Christmas & New Year Cruises
Christmas & New Year Cruises
Celebrate the most magical time of the year at sea with a Christmas or New Year cruise. Swap the stress of crowded shops and endless party planning for a sparkling ship filled with festive cheer, world-class dining, and exciting destinations. Whether you dream of sipping mulled wine at Europe’s famous Christmas markets or welcoming the New Year with Champagne in the Caribbean, a festive cruise offers the perfect holiday escape.
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: Magical Festivities at Sea
On a Christmas cruise, the celebrations begin the moment you step onboard. Ships are transformed into festive wonderlands, filled with twinkling trees, dazzling lights and seasonal displays. The atmosphere is warm and joyful, with carols in the grand atrium, theatrical performances, festive films and plenty of family fun.
Dining is a centrepiece of the season. Expect lavish Christmas Day feasts featuring turkey (or a vegetarian alternative) with all the trimmings, alongside menus inspired by festive favourites from across the world. Children can look forward to a visit from Santa Claus, while families enjoy gingerbread decorating, holiday craft sessions and cosy film nights. Adults may prefer a glass of mulled wine on deck or a rejuvenating spa treatment while the kids are entertained in clubs.
Christmas Market Cruises
For many travellers, the highlight of a festive sailing is visiting Europe’s famous Christmas markets. These centuries-old traditions bring cities such as Vienna, Strasbourg, Bruges and Hamburg to life with twinkling stalls and festive aromas. You can browse handmade gifts, ornaments and crafts while sampling seasonal treats like gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and steaming mugs of Glühwein. Each market has its own unique character and regional specialities, offering a memorable way to immerse yourself in the season.
Even better, many Christmas market cruises sail directly from Southampton, meaning there’s no need to worry about flights or airport queues. Simply step aboard, settle in, and let the festivities begin as you cruise straight to some of Europe’s most enchanting holiday destinations.
New Year Cruises: Ring in 2026 in Style
New Year at sea is unlike any other celebration. Ships come alive with excitement as guests gather for gala dinners, live music and an elegant countdown party. At the stroke of midnight, raise a glass of Champagne, dance beneath the stars and, in many cases, watch fireworks light up the night sky from the best vantage point, the open deck.
The festivities continue into the small hours, and when you wake on New Year’s Day, it’s in a brand-new destination, setting the perfect tone for the year ahead.
Top Festive Cruise Destinations
Where will your festive journey take you?
European Christmas Markets
Step straight aboard in Southampton and sail to Northern Europe’s most enchanting cities. Popular festive calls include Hamburg, Bruges, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, all famous for their traditional Christmas markets and seasonal charm. River cruises along the Rhine and Danube also offer the chance to explore cities such as Vienna, Budapest and Strasbourg, where historic squares sparkle with lights, stalls and seasonal aromas.
Caribbean Christmas Cruises
Swap frosty mornings for tropical sunshine, turquoise seas and laid-back island vibes. Caribbean cruises often sail from Miami or Barbados, taking you to destinations such as St Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Think golden beaches by day and festive celebrations by night, the perfect alternative to a chilly British winter.
Canary Islands and Mediterranean
Sail from Southampton and enjoy winter warmth in the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Mediterranean. These itineraries combine sunshine with culture, from Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes to Lisbon’s charming streets. A real highlight is Madeira’s legendary New Year’s Eve fireworks, often hailed as one of the best displays in the world, lighting up Funchal’s bay in spectacular style.
Northern Lights Cruises
For a magical festive backdrop, some cruises venture north in search of the aurora borealis. From ports in Southampton or Northern Europe, set sail towards Norway, Iceland or even the Arctic Circle, where the Northern Lights create an unforgettable natural spectacle. Combined with snow-covered landscapes and cosy onboard celebrations, it’s an enchanting way to spend Christmas or New Year.
Tips for Planning Your Festive Cruise
Holiday sailings are among the most popular of the year, so a little planning goes a long way. Book early to secure your preferred cabin, especially for Christmas market itineraries, which are in high demand. Be sure to check market opening dates, as most run from late November until just before Christmas, though some continue into early January.
Packing also makes a difference. If you’re heading to Europe, think cosy layers, warm coats and waterproof shoes for exploring markets. For Caribbean or Canary Islands sailings, light clothing and sun cream are essentials. Many onboard evenings include gala dinners or smart casual dress codes, so consider packing evening wear too. Finally, while cards are widely accepted, having some local currency can be handy for market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
As early as possible. Cabins fill quickly, and many guests secure their festive sailings 12 to 18 months ahead.
Yes. Expect children’s clubs, festive entertainment, Santa visits and activities designed for all ages.
Many ships host glamorous countdown parties with fireworks or offer stunning views of coastal celebrations.
Warm layers, a coat, gloves, scarf and waterproof shoes or boots. Onboard evenings often require smart casual or formal attire.
Seasonal favourites such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, gingerbread, sausages and roasted chestnuts. Each market also features unique local specialities.
Yes. Many itineraries allow for services ashore, while some cruise lines host interdenominational services onboard.
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.