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Christmas & Winter Cruises

Christmas and New Year cruises see globetrotters take a magical journey filled with festive cheer and scenic wonders during the winter months. Beyond the traditional holiday celebrations on land, the magic of the season unfolds on the high seas and rivers as cruise lines curate special Christmas market cruises and winter cruises. Or maybe you want to escape it all and head to winter sun? The world’s your oyster! Find which winter cruise suits you best with our amazing cruises below!

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Marseille,Palma de Mallorca,Valencia,Cagliari,Civitavecchia,Livorno,Marseille

Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cagliari, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Marseille

by MSC Cruises

From
£929.00
*pp for an Outside
19 Dec 202426 Dec 2024
8-Day New Caledonia

8-Day New Caledonia

by Carnival Cruise Lines

From
£3,979.00
*pp for an Inside
19 Dec 202427 Dec 2024
7-Day South Pacific

7-Day South Pacific

by Carnival Cruise Lines

From
£4,199.00
*pp for a Balcony
19 Dec 202426 Dec 2024
Christmas & New Year Iberia, Canaries & Morocco

Christmas & New Year Iberia, Canaries & Morocco

by Ambassador Cruise Line

From
£1,308.00
*pp for an Inside
19 Dec 202409 Jan 2025
15-Day Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan

15-Day Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan

by Princess Cruises

From
£4,399.00
*pp for an Inside
19 Dec 202403 Jan 2025
A Taste of the Tropics

A Taste of the Tropics

by Marella Cruises

From
£4,069.00
*pp for an Inside
19 Dec 202426 Dec 2024
Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel

Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel

by Norwegian Cruise Line

From
£492.00
*pp for an Inside
19 Dec 202424 Dec 2024
4 Night Short Caribbean Cruise

4 Night Short Caribbean Cruise

by Royal Caribbean International

From
£269.00
*pp for an Inside
19 Dec 202423 Dec 2024
4 Night Western Caribbean Cruise

4 Night Western Caribbean Cruise

by Royal Caribbean International

From
£516.00
*pp for an Inside
19 Dec 202423 Dec 2024
4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise

4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise

by Royal Caribbean International

From
£331.00
*pp for an Inside
19 Dec 202423 Dec 2024

Is it worth going on a cruise in the winter?

The twinkling lights, the aroma of spiced mulled wine and the tunes of carollers set the scene for Christmas market cruises, on which passengers can immerse themselves in the festive ambience of European towns and cities. River cruise lines, such as Viking River Cruises, Avalon Waterway, Saga Cruises, Emerald Cruises, Scenic Cruises, CroisiEurope and AmaWaterways, transform their ships into floating winter wonderlands, navigating the rivers that wind through iconic Christmas markets. 

Where is the best place to take a Christmas cruise?

European Christmas river cruises are your best bet for all things traditionally festive come winter. The Rhine River, adorned with picturesque castles, offers a magical journey through Germany’s enchanting Christmas markets in cities like Cologne and Heidelberg, offering passengers the chance to explore quaint stalls, sample seasonal treats and pick up unique handcrafted gifts. Cruising along the Danube River presents an opportunity to revel in the festive charm of Vienna, Budapest and Nuremberg, where the centuries-old traditions come alive. The Seine River in France, with cruises departing from Paris, immerses passengers in the romantic ambience of the City of Lights during the Christmas season. 

Are there any cruises at Christmas?

For those seeking a winter escape beyond the traditional Christmas markets, ocean cruise lines such as Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International offer winter cruises that take passengers to breathtaking cold-weather destinations. Imagine sailing through the serene fjords of Norway, witnessing the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle or soaking up the culture of Northern Europe during the festive season. These winter voyages provide a unique perspective on the beauty of the season, with snow-capped landscapes and icy panoramas creating a picturesque backdrop. Alternatively, escape the cold season altogether and head off to some winter sun, whether that’s the Caribbean, Morocco or the Canary Islands with such lines as Emerald Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line.

Is a Christmas cruise a good idea?

Beyond these enchanting destinations, Christmas and winter cruises are known for their onboard festivities and entertainment. Cruise lines go all out to create a festive atmosphere, with decked-out ships, themed parties and special festive menus featuring Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Passengers can enjoy Broadway-style shows, movies under the stars, and even visits from Santa Claus himself. And remember you can always look out for cruise deals if you’re not wanting to spend the earth.

Family-friendly Christmas cruises

Christmas and winter cruises are perfect for families seeking an easy and memorable holiday experience. Cruise lines such as Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises offer family-friendly winter sailings with special activities and entertainment for children, Christmas-themed character meet-and-greets, and even the chance to celebrate with Santa and his elves on Christmas Day. These festive cruises provide a magical escape for families looking to create lasting holiday memories together.

New year cruises

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, cruise ships around the world become floating epicentres of celebration. New Year cruises offer a glamorous and hassle-free way to ring in the upcoming year, with extravagant parties, fireworks displays at sea and gourmet dining experiences. Whether it’s a Caribbean cruise under the stars or a Mediterranean voyage with views of jaw-dropping city fireworks, passengers can bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new surrounded by the luxury and comfort of a cruise ship.