While Christmas in the UK can be a great time of year, there’s really no beating getting into the festive spirit by cruising to another country and seeing how the rest of the world celebrates. Whether you’re looking for winter sun or hoping to get cosy in the cold, booking a Christmas cruise could be the answer for your next adventure.
So, here’s our guide to Christmas cruises and whether it’s something you should consider.
Christmas and New Year cruises
If you’re looking for an enchanting experience travelling to breathtaking destinations, you simply can’t beat a cruise around Christmas and New Year. With the glow of the holiday season in full swing, a winter cruise allows you to explore unique corners of the world and experience Christmas or New Year in a different environment.
Whether you’re travelling for some brighter weather to escape freezing temperatures, or it’s just the perfect opportunity with the kids off school, it’s a chance to soak up different cultures and learn about some new traditions that take place at this time of year.
Of course, the nature of a cruise also means you’re able to see lots of different places on one trip! Depending on which cruise you decide to embark on, you could be soaking up the sun in the Bahamas or wandering through the snow at a Scandinavian Christmas market. The options are limitless with a cruise, which is why we’re here to break down your options.
Where is hot at Christmas for a holiday?
If you’re looking to soak up the winter sun on your Christmas cruise, you’re in luck. There’s a number of different parts of the world that are hot during Christmas.
The southern hemisphere offers a great variety of destinations that are also beautifully warm during the Christmas period because, unlike the northern hemisphere, Christmas takes place during summer in this part of the globe.
This includes places like the Caribbean, Australia and French Polynesia which are located in or close to the southern hemisphere, and enjoy warmer climates during the UK’s typical winter months. The Far East is also a great choice for this time of year, as it’s the dry season across the likes of Thailand, Japan and Singapore.
So, if you’re hoping to soak up some Christmas sun in the likes of the Indian Ocean or Hawaii, you won’t be disappointed.
Reasons to go on a Christmas Cruise
Christmas might not be your typical time of year to go away, but with this multitude of reasons to book a Christmas cruise, you’d be mad to discount it!
Warm weather
While the cold weather sets in across the UK, it can leave you wishing longingly for some sunshine and warm temperatures. A cruise at Christmas gives you the perfect chance to visit somewhere hotter than home, so you can celebrate the festive season by lying on a cruise line’s private island or exploring beautiful landscapes.
Cost
There’s no getting around it, Christmas is an expensive time of year. Booking a Christmas cruise could be an incredible way of spending your usual budget on some quality time and an extra special gift for the family to enjoy, whether it’s a couples cruise or with the kids.
Experience something new
Even if you’ve been on a cruise before, there’s nothing like experiencing a cruise at Christmas. Unlock the magic and wonder of seeing the world during the festivities, whether you’re travelling somewhere hot or cold. Depending where you go, it could also be a quieter time to visit which means you can really appreciate all your destination has to offer.
It can also be a great opportunity to get into the festive spirit at the Christmas markets in cities like New York, Edinburgh, Cologne and Singapore.
Culture
Christmas traditions and celebrations differ around the world, and being able to experience that first-hand is an incredible feat. For instance, each Caribbean Island celebrates with its own festivals and customs, while in the Philippines the celebrations culminate in the special Feast of the Three Kings in early January.
Less stress
For some people, Christmas can be a stressful time of year due to lots of activities including seeing family and friends, shopping for gifts and trying to keep everyone entertained. By cruising off into the sunset, you can enjoy a relaxing time at sea and be completely catered for, whether it’s fine dining, spa treatments or simply just being able to travel and see more of the world.
Festive atmosphere onboard
Despite being away at sea, the festive atmosphere is no less important on a cruise. Once onboard, you can expect the same decorations and festivities you’d experience at home. You will even get the chance to indulge in traditional British Christmas activities – including a Christmas dinner if you’re on the ship.
Best Christmas holiday destinations
So, you fancy a cruise at Christmas, but which destinations should be on your checklist? Here we look at some of the best destinations to visit during Christmas.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is known for its gorgeous weather and breathtaking beaches. December is an ideal month to visit, with reliably sunny days and low rainfall. Each island has its own unique culture, whether it’s incredible music, delicious food or welcoming people that you’re hoping to encounter on your trip.
The Canary Islands
A cruise around the Canary Islands is ideal for anyone looking for just a touch of winter warmth without having to travel very far for it. Located just over four hours away from the UK mainland, it’s the closest destination on our list. The temperature during the Christmas period sits in the high teens with very few days of rain, making it an ideal place to go to if you want to catch a few rays during the festive season.
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean is home to a variety of cultures, historic sites, scenery and more. You’ll find some of the most fascinating Christmas markets, Mediterranean-inspired Christmas dishes and enjoy some of the best European destinations while it’s a little quieter than the height of the summer. Whether it’s the Feast of the Seven Fishes in Italy or the decorating of a ship rather than a tree in Greece, there are plenty of unique experiences to be had here.
USA (New York)
Looking for a more traditional festive Christmas? New York embraces everything that we love about Christmas in the movies. Snow, huge Christmas trees and ice rinks are but a few of the festive things that New York is world-renowned for. Although New York can be quite chilly during December, it’s a great excuse to get wrapped up and explore everything the Big Apple has to offer.
Hawaii
If you want to visit the USA but you don’t want to experience the coldness of New York City, then Hawaii might be the ideal location for you. Embarking from California, you can enjoy some time in the Golden State before heading off to Hawaii to experience the sheer beauty of the islands of Hawaii. You can be assured that during your time in Hawaii, you’ll see plenty of incredible scenery like nowhere else on earth, iconic beaches, and a wonderful tropical climate.
The Bahamas (Cococay)
The Bahamas are probably the most iconic cruise destination, and in December-February, it’s the dry season which means it’s one of the best times of year to go. Enjoy water sports, spotting some unique wildlife or simply take advantage of the stunning coastline. When you cruise with Royal Caribbean, you’ll also get access to their very own private island, Cococay. At this exclusive beach resort, you’ll find the tallest waterslide in North America and helium ballon rides.
Far East
The Far East has long been a source of wonder for travellers from around the world, promising incredible cuisine, beautiful weather and magical scenery. The region covers countries like China, Singapore, and Japan, with our cruises giving you a unique chance to experience these different cultures in one trip. Temperatures and rainfall differ during December because the area is so vast, but you can be sure to experience some sunshine in places like Vietnam or Indonesia.
South America
South America is another amazing destination for those looking for year-round sunshine, including a mixture of cultures and incredible food. Our South American cruises take you across the likes of Brazil and Peru, with exciting and vibrant destinations like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. Experience Reveillon Copacabana beach, where huge celebrations bring in the new year, or go to a Tango event on Christmas Day in Buenos Aires.
Australia & New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand are famous for their breadth of weather and scenery, and thanks to the placement of these wonderful countries, you can enjoy their summer during Christmas. Sydney is one of Australia’s largest cities and is a cultural hub boasting loads of iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Leaving Australia behind, you’ll be amazed by the stunning New Zealand scenery that made Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings series so iconic. Huge lakes, valleys, mountains, and coastlines are standout features of New Zealand’s geography that give it a feeling right out of a fantasy novel.
After reading all about cruises over Christmas, you’re surely ready to book one! You’re just a few clicks away from a trip to the Far East or a Caribbean getaway, so check out our latest deals and book your next cruise holiday today.
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