Christmas & New Year Cruises 2026
Celebrate Christmas 2026 or welcome 2027 at sea with a festive cruise from the UK or further afield. Christmas and New Year cruises combine seasonal dining, sparkling decorations and special entertainment with the chance to discover a new destination during the most magical time of year.
Choose from Christmas no-fly cruises departing from Southampton and other UK ports, all-inclusive festive holidays, Christmas market cruises through Northern Europe and winter-sun escapes to the Canary Islands and Caribbean. You can also discover Europe’s festive cities on Christmas market river cruises along the Rhine and Danube.
Whether you want a traditional family Christmas without the cooking, an elegant New Year celebration, a short festive break or Christmas Day in the sunshine, explore our Christmas and New Year cruises for 2026, 2027 and 2028 below.
Why Choose a Christmas or New Year Cruise?
A festive cruise combines everything you love about the holidays with the joy of travel, without the hard work. Imagine:
🎁 No cooking, no cleaning, no planning, just pure celebration.
🍽️ Traditional Christmas dinners and seasonal favourites prepared by expert chefs.
🎶 Live entertainment, pantomimes, and carolling that capture the spirit of the season.
🎄 Ships transformed into winter wonderlands with sparkling trees, lights, and festive décor.
🛳️ Waking up in a new destination on Christmas morning or New Year’s Day.
Every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: making memories with loved ones.
Christmas Cruises 2026: Celebrate Christmas at Sea
Christmas Day does not have to mean staying at home. On a Christmas cruise in 2026, you can celebrate onboard while exploring exciting destinations across Europe and further afield.
Festive itineraries range from short December escapes to longer cruises spanning Christmas and New Year. You could sail from the UK to Northern Europe's festive cities, head south towards Spain, Portugal, Madeira and the Canary Islands or fly further afield for a Caribbean Christmas surrounded by sunshine and palm trees.
Whichever itinerary you choose, the ship becomes part of the celebration. Christmas Day at sea might include a leisurely breakfast, a festive lunch or dinner, live entertainment and plenty of time to relax with family and friends.
For travellers who love Christmas traditions but would rather avoid the stress that can come with hosting at home, a cruise offers a wonderful alternative.
Christmas Cruises from Southampton 2026
For a simple start to your festive holiday, consider a Christmas cruise from Southampton.
Sailing directly from the UK means there are no airports or overseas flights to organise before your cruise. Simply travel to Southampton, board your ship and allow your Christmas holiday to begin.
Festive cruises from Southampton can include short breaks to Northern Europe as well as longer voyages towards Spain, Portugal, Madeira, the Canary Islands and other destinations. Some itineraries sail over Christmas itself, while others continue through New Year's Eve, allowing you to celebrate both occasions during one holiday.
A Southampton departure can also be particularly convenient if you are travelling as a family or larger group. There is more flexibility when it comes to luggage, making it easier to bring Christmas presents, festive outfits and everything else you might want for a special celebration at sea.
Browse our latest cruises from Southampton and find a festive sailing that suits you.
No-Fly Christmas Cruises from the UK
Want to enjoy Christmas abroad without stepping onto a plane? A no-fly Christmas cruise from the UK could be the perfect choice.
Departing directly from a UK cruise port removes the need to negotiate busy airports during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Instead, your holiday begins from the moment you step onboard.
Southampton offers one of the widest selections of UK cruise departures, while selected festive itineraries may also be available from other regional ports.
No-fly Christmas cruises can take you to European cities filled with festive atmosphere, warmer destinations in Southern Europe and the Canary Islands, or on longer voyages combining Christmas and New Year.
They can be particularly attractive for families, travellers with additional luggage and anyone who simply prefers the convenience of cruising directly from the UK.
Discover our no-fly cruises from the UK and start planning a stress-free festive escape.
Christmas Market Cruises
Few places capture the magic of December quite like Europe's Christmas markets. Wooden chalets, twinkling lights, festive food and historic city centres combine to create an unforgettable seasonal atmosphere.
A Christmas market cruise in 2026 lets you experience several festive destinations during one holiday, without repeatedly packing and changing hotels.
Depending on your itinerary, you could browse Christmas stalls in Germany, enjoy a warming drink beside the canals of Amsterdam, explore the historic streets of Bruges or discover beautifully decorated cities along Europe's famous rivers.
There are two main ways to experience Europe's Christmas markets by cruise: ocean cruises departing from the UK and Christmas market river cruises through the heart of Europe.
Christmas Market River Cruises
For an even more immersive festive experience, consider a Christmas market river cruise.
Europe's great rivers flow through the centre of historic towns and cities, meaning river ships can often dock close to the Christmas markets themselves. Popular festive cruising regions include the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle.
Depending on your itinerary, you could visit destinations such as Cologne, Strasbourg, Vienna, Budapest and Nuremberg, discovering different festive traditions as you travel.
River cruises usually offer a more intimate atmosphere than larger ocean ships, making them particularly appealing to travellers who want to combine sightseeing, food, culture and Christmas markets.
Most Christmas market river cruises depart from late November through December, coinciding with the traditional Advent season. Individual market opening dates vary, so always check the itinerary and local market dates before booking.
New Year Cruises 2026/27: Welcome 2027 at Sea
Why celebrate New Year's Eve in the same place you do every year when you could welcome 2027 somewhere completely different?
A New Year cruise combines everything you would expect from a great holiday with a special celebration on 31 December. Depending on the cruise line and itinerary, New Year's Eve onboard may include gala dinners, live entertainment, parties and a countdown to midnight.
Choose a no-fly New Year cruise from the UK, chase winter sunshine in the Canary Islands or Caribbean, or visit a destination famous for its New Year's celebrations.
You can also choose a longer festive sailing covering both Christmas and New Year, allowing you to enjoy two major celebrations during one unforgettable holiday.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, with friends or with the whole family, welcoming the New Year at sea is an experience you are unlikely to forget.
Where Can You Cruise at Christmas?
One of the great advantages of a Christmas cruise is the variety of destinations available. Your festive holiday can be as wintry or as warm as you want it to be.
European Christmas Markets
Sail to Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, from Bruges and Amsterdam to festive cities across Germany. Ocean and river cruises offer twinkling lights, traditional food and seasonal shopping along the Rhine and Danube.
Canary Islands and Madeira
Escape the winter chill with a Christmas cruise to the Canary Islands or Madeira. Enjoy milder weather, dramatic scenery and vibrant ports including Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, with Funchal especially magical at New Year.
Caribbean Christmas Cruises
Swap winter weather for sunshine on a Caribbean Christmas cruise. Spend the festive season exploring tropical islands, relaxing on beautiful beaches and enjoying warm seas, with itineraries across the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean.
Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean
Celebrate Christmas with a cruise to Spain, Portugal or the Mediterranean, combining historic cities, local culture and milder winter weather. Longer sailings from the UK can visit destinations across Iberia and further into Southern Europe.
Norway and Winter Scenery
For a truly wintry Christmas, cruise to Norway for dramatic fjords, snow-covered landscapes and atmospheric winter nights. Selected itineraries may also offer the chance to search for the Northern Lights during your festive escape.
Tips for Planning Your Festive Cruise
Christmas and New Year are popular times to cruise, so it pays to plan ahead.
Booking early can provide a greater choice of ships, itineraries and cabin types, particularly if you need family accommodation, adjoining cabins or a specific departure date.
Before booking, check whether your itinerary spends Christmas Day or New Year's Eve at sea or in port, as this can affect the experience. You should also review what is included in your cruise fare, especially if you are comparing drinks packages or all-inclusive options.
If you are travelling to Christmas markets, check the expected market dates for each destination. And if you are sailing from the UK during winter, pack for a mixture of weather conditions as temperatures can change significantly as your cruise heads south.
Ready to make Christmas 2026 different? Browse our latest Christmas and New Year cruise deals and find your perfect festive escape.
Christmas & New Year Cruis - Frequently Asked Questions
Christmas Day at sea is usually a relaxed but festive occasion, with seasonal menus, decorations, entertainment and special events throughout the ship. Depending on the cruise line, you may also find festive shows, carol singing, family activities and a traditional Christmas dinner.
Yes. A wide range of festive cruises depart directly from UK ports, including Southampton, making it easy to enjoy Christmas at sea without needing to fly. No-fly cruises are especially convenient for families, groups and anyone who prefers to start their holiday closer to home.
Most cruise lines celebrate Christmas with special festive menus on Christmas Day. You can usually expect seasonal dishes and traditional favourites, although the exact menu will vary by ship and cruise line. Some ships may also offer festive afternoon teas, themed dining and special desserts.
Popular winter sun destinations include the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Caribbean. These itineraries are ideal if you would rather spend Christmas enjoying milder temperatures, beaches and outdoor activities while still experiencing festive celebrations onboard.
Absolutely. Christmas market cruises can take you to festive cities across Northern Europe, while river cruises along the Rhine and Danube visit famous market destinations such as Cologne, Strasbourg and Vienna. It is a great way to experience several Christmas markets in one holiday.
All-inclusive varies between cruise lines and fare types. Depending on the package, it may include drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, speciality dining or other onboard extras alongside your accommodation, meals and entertainment. Always check the individual fare details so you know exactly what is included.
New Year's Eve cruises usually feature special celebrations onboard, which can include gala dinners, live entertainment, parties and a countdown to midnight. Some itineraries may also visit destinations known for their New Year celebrations, making it an especially memorable way to welcome the year ahead.
Ready to Celebrate at Sea?
Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional Christmas surrounded by twinkling markets or a sun-drenched New Year on the beach, a festive cruise is the ultimate holiday treat.
Browse our Christmas and New Year Cruise deals below and secure your cabin today for an unforgettable celebration at sea.