Christmas and New Year at Sea: What Holiday Cruises Are Like
A holiday cruise trades turkey prep and dish duty for decorated decks, a Christmas dinner someone else cooks, and a New Year's countdown under the stars. It's properly festive, but it's also crowded and costly, because thousands of other families have the same idea.
What is Christmas on a cruise ship like?
Ships go all-in. Expect decorated trees and atriums from late November or early December, gingerbread displays on some ships, carol singing and holiday shows, and a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu, usually with a traditional turkey dinner alongside the regular choices. Many ships hold Christmas services led by clergy on board or crew, and some also hold Hanukkah candle lightings. Santa usually makes an appearance for the children.
New Year's Eve at sea
New Year's Eve is the biggest party of the cruise year. Most ships host a countdown on the pool deck or in the atrium, often with a balloon drop and a champagne toast at midnight. Fireworks happen only where local rules and the ship's location allow, so don't count on them. Dress is usually smart, and many guests go formal.
How do holiday sailings compare?
| Option | Rough price vs a normal week | Atmosphere | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early December | Often lower | Decorated ship, few children | Couples wanting festive cheer on a budget |
| Christmas week | Commonly 30–50% higher | Very festive, family-heavy | Families who don't want to host |
| New Year's week | Often the highest of the season | Party atmosphere, busy | Couples and groups who want a big celebration |
| Christmas market river cruise | Varies, often late November to mid-December | Cozy, adult-leaning, cold weather | Couples who like culture, markets and mulled wine |
Prices vary by line, ship and route, so compare specific sailings. For the full range of December options, from the Caribbean to Hawaii, see where Canadians should cruise in December, and for the river option read Danube and Rhine river cruises for Canadians.
Who a holiday cruise suits
- Couples and families who'd rather not host this year.
- Multi-generational families who want everyone together without one person doing all the work.
- Snowbirds who want winter sun and can time it around the holidays.
- Couples spending their first Christmas as empty nesters who want to try something different.
Who should think twice
Families with strong at-home traditions may find a ship-based Christmas feels like something is missing. Couples who want peace should know that ships are at their fullest, with kids' clubs and pools busy all week, since Canadian schools are on winter break. Ports can also be quieter than usual on December 25 and January 1, with some shops and attractions closed.
How to book a holiday cruise
Start 10–12 months ahead, or more for balconies, suites and connecting family cabins, which go first. Lock in flights early too, since late-December fares from Canada climb quickly.
Remember that crew are working far from their own families over the holidays. Gratuities are included or charged automatically on most lines, but a note or a small extra tip for crew who made your Christmas special is always appreciated.
Have a question about this? A licensed cruise expert can answer it for free — no booking required, no pressure.
Ask a cruise expert →Securing the holiday sailing you want
If Christmas or New Year at sea appeals, decide on your dates and cabin type early in the year and book before the summer. If the price stings, an early-December sailing gives you the decorations, the carols and the warm weather for considerably less, and you're home in time for the holidays.
Want this priced up for your dates? Speak to a licensed cruise expert — same price as booking direct, plus perks like onboard credit and prepaid gratuities the websites don't show. No fee, no obligation, and you can book online if you'd rather.
Get a quote or book online →Frequently asked questions
Are cruises during Christmas and New Year more expensive?
Yes, significantly. Holiday sailings commonly cost 30–50% more than similar non-holiday weeks, New Year's sailings are often the priciest, and the best cabins can sell out close to a year ahead. Flights from Canada in late December are expensive too.
Do cruise ships do anything special for Christmas and New Year?
Yes. Expect decorated trees, festive menus with a traditional Christmas dinner, carols and holiday shows, religious services on many ships, Santa visits for children, and a New Year's Eve countdown party, usually with a champagne toast. The scale varies by line and ship.
Is early December a good time for a cruise?
Often, yes. The first two weeks of December are usually among the cheapest times of year to cruise, ships are already decorated for the holidays, and there are far fewer families on board than at Christmas.
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