norwegian gem christmas cruise 2023

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Hallmark is launching a Christmas-themed cruise (no, really)

Hallmark fans will get to meet hallmark stars and participate in holiday events.

By Margaret Darby

Attention, all Hallmarkies: it is time to pack your bags for the “Jolliest Vacation Ever!”

The Hallmark Channel announced its first ever Christmas-themed cruise to set sail in November 2024. Devoted Hallmark fans will be immersed in the world of holiday magic, complete with fan-favorite Hallmark stars and cheesy holiday activities.

Through a partnership with theme cruise charter company Sixthman, Hallmark fans will embark on the holiday celebration of a lifetime.

“Loyal fans will celebrate timeless Hallmark Channel Christmas traditions and create new ones with their families, a ship full of Hallmarkies and Hallmark Channel’s holiday stars,” said Jeff Cuellar, vice president of events, marketing and community for Sixthman, per The Hollywood Reporter .

“Leave your puffy jacket and grab your Christmas spirit and passion for Hallmark Channel Christmas movies as we set sail on the most heartwarming, holly jolly experience on the high seas.”

Here is everything we know about the Hallmark Channel cruise.

Hallmark cruise passengers will experience a winter wonderland

The Hallmark cruise will be hosted on the Norwegian Gem, which will be decked out to look like a Hallmark-esque winter wonderland.

“We hear time and time again that people want to immerse themselves in the world of Hallmark Channel Christmas movies and this venture is sure to bring our brand to life in a new, captivating way,” Natalie Vandergast, Hallmark Media’s vice president of consumer products, said in a press release for the cruise, per People .

Passengers will have the opportunity to participate in holiday-themed activities such as ugly sweater contests, Christmas cookie decorating, Christmas Carol-oke, Hallmark movie marathons, tree lighting ceremonies, holiday crafts and wine tastings, according to Hallmark .

Every guest will also be invited to a ship-exclusive world premiere for a new Hallmark Christmas movie

The Norwegian Gem boasts several amenities, such as a swimming pool, spa, casino, sports court and fitness center.

Fans will interact with Hallmark actors

Christmas dreams are coming true. During the voyage, fans will be given the opportunity to interact with Hallmark stars.

Guest will have the chance to participate in photo ops with Hallmark actors on board, participate in activities with Hallmark stars — such as games and cherished traditions — and sit through panels where actors discuss what it is like to create the magic of a Hallmark movie.

The Norwegian Gem departs from Miami

Passengers will board the Norwegian Gem and hit the open waters from Nov. 5-9, 2024. Departing from Miami, the ship will take passengers to Nassau, Bahamas.

Hallmark fans can join the pre-sale now

Hallmarkies interested in embarking on the Hallmark-themed cruise are invited to join the presale starting now until July 19 to receive priority booking before the general public. Joining the presale does not obligate any future payment, it just offers fans the opportunity to book a ticket before the general public. Booking opens to the public on July 21 at noon MDT.

Hallmark is also offering three payment plans: payment in full, automatic monthly billing and a manual payment plan.

Hallmark cruise itinerary

Here is a little of the holiday joy guests can expect from the Hallmark cruise.

Tuesday, Nov. 5 : Depart from Miami, “Light the Night” sail away ceremony.

Wednesday, Nov. 6: Day at sea, cookie decorating, Hallmark movie marathon.

Thursday, Nov. 7: Explore Nassau, Hallmark Movie premiere.

Friday, Nov. 8: Day at sea, activities with Hallmark stars, Christmas crafts workshop.

Saturday, Nov. 9: Arrive back in Miami, Florida.

• Cruise News

Hallmark and Norwegian Team Up For The Ultimate Christmas Cruise

Richard Simms

• July 16, 2023

If you’re a fan of cruising and holiday movies with a guaranteed happy ending, we have got the ultimate vacation for you: The first-ever Hallmark cruise, sailing out of Miami this November on board the Norwegian Gem .

What To Expect On the Hallmark Cruise

While there’s not likely to be snow during the sailing, it’ll still be a white Christmas, thanks to the white sandy beaches of Nassau. It’ll also be an early Christmas, given that the dates of the Hallmark Cruise are November 5-9, 2024. (Yes, 2024, which also means that should you decide to take the whole family along, you’ve got plenty of time to rally the troops to the idea.)

With the voyage well over a year away, many details remain to be ironed out. But we do know at this point that the itinerary will see the Norwegian Gem going from Miami to Nassau, in addition to two event-filled days at sea.

This being a Hallmark Christmas cruise, there will be stars of their much-loved movies on board, with photo ops and panel discussions included in the pricing of the packages. The sail away event will feature a festive tree-lighting ceremony, And while any old sailing feature karaoke, the Hallmark cruise will give things a holiday twist with Christmas Carol-oke.

A World Premiere Holiday Movie

Entertainment-wise, Hallmark’s famous holiday movies will take center stage. Classic favorites will be featured in a movie marathon in the ship’s Spinnaker Lounge. But the true highlight will surely be the world premiere of a brand new Hallmark Christmas movie in the main theater. Want a reason to book sooner rather than later? To guarantee that every guest has a seat for the big event, you will — at the time of booking — select not only which of three showings you wish to attend but your exact seat in the theater.

Prices range from $950 for an interior stateroom to $4550 per person double occupancy. (For a complete list of stateroom pricing, including how much each would be for single guests, click here. )

Meanwhile, bookmark this page and continue checking back for more information regarding which Hallmark stars will be aboard and details regarding the movies that will be shown.

Go Deeper: Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas

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Holiday cheer on the high seas: Norwegian Gem to host Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise

Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this story misidentified the Norwegian Gem. It is a Jewel-class cruise ship .

Holiday season enthusiasts may need to make room for something new on their Christmas list this year: a yuletide cruise. That's right, The Hallmark Channel, long known as a holiday season film factory, announced it will host a themed Christmas sail in 2024.

The Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise will embark on a four-night sailing on Nov. 5, 2024, from Miami. Traveling to Nassau, Bahamas, and back, passengers will be able to experience holiday cheer on the high seas, complete with cookie making, “carol-oke,” photo ops with network stars, and an exclusive movie premiere of one of the famed Countdown to Christmas films.

Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship hosts holiday experience

The Christmas cruise will take place aboard the Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship, a 965-foot Jewel-class ship.

Sponsored by Sixthman, an event and cruise company, the experience is advertised as a chance to "experience the magic of a Hallmark Channel Christmas with your favorite Hallmark stars." Hallmark often reuses talent, drawing on a pool of actors to star in multiple holiday films. Some of the famous (and familiar) faces include Lacey Chabert of "Mean Girls" fame and Jesse Metcalfe, the titular character in the 2000s classic "John Tucker Must Die."

The lineup of stars for the cruise has not yet been announced and will not be final once it is released, as actors may need to cancel to accommodate filming.

When can I book the Hallmark Channel Cruise?

The company announced that the cruise has already sold out, sharing via email: "Christmas cheer filled every tier, and now the first ever Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise is SOLD OUT ."

Eager travelers who did not nab their tickets need not worry, there is still a waiting list that can be joined starting July 21 at 2 pm ET in case others cancel.

How much does it cost?

Prices vary based on accommodations, with the cheapest room being on deck 4 in the ship's interior. For a single guest, the cost totals $1,701. See a full pricing chart here. For each guest, $315 should be tacked on for taxes and fees, the website reports.

A representative for the cruise confirmed by phone the ship is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that certain rooms are ADA modified for passengers with limited mobility. Passengers looking to book these rooms should call in to make the reservation.

The Jolliest Vacation Ever

Pack your bags for the vacation of a lifetime as you experience the magic of a Hallmark Channel Christmas with your favorite Hallmark stars, with two sailings from Miami to Nassau on the beautiful Norwegian Gem.

On board, immerse yourself in Christmas crafts, participate in interactive talent panels, and enjoy an exclusive premiere of a new Hallmark Channel holiday movie from the comfort of our world-class theater at sea. Create everlasting memories with your family, friends, and fellow Hallmark Channel fans with a festival of fun!*

* Hallmark Channel stars may vary between sailings and each cruise will have its own Countdown to Christmas Movie Premiere. 

Onboard Experiences

Itinerary - Sail 1

• Tuesday, November 5 Port of Miami All Aboard by 5:30pm ET (Terminal closes 30 mins prior)
• Wednesday, November 6 Day at Sea  
• Thursday, November 7 Nassau, Bahamas (Arrive: 8:00am, All Aboard: 4:30pm)
• Friday, November 8 Day at Sea  
• Saturday, November 9 Arrive Port of Miami (Disembarkation begins around 7:30am ET)

Itinerary - Sail 2

• Sunday, November 17 Port of Miami All Aboard by 5:30pm ET (Terminal closes 30 mins prior)
• Monday, November 18 Day at Sea  
• Tuesday, November 19 Nassau, Bahamas (Arrive: 8:00am, All Aboard: 4:30pm)
• Wednesday, November 20 Day at Sea  
• Thursday, November 21 Arrive Port of Miami (Disembarkation begins around 7:30am ET)

Ahoy, Vacation!

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is the ultimate vacationer's paradise with its laid back vibes and perfect white-sand beaches, palm trees covered in coconuts, and refreshing, crystal-clear waters. Whether you spend the day cooling off in the ocean, enjoying traditional island flavors, or shopping 'til you drop for souvenirs at the duty-free shops, you're guaranteed to leave this happy place in the Bahamas with lots of great memories and feeling rejuvenated for a night back on board! 

Shore Excursions in Nassau, Bahamas

Please note: Shore excursions will not be available until 4-6 weeks prior to sailing. You will be able to book an excursion once you have received your NCL reservation number.

Sail 2: Our Second Sailing is Sold Out!

Second Sailing Just Announced!

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Hallmark Channel Announces First-Ever Christmas Cruise — with Holiday Movie Stars on Board (Exclusive)

In November 2024, Hallmark Channel enthusiasts can embark on a floating winter wonderland to the Bahamas. Here's how to book

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

Calling all Hallmark and holiday enthusiasts! The network has announced its first-ever Christmas-themed cruise.

Created in partnership with Sixthman, the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise (sailing November 5-9, 2024) will allow the network's many devoted fans to experience the magical world of its beloved holiday movies in real life. The cruise will be hosted on the Norwegian Gem, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland for a voyage from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas.

Passengers can partake in all manner of seasonal festivities, like Christmas cookie decorating, ugly sweater contests, Hallmark Channel wine tastings, and Christmas “carol-oke.” But the highlight for many will no doubt be getting a chance to meet their favorite actors from Hallmark holiday movies. A not-yet-announced roster of holiday movie regulars will be on board for photo-ops and behind-the-scenes panels. 

Fans will also have the exclusive opportunity to attend the premiere of a new Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas movie on board.

“We hear time and time again that people want to immerse themselves in the world of Hallmark Channel Christmas movies and this venture is sure to bring our brand to life in a new, captivating way,” Natalie Vandergast, Hallmark Media’s Vice President of Consumer Products, says in a press release for the cruise. 

The cruise will kick off with a special “Light the Night” event, during which sailors can watch a tree lighting ceremony to get them ready for the festive journey ahead.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Jeff Cuellar, Vice President of Events, Marketing & Community, Sixthman, addressed the loyal fans, who he calls "Hallmarkies": “Leave your puffy jacket and grab your Christmas spirit and passion for Hallmark Channel Christmas movies as we set sail on the most heartwarming, holly jolly experience on the high seas.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Fans can sign up for the cruise’s pre-sale starting today until July 19, after which they will receive a booking appointment for a chance to reserve their cabin on board. Booking officially opens to the general public on July 21 at 2 p.m. ET.

For information on the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise, visit hallmarkchannelcruise.com .

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Ahoy For the Holidays: Hallmark Channel Takes To The Seas With Christmas Cruise

'Countdown to Christmas' will premiere on board

Hallmark Channel is taking the holiday season to the high seas by christening a Christmas Cruise.

Those on board will be able to take photos with stars from Hallmark films, taste Hallmark Channel wine, decorate cookies, take part in a Christmas tree lighting and watch an exclusive premiere of Countdown to Christmas . There will also be an ugly holiday sweater contest.

The ship, the Norwegian Gem, leaves from Miami on Nov. 5, 2024, docks in Nassau and returns to Miami Nov. 9. Cabins range from $950 to $4.500 for double occupancy.

“We hear time and time again that people want to immerse themselves in the world of Hallmark Channel Christmas movies and this venture is sure to bring our brand to life in a new, captivating way,” said Hallmark Media’s VP of Consumer Products, Natalie Vandergast. “We are delighted to count down to Christmas 2024 aboard an adventure that will allow our stars and enthusiastic fanbase alike to create everlasting memories together at sea.”

Hallmark is producing the cruise with Sixthman, which creates immersive festivals.

“From sugar plums to reindeers, ornaments to caroling and so much more. Loyal fans will celebrate timeless Hallmark Channel Christmas traditions and create new ones with their families, a ship full of Hallmarkies, and Hallmark Channel’s holiday stars,” said Jeff Cuellar, VP of events, marketing & community at Sixthman. “Leave your puffy jacket and grab your Christmas spirit and passion for Hallmark Channel Christmas movies as we set sail on the most heartwarming, holly jolly experience on the high seas.”

Fans can sign up for pre-sales immediately. Cabins will go on sale to the general pubic on July 21.

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Hallmark Cruise's First Ever Christmas Cruise To Set Sail In 2024

If christmas, movies and the sea are some of the things you love, then hallmark's holiday cruise is just for you. more details here..

By: Anushka Goel Published: Jul 12, 2023 03:09 PM UTC

If Christmas, movies and the sea are some of the things you love, this one’s for you. Hallmark Channel has announced its first-ever holiday cruise.

Named Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise, the itinerary has been created in partnership with Sixthman. It starts from November 5 to November 9, 2024, letting the network’s devoted fans experience its magical holiday movies in real life. The vessel, Norwegian Gem , will sail from Miami in Florida to Nassau in the Bahamas.

All you need to know about Hallmark Channel’s holiday Cruise

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Hallmark Channel (@hallmarkchannel)

Passengers will get to experience the magic of Christmas on the winter wonderland-themed cruise. Guests can enjoy holiday festivities and activities such as cookie decoration, ugly sweater contests, wine tastings and Christmas-themed karaoke. The highlight, however, is the chance to meet your favourite actors from Hallmark channel’s holiday movies. Many stars will be onboard and you can participate in some behind-the-scenes panels of your favourite films with them. However, the list of actors hasn’t yet been announced.

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Additionally, fans can also attend the premiere of a new Hallmark Channel ‘Countdown to Christmas’ movie onboard. Natalie Vandergast, Hallmark Media’s Vice President of Consumer Products, said in a press release, “We hear time and time again that people want to immerse themselves in the world of Hallmark Channel Christmas movies and this venture is sure to bring our brand to life in a new, captivating way.”

The sample itinerary of the holiday cruise includes kicking the trip off with a ‘Light the Night’ event during which guests can watch a tree lighting ceremony.

Pre-sale of the cruise is on until July 19, 2023, after which you will receive a booking appointment to pick a cabin. Bookings open for the general public on July 21, 2023, at 2:00 pm ET.

Find out more and sign up for the pre-sale here .

Hero and Featured Image credit: Courtesy hallmarkchannelcruise.com

Related:  In Pictures: The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Sets Sail

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Anushka Goel

Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument. Read Less

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Christmas on Norwegian Gem

By MMinogue , July 22, 2023 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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My husband and I will be cruising to the Panama Canal over Christmas this year. I was wondering if anyone has ever taken this cruise before and what to expect for a cruise over Christmas. Any details would be great. Thank you

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2 hours ago, MMinogue said: My husband and I will be cruising to the Panama Canal over Christmas this year. I was wondering if anyone has ever taken this cruise before and what to expect for a cruise over Christmas. Any details would be great. Thank you

I’ve taken a Christmas/New Years cruise on QM2 - New York to Eastern Caribbean - ship was beautifully decorated with lots of seasonal activities - but it seemed somehow a bit hollow - I prefer Christmas at home.

We’ve also taken a HAL cruise from FL to the Panama Canalfascinating, but aside from the Canal, the other ports were dreary.

We’ve also sailed Norwegian Gem - New York to Caribbean in January.  The ship felt very crowded - very high ratio of passengers to available space (common on NCL ships) - also there was some sort of school break - meaning a lot of teens on board. That finished NCL for us— there are too many other options.

www3traveler

Christmas on any Norwegian ship over Christmas is magically.  Christmas decorations and music everywhere.  Very elaborate Gingerbread villages sculpted by the Executive Chef and his staff (I would guess some of them are in the planning stages now).

Traditonal christmas dinner complete with green bean casserole.

On Christmas Eve, the hotel Senior Officers go through the ship singing Christmas carols ending with a tree lighting ceremony in the lobby.  On Christmas morning Santa arrives with gifts for all the kids.  Lots of families dress in matching pajamas- Grandparents to the youngest members.  Very fun to watch.

I love Christmas cruiseson any Norwegian ship.

We did Royal Caribbean through Panama Canal at Christmas several years ago.  Wonderful cruise, I was blown away by all the festivities.  However, we have no children and our families live in snow country, so we are always amusing ourselves at Christmas.  I'd do that cruise again in a heartbeat ... don't remember much about the ports except for Miraflores where the monster ships go through the lock right in front of your face.  I could have spent two days there absorbing it all.   

Christmas on the Gem....Oh Man. What a wonderful time. All of the ships do it right, though the smaller ships really make it special for families. The gingerbread houses all over the ships, decorations at each restaurants, festive outfits, and just a wonderful feeling. The crew are really missing their kids so each child on board really gets a lot of love and rather adopted for the holiday. 

We always try and add something festive into our usual tips - a little ornament, stocking, light-up necklace. The crew rooms aren't large but a little token goes a long way. 

Here's kiddo helping to decorate one of the trees on the Gem. He still talks about it and it's a wonderful memory. 

Warmest, Amy

We spent Christmas & New Years 2019 - 2020 on the Gem but not that itinerary.   The ship is beautifully decorated.  Many other passengers wore highly festive attire -- lots of red plaid, "ugly" Christmas sweaters, totally matchy-matchy families, blinking Christmas light necklaces etc.   After that cruise DH never said another word when I ask him to wear festive holiday themed socks.  He was tad taken aback by some of the over the top outfits.  

There was caroling in the atrium with Santa on Christmas Eve.  Christmas dinner had choices of all the classics.  The menus -- even in the included dinning rooms -- were stepped up for the holidays.  There were plenty of two-somes like DH & I so we didn't feel lonely among the larger family groups.  

New Years aboard ship is always enchanting.  All holiday decorations will usually be down by January 2.  It's amazing that overnight the stuff just disappears.  

My family cruise aboard the Ruby Princess last Christmas... our kids were 18, 16, 12 & 11 while on board. The ship was beautifully decorated for the holidays, there was lots of Christmas music, full Christmas dinner on Christmas day and Santa even visited with a gift for all kids 12 and under. 

That being said, for us ultimately we felt it was strange to be on a ship and not at home doing what we traditionally do at Christmas and as another posted mentioned above, it felt a bit hollow and not like Christmas at all. 

The seas were really rough beginning when we left port on Christmas Eve and two of our kids had to retire early because they were sea sick. My 16 year old was still so sick on Christmas day she didn't even get out of bed so to be fair, this coloured the entire experience. 

It was truly unique and we're glad we tried it but we will plan on staying home at Christmas for the foreseeable future. 

Thank you all for answering my question.  I appreciate you.

We are on Epic Christmas week this year.  We have never been away for the holiday and wanted to try something different. Instead of hosting both Christmas Eve (7 fishes) and Christmas Day we will be relaxing on the ship.

My wife’s birthday is on Christmas so for once I wanted it to be relaxing for her.   Kids are 8 and 9 and barely believe in Santa, so despite our little lies about when gifts will be delivered this may be the end. 

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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.

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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.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Top Christmas Lights Displays in the U.S.
• The Best Christmas Vacations

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Winter Vacations , Christmas

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Norwegian Gem Kicks Off Summer Program in Boston

• April 3, 2024

The Norwegian Gem recently kicked off its summer season in the U.S. Northeast. Following a winter season in the Caribbean, the Norwegian Cruise Line is set to offer cruises departing from Boston.

The program includes different itineraries to Bermuda, New England and Canada, including one-way cruises that sail up the St. Lawrence River.

To kick off the season, the Norwegian Gem departed from Boston on March 29 for a week-long cruise to Bermuda. Besides three days at sea, the cruise features a visit to King’s Wharf – where the ship is scheduled to remain docked for three days.

Continuing its summer program, the vessel is set to offer additional seven-night cruises to Bermuda through late August.

In addition to two- to three-day visits to King’s Wharf, some of the sailings also include a visit to Bar Harbor, Maine.

Between early September and mid-October, the Norwegian Gem also offers itineraries to New England and Canada.

The series of cruises to the region start with a roundtrip sailing from Boston and continue with one-way voyages sailing between Quebec City and the Massachusetts homeport.

Ports of call during the period include Saguenay, Charlottetown, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Portland and Sydney.

Upon completing its schedule in the Northeast, the Norwegian Gem is scheduled to return to Florida for a winter season sailing from PortMiami.

Starting in late October, the vessel offers three- to 14-night cruises to the Bahamas and different parts of the Caribbean.

The Norwegian Gem is the newest vessel in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel Class. Built by the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, the 2,430-guest cruise ship originally debuted in 2007.

In 2015, the vessel underwent a major refurbishment project that included the addition of a more contemporary look to public areas and cabins and a complete makeover of the Bliss Ultra Lounge.

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Moscow region plunges into crisis as utility services fail amid war spending

As the Kremlin continues to pour billions of dollars into the war against Ukraine, Russia is facing a communal collapse. Amidst freezing temperatures, the Moscow region has been left without power and heat due to widespread breakdowns.

The most severe situation is seen in the Russian city of Podolsk, which has fallen into an icy trap. Residents are pleading for help on local forums.

In Podolsk, the Klimovsk district—which is home to nearly 60,000 people—has been without power and heat. For more than two days, efforts to fix a rapture in a heating main, located near the cartridge plant, have been unsuccessful.

The breakdown occurred when severe frosts hit the Moscow region, with temperatures plunging to -25°C and below. On community pages, people complain that the temperatures inside their apartments are approaching sub-zero, with frozen radiators bursting en masse. Residents are forced to stay indoors, clad in jackets, hats, and boots.

Russian authorities have promised to normalize the situation “as soon as possible”, however, no progress has been observed. Those affected are being given blankets, and a field kitchen serving free hot porridge and tea has started operating in central Podolsk. Locals, however, regard this aid as a mockery.

The Ministry of Energy of the Moscow region reported that the cause of the breakdown was a hydraulic shock in the heat supply network, caused by a voltage surge in a boiler house.

Issues with heating and electricity have been reported in other districts of the Moscow region, as well as in Moscow itself. Russian authorities have claimed to have resolved the effects of the breakdowns, though residents assert that heat and light have not been restored.

Earlier, it was reported that in the Moscow region, authorities sent police to disperse protesters who had been freezing in their homes due to a lack of heating.

https://uawire.org/moscow-region-plunges-into-crisis-as-utility-services-fail-amid-war-spending#

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They do say Karma is a bitch, in this instance, she’s also a cold bitch. Does everyone remember Gazprom releasing a video last winter, gloating about cutting off the gas to Europe, and everyone in Europe freezing? Well the video hasn’t been released this year, so I will dedicate it to the sheep freezing in their hovels, thanks to Gazprom.

Oh dear how dreadful, we must send help.

Drink more vodka. That will numb the cold 😀

They are waiting for Shorty the Shirtless to ride in on his white horse to merely breathe on the system and bring it instantly back online. I guess a few liters of vodka will help in the interim…

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