Christmas & Winter Cruises

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.