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Most cruise lines will have community candle-lighting ceremonies (often with latkes) each night of the holiday, but those menorahs are usually flameless, as well. For the best markets, you should try a river cruise on the Rhine – the German Christmas markets are famous the world over, and in ports such as Cologne, Rudesheim, Koblenz and Bonn you’ll sample the best of them. One of the biggest headaches with a Christmas cruise, especially if you’re sailing with kids, is what to do about gifts. I’ve had some wonderful Christmases with my family and friends, but my Christmas cruise will always hold a special place in my memories – it was something different, it was a lot of fun, and we enjoyed some great activities. It might be trying traditional Panettone on an MSC ship or American-style Pecan Pie on a Carnival ship. Or there may be craft activities that you’ve never tried but that other families are delighted to see on the ship as it’s something they always do together.
New Year's Cruises
On the Regal Princess, there is a large outdoor movie screen (Movies Under the Stars). During the day (and possibly evening), a schedule of classic Holiday Movies were playing. If you would really like to have something similar to string lights, you can craft your own garland out of paper and place them on your walls via magnetic hooks, since the walls and doors are made of steel.
The Rodriguez Family – Multi-generational Travel
Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers. The Jeweled Christmas in Natchez tour features a visit to The Towers, one of the state's most opulent privately owned antebellum homes.
Beautiful Decorations That Will Wow You
This dinner features traditional favorites like the Christmas turkey (oven-roasted with all trimmings) and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Register with Cruise.com to get access to exclusive rates, discounts and special offers. Give yourself a bucket list gift for Christmas and book a Panama Canal cruise for your winter vacation.
I often see people ask in cruise Facebook groups about when certain cruise ships will be be putting up their Christmas decorations. Dinner in the main dining room included a special Christmas menu with some holiday classics including Turkey and Cranberries. Families we met on board told us how it was quite magical and that they could truly enjoy the holiday and family time, and everyone had so much fun! Whether you are celebrating with immediate family, or even doing a multi-generational cruise, there is something for everyone. Have you been wondering how Christmas is celebrated on a cruise, and what to expect? In this post, I’ll go through the various festivities and activities available on a holiday sailing, as well the magical feeling that is ever present on board.
Family of 4 spent Christmas on cruise ship; would never do again - Business Insider
Family of 4 spent Christmas on cruise ship; would never do again.
Posted: Sun, 17 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Don’t worry — these flurries aren't real, but they have become a staple of the line's holiday celebrations. Celebrate the festive season on the high seas with these Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's cruises. And an extra-special, live-on-stage Holiday Show puts everyone in the spirit. Discover incredible ways to take togetherness — and competitive spirit— to new heights. Cheer each other on while scaling the signature Rock Climbing Wall, or see who’s brave enough to plunge down the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠.
Night Caribbean - Eastern CruiseDetails
One of the primary advantages of opting for a cruise during the holidays is the ease and convenience it brings. With meals, entertainment, accommodation, and often even excursions bundled into your package, there’s no need to fret over planning every intricate detail. In all, Princess' holiday celebration cruises are the perfect way to enjoy a joyful and stress free "what you want, when you want" holiday away from the usual hustle and bustle of the season. Celebrate and pamper mom onboard with a relaxing spa treatment, a specially-themed balcony breakfast, complimentary sparkling wine and a rose at dinner, and much more. Whether it’s a Christmas service or a Hanukkah service with nightly menorah lighting at sunset, guests are welcome to celebrate their holiday with family and friends. Fill the December holidays with tropical, action-packed days and unforgettable memories.
A Christmas cruise isn’t for everyone
There’s definitely a little touch of magic in the air when you’re on a cruise ship at Christmas. Even if you’re a cruise regular, you’ll notice how it just feels a little different – and it’s something I’d suggest you try. And, of course, the festive season is often expensive enough without a cruise holiday. It’s best to book a Christmas cruise early, so that you give yourself as much time as possible to spread the cost.
Australasian & South Pacific Cruises
”, after all, it’s one of the most expensive times during the year to cruise. On embarkation day, as well as on Christmas eve and day, the ship’s singers were dressed as Carolers and sang in the beautiful Piazza (ship’s atrium). I’m not sure if this is you, but I know for some people it can seem strange to be away from home during the Christmas holidays. Since you're not going to want to pack and bring home lots of gifts, we recommend looking for mini-sized stockings since they're great for travel. You'll have to get creative while simultaneously adhering to your ship's rules. For example, most lines do not allow string lights, and Carnival in particular has a strict list of requirements (including that decorations must be flame-retardant and nothing should be hung on light fixtures).
Wear Christmas or Hanukkah socks to liven up your evening attire or pair with sneakers as you explore the ship. If you want to show your holiday spirit on land in a tropical destination, trade in your classic ugly sweater for a much cooler headpiece. Santa hats and Hanukkah-themed headbands look good with shorts or a bathing suit -- and they look exceptional in photo opps, too. I’d really recommend a Christmas cruise, having sailed on one myself and had a fantastic time. It’s something everyone should try at least once – even if you go back to your traditional Christmas the following year. Like I already said, everyone has their own traditions related to Christmas, and when you’re on a cruise you might not be able to keep those up.
They may not illuminate your cabin like real lights would, but they'll certainly add a unique and festive flair to it. Bring along small, preferably plastic knick knacks from home that you cherish, such as snowmen, menorahs or gift boxes. Just be sure to bring along some double-sided tape to best affix the more delicate pieces to your furniture, which will keep them safe from damage during sudden ship movements. It’s also wonderful to watch the sun set on a year – literally – from the deck of a ship in the calm ocean waters.
Cruises visiting Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, offer even more festive fun, as the Bahamian paradise is decked out for the season with a Christmas tree and faux-snow flurries. This is all in addition to Disney Cruise Line's plentiful year-round perks. Feast on traditional meals designed by a Michelin-starred chef—without worrying about any of the prep or cleanup. Marvel at our festive decorations, like Christmas trees covered in trimmings and tinsel that will make you feel right at home. Sing along with carolers, watch holiday-themed shows at The Theatre, and welcome Santa on board as he pays a special visit to all of the lucky kids spending Christmas at sea.
Whether you’re looking to escape the chill or simply desire a holiday with a twist, our comprehensive guide will illuminate the allure of these festive voyages and help you plan the perfect yuletide getaway. After you gawk at the stunning Christmas tree in the Grand Lobby, you can visit the onboard luxury shops (like Liberty of London, Garrard jewelers, and more) to pick up last-minute gifts for your loved ones. Itineraries include the line's famous transatlantic crossings on the Queen Mary 2 in addition to other regional journeys across the globe, from Australia and New Zealand to the Caribbean and the Canary Islands.
The alternative is to try to convince your loved ones to all cruise with you – now wouldn’t that be a special way to celebrate? Maybe start planting the seeds of the idea this Christmas to get everyone onboard with the idea (pun intended). One of the best parts of Christmas for many people is the opportunity to come together with friends and family, and spend some quality time together. That’s something you will likely have to sacrifice for a year if you book a Christmas cruise, or at least reschedule to before or after you sail.
