Sunday, March 31, 2024

2024 Christmas Cruises: Fun Itineraries, Best Cruise Lines & More!

best christmas cruise

If you're looking for a short sailing to tack onto the beginning or end of a trip, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers four-night Danube River sailings that start in Vienna, Austria, and end in Passau, Germany. The majority of the trip is spent in Austria, with port days in Vienna, Krems, Melk and Linz before a final day in Passau. Available rooms start at $1,999 for the Dec. 20 cruise and $3,599 for the Dec. 22 sailing, per person, based on double occupancy. The fares include most food, drinks such as sodas and select alcoholic beverages, plus gratuities, among other amenities. Available rooms on the Dec. 5 sailing start at $219 and at $242 for the Dec. 16 cruise, per person based on double occupancy. The fares include most meals, some drinks, and the majority of onboard entertainment.

Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and New Year's Cruises

However, with a bit of foresight and flexibility, these potential drawbacks can be addressed, ensuring your Christmas cruise is a memorable and joyous experience. Christmas is a popular time to cruise, which means ships can be at full capacity. While the ship provides a plethora of activities, don’t miss out on the wonders of your cruise ports.

night Very Merrytime Bahamian cruise on Disney Cruise Line

best christmas cruise

Throughout the city there are smaller markets - one unique is Manger Market, selling the components for those who try to build authentic manger. The cruise ends in Rousse, where you can venture further into Romania to Bucharest, which is known as the "Little Paris of the East" for a city tour and Christmas Market. Each ship in the Riverside Luxury Cruises fleet is all-suite and comes with butler service. Ships offer an indoor pool and a Jacuzzi to use before or after your trips ashore.

Viking Christmas market cruise on the Danube

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. 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. This sailing is one of Disney Cruise Line's Very Merrytime Cruises, so expect plenty of holiday-themed surprises and special moments.

Coeur d'Alene Christmas Lights Cruise is Back For 2023 - 107.9 LITE FM

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Most cruise ships will go out of their way to make your trip especially cheery. Decorations may go up as early as Thanksgiving and by mid-December, you’ll likely find grand trees, glittering displays and twinkling lights. With sailings to six different continents, Norwegian Cruise Line gives guests plenty of options for a relaxing holiday, wherever they want to spend it. In addition to Christmas cruises, Norwegian offers New Year, Hanukkah, and even Thanksgiving sailings.

Booking early is essential to secure your Holiday vacation - both as itinerary/stateroom type and pricing. Early booking savings are generous, plus this is the time when the brands start promoting their holiday discounts. South American voyages during Xmas-NYE can be booked mainly through the Italian companies MSC and Costa.

Windstar Cruises

Yet, at the heart of it all is the universal sentiment of Christmas – a time of love, reflection, and celebration. Depending on your preferences – be it tropical beaches, historic cities, or icy landscapes – there’s a Christmas cruise just waiting to be explored. The cost of a Christmas cruise varies based on the cruise line, sailing date, itinerary and how far in advance you book it. Several Christmas cruises are very affordable and could cost less than $50 per person per night before tacking on taxes, fees and gratuities.

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Many itineraries, especially those in the Caribbean, Australasia, or the South Pacific, promise balmy weather and sun-drenched beaches. Whether you’re looking to escape the chill or simply desire a holiday with a twist, our comprehensive guide will illuminate the allure of these festive voyages and help you plan the perfect yuletide getaway. After sampling gingerbread beer in Wurzburg, guests will make their way to Wertheim to explore the glasswork and wines that line the stalls of its Market Square. Guests will also be able to indulge in holiday treats at La Couronne, which is where Julia Child famously enjoyed her first lunch in France. While this itinerary is only three nights long, it makes an excellent long weekend with stops in Key West and Ocean Key, a private island in the Bahamas.

The line understands its family-forward "fun" ships are built for cheery escapes, and its Christmas proceedings fit perfectly into that world. Holiday events during the season include Christmas caroling, an ugly sweater competition and a live holiday show with appearances by Santa and the Grinch. 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 of the extra-fee restaurants are doing a Christmas or New Year's menu if you're looking for a more intimate holiday meal.

With more than 50 million redeemed miles under her belt, Becky Pokora is a rewards travel expert. She's been writing about credit cards and reward travel since 2011 with articles on Forbes Advisor, BoardingArea, The Points Guy and more. Her redemptions have helped her travel to more than 50 countries and all seven continents. Those wanting to plan family dinners or relax with loved ones will be happy to hear that both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be spent on board.

There are 10-day cruises that catch both December 25 and January 1 in almost every region of the globe, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia. You'll sail on one of Viking's state-of-the-art Longships which moor in the heart of towns so you're close to all the sights. Back onboard, the ships are beautifully decorated and the daily program will feature special events such as Christmas music performances, tree trimming and cookery demonstrations. The inclusions on most of the river cruises are similar but can vary in scope, such as which drinks are included or cost extra, and how many complimentary shore excursions you can choose from. While many river cruises traverse the waters around France, Germany and Austria, AmaWaterways' Gems of Southeast Europe itinerary takes guests to Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia and Romania. The seven-night cruise sails between Budapest and Giurgiu along the Danube River.

On New Year's Eve, the line also hosts its White Night party on the pool deck – where guests are asked to wear all white – featuring food, music and dancing. There will be a priest on board for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, as well as a rabbi during Hanukkah. The line will celebrate Hanukkah with a daily candle lighting and holiday-inspired food as well, according to the spokesperson. I hope you are able to plan and fulfill all of your fantastical travel dreams! Feel free to click around my site to discover more exciting destinations and itineraries.

Selecting the right cruise line can enhance your holiday experience manifold. Each line brings its unique flavor to the Christmas celebrations, catering to diverse preferences – be it family fun, cultural immersion, or sheer luxury. Journey through the heart of Europe as towns and cities along the rivers come alive with festive spirit, hosting some of the world’s most enchanting Christmas markets. The American Queen has Victorian-era features, including antique furnishings and intricate woodwork. Starting in Memphis, the cruise takes guests through towns like Greenville, where the authors of the Muppets grew up, and cities like Vicksburg, with festive holiday shops and décor. The nine-day cruise starts in Germany in Munich and travels down through Salzburg, Linz, and Vienna, in Austria, before heading to Slovakia.

Medieval Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, with its ornate 600-year-old astronomical clock, provide wonderful backdrops to seasonal markets. Look out for cut glass ornaments, delicate decorations made from straw and try the special Christmas fish soup. If you've ever considered a Christmas market river cruise, 2024 is the year to finally cross the experience off your bucket list. After a few months of cold temperatures and snowstorms, you may not be dreaming of a white Christmas after all.

CruiseMapper's review of the best Christmas Markets in Europe is about the best European "stall shopping" destinations during the holidays. The main disadvantages of cruising over Xmas-NYE are the limited availability and higher cost. This is simply the most profitable time for all companies, and they want to get the most out of it.

Best Christmas Cruises

best christmas cruise

Each holiday season, the streets of Rouen come alive with holiday lights and street performers. Cruising over the holiday season gives you lots of choices on where to go and which line to sail with. While each option has its own appeal, every Christmas cruise can be an ideal way to spend time with loved ones while also enjoying the best of a vacation.

These Holiday Cruises Will Take You to Christmas Markets Around Europe

Have fun and know you’re doing good by participating in a special walk for polar bears on the ship’s deck in support of the World Wildlife Fund’s Arctic program. Christmas cruises add awe-inspiring decor, live performances, and a slew of onboard activities, like an ugly sweater contest and themed holiday trivia. Whether you want to sip eggnog by the pool or attend an onboard Christmas-carol singalong, Norwegian delivers plenty of reasons to set sail this season.

View All Christmas Cruises

Every year, in Princes Street Gardens, Christmas comes to live with interesting rides and German Christmas Markets. You can find all customary Christmas goodies in the wooden chalets, along with handmade decorations and gifts. Tivoli Gardens Christmas market in Copenhagen features over 120,000 sparkling lights which illuminate the lake and flower gardens. Enjoy the traditional wooden stalls full of gifts, Danish foods and crafts, theme park rides, firework festival, a roller-coaster, an ice rink, Santa Claus, Danish Christmas pixies...

Night Best Of Japan Holiday Cruise

Planning your Christmas cruise is more than just selecting a date and destination. It’s about crafting a memorable experience, ensuring every detail, from packing to excursions, enhances your festive spirit. A cruise is a melting pot of cultures, with passengers hailing from various corners of the world. Christmas, a universally cherished holiday, provides a fantastic backdrop for forging new friendships.

Another highlight of the cruise is Krems, where the group will visit Göttweig Abbey and get exclusive access to the chapel in the inner courtyard to see the nativity scene. While it might be winter back home, tropical sun can be intense, and some regions can have bugs or mosquitos. From Wi-Fi charges to premium dining experiences, onboard expenses can quickly add up. Experience the charm of a summery Christmas Down Under, as you sail through vibrant cities, golden beaches, and lush landscapes.

Escape the winter chill and plan a holiday vacation to some of the sunniest destinations around the world. 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. 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. While on board, passengers will enjoy festive holiday decorations, special holiday performances, seasonal cuisine and Christmas cocktails. If you're feeling the holiday spirit, sign up to join a group of crew and passengers to go caroling around the ship.

Hanukkah and Christmas Cruises: A Guide to Onboard Festivities (Photo: alex_gor/Shutterstock) - Cruise Critic

Hanukkah and Christmas Cruises: A Guide to Onboard Festivities (Photo: alex_gor/Shutterstock).

Posted: Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

European River Cruises (Christmas Markets)

Characters dress in holiday attire, too, and guests can meet Santa Claus, among other activities, though exact offerings vary by ship and itinerary. The Azamara Journey will take travelers through South Africa on a 14-night trip leaving from Cape Town on Dec. 20 with stops in Richards Bay and Durban, among others, according to the line's website. Available staterooms start at $3,898 for the Dec. 18 cruise and $4,098 for the Dec. 11 and 25 cruises, per person based on double occupancy. The fares include one night in a hotel before the cruise, all food and drinks, Wi-Fi and more. Each voyage will be nine days long and sail on the American Queen steamboat decked out in its holiday finest.

best christmas cruise

Embark on one of our top Christmas cruises to New Zealand and surround yourself with vibrant landscapes — like emerald hills and turquoise waters — that show no signs of wintertime. With our winter overlapping with the Kiwi summer, the only white you might see this season are the charming sailboats that decorate the coast. If you sail into Akaroa on December 25, experience the holidays with a hint of French flair.

best christmas cruise

If you’re planning on going on a Royal Caribbean, Norwegian or a Carnival holiday cruise to the Caribbean, chances are you’ll be departing from the Sunshine State. Cruises to Antarctica take place during fall and winter months -- the only time of year when travel to the region is manageable. In addition to the adventure, you can expect holiday decorations and festivities onboard most ships during a late December cruise to the Land of Ice.

One of the leading names in the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean promises a dynamic and festive holiday season aboard its fleet. This is especially beneficial during the hectic holiday season when juggling family gatherings, gift shopping, and meal preparations can become overwhelming. After a day at sea, guests will head to Bruges to explore the city's famous Christmas market. The market is filled with festive ice sculptures, horse-drawn carriage rides, and an array of wooden chalets offering dainty ornaments, toys, and more. Though most of Avalon Waterways' Christmas-themed cruises for the year have sold out, travelers can still snag a room on this nine-day river cruise from Vienne to Prague on the Danube. The Christmas market in Strasbourg, France, is the oldest one in Europe, dating back to 1570, and this four-day cruise from CroisiEurope takes you into the heart of it.

It’s a narrative shift that can reignite the wonder of the season for both first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers. These cruise itineraries give you the chance to explore holiday markets dating back to the Middle Ages, and to discover the villages with local treasures like traditional winemaking and artisan crafts. Travelers who appreciate the finer things in life should consider this sailing on Seabourn Cruise Line. A smaller ship, personalized service and upgraded food and beverage will make this holiday voyage feel extra special. No one does spirit the way Disney does and every year they designate several itineraries in November and December as “Very Merrytime” sailings. You’ll find festive entertainment with all your favorite characters plus yuletide activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Here, champagne is served in elegant crystal, and afternoon tea is accompanied by stollen and other traditional European Christmas cakes. Soak up the splendor of the onboard gingerbread village or sip eggnog as you enjoy deckside traditions like Christmas carolers, mince pies, and visits from Santa. Whatever style you're looking to celebrate in, you'll cruise through this year's holiday season stress-free. 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.

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