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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. Similarly, guests could bring along a sealed container of their favorite holiday treat to be sure they get that familiar taste of the season no matter which ports of call they visit. While not all of these activities are offered on every cruise or with every cruise line, any sailing near Christmas is sure to have special activities in store for its passengers to celebrate.
Bringing Your Own Holiday Celebrations Onboard
Menus are infused with holiday favorites and seasonal drinks with hot chocolate, eggnog, cranberry, or pumpkin may appear as specials during Christmas sailings. Furthermore, while you will certainly notice the holiday spirit onboard, it does not generally come across as too overwhelming. While seasonal touches will be found everywhere, the “regular” parts of a cruise don’t disappear, and cruise lines take great care not to intrude on any individual’s seasonal choices. No matter what holiday you may celebrate – or none at all – these fabulous facets of a cruise vacation are always available.
HOLIDAY BLISS
Royal Caribbean deals on inside cabins start at around $60 per person per night (before taxes and port fees). We often get questions from readers who are curious what it is like on a Royal Caribbean cruise over a holiday such as Christmas. Many are concerned what Royal Caribbean does to celebrate, and what activities or events will be held.
Christmas cruises 2024, 2025 New Year's Eve
Hanukkah and Christmas Cruises: A Guide to Onboard Festivities (Photo: alex_gor/Shutterstock) - Cruise Critic
Hanukkah and Christmas Cruises: A Guide to Onboard Festivities (Photo: alex_gor/Shutterstock).
Posted: Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Therefore, Royal Caribbean cannot and does not add more people to its ships than they would allow on any other sailing during the year. Keep in mind the exact offering of activities will vary from sailing to sailing and these events are usually only offered on Christmas Day sailings. Shore excursions see the family swim and snorkel on idyllic islands or engage in cultural experiences; winery visits and art deco tours are among the choices in New Zealand. Days can be filled with adrenalin-fuelled pursuits or spent relaxing with a book and the warm ocean breezes, while nights are for sharing a meal with the clan or finding that perfect table-for-two.
Not sure where to start?
While it can be downright frigid where you live, the Caribbean remains mostly temperate during December. The tropics generally do not experience large temperature swings, although an occasional cold front can sometimes penetrate far south. Guests age 18 and up who are not fully vaccinated will need to present a negative result for a PCR test taken within 3 days or an antigen test taken within 2 days prior to sailing. This article is an effort to share what you need to know about going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the month of December, with important news, tips, and helpful information along the way.
It usually takes a lot of digging and a little math to unearth real Royal Caribbean deals. But once you know what to look for -- and where and when to look -- spotting deals becomes easier. The Christmas spirit even extends to its private islands, such as Labadee. Around the ship, you will find different parties to cater to different types of celebrations. The Royal Promenade had that Times Square ball drop feel, while various bars and lounges offer their own take on the new year festivities.
Best Christmas cruises for 2025
Santa will visit with gifts for the kids, and a traditional Christmas dinner -- featuring turkey and pecan pie -- will be served. As you pull into ports of call or private island destinations you’ll be greeted with local festive flair and decorations. Some cruise destinations may be in the midst of their own celebrations with parades, holiday bazaars, and other seasonal fun. Seasonal activities aren’t the only holiday fun you’ll find on a Christmas cruise. It all starts with the boldest cruise ships at sea — and ours have won awards for everything from world class dining and spectacular entertainment, to record-setting onboard thrills and groundbreaking innovation.
AND AWARD-WINNING SHIPS
From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Earn your wilderness badge as you cruise between the Alaska glaciers, pan for gold in prospecting towns, and trek across the rugged tundra on an Alaska vacation. And savor a burst of flavors throughout culture-rich ports in the Mediterranean, the British Isles, Scandinavia and beyond on an unforgettable cruise through Europe. No matter where in the world you choose to wander, cruises can take you deep into top-rated cruise ports and off-the-beaten-path gems, so you can experience each one like a local. Get on island time and unwind on some of the best beaches in the world, venture deep into the rainforests, and snorkel the most vibrant reefs on a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise getaway with the whole family.
Consider your own decorations
From its Brisbane base, Voyager of the Seas can easily escape to the tropics on four and six-night cruises visiting the Whitsundays and Yorkey’s Knob. Selected sailings add a visit to tiny Willis Island for a scenic circumnavigation. Holly Herrera snapped this photo of the Christmas dinner menu on Oasis of the Seas. Like other holidays, the main dining room menu on holidays tends to be the same across the fleet. Have you ever thought about going on a Royal Caribbean cruise for Christmas?
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. 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. Each ship is tastefully decorated with several real Christmas trees, holiday ornaments and poinsettia plants.
Gift bags and pre-cut wrapping paper are great ways to be able to wrap gifts onboard. New for Sydneysiders will be 1950s-style diner, Johnny Rockets, serving hot dogs, burgers and tuna melts, and when it comes to a drink, guests will be amazed as robots at the Bionic Bar prepare the beverages. With the touch of a button, patrons order their favourite tipple and watch as two robotic arms select the ingredients and shake up the cocktail. A packed program of activities includes sky diving at RipCord by iFly, soaring high in the North Star, careening around in bumper cars or roller skates and hanging ten at the FlowRider.
In addition, Royal Caribbean usually reserves certain areas of the ship for purchase to guarantee a spot in the middle of the action. These are usually chairs and tables you can book that provide a reserved spot near the main party. 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. Just be sure the packages are not yet wrapped before boarding, so they can easily pass through security.
Many people choose to celebrate the holidays on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and we have a look at some of the Christmas decorations onboard Anthem of the Seas. Royal Caribbean decorates its ships quite nicely for the holidays, and each ship has a different look and feel for this special time of the year. While most of us are unable to be on a Royal Caribbean cruise this year, I wanted to share a look at some of the Christmas fun aboard the only cruise ship in the fleet sailing right now. 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. 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.
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