Christmas at sea is fast becoming one of the most magical ways to celebrate the holiday season - trading turkey stress and crowded roads for festive cheer on deck. More and more cruise lines are embracing Christmas sailings, turning cruise ships into floating winter wonderlands full of lights, carols and merry gatherings.
In this post, we’ll explore the many reasons why a Christmas cruise might just be your best holiday yet - from total relaxation to unforgettable onboard traditions.
Reasons to book a Christmas cruise
A stress-free experience
One of the biggest draws of a Christmas cruise is the freedom from all the usual holiday chaos. There’s no Christmas Eve cooking, no last-minute shopping, no coordinating multiple family households - everything is taken care of for you. Many guests arrive on board just before the big day and let the cruise line handle decorations, special meals, entertainment and more. You simply step in and start enjoying the festivities. Cruising over Christmas means you can trade the muddle at home for warm breezes and calm seas.
There’s something for everyone
Christmas cruises are designed to appeal to all kinds of travellers. Whether you’re cruising with toddlers, teens, grandparents or a romantic partner, there’s a programme for you. Family cruises will include festive crafts, Santa meet-and-greets, and kids’ parties. Adults-only cruises lean into elegant dinners, seasonal cocktails and themed fun. Many lines offer multigenerational packages, solo cabins or inclusive fly and no-fly options. This flexibility means you can enjoy Christmas your way, whatever your style or group.
Amazing destinations
One of the greatest bonuses of a Christmas cruise is the option to choose your own climate. Want to sip eggnog under palm trees? Head to the Caribbean or Canary Islands. Prefer a European winter feel, complete with markets and frosty skies? A Christmas market cruise down the Danube or Rhine fits the bill. Or for something truly different, sail south to Australia or New Zealand and celebrate with summer sunshine. The point is: your holiday doesn’t have to follow tradition, the ship brings the Christmas magic to wherever you choose.
Onboard Christmas spirit
Cruise lines go all out for Christmas. Ships are decked from bow to stern in garlands, twinkling lights, festive wreaths and grand Christmas trees in the atriums. Everywhere you go, the soundtrack is carols and classic holiday tunes. Expect gingerbread houses, festive cocktails, themed decorations and seasonal touches all around. Some lines even decorate every cabin with a little tree or seasonal touches. It really feels like stepping into a Christmas movie at sea.
Team member Ally spent the lead-up to Christmas on board Queen Victoria a few years ago. Here, she shares her thoughts: “A voyage aboard Queen Victoria in the build-up to Christmas felt absolutely magical. As it was my first time on a Cunard ship, I was already struck by the sense of warmth and grandeur, but the festive touches took it to another level. The tall, lavishly decorated Christmas trees, elegant wreaths, colourful nutcracker statues, and the soft glow of countless fairy lights made the experience even more memorable. It felt like I had stepped directly into a classic movie, one that perfectly captured the excitement and enchantment of the festive period.”
Unique onboard events
What really sets a Christmas cruise apart are the dedicated events that only happen on those dates. On Christmas Eve, you’ll often find special performances in the theatre — perhaps a pantomime or carol concert — followed by mulled wine in the atrium and gingerbread village displays. Then, on Christmas Day itself, the celebration continues: traditional Christmas dinners with all the trimmings, live entertainment, maybe even a visit from Father Christmas aboard family-friendly ships. These moments are what make the day feel special, even when you’re far from home.
