By Neha Mehrotra
Christmas cruises might just be the best way to spend your holiday. These cruises are the stuff holiday dreams are made of! Why? Because there’s no cooking, cleaning, holiday stress, or hosting required. All you have to do is revel in the festive atmosphere and indulge in seasonal activities, festive decor, and delectable Christmas treats and offerings. These seafaring adventures are indeed a unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and enchanting destinations, making them the perfect choice for those seeking to create unforgettable memories during the most wonderful time of the year. So, if you’re on the lookout for a Christmas adventure that goes above and beyond, check out our handpicked selection of the best cruises for the 2023-2024 holiday season. Happy holidays and smooth sailing!
1. AmaVerde on the Danube River – Iconic Christmas Markets Cruise
Enjoy fairytale-like Christmas markets with AmaWaterways, which takes you through Austria, Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets and historic towns adorned with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. The cruise takes you through some of the most magical Christmas markets, including Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, Germany’s largest and oldest Christmas market; Regensburg’s Artisan Christmas Market at Thurn, renowned for its beauty and romance; Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square; and the Christmas markets of Vienna. The luxurious 7-night cruise boasts spacious outside staterooms and multiple wellness and entertainment activities. You can easily get into the festive spirit with award-winning dining experiences featuring regionally inspired cuisine, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, unlimited fine wine and beer, a daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour, gala dinners, and more.
Sail dates: December 18–25, 2023 (7 nights)
Starting at: $3,499 per person for double occupancy
2. Disney Fantasy – Very Merrytime Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
The Disney Crusises allow you to completely revel in seasonal magic with festive onboard decorations that include a 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias, and shimmering lights. On the first evening of the 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. Beyond the ship, you can visit the Walt Disney World Resort, the Kennedy Space Centre, Cocoa Beach, and Disney Castaway Cay, a private island paradise reserved for Disney Cruise Line guests. Additionally, you can dive into a world of entertainment with Broadway-quality musicals and refreshing dips in freshwater pools.
Sail dates: December 18–22, 2023 (4 nights)
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tarting at: $3,382 per person for double occupancy
3. Celebrity Infinity – Canaries, Morocco, Spain Holiday
Celebrate Christmas in the Canary Islands and ring in the new year on the Mediterranean Sea during Celebrity Cruises’ Canaries, Morocco, and Spain holiday itinerary. The 13-day round-trip voyage from Barcelona features eight ports of call, including the Moroccan cities of Casablanca and Tangier, as well as Seville and Valencia in Spain. On the ship, adults can schedule an indulgent afternoon at The Spa, while the kids are entertained at Camp at Sea. Guests can enjoy the spirit of the season with Christmas trees, traditional holiday meals, themed shows, carolers, gingerbread winter villages, a Christmas-themed family movie night under the stars, and a visit from Santa. The onboard bars serve holiday-inspired cocktails like candy cane and gingerbread martinis, as well as other seasonal favourites, including spiked apple cider and classic mulled wine.
Sail dates: December 18, 2023–January 2, 2024 (12 nights)
Starting at: $3,413 per person for double occupancy
4. American Queen – Roundtrip New Orleans
The holiday-themed, eight-day roundtrip New Orleans voyage on the American Queen disembarks just in time to spend Christmas Eve in New Orleans. The ship calls on four ports while sailing on the Lower Mississippi River. Special holiday markets are exclusively created in Natchez, Mississippi, 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. There are plenty of festive activities onboard, including Christmas shows, singalongs, carolling, and cooking demonstrations. Guests can also decorate gingerbread houses, ornaments, and cards while sampling holiday-themed cocktails or sipping on hot chocolates and eggnogs.
Sail dates: December 23–30, 2023 (8 nights)
Starting at: $4,359 per person for double occupancy
5. MC World Europa – MSC Christmas Cruise
This Christmas, treat yourself or your loved ones to a MSC Christmas cruise and enjoy a magical getaway that’s filled with Christmas entertainment and activities for both kids and adults. Setting sail from Barcelona, the MC World Europa gives you the chance to take in some of the European Christmas markets and spirit while enjoying the Christmas spirit. Onboard the ship, adults can showcase their culinary prowess in the MasterChef Christmas Edition, with the chance to audition for the TV show or enjoy spirited Christmas karaoke, a festive MSC Christmas Show, and ring in the New Year with the ultimate MSC New Year’s Eve Party. Santa’s Extravaganza ensures a magical experience with gifts for children up to 11, followed by a thrilling movie with Santa. Doremix Xmas offers a lively family disco game, while the MSC Kids Xmas Parade and Winter Wonderland in Doremi Village promise delightful moments with mascots, themed games, and dances.
Sail dates: December 22–29, 2023 (7 nights)
Starting at: Price available on request
