The short answer: a festive cruise works best for people who want the celebration without the organising — families who want everyone in one place, couples who would rather wake up somewhere warm, and anyone who is done with cooking for twelve. The catch is demand: the last two weeks of December are the busiest of the year on almost every route.
What the holidays look like on board
Large ships take the holidays seriously. The details differ per cruise line, but on most big ships you can expect:
- Decorations from early December — Christmas trees in the atrium, lights on deck, sometimes a gingerbread display.
- A festive dinner on 24 or 25 December — a special menu in the main restaurant, often with a dress-up evening.
- Santa for the children — with the kids' club running holiday activities all week.
- A big New Year's Eve — a gala dinner, live music, a countdown on the pool deck and, on many routes, fireworks you can watch from the ship.
- Services for those who want them — many ships hold a Christmas service or carol singing.
What you do not get: your own family traditions exactly as at home. If a particular dish or ritual matters, ask in advance what the ship offers — or bring the small things with you.
Where to go: sun or snow
In late December most of Europe's cruise ships are either in warm waters or on winter routes in the north. Your choice depends on the kind of holiday you want:
| Region | Weather | Holiday feel | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | Warm and sunny, around 26–30 °C | Christmas on a beach, a lively New Year's Eve on deck | A long flight from Europe; the most popular festive region |
| Canary Islands | Mild, around 20–23 °C | Spring weather and Spanish festivities in port | Short flight; New Year in Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Funchal is a classic |
| Arabian Gulf | Pleasantly warm, around 24–27 °C | City sparkle in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, desert trips | Check whether your ship is in port or at sea on 31 December |
| Brazil | Summer, around 25–32 °C | Réveillon: white clothes, music and fireworks over Rio | Peak local holiday season; ships sell out early |
| Mediterranean | Cool to mild, around 12–17 °C | Christmas markets and lights in the cities, quieter ships | Not beach weather, but close to home |
| Norway and the Northern Lights | Cold, snow, very short days | A real white Christmas, the polar night, a chance of aurora | Warm layers essential; the lights are never guaranteed |
Indicative daytime temperatures for late December.
Christmas, New Year or both
Cruise lines usually split the holidays into separate sailings:
- A Christmas sailing — leaves around 19–23 December and returns just after Christmas.
- A New Year sailing — leaves around 26–30 December and returns in the first days of January.
- A festive cruise — a longer trip, often 12–14 nights, that covers both.
If you can only choose one, New Year sailings tend to be the livelier of the two; Christmas sailings feel more family-oriented. And if the dates are flexible, the first weeks of December and mid-January are much calmer on board — with the same warm weather.
Practical tips for the festive weeks
- Fly in a day early. Airports are at their busiest, and the ship will not wait for a delayed flight.
- Pack one dressy outfit. The festive dinner and New Year's gala are usually the most dressed-up evenings of the cruise.
- Reserve what you can before sailing. Speciality restaurants on 24, 25 and 31 December fill up fast.
- Expect a full ship. School holidays mean many families; the kids' club and pools are at their busiest.
- Think about the time zone. Calling home at midnight is easier from the Canaries than from the Caribbean.
- Keep presents small. Cabin space is limited — and some things are easier to buy at the first port.
Planning ahead with the club
The festive weeks are exactly the sailings where planning early makes the most difference: they are the first to fill up, and the best cabins go long before December.
In the club there are three ways to pay for a cruise, and you choose one per booking — they do not add up:
- Member price (INsider Pricing) — roughly 17% below the listed price, paid in cash.
- Points plus payment — accumulated points cover up to half of the cruise price.
- Entirely in points — possible when you have accumulated enough points and book 270 days or more before departure.
Points build up gradually, with every paid month of membership. So for trips that fill up early, it helps to plan well ahead and check which way of paying your points allow at that moment.
Common questions
Are Christmas cruises suitable for children?
Yes — this is one of the most family-friendly times to sail. Kids' clubs run holiday programmes and Santa usually visits. Book early: family cabins are the first to go.
Will the ship be very crowded?
Usually yes. The festive weeks are the busiest of the year, with many families on board. If you prefer a quieter ship, sail in early December or in January.
Can I see fireworks from the ship on New Year's Eve?
On many routes, yes — either from the ship's own celebration or from a port city nearby. It depends on where the ship is at midnight, so check the itinerary for 31 December.
Is a festive cruise a good idea if I'm travelling alone?
It can be. The holiday programme gives you plenty of company, and many ships host get-togethers for solo travellers. Look for cabins designed for one person.
When should I book a Christmas or New Year cruise?
As early as you can — ideally almost a year ahead. That gives the widest choice of cabins and, in the club, meets the 270-day condition for paying fully in points — if you have enough points by then.
Ships, dates and routes are taken from cruise line announcements and may change; onboard holiday programmes differ per ship. Temperatures are indicative. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.