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Carnival Cruise Line Christmas and New Year

Christmas cruises 2024, 2025, 2023 new year's eve.

All Carnival Cruise Line Christmas and New Year cruise offers listed here are just itineraries and not cruise deals for sale. Vessels are ordered alphabetically. Comparing all the ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet is a most convenient way to select the best for you Holiday voyages as departures (homeports, dates), destinations (regions, visited countries), itineraries (ports of call, arrival dates, port times) and also to compare cruise prices.

CruiseMapper shows cruise prices per person. These are only indicative fares on the ship's lowest category staterooms. All rates are based on double occupancy (twin share) and don't include cruise line or travel agency promotions, group booking rates or any other special offers and discounts.

Carnival Cruise Lines Christmas and New Year cruises are the best choice for an unforgettable "Fun Ship" Holiday vacation marked by some of the cheapest deals on medium- and big-sized ocean vessels.

Most Carnival Christmas offers are for Caribbean port and island destinations, operated with roundtrip departures mainly from Florida (Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral), also from Charleston SC, Galveston TX, New Orleans LA. Other popular Holiday destinations are California and Baja Mexico (US West Coast) out of Long Beach, and Australia New Zealand (out of Sydney and Melbourne).

Next tables show all Carnival Christmas New Year cruise itineraries as ships, departure ports, call ports (dates and arrival/departure times) and regions.

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Celebrating Holidays

What better way to celebrate the holidays and sporting events but on a Carnival Cruise with family and friends. You will enjoy specially-planned events, timely decorations and special seasonal dishes. Events and activities may vary by ship and are subject to change.

Black History Month When: Month of February This month long observation recognizes the contributions, influence and important of African Americans.

• Black History Month trivia
• Black History Month: Meet Up
• Dance Classes
• Motown Atrium Party 
• Guess That Song 
• Coloring at Sea

Super Bowl Sunday When:  February 9, 2025 | February 8, 2026 It’s America’s biggest sporting event and the reason for America’s biggest party! Join the fan zones, grab a bucket of beer and get ready for a tailgate bash, Fun Ship-style! Super Bowl LVII will include the following experiences:

• Super Bowl Trivia  
• Sailgate Party with VIP Seating Challenge and Junior Cruiser Touchdown Dance
• Viewing locations are in select bars, lounges and  Carnival's Seaside Theater  
• Themed Casino activities
• Themed Youth Activities
• Support your team and wear your favorite football attire! 

Valentine’s Day When: Fe bruary 14 Love is defiinitely in the air this time of year! Come join us for a fun-filled day of love and activities.  

• Carnival's Largest Vow Renewal at Sea
• Valentine’s Day Bingo, Trivia, Cupid Contest and Conversation Heart Scavenger Hunt
• Valentine's Card Craft
• Valentine's Dance Class
• “All Paired Up” Casino Event
• Steakhouse Valentine's Day Lunch on ships with a sea day on the 14th ( $ )
• Divas Nightclub Hour
• Divas Atrium Party / Guess That Song
• Influential Women Trivia
• Women’s History Month: Meet Up
• Dance Classes  

Mardi Gras When :   March 4, 2025 | February 17, 2026 It’s time to celebrate Fat Tuesday and party New Orleans style!

• Mardi Gras Parade
• Mardi Gras Party
• Mask Making Workshop 
• Mardi Gras Games 
• Mardi Gras Bingo and Trivia
• To celebrate, don't forget your beads and wear your favorite purple, green and gold attire!

Dr. Seuss' ™ Birthday When:  March 2 Hooray, hooray! It’s Dr. Seuss’ big day! Join The Cat in the Hat and your Cruise Director for a fun, family Seussian birthday celebration. Hurray, the cake is on the way! 

• Special Seussian Celebration of Everyone's Birthday!
• Dr. Seuss Family Trivia
• The Cat in the Hat makes a special appearance during the Wave Morning Show
• Seuss at Sea™Programs, including Seuss-a-Palooze™ Story Time and Parade
• Dr. Seuss Dive in Movie (on ships that feature Carnival's Seaside Theater )
• Themed Youth Activities 

March Madness When: March/April March Madness Basketball is finally here! It's bracket time! Grab a bucket of beer and join us for the buzzer beaters, upsets and the Cinderella stories!

• March Madness Trivia   
• Support your team and wear your favorite team's attire!
• Check the Carnival HUB App for viewing times and locations.  

St. Patrick's Day When: March 17 It's time to celebrate the luck of the Irish! Come join us for a day filled with St. Patrick's Day festivities. 

• St. Patrick’s Day Pub Party (18+)
• St. Patrick’s Day Mega Deck Party
• Family Shamrock Hunt
• St. Patrick’s Day Bingo
• St. Patrick’s Day Games
• 'Shamrock Shuffle' Casino Event
• Wear something green and be all things Irish for a day!

Holi When: March 14, 2025 | March 4, 2026 Hindu festival of colors celebrating the arrival of spring in India.

• Morning Fitness Class
• Bollywood Family Dance Class
• Trivia: Colors
• Coloring at Sea (Rangoli)
• Holi Creativity at Sea 
• Bollywood Nightclub Hour
• Themed Youth Offerings  

Easter When:   April 20, 2025 | April 5, 2026 Activities for guests of all ages and some specific for children and their families will take place on Easter Sunday. 

• Family Easter Hop N’ Stop Hunt 
• Family Easter Flower Hunt
• Easter Egg-stravaganza Bingo
• Easter Traditions Trivia
• Non-denominational Easter Service (excluding those ships in their home port on Sunday)

Passover   When:  April 12-20, 2025 | April 1-9, 2026

• A Passover Sedar Service will be hosted on the first night of Passover by a Cruise Staff team member.

Earth Day When:  April 22 Happy FUN Earth Day! Today the whole Carnival family is celebrating Earth Day. Please join us in “caring for our awesome planet” each and every day by saving energy, reduction water consumption and minimizing waste.

• Earth Day Cake Celebration
• Earth Day Digital Scavenger Hunt
• Earth Day Trivia
• Earth Day Quiz Activity with Cruise Director and Environmental Officer
• Themed Youth Activities  

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month  When: Month of May

• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Meet-Up
• Dance Class
• Music sets featuring songs from AAPI artists

Mother’s Day When:  May 11, 2025 | May 10, 2026 Time to show Mom some love! Come join us as we celebrate Mom with fun for the entire family.

• Mother’s Day Appreciation Event
• Mother’s Day Remembrance 
• Famous Moms Trivia
• Mother’s Day Craft
• Family Digital Scavenger Hunt
• Family Face Off Game

Pride Month When: Month of June Pride Month is celebrated during the entire month of June and we are excited to announce that it will be celebrated on board. 

• LGBTQIA+ Mixer 
• Pride Nightclub Hour
• Themed Trivias
• Themed Movie Programming

World Ocean Day When: June 8 On World Ocean Day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honor the ocean which links us all. Be a part of this growing global celebration!

• World Ocean Day Celebration 
• World Ocean Day Family Fish Hunt
• Family Fishing Challenge Game
• Ocean Themed Trivia
• Ocean Themed Puzzle and Coloring Sheet
• Ocean Themed Guess That Song
• Ocean-themed Dive in Movie  (on ships that feature Carnival's Seaside Theater )  

Father’s Day When: June 16, 2024 | June 15, 2025 | June 21, 2026 Time to show Dad some love!  We have lots of fun for the entire family, Dad-worthy activities planned so come and join us. 

• Father’s Day Appreciation Event
• Father’s Day Remembrance 
• Famous Dad’s/Dad Joke Trivia
• Father’s Day Craft Card

Independence Day/4th of July When:  July 4 Come celebrate the red, white and blue with us today! We aren’t just talking about Carnival… we are talking about the good ol’ USA! We are having a party in honor of Independence Day! 

• Independence Day Fun featuring activities such as ice cream eating contest, patriotic parade contest and American themed pool and deck games, etc.
• 4th of July Bash Deck Party
• Country Line Dancing Class
• Independence Day Bingo and Trivia 
• Themed  Dive in Movies  (on ships that feature Carnival's Seaside Theater )    

NFL Football Season When: September-Superbowl Sunday You won’t want to miss the live sports action, so put your game face on, grab a drink and get ready to cheer!  We moved the tailgate from the parking lot to the open decks! 

• NFL Games ( select games on Sundays, Thursdays, Thanksgiving, Playoffs and Superbowl )

National Teddy Bear Day When:  September 9 As part of Carnival's partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop® and our on board program, Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea, we will celebrate this special day with our guests - the young and young at heart. 

• Cruise Director Welcome featuring the heart ceremony
• Treats, Photos and Dancing
• Latin/Hispanic Guess That Song/Music Trivia Party
• Latin Nightclub Hour
• Hispanic/Latin Heritage Trivia
• Coloring at Sea 
• Pop Salsa Dance Class

International Talk Like a Pirate Day When:  September 19 Scouring the seas for a good time? Weigh anchor! X marks the spot! Celebrate Pirates' Day with our Fun Squad ...yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!

• Pirate Deck Party 
• Pirate Scavenger Hunt
• Pirate’s Day Bingo
• Pirate’s Trivia and Themed  Puzzles
• Pack your black, white and red attire and don't forget your eye patch! 

World Series When:  End of October  It’s that time of the year again! Come cheer for your favorite teams as they go head-to-head in the Fall Classic of America’s Favorite Pastime. Play Ball!

• Baseball Trivia
• World Series Games
• Día de los Muertos Festivities
• Remembrance Event
• Calavera Scavenger Hunt
• Themed Coloring at Sea
• Creativity at Sea Skull Mask
• Themed Trivia

Diwali  When: November 1, 2024 | October 20, 2025 | November 8, 2026 We are excited to celebrate Diwali, India's 5 day festival of lights.

• Creativity at Sea 
• Trivia: Good vs. Evil

Thanksgiving Day When: November 28, 2024 | November 27, 2025 | November 26, 2026 Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thursday evening, featuring roasted turkey, yams, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, giblet gravy and pumpkin pie.

• Turkey Trot with Your Cruise Director
• Thanksgiving Day NFL Football
• Thanksgiving Turkey Hunt
• Thanksgiving Trivia
• Gratitude Box
• Fall-themed Creativity at Sea 
• Thanksgiving Dinner
• Themed Youth Activites

Hanukkah (Chanukah) When: December 25, 2024-January 2, 2025 | December 14-22, 2025 | December 4-12, 2026 Hanukkah, otherwise known as the 'Festival of Lights' is the Jewish celebration of miracles, whereby oil that was only supposed to last for one day, burned for eight days. Join us for the lighting of the menorah and a special service in honor of the Jewish celebration of miracles.

• Each night of Hanukkah, services will take place in the atrium lobby at sunset, including prayers and songs.  

Christmas Holiday Season When: December 25  (early December through Christmas)                                                        With a festive on-board atmosphere, elaborate decorations and an array of traditional cuisine, entertainment and activities, Carnival’s ‘Fun Ship’ holiday cruises are the ideal option for reconnecting with friends, families and loved ones. A festive mood is created as soon as guests arrive on board, with the ship’s atrium and promenade areas lavishly decorated in the spirit of the season starting early December. There’s even a special mailbox for letters to Santa! Guests will gather for the lighting of the Christmas tree in the ship's atrium, caroling to Christmas classics and for fun, trying their luck in an Ugly Sweater Competition. An extra-special, live-on-stage Holiday Show puts everyone in the spirit!         

• Noon Year’s Eve Family Party with the Cruise Director
• New Year's Eve Atrium Party with the Cruise Director 
• New Year's Eve Countdown
• NYE Bash with House Rock Band 
• NYE Piano Bar Sing-Along 
• NYE Nightclub Party 
• NYE Lido Bash with Cruise Director 
• NYE After Party (in the Nightclub for adults 18+)
• New Year’s Eve Trivia and Bingo
• Rolling Into the New Year Casino event

Religious Services and Clergy Policy

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Holiday Cruises with Carnival

If you're looking for a holiday vacation with no shortage of all-out family fun, look no further than Carnival Cruise Line. The name says it all, and what better a way to "Choose Fun" this holiday season than cruising with Carnival. Whether it's Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's, experience all of your favorite holiday traditions and much more when you enjoy a holiday cruise with Carnival!

Christmas Cruises with Carnival

Deck the "hulls" with Carnival and celebrate Christmas at sea aboard a FUN ship! From sugar cookies and Christmas lights, to caroling and holiday shows, Carnival brings the magic of Christmas to sea every December!

• Experience a FUN ship decked out bow to stern with wreaths, lights, trees and more!
• Drop letters to Santa into a special mailbox onboard!
• Partake in festive caroling.
• Compete in the ugly sweater competition.
• Enjoy live-on-stage holiday shows.
• Attend Christmas (and Hanukkah) services.
• Look out for the Grinch, who makes surprise appearances throughout the sailing!
• Watch the Grinch's live show and dine at the character breakfast.

View 2024 Christmas Cruises

View 2025 Christmas Cruises

View 2026 Christmas Cruises

Hanukkah Cruises with Carnival

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at sea, complete with a lighting of the menorah and a special service in honor of Hanukkah.

• Attend Hanukkah services in the atrium lobby!
• Watch the lighting of the Menorah and join in prayers and songs.
• Enjoy latkes, sour cream, applesauce and Manischewitz wine.
• Children can participate in Hanukkah related games, stories and arts and crafts!

View 2024 Hanukkah Cruises (12/25/24-1/03/25)

View 2025 Hanukkah Cruises (12/14/25-12/22/25)

View 2026 Hanukkah Cruises (12/04/26-12/12/26)

New Year's Cruises with Carnival

Ring in the New Year aboard Carnival's FUN ships and start your new year off right!

• Celebrate with multiple parties at sea!
• Enjoy New Year's festivities, including balloon drops, live music, DJs and more!
• Keep the celebration going with fun after parties.
• Take advantage of youth programs on New Year's Eve for young cruisers!

View 2024 New Year's Cruises

View 2025 New Year's Cruises

View 2026 New Year's Cruises

Thanksgiving Cruises with Carnival

Enjoy Thanksgiving at sea with your friends and family aboard Carnival. You could be far from home, but your Carnival ship will be decorated with festive Thanksgiving decor to set the mood for the big day and BIGGER meal!

• Your FUN ship will feature Thanksgiving decorations and colors!
• Watch the Thanksgiving day parade broadcasted on the big screen of every Carnival ship!
• Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving evening meal featuring roasted turkey, yams, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, giblet gravy and pumpkin pie!
• Participate in "Thanksgiving Duck Hunt" and Thanksgiving-themed trivia games!

View 2024 Thanksgiving Cruises

View 2025 Thanksgiving Cruises

View 2026 Thanksgiving Cruises

4th of July with Carnival

Celebrate Independence Day with Carnival and have a sea party celebrating the red, white and blue!

• Attend the 4th of July Bash, an evening Lido Deck party.
• Enjoy outdoor activities on Independence Day, including bean bag challenges, ice cream eating contests and pool games!
• Participate in line dancing classes.
• Compete with (or against) friends and family in Independence Day Bingo, Trivia and a Slot Tournament!
• Watch American-themed movies on the Seaside Theater!
• Youth Programs will host a 4th of July Family Party, along with a Family Scavenger Hunt.

View 2024 4th of July Cruises

View 2025 4th of July Cruises

View 2026 4th of July Cruises

Valentine's Day Cruises with Carnival

You better watch out for cupid because love is in the sea air when you celebrate Valentine's Day with Carnival.

• Say "I do", part two, with a Valentine's Day Vow Renewal!
• Celebrate with onboard games and activities, including a Romeo Contest, ChooseLove Raffle, Kiss Cam and Free Hugs!
• Enjoy a delicious Steakhouse Valentine's Day Lunch (offered on select ships).
• Get festive with red and pink attire!

View 2024 Valentine's Day Cruises

View 2025 Valentine's Day Cruises

View 2026 Valentine's Day Cruises

Mardi Gras Cruises with Carnival

Carnival brings Big Easy vibes to sea so you can party it up New Orleans-style while celebrating Fat Tuesday!

• Participate in a Mardi Gras mask-making workshop.
• Enjoy a festive Mardi Gras Parade and Party!
• Bring your beads and wear purple, green and gold at sea.

View 2024 Mardi Gras Cruises (2/13/24)

View 2025 Mardi Gras Cruises (3/04/25)

View 2026 Mardi Gras Cruises (2/17/26)

St. Patrick's Day Cruises with Carnival

Get ready for a fun-filled St. Patrick's Day celebration complete with Irish-themed games, specialty drinks and food!

• Play Luck o' the Irish Bingo, St. Quackie's Day Duck Hunt and Trivia.
• Join the fun-filled St. Patrick's Day Party (18+ years of age)!
• Enjoy festive specialty drinks and an Irish entree and dessert at dinner.
• Pack your green and try your luck in the casino!

View 2024 St. Patrick's Day Cruises

View 2025 St. Patrick's Day Cruises

View 2026 St. Patrick's Day Cruises

Easter Cruises with Carnival

Enjoy family-friendly activities on Easter Sunday, including an egg hunt, bingo and non-denominational church service.

• Participate in the "Golden Egg Hunt" at sea! What could be inside?!?
• Try to win big with Carnival's Easter Egg-Stravaganza Bingo!
• Kids can attend the Family Easter Party and Easter Hop 'N' Stop!
• Attend a non-denominational Easter Service (*not on ships that are in their home port on Sunday).

View 2024 Easter Cruises (3/31/24)

View 2025 Easter Cruises (4/20/25)

View 2026 Easter Cruises (4/05/26)

Cinco de Mayo Cruises with Carnival

Celebrate a fun, festive May 5th with Carnival's non-stop fiesta at sea!

• Raise your margarita to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Fiesta Deck Party!
• Compete with friends in the Cinco de Mayo Scavenger Hunt.
• Enjoy Mexican-themed movies on Carnival's Seaside Theater!
• Kids will enjoy various themed youth activities.

View 2024 Cinco de Mayo Cruises

View 2025 Cinco de Mayo Cruises

View 2026 Cinco de Mayo Cruises

Mother's Day Cruises with Carnival

Make mom feel extra special with a Carnival cruise to celebrate Mother's Day with your entire family!

• Show your mom some love with a special Mother's Day Appreciation Event, including Mummy Wrapping, a Mother/Daughter or Mother/Son Look-a-Like Contest and "Message to Mom" recordings.
• Make a special Mother's Day Card at the onboard crafts workshop!
• Relax by the pool and enjoy Mom-themed movies at the Carnival Seaside Theater!
• Kids can participate in Mother's Day-themed youth activities.

View 2024 Mother's Day Cruises (5/12/24)

View 2025 Mother's Day Cruises (5/11/25)

View 2026 Mother's Day Cruises (5/10/26)

Father's Day Cruises with Carnival

Celebrate dad's day aboard a Carnival FUN ship, featuring dad-approved, family-friendly activities!

• Celebrate your dad with Carnival's "A Day with Dad Event" featuring the "Dress Mom Like Dad" competition and a Father/Daughter or Father/Son Look-a-Like Contest!
• With help from Carnival's craft team, make the perfect Father's Day Cards!
• Participate in Father's Day-themed trivia.
• Kids will enjoy Father's Day-themed youth activities.

View 2024 Father's Day Cruises (6/16/24)

View 2025 Father's Day Cruises (6/15/25)

View 2026 Father's Day Cruises (6/21/26)

Halloween Cruises with Carnival

Experience the spooks and frights of Halloween like never before aboard a "Frightfully Fun" Carnival cruise. For the entire month of October, Carnival's fleet will be crawling with special Halloween activities, experiences, and entertainment for all ages.

Halloween Activities aboard Carnival

• Enjoy a variety of spooky-themed activities including Halloween karaoke, trivia, scavenger hunts and bingo.
• Learn how to monster-mash like a pro in Halloween dance classes, then showcase your new moves at dance parties!
• Whether young or old, trick-or-treat to your heart's content with all ages trick-or-treating.
• Show off your frightening 'fit and compete against others in Carnival's costume contests.

Halloween Experiences with Carnival

• Learn how the pros transform ordinary pumpkins into spooky works of art!
• Become glued to the edge of your seat with "Horror Night" on the big screen... if you dare.
• Listen to live bands play sets of Halloween favorites throughout your voyage.

View 2024 Halloween Cruises

View 2025 Halloween Cruises

View 2026 Halloween Cruises

Ready for Your Holiday Cruise with Carnival?

For more information on holiday cruising with Carnival, call The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 to speak with one of our expert consultants!

* Onboard amenities, experiences, features and prices are subject to change without notice. Activities and availability vary by season and sail date. Information accurate at time of publication, but subject to change. Call 1-800-377-9383 to confirm current holiday experiences, pricing and availability.

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Carnival’s Christmas Events & Activities [2022]

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• November 29, 2022

December is nearly upon us, and Carnival Cruise Line is gearing up for the Christmastime events that will be held across its entire fleet for the holiday season.

In a post on his Facebook page , brand ambassador John Heald shared a list of the Carnival Cruise Line Christmas themed activities and entertainment that passengers can expect for the coming month.

If you’re wondering when Christmas decorations will go up on each ship, check out Carnival’s Christmas decorating schedule here .

Atrium Celebrations

Tree lighting.

On embarkation evening, the grand Christmas tree in the atrium will be lit during a special ceremony complete with lights that are synchronized to Christmas music.

Ugly Sweater Contest

Guests can participate in an ugly sweater competition hosted by the cruise director. For sailings in Australia, since it’s their warm season this time of year, it will be a “holiday attire” competition instead of sweaters!

‘Tis The Season

Carnival ships will each host a Christmas caroling event, where passengers can sing along to holiday classics in their most festive outfits. (Santa might even make an appearance!)

Entertainment

Christmas show.

A special Carnival Cruise Line Christmas stage show will take place in the main theater, complete with singers, dancers, and a surprise guest flown in from the North Pole. Carnival describes the experience as evoking a “‘home-away-from-home’ atmosphere with its cozy set featuring comfy cushions and throws, a Christmas tree and of course, a visit from Santa.”

Holiday Movies

Christmas movies will be shown on ships that feature the Carnival Seaside Theater or in a lounge on ships without a big screen on the lido deck.

MORE: How to Drop Off Christmas Cards For Carnival Crew Members [2022]

Themed Activities

Holiday trivia.

Find out how much you know about the most wonderful time of the year with Carnival’s holiday trivia. The lineup includes Holiday Trivia, Holiday Radio, Holiday Movies and TV, and Guess That Song Christmas Music.

Christmas Bingo

Wear a holiday sweater and get an extra Bingo card for free with purchase.

Meet The Grinch

Throughout December, The Grinch will be making appearances around the ship.

Holiday Services

Christmas service.

Each ship will hold a special non-denominational Christmas service complete with warm stories, hymns, and prayer. The service will take place on December 24th or 25th.

Hanukkah Service

Starting December 18th, Carnival ships will hold a special Hanukkah service with traditional foods, songs, and prayer. It will take place each night of Hanukkah.

READ NEXT: Carnival Celebration Dining Guide: Which Restaurants Are Complimentary?

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12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... to go on a cruise.

Trade the glow of a Christmas tree in your living room with the warmth of the sand and the sun on a holiday cruise. Skip the mulled wine on your stovetop for some of the world's best at a European Christmas market.

Christmas cruises can level up your holiday celebrations — and are an ideal opportunity to escape the conventional holiday celebrations in place of an adventure.

On a holiday cruise, you can leave the cooking, cleaning and decorating to the pros and simply enjoy time with your family. Christmas and New Year's cruises can also be good options for people trying to avoid the crush of relatives or who don't have family but still want to spend the holiday surrounded by other people and festive cheer.

Winter cruises feature holiday-themed activities for all ages, special feasts that capture the magic of the holiday season and port calls at destinations that let you enjoy the holiday spirit without shivering from frigid temperatures.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

It's never too early to plan your holiday getaway, especially as these cruises are among the quickest to sell out. Here are the best Christmas and New Year's cruises still available in 2024 and holiday sailings in 2025 to book now, as well as some useful tips about holiday cruise travel.

Holiday cruise tips

Before you book, keep in mind a few key facts about Christmas cruises.

Rates will be high

Expect cruise fares to be among the highest of the year during the holiday weeks as demand increases.

The best prices will be for early bookings; you likely won't find any last-minute discounts. If you do, they might be on windowless inside cabins or guarantee cabins , where the cruise line picks your room location.

Sailings will sell out

Holiday sailings sell out earlier than other itineraries, as people plan their holiday vacations months in advance. Suites and special cabins (family, spa and solo rooms and so forth) book up the fastest.

Consider booking your holiday cruise as early as possible, as the December sailings often fill up a year in advance .

Consider your own decorations

The crew will decorate public areas on board, but passengers often go all-out decorating their doors and cabins for the holidays.

Magnetic doors on cabins are blank canvases for the imagination. You'll find stateroom doors on Christmas cruises covered in wrapping paper, adorned with garlands or dotted with holiday-themed images.

It's best to double-check with your cruise line before attaching anything to your door or in your cabin, as rules and regulations differ per line. If you're not creative, check if your cruise line offers cabin decoration packages for preorder prior to your sailing.

Specialty dining is not advised on the actual holiday

Most of the specialty dining restaurants on major cruise lines have set menus that do not change for the holidays.

Your best bet for traditional holiday dinner options (think roast turkey, smoked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy) will come from the main, included dining options on board. It can't hurt to ask if any extra-fee restaurants are doing a Christmas or New Year's menu if you're looking for a more intimate holiday meal.

Expect holiday hours in port

Most cruise ships will plan for Christmas to be a sea day, but if you're in port on Dec. 25 (or on Boxing Day, as many islands celebrate the day after), expect shops, restaurants and attractions to have modified hours or be closed.

Onboard services won't stop, so if all your top lunch spots in port are closed, you're always guaranteed a hot meal on the ship.

Consider a holiday bonus for the crew

Cruise ship crew members go beyond the standard service on all lines for the holidays, whether it's a kind note wishing you well, a Champagne toast for New Year's or a fanciful towel creation.

They can't be at home celebrating with their families because they're working hard to make your holiday special. While gratuities are often included in your fare or added automatically to your final bill, consider tipping extra on a Christmas cruise. The hardworking staff will appreciate your extra generosity during the holiday season.

Best Christmas cruises for 2024

If you're on the hunt for the ideal holiday getaway, consider these Christmas cruises for this year's holiday vacation. (Note: These sailings had availability at the time of writing, but prices may change or ships sell out at any time.)

4-night Very Merrytime Bahamian cruise on Disney Cruise Line

Sail dates: Dec. 22-26, 2024

Ship: Disney Fantasy

Access Disney Cruise Line's newest private island when you sail Disney Fantasy this Christmas. This four-night Very Merrytime Bahamian cruise sails from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando) to Disney's Castaway Cay, followed by a day at the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The new island destination will highlight island culture with work by local artists and Bahamian music throughout the colorful beachside resort.

This sailing is one of Disney Cruise Line 's Very Merrytime Cruises, so expect plenty of holiday-themed surprises and special moments. Disney's December sailings feature snow flurries in the ship's atrium, pop-up meet-and-greets with Disney characters dressed in their holiday best and a Christmas wonderland on the beach at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.

Rates start at $4,862 for two adults sharing an inside cabin, including all taxes and fees.

16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday cruise on Holland America

Sail dates: Dec. 18, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025

Ship: Zaandam

The 16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday on Holland America's Zaandam is a great way to retreat from the cold this December. The extended itinerary will whisk you away for both Christmas and the New Year.

The ship sails round-trip from San Diego with stops in Honolulu; Kahului, Maui; and Hilo and Kona, Hawaii. You'll spend five days traversing the Pacific Ocean on your way to Hawaii and five days at sea returning to the west coast for one more stop in Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to San Diego. You can also enjoy scenic cruising by the Kilauea Volcano.

Don't forget your holiday best, as Zaandam will host a Christmas Eve formal ball with dinner and dancing, as well as a midnight Mass. Other seasonal events include a holiday-themed high tea service, holiday choir performances and Santa meet-and-greets.

Rates for inside cabins start from $1,739 per person, not including an estimated $282 per person in taxes, fees and port expenses.

13-night New Zealand holiday cruise on Celebrity Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 20, 2024-Jan. 2, 2025

Ship: Celebrity Edge

The most appealing holiday itinerary on Celebrity Cruises takes you Down Under for a two-week celebration, sailing round-trip from Sydney.

You'll cruise during the region's summer season with an itinerary that traverses the picturesque Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound before making port stops in Dunedin, Napier, Auckland, Tauranga and Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

The cruise doesn't call on Australian ports, but you can easily tack on a land-based pre- or post-cruise stay since the ship sails from Sydney.

If you're feeling the holiday spirit, sign up to join a group of crew and passengers to go caroling around the ship. Cookie decorating, visits with Santa and Christmas games are part of the holiday fun. On New Year's Eve, gather for a special party with a complimentary midnight Champagne toast, party favors and live music.

The lowest cabin fares start at $1,664 per person, plus $444.55 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

15-night South Africa Intensive Voyage on Azamara

Sail dates: Dec. 20, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025

Ship: Azamara Pursuit

Azamara is known for its travels to less-frequented ports, often with longer stays providing more time for immersion. Go somewhere new with Azamara's 15-night Christmas and New Year's cruise around South Africa. Azamara Quest sails round-trip from Cape Town with stops along the east coast of South Africa, including Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Durban and Mossel Bay.

Holiday events include caroling concerts, pop-ups with Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, and a special tree-trimming party on Dec. 24. Azamara Quest will time its popular White Night pool deck party to coincide with New Year's Eve. The line has a tradition of seeking out the oldest person on board to ring the ship's bell two minutes prior to midnight to literally "ring out the old." Then the youngest passenger on board will "ring in the new" as the clock strikes 12 o'clock.

Rates start from $2,784 per person, not including $196 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

7-night Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise on AmaWaterways

Sail dates: Dec. 9-15, 2024

Ship: AmaBella

A river cruise through Europe is the most convenient way to visit many of the continent's famous Christmas markets.

Your ship will dock in the heart of each city, usually just a few steps from the markets. Sailing with AmaWaterways during the holiday season, guests return from a day exploring the markets to events on board that include tree-trimming, caroling and a fun European tradition called "Shoes for St. Nick," where passengers who leave their slippers outside their stateroom awake to find them filled with sweets.

Unlike most Christmas-related retail stores in the U.S. that stay open through the holiday season, many of Europe's Christmas markets close up shop by Dec. 22, so you'll need to take your vacation before Christmas itself. AmaWaterways' seven-night Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise takes place aboard AmaBella. You'll be immersed in the holiday spirit with port stops in Passau, Germany; Linz, Vienna and Weissenkirchen, Austria; and Budapest.

Rates for the weeklong cruise start at $3,699 per person, not including $224 in port charges and taxes.

7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Princess Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 21-28, 2024

Ship: Sun Princess

Debuting in February 2024, Sun Princess is the first of Princess Cruises ' brand-new Sphere-class series of ships.

Take the line's newest flagship for a Christmastime spin on a round-trip Fort Lauderdale itinerary that features port calls at Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Roatan, Honduras. Three sea days give guests plenty of time to explore all the attractions on board, from a dome-covered pool area to a top-deck family activity zone.

The 4,300-passenger vessel will be about 21% bigger than the current biggest ships in the Princess fleet. It will be the line's first ship that features suites with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck. Sun Princess will also boast an innovative new "cabana cabin" along the ship's extra-wide 10th deck with access to a private deck area.

It will be easy to get into the holiday spirit while on board Sun Princess, with festive decor throughout the ship and an occasional "snowfall" in the Atrium. If you're traveling with kids, you can leave cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. Christmas caroling, storytime and other holiday events will help you create special holiday memories.

Rates for the Western Caribbean cruise start at $957 per person for an inside cabin, not including $153 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

12-night Antarctic Explorer cruise on Viking

Sail dates: Dec. 22, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025

Ship: Viking Polaris

While instinct might say to stop by the North Pole to check in on Santa's operations, it's just too cold, dark and icy for cruising. Instead, head toward the South Pole and Antarctica for a Christmas expedition.

Spend close to two weeks exploring the farthest reaches of the earth on the Antarctic Explorer itinerary aboard Viking 's Polaris. The route sails round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, before traversing the Drake Passage and cruising Antarctica for seven days. You'll have a cruise line-provided pre-cruise stay in Buenos Aires the night before you fly down to Ushuaia to meet your ship.

You'll explore the icebergs and cliffs of Antarctica on Christmas, presumably followed by a hot cocoa or a warm cocktail on deck. Afterward, treat yourself to Nordic-inspired dishes like smoked salmon and caviar, along with holiday treats like krumkake (a Nordic take on the cannoli) and sandkaker (Norwegian sugar cookies).

As with all Antarctica itineraries, ports and destinations on the continent change by the day, depending on weather and climate conditions. Rates for available staterooms on the cruise start from $15,495, including airfare, port taxes and fees.

Best Christmas cruises for 2025

If you want to score the best prices on a holiday cruise, book far in advance. Here are a few cruises to consider for your 2025 Christmas vacation.

Royal Caribbean: 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise

Sail dates: Dec. 20-27, 2025

Ship: Icon of the Seas

Catch a ride on the world's largest cruise ship during the 2025 holiday season. Highlights of Royal Caribbean 's new Icon of the Seas include a reconfigured Aqua Theater, now set at the bow of the ship inside a giant glass dome and featuring a dazzling 50-foot waterfall and dancing robotic arms, and Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six waterslides, including the tallest drop slide at sea.

This holiday-week sailing departs round-trip from Miami with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas). Three days at sea might not be enough time to try everything on board!

Holiday highlights often include Christmas Eve caroling, an ugly Christmas sweater crafting competition, Christmas ornament and gingerbread cookie decorating classes, and holiday games and trivia.

The lowest available cabin category for this sailing is an ocean-view cabin, starting at $3,266 per person, not including $182.51 in taxes, fees and port expenses per person.

7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Cruise Line

Sail dates: Dec. 21-Dec. 28, 2025

Ship: Carnival Celebration

Carnival's seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing is an excellent way to experience Carnival's Celebration Key, the line's new private destination on the south side of Grand Bahama Island. Carnival Celebration sails round-trip from Miami with stops in Celebration Key; Nassau, Bahamas; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, so you can get some much-needed beach time and warm weather.

The line understands its family-forward "fun" ships are built for cheery escapes, and its Christmas celebrations fit perfectly into that world. Seasonal holiday events include Christmas caroling, an ugly sweater competition and a live holiday show with appearances by Santa and the Grinch.

Rates for inside cabins start at $1,049 per person, not including an estimated $215.65 per person in fees.

14-night Galapagos cruise on Silversea

Sail dates: Dec. 13-27, 2025

Ship: Silver Origin

Escape to the exotic Galapagos Islands for the holidays with a Silversea cruise. On the 14-night sailing round-trip from San Cristóbal, Silver Origin will alight at a remarkable 27 ports throughout the archipelago.

The Silver Origin's Christmas sailing will include many festive enhancements, beginning with an extensive overlay of greenery and ornaments throughout the interiors of the ship. The ship's culinary team will prepare a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner menu, along with mulled wine, eggnog and hot chocolate.

Adding to the cheer, guests and the ship's crew can participate in caroling, and despite no chimney in sight, a special visitor from the North Pole is scheduled to make an appearance.

The "door-to-door" rate for this sailing starts from $24,400 per person, including port fees and taxes. It includes a transfer service to the airport, airfare, shore excursions, premium alcoholic beverages, all gratuities, butler service and a return transfer back home at the end of your trip.

11-night Monteverde Cloud Forest & Arenal Volcano cruise tour on Windstar Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 16-27, 2025

Ship: Wind Spirit

Give yourself a bucket list gift for Christmas and book a Panama Canal cruise for your winter vacation.

Windstar Cruises ' Wind Spirit — a cruise ship that's part yacht, part four-masted sailing ship — is sailing down Costa Rica's Pacific coast and through the Panama Canal during the 2025 holiday season.

The journey begins with a five-day land tour of Costa Rica, taking guests to the Arenal volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. You'll then head to Puerto Caldera to board Wind Spirit. The ship will sail south to Quepos and Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica. Then it's on to ports in Isla Parida and Balboa (for Panama City) in Panama before sailing through the Panama Canal.

To sweeten the holiday, Windstar gifts each cabin with a basket of Christmas cookies, candy canes, mandarin oranges, roasted nuts and chocolate candies.

Rates for the 11-night Central American getaway start from $5,599 per person, not including $474 in port fees and taxes.

7-night Roundtrip New Orleans Christmas cruise on American Queen Voyages

Sail dates: Dec. 22-29, 2025

Ship: American Countess

Glide up the Lower Mississippi River and soak in the charms of historic towns decked out in their holiday finest. This American Queen Voyages itinerary will also visit the special European-style Christmas market in Natchez, Mississippi, created especially for the line.

The itinerary begins with a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans, where the bustling Bourbon Street awaits exploration. The Mississippi river sailing includes stops along the river at Nottoway, Louisiana; Natchez, Mississippi; St. Francisville, Louisiana and an overnight in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Guests can opt for a premium holiday shore excursion in Natchez. The Jeweled Christmas in Natchez tour features a visit to The Towers, one of the state's most opulent privately owned antebellum homes. Guests will ooh and ahh over the festive decorations and displays that include over 100 Christmas trees.

While on board, passengers will enjoy festive holiday decorations, special holiday performances, seasonal cuisine and Christmas cocktails.

Rates for the seven-night Roundtrip New Orleans Christmas cruise start from $3,819 per person, including taxes, port fees and gratuities.

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The 10 most festive christmas cruises for 2023-2024.

Set sail for the holidays on your next cruise vacation.

The Most Festive Christmas Cruises

Courtesy of American Queen Voyages

These festive cruises are full of activities, food and destinations to make your holiday special.

If you're ready for a break from holiday traditions and family gatherings at home, consider booking a Christmas cruise. What makes a better present than the chance to leave all the planning, cooking, cleaning and decorating behind – and celebrate the holidays in beautiful destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean or other countries around the globe?

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, you can book a festivity-filled river cruise along Europe's iconic waterways and bundle up in your winter gear to explore the Christmas markets in the snow. If you prefer sunshine and warm temperatures, celebrate the holidays in an exotic locale, sailing crystal-clear turquoise waters and relaxing on white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees.

Whether you prefer to stay close to home or jet off for a bucket list adventure, one of these cruises may just be the perfect gift to celebrate your holidays in style.

Book a Christmas cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise

Put your name on the waiting list for November 2024 if you want to set sail on what Hallmark is touting as the "jolliest vacation ever." The Hallmark Channel – known for its year-round holiday-themed programming with Christmas in July, Countdown to Christmas and Christmas Fridays – will host the first-ever Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise sailings in November 2024 from Miami to the Bahamas . Lucky fans of the television channel will travel with their favorite Hallmark stars on one of two four-night cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Gem during the 2024 holiday season.

Highlights of the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise include photo opportunities and panels to meet the stars. Attend Christmas craft workshops or tastings with Hallmark's winemaker – the wines have names like Jingle (cabernet sauvignon) and Joy (sauvignon blanc). Guests can also look forward to "carol-oke" singalongs, cookie decorating, an ugly sweater contest and a world premiere viewing of a new Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers seven itineraries to visit the Christmas markets along the Rhine and Danube rivers – and to see the holiday splendor of Europe's grand cities, such as Vienna and Prague . Travelers can stroll through snow-dusted beautiful medieval squares and fairytale markets with chalet-inspired stalls, thousands of colorful lights, festive decorations, ice skating rinks, whimsical handmade gifts, Christmas carolers, carousels and more.

The eight-day Iconic Christmas Markets itinerary from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary , features a visit to Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas markets. Sip glühwein (hot mulled wine) and sample savory specialties like currywurst (curried sausages) and kartoffelpuffer (fried potato pancakes). Be sure to save room for sweet delights like schaumkuss, a chocolate-covered marshmallow, or lebkuchen, a traditional spiced cookie.

While on board the ship, guests can participate in festivities like tree-trimming, caroling and "Shoes for St. Nick." This European tradition encourages passengers to leave their slippers outside their stateroom door before bed. In the morning, they wake up to slippers filled with tasty treats like the children find in Europe on Saint Nicholas Day.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrate Christmas Day in the Canary Islands and ring in the new year on the Mediterranean Sea during Celebrity Cruises ' Canaries, Morocco, Spain Holiday itinerary. The 13-day round-trip voyage from Barcelona embarks a few days before Christmas 2023 on Celebrity Infinity. It features eight ports of call, including the Moroccan cities of Casablanca and Tangier as well as Seville and Valencia in Spain.

On the ship, guests can revel in the joyous spirit of the season with festive Christmas trees, traditional holiday meals, themed shows and pop-ups, carolers, gingerbread winter villages, and even a visit from Santa. The onboard bars serve up holiday-inspired cocktails like candy cane and gingerbread martinis as well as other seasonal favorites, including spiked apple cider and classic mulled wine. On New Year's Eve, plan to join in the merriment with fellow cruisers during the big countdown bash.

If you want to cross South Africa off your list of must-visit destinations , consider spending Christmas and New Year's Eve sailing round-trip from Cape Town on Azamara 's 14-day South Africa Intensive Voyage. The 2023 voyage departs Dec. 21 on Azamara Pursuit and includes stops in Port Elizabeth, home to one of the densest elephant populations in the world, and Richards Bay, which is teeming with exotic wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Guests on board the holiday cruise will be treated to Christmas performances, including singalongs and carols performed by the crew. There will be special menus in the restaurants, holiday-themed buffets, religious services and a tree-trimming party. Festive treats like hot chocolate, cookies and snacks are provided throughout the cruise. The New Year's Eve White Night party, where all the guests don their best white attire, will take place throughout the ship and on the pool deck with entertainment, music and light bites.

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Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 12-day Christmas on the Main & Moselle cruise sails between Paris and Prague in 2023 and 2024. The adults-only sailing affords passengers 18 or older the opportunity to visit four European countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic. In addition to browsing the boutiques in Paris and a variety of Christmas markets in Germany, you'll want to explore iconic landmarks like Reims Cathedral in France and the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Don't miss the famed wines produced in the region, including Moselle, riesling, Müller-Thurgau and gewürztraminer.

The holiday spirit continues on board the ship with Christmas-themed cooking demonstrations in addition to festive decorations with garland, lights and gingerbread houses. Guests will also taste regional cuisine, enjoy cultural performances on board the ship and ashore, and learn about the history of the Christmas markets and local holiday traditions.

Read: Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees

Disney Cruise Line

Kent Phillips | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers dozens of Christmas-themed cruises in November and December of 2023 and 2024. Cruisers looking to celebrate the holidays with Disney's cast of characters in 2023 can book a Very Merrytime cruise as short as a four-day sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas. For an extended getaway, consider Disney Cruise Line 's eastbound eastbound 15-day voyage that embarks in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico , and transits the Panama Canal, disembarking in Galveston, Texas .

On the first evening of every sailing, guests can gather around the three-deck-tall Christmas tree for the tree lighting ceremony, a holiday singalong and the introduction of Santa Claus. Other festivities include the fun-filled Mickey and Minnie's Holiday Party, themed Very Merrytime activities for children of all ages, carolers singing songs, and Christmas-inspired food and beverages. Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be sporting jolly new holiday attire during the special voyages.

Read: The Top Themed Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Celebrate the holidays with a once-in-a-lifetime getaway to the sun-drenched islands of Tahiti . You'll set sail a few days before Christmas aboard the four-masted sailing yacht Wind Spirit. Windstar's 10-day Overwater Bungalow & Tahitian Paradise Cruise Tour also includes a three-night stay in overwater bungalows on the island of Moorea. Resort perks include a half-day private car tour and a romantic beach dinner where you can watch a spectacular French Polynesian sunset over the South Pacific Ocean.

Guests can join in on the holiday spirit around the ship with festive Christmas trees and decorations and holiday-inspired cocktails and treats. Special programming for the voyage includes a Christmas movie, a gala tea, an interdenominational Christmas service and a Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas morning brings more celebrations throughout the day, with holiday meals, a Yuletide afternoon tea and a Christmas dinner followed by a variety show in the evening.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Grab the swimsuit, flip-flops and sunglasses for a tropical holiday on Norwegian Cruise Line 's newest ship, Norwegian Viva. The line's nine-day Caribbean voyage departs round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico , several days after Christmas. There are eight ports of call, including stops in the beautiful islands of Curaçao , Bonaire , St. Lucia and Aruba . For a special celebration, splurge on luxurious suite accommodations in The Haven. The ship-within-a-ship retreat features a private restaurant, a lounge, a sundeck, a concierge desk and 24-hour butler service.

Holiday-themed activities on Norwegian's ships vary by itinerary and ship. Still, guests will find plenty of festive fun on board, including traditional holiday fare and holiday-inspired musical sets, trivia, and family and youth programming. Guests are invited to offer interdenominational services for fellow passengers during the sailing. You'll also find Hanukkah services listed in the Freestyle Daily Program. Plan to sleep in on New Year's Day and spend a blissful day relaxing at sea after a late night celebrating New Year's Eve on board the ship.

American Queen Voyages

The holiday-themed, eight-day Roundtrip New Orleans voyage on American Queen begins with an overnight in the city and disembarks just in time to spend Christmas Eve in the Big Easy . The ship – a 417-passenger paddlewheeler that is the largest steamboat ever built – will call on four ports during the sailing on the Lower Mississippi River. In Natchez, Mississippi, guests will find holiday markets exclusively created for the voyage, where you can shop for gifts and sweet treats. You'll also be greeted with bonfires along the riverbanks at the historic Nottoway Resort in White Parish, Louisiana. Join in the real spirit of Christmas with donations to Giving Trees in the port towns that help local charities.

There are plenty of cheery activities on board the ship with Christmas shows, singalongs, caroling and cooking demonstrations. Guests can also put their creative talents to work decorating gingerbread houses, ornaments and cards while sampling holiday-themed cocktails or sipping hot chocolate. Specially prepared dishes will celebrate the traditions of Hanukkah, including traditional foods like homemade latkes (fried potato pancakes).

Read: The Top Mississippi River Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea

For a life-changing experience and the merriest Christmas of all, spend the holiday with several species of waddling penguins, giant seals and majestic whales while visiting the ice-covered shores of The White Continent. The 10-day Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams expedition on Silversea 's Silver Endeavour sets sail from Chile a week before Christmas in 2023 for the Antarctica Peninsula. Five days of excursions allow travelers to explore this surreal and magical part of the world. Weather permitting, guests will even take a Zodiac cruise with the expedition team in the South Shetland Islands on Christmas Day.

Festive touches on board the ship include Christmas trees and lights, gingerbread houses, holiday arts and crafts, caroling, religious services, and musical performances by the crew and professional entertainers. Guests will also enjoy a traditional holiday dinner on Christmas Day.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, and river ships in Europe and on the Mekong River. She used her extensive knowledge and experience with the cruise industry to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
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• The Top Christmas Lights Displays in the U.S.
• The Best Christmas Vacations

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Carnival Cruises Holiday Events Schedule 2023

by Prof. Cruise · Published November 8, 2023 · Updated November 24, 2023

A few days ago I posted the schedule for when each Carnival ship will be decorated for Christmas . Continuing our countdown to holiday cruise season, here are the special onboard activities that will be happening on all Carnival ships through the month of December. Specific days, times, and locations (unless already noted on the schedule below) will be available on your daily Fun Times or via the HUB app once you board.

Carnival Cruises Onboard Holiday Activities Schedule for December 2023

Spirit of the Season Atrium Moments

Christmas Tree Lighting

Christmas Caroling and Santa Visit

The Ugly Sweater Competition

The Christmas and Holiday Show

The Grinch Appearances

Christmas and Holiday Dive-in Movies

Christmas and Holiday Trivia

Christmas and Holiday Bingo

Christmas and Holiday Arts and Crafts

Hanukkah Service with the Menorah Lighting (nights of Dec. 7th – 14th)

Christmas Service (night of Dec. 24th or 25th)

Christmas and Holiday Snow Friends Scavenger Hunt: Hidden images of snowmen around the ship

Family Pajama Jam

Lido event before our Dive-in Movie for families to enjoy (games, treats, crafts, and a pajama parade. Families are encouraged to come in their pajamas).

Carol-oke: Karaoke with popular Christmas and Holiday songs

When Each Carnival Ship Will Be Decorated For Christmas 2023

And with that…

Class Dismissed!

If you’re on a warm weather cruise, you might consider one of these * in lieu of a sweater:

Homework (10 points): Which of these activities are you most looking forward to? Share to the comments!

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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CHRISTMAS CRUISES

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Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year on a Christmas cruise.

Spend an unforgettable vacation on one of our Christmas cruises, where you’ll enjoy the spirit of the season while sailing to some of the most spectacular destinations around the world.

Feast on traditional meals designed by a 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.

Christmas Fun for Everyone

On one of our Christmas cruises, you can rest easy knowing that every member of the family will enjoy the vacation of a lifetime. Adults can schedule an indulgent afternoon at The Spa, while the kids are entertained at Camp at Sea. Teens can mingle with other teens at the Teens Club, while grandparents will love the nightly family dinners that take place in the main dining room. On Christmas Eve, watch a festive holiday show together in the theater, enjoy live holiday music, or head up to the rooftop for a Christmas-themed family movie night under the stars.

Christmas Cruise Itineraries

Escape the winter chill and plan a holiday vacation to some of the sunniest destinations around the world. Build a sandman on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean. Get into the holiday spirit while sailing around Australia and New Zealand. Or spend Christmas Eve during a once-in-a-lifetime cruise around the Galapagos Islands.

Itineraries

Tips for planning the perfect christmas cruise.

Go the extra mile and book a stay at The Retreat ® , our luxury vacation experience, where you and your family will have access to a private restaurant and lounge, a team of dedicated butlers and concierges to assist you in whatever you may need, and an array of stunning suites to choose from. 

You can also purchase unlimited premium beverage and specialty dining packages, bon voyage gifts, perks packages, an unlimited class pass to the fitness center, and more special treats on our website.

View All Christmas Cruises

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TIS THE SEASON FOR ADVENTURE

Holiday cruises.

Fill the December holidays with tropical, action-packed days and unforgettable memories. Start a new tradition with the biggest holiday cruise celebration at sea.

This year, spend the holidays in a warm winter wonderland with your favorite holiday traditions — plus some epic new ones — onboard the world’s boldest ships. Bring everyone together for Thanksgiving memory-making that the whole family will be grateful for. Sailings in December keep magical Christmas celebrations dancing through your head. And it all culminates in the hottest New Year’s Eve party at sea. So get onboard and deck the holidays with us.

EXPLORE AVAILABLE HOLIDAY CRUISES

Enjoy the ultimate holiday celebration with loved ones this festive season.

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MAXED OUT IN NEW TRADITIONS

A holiday at sea is filled with epic new traditions in the making. Onboard, have a blast hanging ten on the FlowRider®* or gasping in awe at a high-diving AquaTheater spectacular. And on shore, you’ll be glad you ditched the cold for extra bold experiences from ATV jungle treks to underwater snorkel discoveries and more.

tropical holiday fun

You don’t need snow for plenty of whoa this December. Choose an island-hopping getaway for winter fun under the sun. All of the best holiday cruises for families spend one glorious day at CocoCay.

DASH THROUGH THE WHOA

It’s the most thrilling time of the year — with exclusive adrenaline-pumping experiences you won’t find on any other cruise line. Try skydiving right on deck, take on The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides and more!

REVELRY AND RIVALRY

Holiday time is family time. 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℠.

PUTTING THE SEA in seasonal favorites

Holidays onboard are decked out with everything you love most about the season. Gather 'round for a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner — without lifting a finger. Wander through a winter wonderland as the Royal Promenade comes alive with Christmas cheer. Ring in the New Year with a massive balloon drop plus sensational beats. And that’s just a taste of the celebrations in store. 

HOME STYLE HOLIDAYS

Pack your appetite — all your favorite flavors of the holiday season are onboard. Savor mouthwatering Thanksgiving staples like oven-roasted turkey and old-fashioned pecan pie. And  Christmas dinner classics, like honey baked ham and homemade sides.

LIGHTING UP THE SEA

Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hannukah, you’ll find your most treasured holiday traditions at sea — with festive tree and menorah lighting ceremonies on every sailing in December.

NEW WAYs TO NEW YEAR

Ring in the new year with an enchanting countdown to the massive balloon drop. Plus, score an invitation to the hottest New Year’s Eve party at sea, where jam-worthy live music starts the year on just the right note.

STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY BLISS

Need a no-pressure family getaway? A romantic beach adventure for two? Whatever style you're looking to celebrate in, you'll cruise through this year's holiday season stress-free.

FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE

Make sure you stop at  Perfect Day at CocoCay  for an action-packed adventure that everyone will love. Kiddies can splash to their heart's content at Splashaway Bay or head to the swashbuckling Captain Jill's Cannon for the ultimate pirate experience. See who's brave enough to conquer all 13 waterslides at  Thrill Waterpark , or relax along the  Oasis Lagoon . Get the whole family together on a hot air balloon ride and make holiday memories to last a lifetime.

BABY, IT'S NOT COLD OUTSIDE!

All you want for Christmas is a tropical vacation? Get away from holiday pressure and expectations with a romantic December cruise to the Caribbean! Explore local traditions together, swim in secret waterfalls and unwind on powdery Caribbean sands. Romantic beach picnics are just the beginning of your holiday escape.

SPEND THE HOLIDAYS ON THE BOLDEST CRUISE SHIPS AT SEA

Incredible is on the itinerary when you set sail on one of our Oasis Class cruise ships. Get your adrenaline fix with two onboard water slides, a wave park and the only boomerang slide at sea. Dash through the seas and launch into the holiday spirit with themed parties and daily shows. 'Tis the season to indulge! Enjoy one of our specialty restaurants where you'll find traditional favorites and new holiday-themed dishes and delights.

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GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

The ship's crew is there to make sure you have the best holiday cruise. At the start of your voyage, take part in the time-honored tradition of lighting the massive ship's tree. Join Santa's hardest working elves for the ultimate Christmas celebration and a surprise Christmas giveaway. Get up on deck for a festive walk in support of World Wildlife Fund's Arctic programs, presented by Coca-Cola. Decorate your own gingerbread cookies and unleash your creativity with DIY ornament classes.

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Christmas Cruises 2023

Getaway with Carnival in 2023!

Thinking about a holiday in 2023?

Christmas should always be a relaxing time, and with a Christmas cruise in 2023 you can take that relaxation to the next level.

Spend the Christmas holidays snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific, or exploring the magnificent natural wonders of Airlie Beach.

And enjoy the Christmas-themed fun of one of our award-winning cruise deals.

CHOOSE YOUR HOLIDAY SPOT

Set sail from Brisbane or Sydney and leave the usual Christmas stress behind.

Instead, have a Christmas party you and your family will cherish forever.

Travel to some of the most picturesque destinations in the world, and make the most of more than 45 activities onboard the Carnival Luminosa or Carnival Luminosa.

A Christmas cruise in 2023 will be a Christmas you will never forget.

Jump online today at Carnival to plan and book your Christmas cruise 2023 to remember.

Commonly Asked Questions

Are christmas cruises in 2023 worth it.

Yep. And anyone who thinks otherwise is a scrooge! When you book one of our Christmas cruises in 2023, we take care of Christmas for you. And who wouldn’t want that? Christmas in a cruise ship means chilling out on a beach, relaxing on a sundeck, or exploring the South Pacific.

Christmas cruises in 2023 don’t mean stressing, spending hours cooking, or running around with family dramas. Spend the festive season with your loved ones on a cruise ship and enjoy.

Are Christmas cruises being cancelled?

Keep an eye on this page to find out the latest about our Christmas cruises for 2023. We’re planning a lot of fun for your family holiday and some pretty amazing shore excursions to places such as:

• Airlie Beach
• Isle of Pines

Are Christmas cruises crowded?

Summer is always the most popular time on cruise ships, but our Christmas cruises from Brisbane and Christmas cruises from Sydney tend to be a little quieter than others in the warmer months. But that doesn’t mean they’re not a lot of fun. As well as the heap of Christmas themed fun, there’s still all our activities onboard to enjoy including:

• Amazing food
• Waterslides
• Playlist Productions

When should I book a Christmas cruise in 2023?

You can book Christmas cruises for 2023 at any time. Our great cruise deals are ready and waiting for you.

Do cruise ships decorate for Christmas?

We don’t just decorate. Christmas cruises in 2023 will go full-out Christmas theme with fun such as:

• Santa visits
• Backyard cricket
• Festive show
• Christmas food
• Christmas tree lighting

What is a Christmas cruise like?

Just like Christmas itself, a Christmas cruise in 2023 will be full of joy and a lot of merriment. You and your family will create memories that will last forever.

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The Best Holiday Cruises Are With Princess!

Holiday celebrations at sea.

A variety of holiday activities on board offer fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to pack your festive outfits and take part in the holiday cheer! Enjoy games & activities including:

• Stanley breakfast event – wear your family pajamas
• Holiday Wishes Variety Show
• Menorah Lighting
• Ugly Holiday Sweater Competition 
• Lighting of the Lights Ceremony
• Family Gingerbread House Making Competition, judged by the Executive Chef, Pastry Chef, Captain and Entertainment Director*
• Holiday Family Movie Nights, featuring favorites like “Elf,” “A Christmas Story” and “The Grinch” 
• Holiday Caroling in the Piazza
• Santa’s Arrival and Gift Giving
• ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas reading, where kids are encouraged to wear their PJs and enjoy hot chocolate
• Interdenominational Church Services, led by guest volunteers or onboard teammates

*Subject to availability

Christmas Cruises

Take a Christmas cruise with Princess

• White Christmas
• Baby It's Cold Outside...
• The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Regardless of where you're sailing, it actually snows in the Atrium of your decked‐out Princess ship. And of course, Santa visits each of our ships for gift giving — we offer cookies for him, and carrots for his reindeer. Experience the Christmas tree lighting and mingle with Kris Kringle as Yuletide Carolers sing joyful classics onboard your ship. And our very own Stanley the bear joins in on the fun for holiday storytime and breakfast event. Don't forget to pack and wear your family holiday matching pajamas!

But it’s warm and toasty onboard a Princess ship! Enjoy Christmas on a cruise ship as you sip eggnog, compete in a magical gingerbread house‐making contest, snowman building competition or design a special keepsake ornament. Revel in the Ugly Sweater party (don't forget to pack it!), Holiday Family Fun Fair, and countless joyful activities await you on your holiday cruise.

The most wonderful time of the year should be wonderful for everyone. That’s why Princess, voted the best cruise line for multigenerational families (Portholes) offers the best Christmas cruises for families and guests of all ages. Kids can go play in our youth and teen centers, where they’ll enjoy fun holiday parties (and you’ll enjoy evening kid-sitting for a nominal fee so parents can celebrate a festive night out too!). Then the whole family can reunite for a stress-free Christmas dinner, feasting on a delicious banquet while cherishing each other’s company.

Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and New Year's Cruises

• The Best Thanksgiving Cruises
• Thanksgiving Dinner
• Thanksgiving under the Stars
• Hanukkah Cruises
• Hanukkah Traditions
• New Year's Cruises

Enjoy lovely autumn décor, take part in a Turkey Calling Contest, and add a special message to our annual Tree of Thanks in the ship's Atrium.

Leave the cooking to Princess, and join us for an elaborate traditional holiday feast in the dining room, complete with all the trimmings.

What would Thanksgiving be without football? Watch the games on our Movies Under the Stars® outdoor big screen.

The Festival of Lights burns brightly with a menorah‐lighting ceremony, themed crafts, festive décor and special events, like a reading of Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah on the first night of Hanukkah.

Enjoy traditional Hanukkah delicacies specially prepared by our professional chefs, such as potato latkes and gefilte fish. You can even pre-order kosher meals!

Take a New Year's cruise. Count down and count your blessings on the biggest night of the year with a special New Year’s Eve dinner followed by a midnight celebratory Champagne toast.

The Best Holiday Cruises — All Year Round

• Chinese New Year
• Valentine's Day
• Easter & Passover
• Mother's Day
• Father's Day

Mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year, with time–honored traditions for an immersive experience. Our Chinese New Year celebrations include symbolic red decorations that adorn the Piazza, mythological Lion Dancers thrill spectators, and much more.

Love, life’s sweetest reward, is celebrated with hearts and flowers and special touches throughout the ship. Onboard, you can make a card for your sweetheart, send a singing telegram, renew your vows, watch themed Movies Under the Stars, and so much more.

Celebrations of hope and springtime abound during this holy period. Onboard, you can participate in a Seder service, sit down with family for a traditional Easter dinner, and enjoy special visits from the Easter Bunny, and a candy egg hunt.

What’s the #1 travel gift moms want? A Mother's day cruise. 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.

Watch the big game on our giant Movies Under the Stars screen, complete with grilled burgers and craft beers on deck. Treat your special dad to a hand–cut steak cooked to order at the Crown Grill. Celebrate the day with a whiskey tasting at the Wheelhouse Bar. It will be a Father’s Day he never forgets!

Halloween on a Princess cruise ship promises more treats than tricks. Delight in spooky décor while carving pumpkins in the Princess Piazza. Ghostly grown-ups can attend our Halloween Fright Night Party, while little pumpkins can enjoy a costume parade, scavenger hunt, and, of course, lots of candy!

Gifting for someone special?   It's easier than ever! Buy gifts online for anyone sailing with Princess.

Already booked with Princess?   Login to Cruise Personalizer to buy a gift for yourself or others on your booking .

To speak to a member of our Celebrations support team,  call 1-855-500-7690

#PrincessCruises Celebration Moments

View photos from our guests that capture their onboard celebrations.

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A Christmas Cruise Holiday YOUR FAMILY WILL NEVER FORGET

A Christmas Cruise Holiday for the Whole Family

When it comes to family holidays, it's all about options, and with Norwegian, you have plenty. Stretch out in accommodations that fit all families, including spacious suites and interconnecting staterooms. Enjoy delicious dining choices even finicky eaters can't refuse, delight in a wide variety of family-friendly activities throughout the ship and take advantage of complimentary youth programmes that accommodate all children, from tots to teens.

• Expeditions
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Christmas Markets

Celebrate an Old World Christmas on one of Europe’s great rivers. Glittering cities across France, Germany, Austria and beyond light up with Christmas markets offering hand-carved toys and ornaments. While you shop, sample hot chocolate, spicy glühwein and aromatic gingerbread.

Christmas on the Seine

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Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle

Christmas on the Main & Moselle

Christmas on the Rhine

Christmas on the Danube

Danube Christmas Delights

Christmas Along the Elbe

Highlights of christmas markets.

Enjoy visits to Europe’s delightful Christmas markets, onboard festivities and more—all designed to complement your itinerary’s regular highlights. Join us in exploring the lands where our most cherished holiday traditions began and treat yourself to a true European Christmas. Here is a preview of all you will enjoy during a Christmas Market cruise with Viking

• Exuberantly decorated Christmas markets nestled in charming cities
• Yuletide cookies, cakes and other freshly baked treats
• Cobblestone streets illuminated by holiday lights
• The angelic songs of strolling carolers
• Storybook villages and snow-capped castles on the riverside
• Hand-carved toys and ornaments from Christmases past
• Onboard music performances, tree trimming and cooking demonstrations
• Good tidings and cheer shared with rosy-cheeked market vendors

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