A cruise at any time of year is a fantastic experience, but it gets even better at Christmas! Cruise lines deck out their ships to look magical and put on festive entertainment that will make you think there’s no better place to be. But where are the best Christmas cruise destinations?
If you’re wondering where you should cruise to for Christmas, we’ve got our five best Christmas cruise destinations to inspire you.
Where should I cruise to for Christmas?
The Caribbean
When many cruise guests book a Christmas cruise, they are seeking out some sunshine in the midst of winter, so it’s no surprise that the Caribbean has to top the list as one of the best Christmas cruise destinations.
These paradisal islands, with white sands and clear turquoise waters, offer not only a temperate climate but also warm, welcoming hospitality to make your Christmas a joyful one.
When choosing a Christmas cruise to the Caribbean, you’ll need to decide which area you’d like to visit; East, West or South. While all the regions are beautiful, each has its own unique attractions.
Eastern Caribbean
Eastern Caribbean itineraries will sail to places such as St. Thomas, the Dominican Republic and St. Maarten for Christmas. You may also find extended cruise holidays that sail to the British Virgin Islands, Antigua or the Bahamas.
Choose an Eastern Caribbean cruise deal for Christmas if you enjoy water sports and spending time on idyllic beaches.
Western Caribbean
A Christmas cruise to the Western Caribbean will take in ports in Jamaica and Grand Cayman. It may also sail to Mexico, Belize or the Bahamas for Christmas. Head here to experience the wonderful Caribbean culture, its fascinating history and a good dose of surf and sand too!
Southern Caribbean
If you opt for Southern Caribbean cruise deals for Christmas, you’ll likely visit islands including Aruba, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Grenada.
Sail to the Southern Caribbean for Christmas if you’re looking for the ultimate luxury break. With fewer cruise ships sailing to this region, as it’s pretty remote, you’ll discover a more exclusive feel to the destinations. The scenery is stunning, too, with sparkling waterfalls, verdant rainforests and extraordinary beaches.
The Galapagos
A Christmas cruise to The Galapagos will be like no other holiday. Relatively untouched by human activity, its archipelago offers a unique abundance of otherwise rare wildlife.
Close encounters with animals and marine life, including giant tortoises, sea lions and spectacular tropical fish, are common due to the previous lack of humans and significant predators.
Sail to the Galapagos Islands for Christmas, and you’ll find the temperature to be mild and pleasant, as it is just the start of the warm season. However, if you are looking for cruise deals for Christmas to the Galapagos, book well in advance, as this is one of the busiest times of the year.
Southeast Asia
When choosing a Christmas cruise to Southeast Asia, you’ll have an incredible variety of destinations from which to choose.
From the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Singapore to the fascinating history and culture of Bangkok, Thailand, and the breathtaking vistas at Halong Bay in Vietnam, a Southeast Asia cruise deal for Christmas is the best present for any avid explorer. Discover ancient, opulent temples and enticing floating markets set alongside modern architecture and captivating natural wonders.
Sail to Southeast Asia for Christmas to enjoy some of its best weather. It’s pleasantly cooler with less rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing. Many cruise itineraries will take in three or more countries in Southeast Asia, so you’ll have the chance to experience each one’s uniqueness.
European Christmas Markets
For a more traditional festive feel to your Christmas cruise, sail to one or more of the European Christmas markets. Where the air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and Christmas spices, and colourful twinkling bulbs light up the night sky, you’ll find enchanting Christmas markets in many destinations on river cruises throughout Europe.
Choose a European river cruise deal for Christmas, and you can take in several magical destinations and their Christmas markets in one trip.
For example, a Christmas cruise on the River Danube will likely stop at the magnificent cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. Meanwhile, a River Rhine cruise may include visits to Strasbourg, Cologne and Amsterdam, each with captivating Christmas markets.
Antarctica
If your idea of a Christmas cruise involves something much colder, then take a look at Antarctica cruise deals for Christmas. No longer just a place for hardened explorers, Antarctica sees many more cruise lines offering itineraries here.
Sail to Antarctica for Christmas and discover awe-inspiring icescapes that provide homes to wildlife, such as whales, penguins and seals. There are also unforgettable activities to experience, such as kayaking adventures, snowshoeing, hiking and small-boat iceberg tours.
How much are Christmas cruises?
Christmas and New Year are popular times for cruises. Although almost all cruise lines do offer Christmas cruises, with children on holiday from school, cabins are in high demand, and places get booked up fast. This popularity also means that the price of a Christmas cruise can be higher.
Our advice for getting the best Christmas cruise deals is to book early, especially if you prefer a specific itinerary, ship or cabin location. It’s worth looking up to 12 months in advance to figure out where the best Christmas cruise deals can be found to ensure you get the holiday you want.
