.

The ship is a former Crystal Cruises vessel that has been transformed into an iconic river cruise ship for Transcend's needs.

An Amazing Itinerary in Germany's Charming Villages and Cities along the Rhine River

This river cruise takes place in Germany on the Rhine River. It begins in Nuremberg and ends in Frankfurt.

Here is the day-by-day itinerary:

• Day 1, Sunday, December 17: Nuremberg
• Day 2, Monday, December 18: Nuremberg
• Day 3, Tuesday, December 19: Bamberg
• Day 4, Wednesday, December 20: Kitzingen/Würzburg
• Day 5, Thursday, December 21: Würzburg
• Day 6, Friday, December 22: Wertheim
• Day 7, Saturday, December 23: Wertheim/Miltenberg
• Day 8, Sunday, December 24: Frankfurt

More About the German Cities We Are Visiting

We absolutely love that we start this holiday river cruise in Nuremberg because we loved so many parts of this charming German city. Before visiting, we thought it was all about the Nuremberg trials and a terrible part of Germany's history.

But after visiting, we realized Nuremberg has centuries of history, long before WWII happened. Though an important part of the world and Germany's history, the war is just a piece of this city's past. It also has a story in 16th-century art, a city castle, and incredibly picturesque medieval buildings.

Würzburg and Bamberg are also some of our favorite German cities. They have such beauty, are very walkable, and there's a ton of culture to discover at each stop. Never mind the picturesque views and dazzling markets we'll visit.

We are excited to go to each city on the itinerary with a great group of cruisers experiencing the 2023 Christmas Markets together. Even if we walk around some markets together and others separately, we'll surely discuss the splendor back on the ship every night.

Visiting Germany in December

The main reason to visit this European country in December is its world-renowned Christmas markets. The town squares and streets are bustling with vendors selling all sorts of things, from famous Christmas gingerbread cookies to bratwurst, nativity scenes, ornaments, and more.

Imagine cozying up with a mug of warm cocoa or mulled wine, which Germans call gluhwein. You will enjoy huddling around an outdoor table, surrounded by sparkling Christmas lights, amongst cruise friends and experts.

The cities are energized by the spirit of the holiday season and their many visitors.

All-Inclusive Pricing and Starting Cost

The cost per person is only $1,199 per person, an unprecedented rate for a Christmas markets river cruise on a luxury ship!

Considering what a great value river cruises are , this is a phenomenal price for one of the most luxurious ways to travel through Europe during one of the most popular times of the year.

The price is inclusive of your stateroom, all tours, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and the following extra-special inclusions:

• Exquisite cuisine and local beers and wines with demonstrations by Chef Jon Ashton.
• Locally hosted tours of the Christmas Markets and immersive gastro-tourism experiences.
• Spacious stateroom with a panoramic French balcony showcasing the scenery.
• Panel discussions with your hosts on specific themes, including best practices in social media management and digital storytelling.
• Networking and masterclass sessions on travel blogging and storytelling.

There will also be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the holiday festivities. All-inclusive activities are optional for you to attend.

Don't forget to mention that you learned about the trip from Sometimes Sailing!

Benefits of Taking this Particular Christmas Markets River Cruise

This extra special river cruise has several benefits:

• Exclusivity with b espoke shore excursions to experience Europe during Christmastime.
• Expert hosts who specialize in travel and cruising.

Exclusivity and Perks for this Limited-Space Sailing

• This cruise is exclusive to the Advance by Transcend programming for individual guests. Otherwise, Transcend Cruises is a 100% charter-only product.
• Guests will experience a very exclusive river cruise offering not available to the public any other time of year.
• This invitation-only program ( consider this your invitation !) is hosted by some of the most seasoned travelers in the industry who also have exceptional storytelling abilities, showcased through multiple media channels.
• Opportunity to travel on a former Crystal Cruises river ship, one of the most luxurious river ships on the European rivers.
• Five-star product with a service focused on luxury groups that elevate this holiday cruise to a superior level.
• Offered at an all-inclusive price with exceptional value.
• Go on behind-the-Christmas-scene tours.

On-shore and ship activities designed specifically for this trip, with the hosts' input and

expertise fueling unique and unexpected opportunities.

• Special onboard chef experiences and demonstrations by renowned Chef Jon Ashton.
• Be a part of meaningful luxury travel. The environment and inclusions through Transcend Cruises are purposefully chosen, thoughtfully crafted & designed with both form and function in mind.

Your Hosts and Travel Experts

A set of expert travel content creators are your hosts for this ultra-unique river cruise. As part of the all-inclusive cruise fare, you're able to ask them questions any time, participate in interactive panels, and even ask Mikkel all the photography questions you want! (She has been a pro-photographer for 16+ years.)

Your hosts are:

• Dan and Mikkel Woodruff
• John Roberts
• Justin and Lauren Ceksters

Dan and Mikkel Woodruff of Sometimes Sailing

If you've been to this website before, you know us! We are Dan and Mikkel, and we started to travel the world together in 2015 as “ Sometimes Home .” In 2020, we started Sometimes Sailing due to of our love of cruising and a desire to share the best cruise resources and information with you.

Dan's expertise is in coaching and marketing, with decades of experience, including for big companies like Office Depot and Petco, where he had direct roles in the Marketing and Art departments.

Mikkel has been a professional photographer for over 16 years and a writer for seven, writing for Thrillist, Porthole.com, and Cruise Critic. She has previously worked for Walt Disney Imagineering and Universal Creative in theme park design, where storytelling was a pillar of each corporate department.

Together, Dan and Mikkel run one of the best cruise resources on the web, focusing on small-ship cruising and luxury experiences.

John Roberts of In the Loop Travel

John is well known for his wonderful YouTube content showcasing countless small and large cruise ships and excursions. He writes helpful cruise content on his website, In the Loop Travel , as well as for other publications, including Quirky Cruise . Though he resides in Colorado, he's a tried and true cruise industry expert who is on the water more than anyone we know.

We admire his focus on living an active lifestyle, including how to stay fit while traveling. He highlights cruise perks and what it's like to travel the world by boat in every corner of the globe.

Joining John for walks, bike rides, and winter hikes will be a wonderful option during this river cruise.

Justin and Lauren Ceksters of Justin Plus Lauren

This dynamic duo hails from Toronto, Canada. Their YouTube content always inspires us for future trips, and we love reading about their land and sea travels on Justin Plus Lauren .

Not only do they have years of experience as travel experts, but they also have years of experience in TV production. Additionally, they're expert hikers! During the pandemic, Lauren started Ontario Hiking , which immediately became one of the region's most valuable outdoor resources. It remains a go-to hiking website today.

What is on the itinerary? 

This particular river cruise goes to the port cities in Germany mentioned here. In addition to the awesome geographical stops, there will be special tours in some of the cities and rare onboard events, like Christmas cookie decorating in a style unique to the region.

There will be plenty of free time to enjoy each port, relax in your luxurious stateroom, and interact with the hosts and other cruise guests. There will also be a special onboard welcome reception.

What if I have more questions before booking?

Register your interest and speak with the trip's designated travel agent who will reach out about the cruise. That person will be able to answer your questions in more detail. Also, feel free to comment below; we are happy to answer your questions as well.

Are flights included?

Flights are not included.

Flights are readily available from North America to Nuremberg, or you can fly to Munich or Frankfurt and take a train to Nuremberg. We book all our trains in Europe through Trainline, mentioned below. You just have to be mindful of the arrival times and your transportation connections.

Trainline is the most comprehensive ticket booking app for Trains in Europe

It is the easiest way to simplify booking trains in Europe! The Trainline app is THE BEST , and prices are the same on Trainline as booking directly through the train companies' websites.

What else would I have to book?

We love to arrive in an area days before a cruise and stay later. Other people like to arrive at a cruise port of embarkation the night before a cruise. It's not necessary to arrive early or this cruise, however, because the ship overnights in Nuremberg to start. It's a safety net in case your flight is delayed if you come in on December 17th. So, in this case, arriving in Nuremberg the day the cruise starts or before is up to you.

If you want to come in early, booking a pre-cruise hotel for the night(s) before the cruise in Nuremberg is at your discretion.

Is there a solo supplement?

Yes, solo travelers pay the cruise rate plus a single supplement that is less than the rate for a 2nd person.

Please mention that you learned about the trip from Sometimes Sailing!