14 top Christmas cruises for 2024, 2025, and beyond

It’s the most delightful season of the year... for a cruise getaway.

Swap the twinkling lights of your living room Christmas tree for the sun-kissed sands of a holiday cruise. Ditch the mulled wine on your stove for some of the finest at a European Christmas market.

Christmas cruises can elevate your holiday festivities — providing the perfect chance to trade traditional celebrations for an adventurous experience.

On a holiday cruise, you can hand over the cooking, cleaning, and decorating to the experts and simply relish quality time with your family. Christmas and New Year’s cruises are also excellent choices for those wanting to avoid family gatherings or who may not have relatives but still wish to enjoy the holiday spirit with others and festive joy.

Winter cruises come with festive activities for all ages, special holiday feasts that embody the spirit of the season, and stops at destinations where you can soak in the holiday cheer without freezing in the cold.

It’s never too soon to start planning your holiday escape, especially since these cruises tend to sell out quickly. We’ve found several Christmas cruises still open for booking in 2024, but act fast before they disappear. Looking ahead to next year or beyond? We’ve also compiled the best Christmas and New Year’s cruises available for 2025 and 2026, along with helpful tips for holiday cruise travel.

Tips for holiday cruising

Before making your reservation, remember a few essential details about Christmas cruises.

Prices will be elevated

Prepare for cruise fares to be some of the highest of the year during the holiday weeks due to increased demand.

The best rates will be available for those who book early; you probably won't find last-minute deals. If you do, they may only be for windowless inside cabins or guarantee cabins, where the cruise line assigns your room.

Sailings will reach full capacity

Holiday sailings tend to sell out faster than other itineraries, as travelers often plan their holiday vacations months ahead. Suites and specialty cabins (family, spa, solo rooms, etc.) are the first to go.

Aim to book your holiday cruise as early as possible, since December sailings frequently fill up a year in advance.

Think about your own decorations

The crew will adorn public spaces on board, but passengers frequently go all out for the holidays, embellishing their doors and cabins.

Magnetic doors on cabins serve as blank canvases for creativity. You’ll see cabin doors on Christmas cruises wrapped in gift paper, decorated with garlands, or adorned with festive imagery.

It's wise to confirm with your cruise line before attaching anything to your door or in your cabin, as policies vary by line. If you're not feeling creative, check if your cruise line provides cabin decoration packages for pre-order before your sailing.

Specialty dining is not recommended on the actual holiday

Most of the specialty dining restaurants on major cruise lines feature fixed menus that remain unchanged for the holidays.

The primary dining options included on board are your best bet for traditional holiday meals (think: roast turkey, smoked ham, mashed potatoes, and gravy). If you’re after a more intimate holiday dining experience, it might be worth asking if any extra-fee restaurants have a Christmas or New Year’s menu available.

Be prepared for holiday hours while in port

Most cruise ships will designate Christmas as a sea day, but if you find yourself in port on December 25 (or Boxing Day, which many islands celebrate the following day), anticipate that shops, restaurants, and attractions may have altered hours or be closed.

Onboard services will continue, so if your favorite lunch spots in port are closed, you can always count on a hot meal aboard the ship.

Consider giving a holiday bonus to the crew

Cruise ship staff go above and beyond for the holidays across all lines, whether it's a thoughtful note wishing you well, a Champagne toast for New Year's, or a delightful towel animal creation.

They sacrifice their own family celebrations to ensure your holiday is memorable. While gratuities are usually included in your fare or automatically added to your final bill, think about offering extra tips on a Christmas cruise. The dedicated staff will greatly appreciate your generosity during the festive season.

Top Christmas cruises for 2024

If you're set on celebrating the holidays at sea this year, here are a few options to consider, but you'll need to move quickly. While these itineraries were available when this was written, prices may fluctuate and ships could fill up at any moment.

5-night Caribbean cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line

Sailing dates: Dec. 19-24, 2024

Vessel: Norwegian Pearl

Experience a tropical getaway and return in time to unwrap presents on Christmas morning with Norwegian's five-night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel itinerary.

Departing round-trip from Miami, this journey includes stops in Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; and Great Stirrup Cay, the Bahamas, which is the cruise line's private island. Discover Key West attractions such as the Key West Shipwreck Museum or The Hemingway Home & Museum. In Cozumel and Great Stirrup Cay, dive into the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling adventures.

Throughout the cruise, guests will savor special holiday-themed menus and even receive a visit from Santa.

Fares start at $584 per person (based on double occupancy) for an inside cabin, covering all taxes, fees, and port charges.

7-night Mediterranean cruise with MSC Cruises

Sailing dates: Dec. 17-24, 2024

Vessel: MSC Lirica

If a Mediterranean cruise is on your bucket list, you can fulfill that dream before the year wraps up with this seven-night itinerary from MSC Cruises, departing round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) in Italy.

Ports of call include Florence, Italy, where travelers can savor Tuscan dishes, stroll through historic towns, and visit art museums featuring masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli. Stops in Palma de Mallorca and Valencia, Spain, offer chances to explore the Drach Caves and enjoy the sun at the picturesque Playa de Las Arenas.

Onboard holiday festivities feature gift exchanges for children aged 11 and under, a festive Christmas parade, a movie with Santa, and the Doremix Xmas, a lively holiday-themed disco game for the entire family. Guests can also explore Winter Wonderland, filled with games, line dancing, and other festive activities.

Prices begin at $581 per person (based on double occupancy) for an inside cabin, covering all taxes and fees. Currently, the cruise line is running a "kids cruise free" promotion, allowing children aged 18 and under who share a cabin with a parent to sail at no cost.

4-night Very Merrytime Bahamas cruise with Disney Cruise Line

Sailing dates: Dec. 22-26, 2024

Ship: Disney Fantasy

Experience Disney Cruise Line's latest exclusive destination aboard the Disney Fantasy this Christmas. This four-night Very Merrytime cruise departs from Port Canaveral, Florida (close to Orlando) and visits Disney's Castaway Cay, followed by a day at the brand-new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas. This vibrant new island destination showcases local artistry and Bahamian music throughout its colorful beach resort.

This voyage is part of Disney Cruise Line's Very Merrytime Cruises, promising an array of holiday-themed surprises and magical moments. Disney's December voyages feature enchanting snow flurries in the ship's atrium, spontaneous meet-and-greets with Disney characters in festive attire, and a Christmas wonderland on the beaches of Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Prices start at $4,897 for two adults sharing an inside cabin, including all applicable taxes and fees.

16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday cruise with Holland America

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

Ship: Zaandam

The 16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday aboard Holland America's Zaandam is an excellent choice for escaping the winter chill this December. This extended journey allows you to celebrate both Christmas and New Year's Eve in paradise.

The cruise departs round-trip from San Diego, making stops in Honolulu; Kahului, Maui; and Hilo and Kona, Hawaii. You'll enjoy five days navigating the Pacific Ocean en route to Hawaii and another five days at sea, with a final stop in Ensenada, Mexico, before heading back to San Diego. Don't miss the scenic cruising past the Kilauea volcano along the way.

Pack your finest holiday attire, as Zaandam will host a formal Christmas Eve ball featuring dinner, dancing, and a midnight Mass. Additional festive activities include a holiday-themed high tea, choir performances, and opportunities to meet Santa.

Rates for inside cabins start at $1,999 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes all taxes and fees.

Best Christmas cruises for 2025

If you're searching for the perfect holiday escape, check out these Christmas cruises for next year's festive season. (Note: These sailings were available at the time of writing, but prices may fluctuate and ships could sell out at any moment.)

13-night New Zealand holiday cruise on Celebrity Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 23, 2025-Jan. 5, 2026

Ship: Celebrity Edge

Experience an enchanting holiday itinerary with Celebrity Cruises as you journey Down Under for a two-week festive adventure, sailing round-trip from Sydney.

You’ll enjoy cruising in the summer season, with an itinerary that showcases the breathtaking Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound, along with port stops in Dunedin, Napier, Auckland, Tauranga, and the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

While the cruise doesn't visit any Australian ports, departing from Sydney allows you to easily plan a land-based stay before or after your voyage.

Embrace the holiday spirit by joining crew and fellow passengers for caroling around the ship. Enjoy festive activities like cookie decorating, visits with Santa, and Christmas-themed games. On New Year's Eve, celebrate with a special party featuring a complimentary midnight Champagne toast, party favors, and live music.

Starting fares for cabins are as low as $2,567 per person (based on double occupancy), inclusive of taxes and fees.

15-night Africa Cruise: Cape Town, Durban & Port Louis on Azamara

Sail dates: Dec. 20, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026

Ship: Azamara Journey

Renowned for visiting lesser-known ports, Azamara offers longer stays that allow for deeper exploration. Experience the unique charm of South Africa with Azamara's 15-night Christmas and New Year's cruise, departing round-trip from Cape Town and stopping at destinations along the eastern coast, including Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Durban, and Mossel Bay.

Holiday festivities will feature caroling concerts, delightful pop-ups offering Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, and a special tree-trimming event on Dec. 24. The much-anticipated White Night pool deck party will be held in sync with New Year's Eve celebrations. A cherished tradition involves identifying the oldest passenger on board to ring the ship's bell just before midnight to "ring out the old," followed by the youngest passenger doing the honors as the new year arrives.

Rates begin at $2,839 per person (based on double occupancy), covering taxes, fees, and port charges.

7-night Christmas Markets along the Danube with AmaWaterways

Sail dates: Dec. 7-14, 2025

Ship: AmaMagna

A river cruise through Europe offers an effortless way to explore many of the continent's renowned Christmas markets.

Your ship will dock right in the city center, often just a few steps away from the markets. While sailing with AmaWaterways during the festive season, guests can return from exploring the markets to enjoy onboard activities such as tree-trimming, caroling, and a charming European custom called "Shoes for St. Nick," where those who leave their slippers outside their cabins wake up to find them filled with treats.

In contrast to many Christmas-themed retail stores in the U.S. that remain open throughout the holiday season, numerous European Christmas markets close by Dec. 22. Therefore, you'll want to plan your vacation before Christmas itself. The seven-night Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise offered by AmaWaterways takes place aboard AmaMagna, immersing you in holiday cheer with port visits to Passau, Germany; Vienna and Linz, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary.

The prices for this weeklong cruise start at $4,439 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes all port charges and taxes.

7-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Princess Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 21-28, 2025

Ship: Sun Princess

The Sun Princess, which launched in February 2024, marks the debut of Princess Cruises' new Sphere Class series of ships.

Enjoy a Christmastime adventure on a round-trip journey from Fort Lauderdale, stopping at Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and Roatan, Honduras. With three sea days, guests have ample opportunity to explore the ship's attractions, including a dome-enclosed pool area and a family activity zone on the top deck.

This impressive vessel can accommodate 4,300 passengers and is approximately 21% larger than the current largest ships in the Princess fleet. It introduces suites with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge, and sundeck. Additionally, Sun Princess features a unique "cabana cabin" on Deck 10 that offers access to a private sun deck.

Embracing the holiday spirit aboard the Sun Princess is effortless, with festive decorations adorning the ship and occasional "snowfalls" in the atrium. If you're traveling with children, they can leave cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. Enjoy Christmas caroling, storytime, and various holiday activities that will create lasting memories.

The starting rate for the Western Caribbean cruise is $939 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes taxes and fees.

12-night Antarctic Explorer cruise on Viking

Sail dates: Dec. 17-29, 2025

Ship: Viking Polaris

While the instinct may be to visit the North Pole to see Santa at work, the extreme cold, darkness, and icy conditions make it unsuitable for cruising. Instead, embark on a journey to the South Pole and Antarctica for a unique Christmas expedition.

Experience nearly two weeks of adventure with the Antarctic Explorer itinerary on Viking's Polaris. This route departs round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, navigating the Drake Passage and spending seven days in the stunning landscapes of Antarctica. You’ll enjoy a cruise line-arranged precruise stay in Buenos Aires the night before your flight to Ushuaia to board the ship.

On Christmas, explore the majestic icebergs and cliffs of Antarctica, followed by a cozy hot cocoa or warm cocktail on deck. After your adventures, indulge in Nordic-inspired cuisine, featuring dishes like smoked salmon and caviar, along with holiday treats such as krumkake (a Nordic version of cannoli) and sandkaker (Norwegian sugar cookies).

Polaris' Antarctica itinerary serves more as a flexible guide than a rigid schedule, with the onboard team selecting each day's landing sites based on prevailing weather conditions. Starting rates for available cabins on this cruise begin at $12,995 (based on double occupancy), which includes airfare, port taxes, and fees.

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

Sail dates: Dec. 20-27, 2025

Ship: Icon of the Seas

Experience the holiday season aboard the world’s largest cruise ship in 2025. The highlights of Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas include a revamped AquaTheater located at the ship’s bow within a spectacular glass dome, featuring a stunning 50-foot waterfall and dancing robotic arms. Don’t miss Category 6, the largest water park at sea, boasting six thrilling waterslides, including the highest drop slide on the ocean.

This holiday-week sailing departs round-trip from Miami, visiting Philipsburg in St. Maarten, Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas). With two sea days, you'll have plenty of time to explore the ship's offerings!

Festive highlights typically include Christmas Eve caroling, an ugly sweater crafting contest, classes for decorating Christmas ornaments and gingerbread cookies, plus various holiday games and trivia.

The lowest rate for this voyage is an ocean-view cabin, starting at $2,750 per person (based on double occupancy), which covers taxes and fees.

14-night Galapagos cruise on Silversea

Sail dates: Dec. 13-27, 2025

Ship: Silver Origin

Experience the enchanting Galapagos Islands this holiday season aboard a Silversea cruise. On this 14-night round-trip journey from San Cristóbal, Silver Origin will stop at an impressive 27 ports across the archipelago.

Silver Origin's holiday cruise will feature numerous festive touches, including a lavish decoration of greenery and ornaments throughout the ship's interiors. Guests can enjoy a specially crafted Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner menu, complete with mulled wine, eggnog, and hot chocolate.

To enhance the holiday spirit, both guests and crew will have the chance to join in caroling, and a special guest from the North Pole is set to make an appearance, despite the absence of a chimney.

The "door-to-door" price for this cruise starts at $22,800 per person (based on double occupancy) and includes port fees and taxes. This package also offers airport transfer services, airfare, shore excursions, premium drinks, all gratuities, butler service, and a return transfer home at the end of your journey.

8-night Lower Mississippi Christmas cruise on American Cruise Lines

Sail dates: Dec. 21-28, 2025

Ship: American Symphony

Glide along the Lower Mississippi River and immerse yourself in the festive charm of historic towns adorned for the holidays.

This holiday journey from American Cruise Lines kicks off with a precruise hotel stay in New Orleans, where you can wander the lively Bourbon Street. The itinerary includes stops at Natchez and Vicksburg, Mississippi; Oak Alley, Louisiana; and Memphis.

Guests can participate in festive port excursions like The Jeweled Christmas in Natchez, which includes a visit to The Towers of Natchez, one of the state's most lavish antebellum homes, beautifully decorated with over 100 Christmas trees. Moreover, Louisiana's historic Southern estates, including Oak Alley Plantation and Houmas House, will display 1850s Christmas decorations, featuring fresh greenery and fruits.

On board, travelers can indulge in a Christmas dinner complete with all the traditional sides, enjoy decorating cookies, listen to holiday music and caroling, and participate in a holiday gift exchange.

Prices for the eight-night cruise from New Orleans to Memphis during Christmas start at $5,275 per person, covering taxes, port fees, and gratuities.

Top Christmas cruises for 2026

To secure the best rates for a holiday cruise, it's advisable to book well in advance. As of now, many cruise lines have yet to unveil their itineraries for November and December 2026. However, here are a few options to consider for your 2026 Christmas getaway. (Be sure to bookmark this page, as we'll update the available 2026 Christmas sailings as they are announced.)

7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise with Carnival Cruise Line

Sail dates: Dec. 20-27, 2026

Ship: Carnival Celebration

Carnival's seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the line's new private destination, Celebration Key, located on the southern side of Grand Bahama Island. Departing round-trip from Miami, the cruise includes stops at Carnival's private beaches, Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay, as well as Nassau, Bahamas, and Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, perfect for soaking up some sun and enjoying warm weather.

Carnival's family-oriented "fun" ships are designed for joyful getaways, and their Christmas festivities fit seamlessly into this experience. Seasonal activities include Christmas caroling, an ugly sweater contest, and a lively holiday show featuring appearances by Santa and the Grinch.

Starting rates for inside cabins are $2,478 per person (based on double occupancy), which encompasses taxes and fees.

21-night Transatlantic Crossing and Caribbean Celebration on Cunard

Sail dates: Dec. 13, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027

Ship: Queen Mary 2

Get ready to accumulate vacation days for Cunard's magnificent transatlantic and Caribbean journey. This 21-night adventure sets sail from Southampton, England, and concludes in New York City.

Onboard, passengers will be welcomed by dazzling Christmas trees, vibrant decorations, and shimmering lights at every corner. Extra days at sea allow guests to fully indulge in festive activities and events, including a lavish celebration for both Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Beyond the ship, guests can revel in the dazzling Christmas spirit of New York City and immerse themselves in the festive traditions of the Caribbean in Tortola, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts.

Prices begin at $4,259 per person (based on double occupancy) for a Britannia Inside cabin, which includes taxes and fees.