There’s something truly special about celebrating Christmas on a cruise ship. The combination of sparkling holiday décor, festive activities, exotic destinations, and world-class service creates a magical holiday experience that’s hard to beat. We have the 10 best Christmas Cruises for you to choose from!
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a special someone, a Christmas cruise can take your holiday celebrations to an entirely new level.
We will explore the 5 best luxury Christmas cruises and 5 best Premium and Mainstream Christmas cruises you can book for an unforgettable holiday season.
If you are interested in Christmas markets river cruise please checkout Rhine River Christmas Cruise
Luxury Christmas Cruises
1. Regent Seven Seas
Regent is one of our top picks for Luxury cruises year round. The Regent Holiday Cruises, including Christmas and New Year sailings are perfect for those seeking opulence and all-inclusive ease. You can expect refined holiday programming including interdenominational services, special gala dinners, and festive décor throughout the ship.
2025 Christmas week sailings include:
- 10-night Western Caribbean from Miami, departing Dec 10, 2025, aboard Seven Seas Voyager
- 11-night South America itinerary leaving Dec 17, 2025, Seven Seas Mariner.
- 14-night South America cruise starting Dec 3, 2025, Seven Seas Mariner.
2. Explora Journeys Winter Voyages
Explora Journeys combines subtle European sophistication with modern luxury, so their Christmas Caribbean sailings are a perfect escape for the holiday season. On board EXPLORA I, guests will enjoy immersive experiences – both on shore and on board – from island adventures to Christmas themed fine dining, live music, spiritual services and curated enrichment.
If you wish to spend both Christmas and New Years cruising, Explora offers an extended 13 nights journey from Bridgetown, Barbados sailing on Dec 21, 2025.
3. Oceania Cruises
Oceania delivers refined holiday cruising with more than 40+ Christmas-season itineraries across the Caribbean, South Pacific, Asia, and beyond. Their blend of destination-rich itineraries and elevated cuisine—highlighted by Jacques Pépin’s culinary influence—makes them a favorite among discerning travelers.
One of the most distinctive voyages is the 24‑day “Indian Ocean Opus” aboard Sirena, departing Dec 2, 2025, sailing from Cape Town to Singapore. This itinerary weaves together South Africa, Madagascar, the Seychelles, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, ending in Southeast Asia. Onboard, guests enjoy caroling, Christmas Eve performances, seasonal menus, and thoughtfully curated celebrations that reflect the global cultures visited.
4. Windstar Cruises
Windstar’s intimate, yacht-style ships offer a uniquely personal holiday experience. With fewer than 350 guests aboard, holiday sailings feel like a curated celebration among friends, backed by attentive service and immersive destinations.
- Star Breeze from Dec 1, 2025, an 11‑day Caribbean voyage.
- An 8-night “ABC Christmas Cruise” departing Dec 20, 2025 (Aruba → Grenada) aboard Wind Spirit.
- They also offer Mediterranean holiday departures aboard Star Legend, with multiple itineraries from Nov 2025 through March 2026.
5. Cunard
For travelers who love timeless tradition, Cunard’s holiday cruises deliver in spades. Their ships transform into floating winter wonderlands, complete with classical holiday music, themed afternoon teas, and formal gala evenings.
Queen Elizabeth sets sail on a 12-night Caribbean Christmas voyage, departing Miami on Dec 18, 2025—ideal for those wanting to celebrate the season in regal style under the sun. Meanwhile, Queen Victoria is expected to offer a Canary Islands and Lisbon itinerary, pairing holiday celebrations with mild Atlantic breezes and cultural gems
Plan your Christmas Cruise with us and discover the perfect journeys, exclusive offers and extensions to elevate your Christmas cruise.
Book your Christmas Cruise ConsultationPremium and Mainstream Christmas Cruises
1. Disney Cruise Line – Very Merrytime Cruises
Best for: Families with kids, Disney fans, and multigenerational groups
When it comes to family-friendly Christmas cruises, Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises are in a league of their own. These special holiday sailings usually run from early November through late December, offering guests the chance to experience the magic of Disney with an extra festive twist.
Why It’s Special:
- Decked Out Decorations: The entire ship is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with oversized Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths, and lights. Even Disney characters don festive holiday attire.
- Exclusive Holiday Activities: Families can enjoy gingerbread house decorating, holiday storytelling, caroling, meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, and themed craft sessions for kids.
- Spectacular Entertainment: Disney’s world-class shows feature holiday themes, including special performances, tree-lighting ceremonies, and holiday deck parties.
- Private Island Celebration: Most itineraries include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, which also gets a holiday makeover.
Sample Itinerary:
- 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
- Departs from Port Canaveral, Florida
- Stops at St. Thomas, Tortola, Castaway Cay, and a few days at sea
Ideal For:
Families looking to combine Disney magic with Christmas traditions in a warm, tropical setting.
2. Royal Caribbean – Christmas Caribbean Cruises
Best for: Adventure seekers, active families, and large groups
Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of holiday cruises throughout the Caribbean that are perfect for a Christmas getaway. Their massive ships, like Wonder of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, become floating holiday resorts with an impressive array of entertainment, dining, and holiday activities.
Why It’s Special:
- Festive Atmosphere: Giant Christmas trees, lavish decorations, and holiday-themed performances transform the ship into a festive paradise.
- Action-Packed Activities: From rock climbing and zip lining to surfing simulators and ice skating, there’s no shortage of things to do.
- Holiday Dining: Special holiday menus feature traditional Christmas dishes, holiday treats, and seasonal cocktails.
- Christmas Services: For those who want to keep the spiritual side of the holiday alive, many ships offer Christmas Eve and Christmas Day religious services.
Sample Itinerary:
- 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
- Departs from Miami, Florida
- Stops at Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, and Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay
Ideal For:
Families and groups who want a balance of Christmas cheer and non-stop fun.
3. Viking Ocean Cruises – Christmas in Europe
Best for: Adults, couples, and cultural travelers
If you dream of sipping mulled wine at European Christmas markets while sailing in luxury, Viking’s Christmas Market cruises are an exceptional choice. These cruises take guests along the rivers and coasts of Europe, offering a sophisticated holiday experience that focuses on culture, history, and seasonal charm.
Why It’s Special:
- Iconic Christmas Markets: Visit world-renowned markets in cities like Vienna, Budapest, Nuremberg, and Cologne.
- Luxury Experience: Viking’s small, elegant ships offer an intimate, all-inclusive experience with fine dining, cultural enrichment, and attentive service.
- Holiday Enrichment: Onboard lectures, local performances, and culinary classes focus on European Christmas traditions.
- Festive Ambiance: Elegant decorations, carolers, and holiday-themed menus create a cozy holiday atmosphere.
Sample Itinerary:
- 12-Day European Christmas Market Cruise
- Departs from Budapest, Hungary
- Visits Vienna, Krems, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Cologne
- Ends in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ideal For:
Couples or adults seeking a refined, cultural, and romantic holiday experience.
4. Celebrity Cruises – Holiday Cruises around the world
Best for: Festive celebrations to Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos, Asia and more!
Celebrity offers holiday themes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve including Interdenominational Christmas services led by Catholic priests and Hanukkah services and nightly Menorah lighting with a Rabbi.
Why It’s Special:
- Caribbean, Galapagos, Asia, Europe, South America, and Australia/New Zealand itineraries.
- Sailings from 4 to 14 nights available from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
- Caroling with crew and officers in the Grand Plaza/Foyer.
- Christmas tree decorating, Santa’s grotto & parade, and classic holiday movies under the stars.
- Holiday performances by cast singers and dancers, and live orchestra features.
Sample Itinerary:
- 7-Night Galapagos Cruise
- Departs from Baltra Island
- Visits Sullivan Bay, Punta Pitt, Egas Port and more
Ideal For:
Families and couples looking for a fun, affordable, and relaxed Christmas vacation.
5. Holland America Line – Holiday Cruises
Best for: Mature travelers, food lovers, and traditionalists
Holland America Line offers a more classic and refined take on Christmas cruising. Their ships provide a warm, elegant holiday atmosphere perfect for travelers who appreciate fine dining, cultural enrichment, and a quieter vibe.
Why It’s Special:
- Elegant Decorations: Think grand Christmas trees, tasteful garlands, gingerbread villages, and sparkling lights throughout the ship.
- Seasonal Performances: Themed concerts, classical music, and holiday movie screenings set the perfect mood.
- Culinary Excellence: Special holiday menus feature gourmet twists on Christmas classics, accompanied by world-class wines and desserts.
- Religious Services: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services are offered for those seeking a traditional celebration.
Sample Itinerary:
- 14-Day Panama Canal Holiday Cruise
- Departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Visits Aruba, Curacao, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, and Colombia
Ideal For:
Older couples or travelers seeking a more traditional, peaceful, and elegant Christmas cruise.
6. AmaWaterways “Magical Christmas Markets” Cruise
Best For:
Luxury travelers, culture lovers, couples, and foodies who want a fully immersive, elegant, and all-inclusive Danube holiday cruise experience.
Route: Nuremberg to Vienna (Danube River)
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departure Dates: Late November through December
Ship Style: Luxury boutique-style ships with wellness and gourmet dining focus
Highlights:
- Explore Vienna’s elegant Christkindlmarkt and Schönbrunn Palace
- Visit Salzburg’s magical markets on an optional excursion
- Stop at the romantic market in Passau, nestled at the confluence of three rivers
- Enjoy festive onboard activities including tree trimming and glühwein tasting
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Nuremberg – Embarkation and welcome dinner
Day 2: Nuremberg Old Town & Christmas market tour
Day 3: Regensburg – Medieval markets and festive traditions
Day 4: Passau – Christmas market + optional Salzburg excursion
Day 5: Melk – Abbey visit and scenic cruising
Day 6: Vienna – Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn Palace
Day 7: Vienna (Leisure day or optional Christmas concerts)
Day 8: Disembarkation in Vienna
Sample Pricing:
- Starting at $2,899 per person (double occupancy)
- Includes:
✓ All meals with wine, beer & soft drinks
✓ Daily excursions
✓ Onboard Wi-Fi
✓ Airport transfers in Europe
✓ Holiday-themed experiences
Why It’s Special
- All-inclusive luxury with gourmet dining and wine
- Festive onboard traditions (tree decorating, glühwein tasting)
- Visits iconic Christmas markets (Vienna, Salzburg, Regensburg)
- Wellness programs and elegant boutique-style ships
- Excursions included in every port
Why Choose a Christmas Cruise?
1. Stress-Free Holidays
Leave the shopping, cooking, and cleaning behind. On a Christmas cruise, everything is taken care of for you—from gourmet meals to beautifully decorated ships.
2. Quality Family Time
Without the distractions of everyday life, cruises offer families a chance to truly connect, share experiences, and make lifelong memories.
3. Unique Destinations
Whether you want tropical beaches, European markets, or exotic ports of call, there’s a Christmas cruise to match every preference.
4. All-Inclusive Value
Cruises often include accommodations, meals, entertainment, and holiday activities in one price, making it easier to budget for your holiday trip.
5. Festive Atmosphere
Ships go all out for Christmas with elaborate decorations, themed parties, special entertainment, and of course, visits from Santa Claus himself.
Best Christmas Cruises from Florida
From Florida, you’ll find excellent luxury options such as:
- Regent Seven Seas – departing Miami on Dec 10, 2025, for an indulgent 10-night Caribbean cruise.
- Cunard Queen Elizabeth – departing Miami Dec 18, 2025, for a Caribbean Christmas voyage.
- Oceania and Windstar offer tropical December departures (e.g., Caribbean, Central America), though specific Florida departure dates vary—check their official 2025–26 holiday schedules.
Top Christmas Cruises for Families
While luxury lines cater primarily to adults, these family-friendly options stand out:
- Oceania: Elegant yet lively festive programming with carolers, entertainment, and activities.
- Windstar: Smaller ships create intimate family experiences; itineraries like the ABC Christmas Cruise are ideal for children’s sense of adventure.
- Cunard: Known for its celebratory atmosphere, formal dinners, and onboard festivities on Queen Elizabeth—offering a classic, elegant experience.
For families focused on entertainment and kid-specific programming, mainstream lines like Disney or Carnival might offer more targeted options (typically $3,500+ per person, noted from Luxury Vacations Consulting).
Christmas Market River Cruises
Discover the enchantment of Europe’s seasonal markets with a Rhine River Christmas Cruise.
Highlights include:
- Visits to markets in Cologne, Koblenz, Strasbourg, and more
- Festive onboard atmosphere, regional cuisine, guided excursions
- Stops at landmark holiday villages and Christmas traditions across Germany, France, and Switzerland
With Luxury Vacations Consulting you can explore and read full itineraries and seasonal tips—they make great seasonal day-trip ideas and planning inspiration.
Tips for Booking Your Christmas Cruise
- Book Early: Christmas cruises are among the most popular and fill up quickly. Try to book at least 6-12 months in advance for the best prices and cabin selection.
- Consider the Itinerary: Decide whether you want a tropical escape, cultural experience, or adventure-packed holiday.
- Check What’s Included: Some cruises are more all-inclusive than others. Factor in gratuities, drink packages, shore excursions, and specialty dining.
- Pack Accordingly: Bring both tropical and festive attire. Many ships have formal nights, holiday-themed parties, and chilly evenings on deck.
- Travel Insurance: Winter weather can affect travel plans. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations and delays.
Final Thoughts
A Christmas cruise can turn your holiday season into an extraordinary experience filled with joy, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re sipping cocoa on a balcony overlooking a snowy European village or soaking up the sun on a Caribbean beach, a holiday at sea offers a magical alternative to the traditional Christmas celebration.
Luxury Vacations Consulting is here to help plan every moment of magic. No matter which cruise line you choose, you’ll return home with wonderful memories, new traditions, and maybe even the desire to make cruising a part of your family’s holiday tradition for years to come.
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