15 of the best ocean Christmas cruises for 2024

Christmas cruises come with all the festive fun you desire while sparing you any aggro over turkey timings and unwanted guests.

Set a course for sun-drenched shores if it’s winter warmth you’re after or voyage to the continent to immerse yourself in more traditional Christmas merriment.

Cruise lines always pull out all the stops on the Big Day so you won’t miss out if you still want all the trimming – but you also won’t have to do any tidying up after.

We’ve rounded up a wide array of Christmas cruises 2024 – available to book via travel agent Iglu Cruise – whether you’re after an affordable sojourn, a lux break to the Caribbean or a proper bucket-list getaway to start 2025 off with a bang. Take Christmas cruises from Southampton or another UK port or jet out to join your ship on a fly cruise – we’ve got all the options.

Christmas cruises under £1,000 pp

European Christmas cruises

Canary Islands Christmas cruises

Caribbean Christmas cruises

Bucket list Christmas cruises

Are Christmas cruises worth it?

Christmas cruises offer a fabulous way to celebrate the season of comfort and joy, combining the festive spirit with the excitement of globetrotting. They are worth it if you’re looking for a stress-free holiday where you can relax and enjoy festive activities without the hassle of planning and cooking. Cruise ships often go all out with decorations, special menus, themed entertainment, and visits from Santa Claus, although it depends on which line you sail with.

You’ll also wake up on Christmas Day in a new destination, adding a touch of adventure to your celebrations (provided you’ve let Santa know where to deliver your prezzies). However, Christmas holiday cruises can be pricier than other cruises, and you’ll be away from home, which might not appeal to everyone.

How much is a Christmas cruise?

The cost of a Christmas cruise varies depending on the cruise line, the length of the trip, the destination and the type of cabin you choose. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £1,000 to £3,000 per person for a seven-day cruise. Luxury cruises or cruises to more exotic locations could cost significantly more, perhaps upwards of £5,000 per person. It’s important to book Christmas and New Year cruises early as prices tend to rise as the holiday season approaches and cabins fill up. Remember to keep an eye out for Christmas cruise deals too – Iglu Cruise boasts a wealth of sailings with numerous perks to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

What is Christmas like on a cruise ship?

Christmas on a cruise ship can be a festive and magical experience but does vary from line to line. Your ship will likely be decked out with decorations such as Christmas trees, lights and wreaths. There may well be special Christmas-themed activities, such as gingerbread house-making workshops, Christmas carol sing-alongs and festive shows. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you’ll probably enjoy Christmas dinner featuring traditional dishes. Many cruise lines also offer religious services and Santa Claus often makes an appearance to distribute gifts to children.

What to wear on a Christmas cruise?

When packing for festive cruises, consider the cruise line’s dress code and your itinerary. During the day, casual wear like shorts, t-shirts and swimsuits is appropriate for Christmas Caribbean cruises or other warm-weather destinations. Evenings may require more formal attire, especially for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners so bring a mix of cocktail dresses or suits for formal nights and smart-casual outfits for other evenings.

You might want to pack some festive attire if you’re spending Christmas at sea, like a Christmas jumper or a red dress, to get into the Christmas spirit. Also, pack a light jacket or sweater, as the evenings can be cooler, even in tropical locations. If you’re staying in Europe or taking Christmas cruises from the UK, prepare for cold weather with plenty of layers and a warm coat as well as rain protection – you want to be all wrapped up for those Christmas markets!

When do cruise ships decorate for Christmas?

Some cruise ships start decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving, around the end of November. By early December, most ships are fully adorned with decorations, including Christmas trees, garlands, lights and other festive touches. The decorations usually remain up until New Year’s, allowing guests throughout the season to enjoy the festive atmosphere.