Christmas can be a wonderfully magical time of year. However, for some, it can also be one of the most stressful. With hundreds of thousands of people choosing to escape a chaotic Christmas, is a cruise through Christmas a good way to spend your holidays?
In this article, we share the best reasons to book a Christmas cruise, how cruise lines celebrate Christmas at sea and what it’s like cruising with family at Christmas.
Should I cruise over Christmas?
There are many reasons to book a cruise; the opportunity to see several incredible destinations in one trip, the warmer, sunnier weather (depending on the itinerary you choose), the excellent entertainment and activities onboard and the outstanding dining.
However, if you are looking to book a cruise for Christmas, these are even more fantastic benefits to enjoy.
It can be more affordable than other options
It can get quite expensive if you are looking to get away as a family for Christmas. By the time you have purchased all the flights, the hotel accommodation and the food, costs can start to run away with you. That’s before you’ve even thought about things to do that will keep everyone happy.
One of the great benefits of booking a Christmas cruise is that almost all of this is included in your fare; your cabins, dining, entertainment and most sports and activities.
How to get a good deal on a Christmas cruise
Book early if you are looking for the best Christmas cruise deals. Christmas cruises are popular and tend to get booked up in advance.
You are also more likely to find good Christmas cruise deals if you are flexible with your requirements. If you don’t mind what type of cabin you stay in, on which ship you cruise or even which destinations you visit, more great deals will be available.
Keep an eye out for Christmas cruise deals on extras, such as drinks or Wi-Fi packages or other perks onboard, to make your Christmas cruise holiday even more affordable. You may also find a good deal on Christmas cruises if you are travelling as a larger group.
More reasons to book a Christmas cruise
If you’re still wondering, ‘Should I book a Christmas cruise?’ we’ve got more excellent reasons:
No Christmas chores
Preparing and cooking the Christmas dinner can be a huge task, not to mention all the nibbles and drinks and all the clearing up afterwards! One of the massive pros of booking a Christmas cruise is that you don’t have to do any of that, and instead enjoy a stress- and hassle-free time!
When you book a cruise at Christmas, you can expect to be totally looked after. The crew onboard will take care of everything, making it a gloriously luxurious Christmas.
If you are looking for a traditional Christmas cruise, almost every ship will serve a turkey dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas day. However, they’ll also cater for other preferences, whether you have vegetarians in your group, young children or just prefer something other than turkey at Christmas.
All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Keeping the children entertained
Excited children at Christmas are all part of the festive fun. However, when you’re a little lacking in energy and need a bit of help, another one of the great benefits of booking a Christmas cruise is the brilliant children’s clubs.
So, if you are wondering, ‘Can I take my family on a Christmas cruise?’ The resounding answer is yes, and it will be terrific!
When looking for the best Christmas cruise for families, check out their children’s clubs, the various facilities they have on the ship, and the flexibility they offer for dining. Almost all cruise lines have children’s clubs, segmented into different age ranges, offering everything from art and crafts to sports activities, singing and parties.
Outside the children’s clubs, most ships have plenty of facilities onboard for you to enjoy together too. For example, children can spend time in the pools with their exciting water facilities, play various sports or enjoy a family movie night.
Fantastic festive fun
Entertainment on cruise ships is renowned for being outstanding, with many cruise lines offering Broadway-style shows, celebrated musicians and high-profile comedy acts. At Christmas time, the entertainment usually comes with a wonderfully festive flavour.
There’s often carol-singing around beautifully decorated Christmas trees, glamorous gala evenings and holiday-themed movie nights. The best Christmas cruises even have stunning fireworks displays and Santa paying a visit!
Special memories for couples
Celebrating Christmas on a cruise can be a delightfully romantic experience for couples. Imagine candlelit dinners, relaxing in the hot tub and walks along idyllic beaches.
If you’re looking for the best Christmas cruise for couples, take a look at cruise lines with an adult focus. For example, Celebrity Cruises have designed its newest ships with couples in mind, offering spa days for two, champagne picnics and intimate dining options.
Meanwhile, Princess Cruises’ adults-only retreat, The Sanctuary, and Movies Under the Stars provide lovely ways to rekindle the romance.
Seasonal shopping
Whether you have family members who are tricky to buy for or just fancy picking up a few out-of-the-ordinary festive treats for yourself, another reason to book a cruise for Christmas is the unique shopping opportunities at your different port destinations.
If you are looking for a more traditional Christmas cruise, you can’t get more festive than visiting the Christmas markets in Europe. As well as absorbing the enchanting atmosphere with the twinkling lights, the scent of seasonal spices and magnificent Christmas trees, you can pick up fabulous gifts from the many traditional wooden cabins.
What should I pack for a Christmas cruise?
Packing for a Christmas cruise can be a little different than other cruises, as you may want to bring some festive items from home.
While most cruise lines deck out the communal areas of the ship in spectacular fashion, you may want to pack a few items to add a festive feel to your cabin. However, ensure you check any restrictions the cruise line may have on bringing decorations, such as Christmas lights.
If you’re travelling over Christmas day, you may also want to pack a few small gifts for your family. Some presents in a Christmas stocking are always a joyful way to boost the festive spirit.
When deciding what to wear while you celebrate Christmas at sea, pack some festive evening wear for special dining events. Also, a Christmas jumper, tie or Santa hat is always fun to wear throughout your Christmas cruise.
