Most popular holiday cruises for Christmas and New Year

Looking to celebrate Christmas or ring in the New Year on a cruise in 2025? Discover the most popular holiday cruises for U.S. travelers, including routes, perks, pricing, and festive onboard experiences.

Dreaming of a white Christmas… but with white sandy beaches instead of snow? Or maybe you’d rather countdown to midnight with fireworks at sea, cocktail in hand? Holiday cruises are becoming one of the most sought-after vacation experiences in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. With the decorations, dining, entertainment, and exotic destinations all wrapped into one floating resort, it’s the ultimate festive getaway—no cooking or cleanup required.

But which cruises stand out for Christmas and New Year 2025? Let’s break down the best options sailing from the U.S., what makes them magical, and what you need to know before you book.

Why Book a Holiday Cruise for Christmas or New Year?

The Benefits:

• Festive décor & onboard celebrations
• Gourmet holiday dining menus
• Special events (carolers, Santa visits, New Year’s Eve parties)
• Warm destinations during cold U.S. winters
• No holiday stress—just pack and go

Perfect For:

• Multigenerational families
• Couples wanting a romantic escape
• Solo travelers seeking fun & connection
• Retirees who’ve “been there, done that” for land holidays

Top Holiday Cruises from the U.S. for 2025

1. Royal Caribbean – Caribbean Holiday Sailings

• Destinations: Bahamas, Eastern/Western Caribbean
• Sailing From: Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston
• Christmas Touches: Holiday shows, themed dinners, Christmas cookies & cocoa bars
• New Year’s Perks: Live DJs, confetti drops, champagne toasts on deck
• Ideal For: Families with kids & teens

2. Disney Cruise Line – Very Merrytime Cruises

• Destinations: Castaway Cay, Caribbean, Mexico
• Sailing From: Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Port Canaveral
• Christmas Magic: Tree-lighting ceremonies, themed character meet-and-greets, snow in the atrium
• New Year Fun: Early and late-night parties for families
• Best For: Families with younger children, Disney lovers

3. Celebrity Cruises – Holiday Caribbean & Panama Canal Voyages

• Destinations: Aruba, Costa Rica, Panama Canal
• Sailing From: Fort Lauderdale
• Highlights: Elegant holiday dining, wine pairings, jazz Christmas concerts
• New Year’s Style: Sophisticated black-tie gala with live orchestra
• Perfect For: Adults, couples, and luxury seekers

4. Carnival Cruise Line – Caribbean Party Cruises

• Destinations: Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Dominican Republic
• Sailing From: New Orleans, Miami, Tampa
• Onboard Vibes: Ugly sweater contests, karaoke carols, themed trivia
• New Year Bash: Carnival’s famous deck parties and fireworks
• Great For: Young adults, groups of friends

5. Holland America – Holiday Cruises to Mexico and Hawaii

• Destinations: Mexican Riviera, Hawaii
• Sailing From: San Diego, Seattle
• Holiday Features: Gingerbread village displays, storytelling, choir performances
• New Year’s Eve: Classical concerts and ballroom dancing
• Ideal For: Mature travelers, older couples

6. Princess Cruises – Panama Canal & Caribbean Festivities

• Destinations: Costa Rica, Aruba, Jamaica, St. Kitts
• Sailing From: Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles
• Christmas Events: Religious services, Christmas dinner classics, festive movie screenings
• New Year’s Fun: Countdown parties with balloon drops and live music
• Great For: Travelers who want a mix of relaxation and tradition

Sample Price Comparison: Christmas 2025 Cruises (Per Person, Double Occupancy)

What to Expect Onboard During the Holidays

Deck the Halls:

• Elaborate trees, garlands, and lights throughout the ship
• Cabin décor kits (some cruise lines offer these for purchase)

Food & Drink:

• Traditional roast turkey, ham, and holiday desserts
• Themed cocktails like eggnog martinis and cranberry spritzers

Activities:

• Gingerbread house contests
• Carol singing & choir performances
• Kids’ crafts and holiday scavenger hunts

New Year’s Eve Extras:

• Champagne toasts and souvenir flutes
• Midnight balloon drops and light shows
• Live music, DJs, and themed parties

Tips for Booking a Holiday Cruise

• Book Early: Holiday sailings fill up quickly—aim to book 6–12 months in advance
• Check Weather: Caribbean and Mexico are typically warm, but keep an eye on forecasts
• Pack for the Festivities: Include some holiday flair—Santa hats, red outfits, sparkly New Year’s attire
• Budget Smart: Prices spike during holidays—look for early booking deals, especially from cruise line websites

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do cruise ships celebrate Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve?
Yes! Most cruises have full-day programs with special meals, entertainment, and religious services if requested.

Can I bring gifts or decorations?
Yes, but keep them compact. Most cruise lines don’t allow real trees or lights that plug into outlets.

Are kids’ activities different during holiday sailings?
Yes. Cruise lines offer themed crafts, Santa visits, and even “Elf on the Shelf”–style surprises.

Is holiday cruise pricing higher than regular cruises?
Generally, yes. Demand is high. Book early to lock in better rates.

What’s the dress code for New Year’s Eve on a cruise?
Many lines encourage cocktail or formal wear, but it depends on the cruise line’s style.

Are holiday cruises more crowded than regular cruises?

Holiday cruises are typically more crowded than off-peak sailings. Most holiday cruises operate at or near full capacity due to the seasonal demand. This can impact everything from embarkation lines to restaurant reservations.

Why they’re busier:

• Families are off school and work
• Cruises are popular alternatives to traditional celebrations
• Fewer ships may be sailing compared to peak summer, concentrating passengers

Impacts of full ships:

• Pool decks and buffets may be crowded
• Lines for excursions and disembarkation may be longer
• Popular shows and specialty dining require early booking

Tips for a smoother experience:

• Choose mid-sized ships for fewer guests onboard
• Opt for early dining or show times
• Book shore excursions in advance
• Use cruise apps to manage queues and reservations

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, consider smaller luxury lines or book a suite class that includes access to private lounges and dining areas.

What is the best time to book a Christmas cruise to get the lowest price?

The best time to book a Christmas or New Year cruise is typically 6 to 12 months in advance. These sailings are in high demand and prices rise quickly as cabins fill up.

Booking timeline tips:

• January–April: Best window for deals and availability for the next holiday season
• May–August: Prices increase steadily
• September–November: Limited availability, premium cabins gone, prices high

Cruise Line Promotions:

Pro strategies:

• Use price alerts to track fares
• Book refundable fares early and rebook if prices drop
• Consider repositioning cruises or less popular routes for savings

Bottom line: book as early as possible if your heart is set on sailing during the holidays.

Do cruise lines offer special discounts for kids during holiday sailings?

Some cruise lines do offer special promotions for kids during the holidays, but discounts are generally more limited compared to off-peak times due to high demand.

Possible kid-related deals:

• Kids Sail Free promotions (limited cabins, usually with two paying adults)
• Reduced 3rd/4th guest fares in the same stateroom
• Loyalty program perks offering family discounts or onboard credits

Typical pricing breakdown (per child, average):

Tips to save:

• Book early and check for kid-specific promotions
• Cruise during early December rather than Christmas week
• Use a travel agent who can bundle family perks or onboard credit

During peak holiday sailings, expect fewer discounts overall—but early birds and flexible families can still score savings.

Are holiday cruises a good option for solo travelers?

Holiday cruises can be surprisingly great for solo travelers, especially if you’re looking for a festive atmosphere without the stress of organizing traditional celebrations.

Why solo cruisers enjoy holidays at sea:

• Group events like holiday trivia, themed parties, and dance lessons foster easy mingling
• Designated solo lounges or meetups on some ships encourage connection
• Festive vibes help reduce any sense of holiday loneliness

Cruise lines with solo-friendly perks:

Things to consider:

• Solo cabins can sell out quickly—book early
• Some ships charge a single supplement for standard rooms
• Book onboard dining early to avoid being seated solo at peak times

With the right ship and mindset, holiday cruises offer solo travelers a vibrant, welcoming space to celebrate with new friends at sea.

What types of themed entertainment are included during holiday cruises?
Holiday cruises go all-out with themed entertainment to keep passengers immersed in the festive spirit from embarkation to disembarkation.
Common Christmas-themed activities:
Tree-lighting ceremonies on the first night
Holiday-themed stage productions and musical performances
Visits from Santa Claus (sometimes by helicopter on private islands)
Gingerbread house competitions and cookie decorating
Carolers in costume strolling through the ship
New Year’s-themed fun:
Countdown parties with live bands or DJs
Formal gala dinners and masquerade balls
Fireworks at sea (select cruise lines only)
Champagne stations with keepsake glasses
Balloon drops and light shows in the atrium or pool deck
Kids & family programming:
Holiday crafts and scavenger hunts
“Elf on the Shelf”–style games
Letters to Santa and storytime with Mrs. Claus

Can I book a holiday cruise last minute or are they always sold out?
Holiday cruises often sell out months in advance, especially on popular routes or family-friendly lines. However, last-minute availability can exist, particularly for less popular itineraries or premium suites with higher price tags.
Typical availability timeline:
6–12 months ahead: Wide selection, best rates
3–6 months ahead: Limited cabin types, prices rising
1 month or less: Occasional cancellations, last-minute promos
When last-minute might work:
You’re flexible on ship and route
You can travel mid-December (before the 24th)
You’re open to higher-end suites or inside cabins
Tips for booking late:
Use cruise deal apps or aggregator sites
Call cruise lines directly—they sometimes release inventory last minute
Consider repositioning cruises, which are less in demand

Do holiday cruise ships provide religious services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Yes, most large cruise lines provide religious services during the holiday season, especially for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. These are often non-denominational Christian services, but some ships may offer additional options.
What’s usually available:
Christmas Eve candlelight services
Christmas morning prayer or mass
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremonies (if dates overlap)
Interfaith holiday reflections
Where services are held:
Dedicated chapel or theater spaces
Sometimes outdoor venues with ocean views
Things to know:
Services are typically led by a ship chaplain or visiting clergy
No advance registration required, but arrive early for seating
Dress codes may vary by cruise line but are generally casual or resort-elegant

What kind of weather should I expect on Caribbean cruises in December?
December is one of the most pleasant months to cruise the Caribbean. The region enjoys warm temps, low humidity, and generally dry skies—especially ideal for holiday travel.
Average Caribbean weather in December:
Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
Humidity: Moderate
Rainfall: Low to moderate; brief afternoon showers possible
Sea Conditions: Generally calm, especially on Western itineraries
Regional differences:
Region
Rain Likelihood
Temperature Range
Eastern Caribbean
Low
78–84°F
Western Caribbean
Moderate
76–85°F
Southern Caribbean
Very Low
80–88°F
Packing tips:
Lightweight clothing and swimwear
Light jacket for breezy nights or over-air-conditioned areas
Waterproof sandals or a foldable poncho, just in case

Is Wi-Fi usually included in holiday cruise packages?
Wi-Fi is not always included in holiday cruise fares, but many cruise lines offer it as part of bundled packages or suite perks. During holiday promotions, you may find Wi-Fi included as a bonus.
Typical pricing (per device, per day):
Cruise Line
Basic Internet
Streaming Package
Included in Suites?
Royal Caribbean
$15–$20
$25–$30
Yes
Carnival
$12–$17
$17–$25
Sometimes
Celebrity Cruises
Included w/ select fares
Yes
Yes
Norwegian
$14–$20
$25+
Yes in Haven
Holland America
Tiered plans
Yes
Varies
Tips to save or get it free:
Book promotions with “Free at Sea” or “All Included” fares
Use loyalty status perks
Wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales

Which cruise lines offer adult-only holiday cruises or quiet zones?
Most mainstream cruise lines allow kids onboard during holiday sailings, but there are still great options for adults seeking peace and quiet—or a completely kid-free experience.
Adult-only holiday cruises:
Virgin Voyages: 18+ only, modern vibe, adult-focused entertainment
Viking Ocean Cruises: 18+ policy, culturally rich, low-key holiday approach
Cruise lines with quiet zones:
Cruise Line
Adults-Only Spaces
Notes
Celebrity Cruises
The Retreat, Solarium
Suite guests, 16+ area
Royal Caribbean
Solarium
16+, quiet sun deck
Princess Cruises
The Sanctuary
Adults only, extra fee
Holland America
Greenhouse Spa, Library
Quiet spaces, 18+ preferred
Booking tips for a more relaxing holiday:
Choose suite class or spa-level cabins for quieter locations
Dine in specialty restaurants or at off-peak times
Book excursions that limit group sizes or target adult interests

Conclusion: Should You Cruise for the Holidays in 2025?

If your goal is to skip the chaos and soak in the holiday spirit while island hopping or watching ocean sunsets, then the answer is a definite yes. Holiday cruises combine everything you love about festive traditions—food, music, family, joy—with zero cleanup and total relaxation.

From wild New Year’s parties on the deck to cozy Christmas dinners surrounded by the sea, these sailings turn ordinary holidays into unforgettable adventures. But they fill up fast, so grab your spot early and get ready to trade your snow boots for sandals this season.