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You’ll find festive entertainment with all your favorite characters plus yuletide activities to keep the whole family entertained. All cruise prices were accurate when this article was written, but may change due to special promotions, personalized offers, changes in demand or if certain cabin categories sell out. Government taxes, port fees, gratuities and other expenses are not included.
Azamara Cruises
A river cruise through Europe is the most convenient way to visit many of the continent's famous Christmas markets. 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.
Ponant Cruises
Don't forget to try the traditional Czech beverage grog and honey liquor. Every night the Christmas tree lights are switched on and provide a stunning sight. Dressed in traditional costumes carol singers all around from Czech Republic complete the enchanting market. Viking Cruises, a Switzerland-based luxury cruise line, is known for the distinct modern touches it brings to sailings. The brand is known for its river cruises, which offer meticulous service and attention to detail on a fleet of small ships (typically 200 guests or fewer) — and these intimate voyages are extra blissful during the holidays.
CHRISTMAS FUN… AND SO MUCH MORE
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. Christmas market stops include Nuremberg, where travelers can taste bratwurst and dark beers. The itinerary also offers time to explore medieval towns like Miltenberg, in Germany, and enjoy wines in Austria. The cost of a Christmas cruise varies based on the cruise line, sailing date, itinerary and how far in advance you book it. Several Christmas cruises are very affordable and could cost less than $50 per person per night before tacking on taxes, fees and gratuities.
Another option is the Skate rink at Somerset House Ice Rink, with DJs spinning tunes after dark. As if never-ending shrimp and beautiful coastlines weren’t enticing enough, cruise lines go all out each winter for holiday celebrations. These special sailings bring cheer to the high seas with seasonal activities, festive decor, and even more delicious treats than usual. You already know that Carnival cruises feature legendary fun for all, so coming together to enjoy a holiday at sea is a great way to make the occasion even more special. As each year draws to a close, Princess guests look forward to enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season, those age-old traditions of Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's... As they visit exotic locales, soak up the sun and participate in the many other activities a cruise has to offer.
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. Most of the specialty dining restaurants on major cruise lines have set menus that do not change for the holidays. Christmas cruises can level up your holiday celebrations — and are an ideal opportunity to escape the conventional holiday celebrations in place of an adventure.
8 Things to Know for Singles Cruising During the Holidays - Cruise Critic
8 Things to Know for Singles Cruising During the Holidays.
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Consider your own decorations
Choose a Rhine voyage to see the canals of Amsterdam lit up for the holidays or a Danube trip featuring a shore excursion to a festive outdoor ice-skating rink in the heart of Vienna. No matter which itinerary you select, all meals are included, and you can partake in onboard activities such as gingerbread cookie decorating and a mulled wine tasting. Disney Cruise Line takes magic to an entirely new level during its holiday sailings.
Grand Europe Christmas Markets (Crystal Cruises)
Southbank Centre Christmas Market offers 80 wooden cabins that sell gifts, bratwurst and gluhwein to enjoy while strolling along the waterfront. Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland is probably the best-known Christmas market in London with more than 200 chalets featuring handmade decorations and gifts. Food and drink selections at Winter Wonderland are the most extensive, with options that include a Bavarian village, outdoor fire pit, even a bar modeled after alpine ski lodge.
Consider a holiday bonus for the crew
‘Freak’ turbulence lands 11 airplane passengers in hospital as they returned from a Christmas cruise - CNN
‘Freak’ turbulence lands 11 airplane passengers in hospital as they returned from a Christmas cruise.
Posted: Tue, 26 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Tivoli Gardens Christmas market in Copenhagen features over 120,000 sparkling lights which illuminate the lake and flower gardens. Kids love this special Christmas market, set up in the amusement park. Enjoy the traditional wooden stalls full of gifts, Danish foods and crafts, theme park rides, firework festival, a roller-coaster, an ice rink, Santa Claus, Danish Christmas pixies... Unlike most European cities, the atmosphere here is more authentically "Christmassy" and less commercial (maybe sub-zero temperatures are one of the reasons). The Russian theme is still going strong, although Nordic touches also have returned. The St. Basil's Cathedral replica remains, and the traditional Father Christmas is residing in 19th-century pantomime theatre.
The hardworking staff will appreciate your extra generosity during the holiday season. And in the spirit of Grinchmas — the only one at sea — you’re in for lots of extra fun! Taking a page from Dr. Seuss’ classic book, The Grinch himself will join you at sea during this most merry time.
The ease with which Princess enables guests to enjoy these special days has made the holidays one of the most popular times to take a seagoing vacation, as Princess ships make the season particularly festive. Germany has long Christmas markets tradition for centuries like the ones in Frankfurt, Dresden, Munich and Bautzen. However, Vienna is a forerunner with the traditional yearly "December market", dating back to 1294. Today Vienna features about 20 Christmas markets yearly and Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall is the most famous. Besides the wooden cabins, traditional for Christmas, it features Christmas stories, special post office, and International Advent Caroling. More than 150 stalls sell Christmas decorations, gifts, hot chestnuts and gluhwein (mulled wine).
A signature experience is Madeira's/Port Funchal's fireworks show on New Year's Eve. 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. If you want to score the best prices on a holiday cruise, book far in advance.
