5 Things to Consider When Planning a Christmas Cruise

The holiday season can be hectic for most with shopping, parties, family gatherings, and all that cooking.

If you're thinking of starting a new tradition while on vacation or just want to mix it up, a Christmas cruise could be the answer.

Whatever the motivation, here are some tips to help you with your planning!

1. Make sure you book in advance

Cruise lines post their vacation itineraries well in advance, so the last minute is rarely an option.

In fact, many of these trips sell out or can quickly become expensive as high demand drives up prices.

For that reason, arriving early and securing a stateroom is key to keeping enjoyment to a minimum and costs to a minimum.

2. What can you expect from a Christmas cruise?

Christmas cruises are not for everyone. If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing cruise vacation, this is not the place.

Large ships will sail at or near full capacity, so those looking for a relatively benign cruise with few children will be disappointed.

Also, like summer cruises, travel in December will be more expensive overall, with higher costs for airfare and hotel stays.

The key is to plan ahead to get the best value.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about the Top 5 Reasons to Celebrate a Christmas Cruise

Source: Ryan Joyce

3. Christmas cruise with young children

Most cruise lines will be festive during the holidays, but Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Royal Caribbean International do a fantastic job of establishing an optimistic exuberance during their Christmas travels.

Whether it's roving bands of Dickensian characters singing Christmas carols or Santa Claus making a surprise visit, the experience is sure to be magical for kids and adults alike.

4. Try a Christmas market

While some cruises can get closer to the main ports, the best way to embrace Christmas in Europe is on a river cruise.

These intimate trips dock in the centers of major European cities and offer unprecedented access.

While in port, you can visit a market that has been around for generations, such as the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany.

Embrace your desire to travel as you delve into local cuisine, sip a cup of mulled wine, and discover new vacation traditions.

5. Ring in the New Year on a cruise

New Year's cruises tend to attract more couples looking to celebrate the New Year in a unique way.

In hot weather locations like the Caribbean, expect late-night parties on the terrace and fancy cocktails indoors when the clock strikes midnight.

Plus, most itineraries have New Year's Eve followed by a day at sea, meaning you don't have to worry about getting up early to explore the coast.

Christmas and New Year's Eve are a time to repeat traditions, start new ones, and establish memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you want to be comfortable with family, stroll through a traditional Christmas market, or celebrate the New Year with your better half, a cruise can offer something for everyone.

Remember that many people may have the same idea, so plan ahead to get the best possible selection and price.

Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your Travel Board on Pinterest! 😊

Once again, thank you for visiting our website!

We hope you've enjoyed exploring the content we've created for you.

Give yourself the chance to learn, get inspired, and have even more fun, keep browsing...