Looking to swap frost for festive sun? Here’s how to cruise the Caribbean in style this Christmas or New Year with Ambassador Cruise Line.
Looking to swap frost for festive sun? Here’s how to cruise the Caribbean in style this Christmas or New Year with Ambassador Cruise Line.
Dreaming of fleeing the drizzle and decorating this festive season? Ambassador Cruise Line is offering something truly special for winter sun seekers in 2025 and 2026 – a new series of Caribbean fly cruises designed with you in mind.
Whether you want to laze in sunshine instead of glazing hams on Christmas Day or toast the New Year under the stars instead of battling city crowds, these mid-size sailings from Barbados deliver big on value, comfort and tropical charm.
So, where do you go on a Caribbean Christmas cruise with Ambassador, and what’s the experience like on board? Here’s everything you need to know.
Ambassador Caribbean Christmas cruises 2025
Ambassador New Year Caribbean cruises 2025/26
How does Ambassador celebrate Christmas and New Year onboard?
What’s included on an Ambassador festive cruise?
Sailing from Bridgetown, Barbados aboard the stylish 1,100-guest ship Renaissance (the brand’s newest addition to the fleet), Ambassador offers two festive fly-cruise departure options over Christmas – one from Heathrow and one from Manchester – lasting 14 nights and calling at some of the Caribbean’s top show-off-to-those-back-home islands.
Duration: 14 nights
When: 15 December, 2025
Where: Bridgetown, Barbados | St George’s, Grenada | Scarborough, Tobago | Oranjestad, Aruba | Willemstad, Curaçao | Kralendijk, Bonaire | Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe | Fort-de-France, Martinique | St John’s, Antigua (Christmas Day) | Philipsburg, St Maarten | Road Town, Tortola | Bridgetown, Barbados
Price: From £2,489pp – at the time of writing (flights included)
Duration: 14 nights
When: 15 December, 2025
Where: Bridgetown, Barbados | St George’s, Grenada | Scarborough, Tobago | Oranjestad, Aruba | Willemstad, Curaçao | Kralendijk, Bonaire | Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe | Fort-de-France, Martinique | St John’s, Antigua (Christmas Day) | Philipsburg, St Maarten | Road Town, Tortola | Bridgetown, Barbados
Price: From £2,499pp – at the time of writing (flights included)
This Christmas in the Caribbean itinerary operates from two different UK regions, meaning you can pick your preferred airport and still enjoy all the same sun-drenched destinations. Highlights include Curaçao’s candy-coloured harbour, the lush Pitons of St Lucia and the colonial charm of Antigua – where you’ll wake up on Christmas morning. It’s hard to beat celebrating with a glass of bubbly in hand while gazing at turquoise seas – with absolutely no catering or unwanted guests to worry about…
If you’d rather ring in the New Year somewhere warm, the second pair of Ambassador festive fly cruises depart just after Christmas, giving you two weeks of sunshine to welcome 2026. Cheers to that!
Duration: 14 nights
When: 29 December 2025
Where: Bridgetown, Barbados | Willemstad, Curaçao | Kralendijk, Bonaire (New Year’s Day) | Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe | Fort-de-France, Martinique | St John’s, Antigua | Philipsburg, St Maarten | Road Town, Tortola | Oranjestad, Aruba | Bridgetown, Barbados
Price: From £2,399pp – at the time of writing (flights included)
Duration: 14 nights
When: 29 December 2025
Where: Bridgetown, Barbados | Willemstad, Curaçao | Kralendijk, Bonaire (New Year’s Day) | Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe | Fort-de-France, Martinique | St John’s, Antigua | Philipsburg, St Maarten | Road Town, Tortola | Oranjestad, Aruba | Bridgetown, Barbados
Price: From £2,499pp – at the time of writing (flights included)
On this Ambassador Caribbean New Year cruise, guests will count down to midnight on New Year’s Eve while docked in Curacao, with a glamorous onboard party, live music and a celebratory atmosphere and the chance of fireworks. Then, on New Year’s Day, you’ll step ashore in beautiful Bonaire to start 2026 in serene, sunlit style. We reckon those New Year’s resolutions will come easy-breezy in this paradise…
The festive season with Ambassador is more than just a warm-weather escape. On board Renaissance, Ambassador Cruise Line recreates a traditional Christmas – complete with all the trimmings (and no effort from you!)
Expect seasonal shows, carol singing, festive menus, mulled wine, mince pies and sparkling ship-wide décor. There’s a full Christmas dinner served in the main restaurant, with options available throughout the ship for a more relaxed meal if you prefer. Christmas Eve is marked with entertainment, themed performances and music, while Christmas morning brings a special Captain’s message, festive breakfast and seasonal surprises.
And of course, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a Baked Alaska parade and Gala Dinner – both firm Ambassador favourites.
For New Year’s Eve, the ship transforms into party mode. Guests can enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and live music before a countdown celebration on deck or in the theatre, with the option of bubbles, fireworks (weather permitting) and plenty of dancing. It’s a more grown-up take on the traditional big-night-out, with no taxi needed to get home. Another glass of fizz, please!
All Ambassador Caribbean Christmas and New Year cruises include return flights from either Heathrow or Manchester, airport-to-ship transfers, luggage handling, full board dining and entertainment throughout the sailing. Plus, guests can expect:
Cabin choices range from inside staterooms starting around £2,400pp to spacious suites with balcony views and upgraded perks. Solo traveller fares are also available, making these fly cruises a smart option for those spending the holidays alone or trying something new.
And there’s more – book any of the above featured cruises with exclusive promo code Sailawaze10 and bag discounted flight and drinks package upgrades. Plus, for two weeks only, get 10% off with our special code! You just have to call 0808 258 9518 to book* (See full offer details below.)
Ambassador’s fly cruises are designed for ease. Direct Virgin Atlantic flights take you from the UK to Barbados, where a transfer whisks you straight to the port — with your luggage delivered to your cabin. On your return, it’s just as simple. Everything is taken care of, from the moment you book until you’re back on British soil.
Plus, these festive sailings remain some of the most affordable Caribbean cruise options on the market — particularly for the over-50s audience Ambassador serves. With prices starting under £2,500pp for a 14-night fly cruise over peak holiday dates (that’s less than £179 a night!), it’s excellent value for a two-week escape. And we promise Santa will know where to find you on the big day…
*Use code Sailawaze10 to secure special bundled fares.
On Christmas and New Year sailings (A32503 / A32503M, A32504 / A32504M and A32505 / A32505M), enjoy 15% off all cabins, half-price drinks packages on outsides and above, and reduced flight upgrades – with savings of up to £1,500pp on Upper Class.
Use code Sailawaze10 on any of the five featured Caribbean sailings for an extra 10% off. Offer valid for two weeks only. Subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time.
Call 0808 258 9518 to quote the code and bag your super affordable Caribbean cruise today.
What is included on an Ambassador festive Caribbean cruise?
Return UK–Barbados flights, transfers, luggage handling, full board dining, entertainment, seasonal events, all port taxes, use of pool and gym, and UK currency onboard.
Where do Ambassador Christmas cruises go in 2025?
Barbados, Grenada, Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Antigua, St Maarten and Tortola.
Where do Ambassador New Year cruises go in 2025/26?
Barbados, Curaçao, Bonaire, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Antigua, St Maarten, Tortola and Aruba.
How does Ambassador celebrate Christmas onboard?
Seasonal décor, festive menus, Christmas Eve entertainment, Christmas morning surprises, a traditional Christmas dinner, carol singing, and the Baked Alaska parade.
How does Ambassador celebrate New Year onboard?
Pre-dinner cocktails, live music, a countdown party on deck or in the theatre, the option of fizz, fireworks (weather permitting) and late-night dancing.
How much do Ambassador Christmas and New Year cruises cost?
From £2,399pp at the time of writing, including flights and transfers, with special offers and discounts available via promo code Sailawaze10.
Duration: 14 nights
When: 15 December, 2025
Where: Bridgetown, Barbados | St George’s, Grenada | Scarborough, Tobago | Oranjestad, Aruba | Willemstad, Curaçao | Kralendijk, Bonaire | Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe | Fort-de-France, Martinique | St John’s, Antigua (Christmas Day) | Philipsburg, St Maarten | Road Town, Tortola | Bridgetown, Barbados
Price: From £2,489pp – at the time of writing (flights included)
Duration: 14 nights
When: 29 December 2025
Where: Bridgetown, Barbados | Willemstad, Curaçao | Kralendijk, Bonaire (New Year’s Day) | Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe | Fort-de-France, Martinique | St John’s, Antigua | Philipsburg, St Maarten | Road Town, Tortola | Oranjestad, Aruba | Bridgetown, Barbados
Price: From £2,399pp – at the time of writing (flights included)
Harriet Mallinson is Editor of Sailawaze and an award-winning cruise and travel journalist with 10 years of experience. Named Specialist Travel Writer of the Year at the 2024 Travel Media Awards for her cruise coverage, she writes about cruise ships, destinations, travel trends and life at sea. Her adventures have taken her from flyboarding in Malaga and ziplining in Costa Rica to truffle-hunting in Tuscany and whale-watching in Iceland. After finally ticking off the Northern Lights in Sweden, she’s now dreaming of Antarctica or French Polynesia.
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