More and more people are choosing to book cruise holidays over the Christmas period. Whether it’s the cold weather in the UK, or the cost of hosting a British Christmas, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to cruises over the festive period:
- Cruise travel is fairly stress-free and provides an opportunity to relax
- You don’t need to think about entertaining others
- No need to prepare Christmas dinner or put up decorations
- You can enjoy quality family time in exciting destinations around the world
- No matter your age, the travel element is educational
I spent many Christmases on cruise ships, both as a crew member and as a passenger. Here are my tried and tested tips on what to keep in mind when planning a cruise over the festive period.
1. Choose your itinerary carefully
Caribbean Sea
While “winter sunshine” may sound exotic, it’s important to know where you want to go. Caribbean cruises are very popular among Europeans and Americans. That’s because there’s sun, beaches, and activities.
It’s my favorite winter itinerary, but Christmas in the sun always feels surreal to me because it’s so different to Christmas at home. The atmosphere on board is usually relaxed and upbeat, but it’s important to remember that most people who work on board are away from their friends and family.
During the British winter, larger cruise lines often base part of their fleets in the Caribbean. This means passengers will have to fly to board the ship. But since the ship is already in the Caribbean, sailing days are limited, which leaves more room for additional ports on the itinerary.
If you don’t want to go back and forth, consider booking a repositioning cruise for just one flight. If you book a flight cruise, the cost of the flight should be included in the cost of your vacation. Other types of Christmas cruise destinations include Hawaii, Miami and New York.
Europe
If you want to sail from the UK, most cruises head to the Canary Islands or the Mediterranean for Christmas. Some people go to colder places like Amsterdam and Belgium.
If you book a cruise from the UK, remember that weather can be unpredictable. While the Canary Islands are generally warm, the western Mediterranean can be cold and wet in winter. The Bay of Biscay can get very rough at this time of year, as I have had the misfortune to witness on more than one occasion! The risk of ships abandoning ports is also high, especially in Belgium and Amsterdam. This is usually due to adverse weather conditions.
If you’re considering a Christmas market cruise, it’s usually done before Christmas.
It’s also important to consider whether you want to spend Christmas at sea or in port. Many itineraries take into account the Sea Day on December 25th. Some cruise ships will depart or call in port on this day. Keep in mind that shops may be closed as this is a public holiday in many countries.
2. What to bring on a Christmas cruise
Different cruise lines have different dress codes. My Christmas experience at sea has always been with P&O Cruises. Their dress codes tend to be more relaxed on Caribbean cruises and more formal on European cruises. They often hold formal soirees on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, which are a great opportunity to dress up.
Other cruise lines may not have a formal dress code, so this is something to consider when choosing the right ship for you. If you want a more “dressy” experience, consider flashier brands like Cunard or Celebrity Cruises.
If you don’t need to fly to a cruise ship, your baggage allowance can be more flexible. Cruising by air is more restrictive because you can’t bring too much stuff with you. I chose to bring my lightest evening gown to the Caribbean, partly because it was so hot. It’s often difficult to come up with different outfits for each night, so consider a capsule wardrobe that you can change out at will.
3. What to expect on a cruise
It’s Christmas time on most cruise ships and the atmosphere on board will be warm and upbeat. You’ll find many special events such as:
- Santa Claus comes down from the funnel
- crew pantomime
- Passenger choir and chapel service
- Christmas dinner for the big day
The ship will also be filled with holiday decorations.
For children, there is the chance to meet Santa Claus and there are plenty of activities tailored to keep them entertained.
Officers and crew are away from loved ones, so this is an important time of year for them too. They have their own celebrations below decks, but they still work full time. They offer a range of entertainment including Secret Santa, Christmas Disco and Christmas Dinner. It’s also important to remember that many crew members don’t celebrate Christmas for religious reasons.
For those who don’t like celebrating Christmas, there are options for you. Some ships avoid Christmas festivities entirely, so this is the perfect way to escape it all. Please check with your travel agent or cruise line for more information.
4. New Year Cruise
When you book a Christmas cruise, consider whether you also want to go on New Year’s Eve. For me, spending New Year’s Eve on a boat is one of my favorite holiday experiences. I love watching the incredible fireworks in Madeira, it is considered one of the best firework displays in the world. I also like to go ashore and exercise during the day before a big event.
If you like being out on the water at midnight, you can look forward to deck parties (in warmer weather), live music, and lots of dancing. Whatever you decide, you won’t be disappointed with New Year’s Eve on a cruise.
visit cruise advice My blog section has more helpful tips to help you plan your cruise.
Don’t forget to follow me on social media to stay up to date with my latest posts.
Follow me on social media
