Spending Christmas at Sea
Beccy Miller
Fancy packing a bag and letting someone else look after you this holiday season, but love all the festivities you find on land and are not sure a cruise will match up? Don't worry, we're here to put your mind at rest.
Where to sail?
There are two types of people, those who won't accept Christmas in a hot country and those who actively seek sandy seas and sun, no matter the occasion. This is a big factor when deciding what itinerary to pick.
The Caribbean is a hugely popular Christmas cruise destination for Europeans and Americans, so it is busy, but they still embrace the season with a festive twist. Listen to the Christmas hits played on steel drums, with a rum cocktail in your hand. The Canaries also offer plenty of winter sunshine.
Sail from the UK, head North and you will get a more traditional Christmas experience, think the cities of Northern Europe and up into the Arctic Circle, where, if you're lucky, you might also get to witness the amazing Northern Lights. Most cruise lines will actually try to factor a day at sea for the actual big day, this is generally because most things are closed on the land and it allows passengers to enjoy all the festivities on the ship.
What to Pack?
This all depends on your itinerary, if you're going to the Caribbean, you might be tempted by that Christmas jumper, but a Christmas t-shirt might be a better option! Some cruise lines will expect you to dress up, Cunard will still have formal nights, for example, but cruise lines like Carnival will keep it casual.
Don't be tempted to pack everyone's presents, the fact you are away is also a present in itself. Pack one or two small things and leave the rest at home to open before or after your holiday.
Onboard
Most cruise lines go all out. Think trees dripping with decorations, huge gingerbread displays, Santa coming down 'the funnel' and lights everywhere. Each ship is different, but some lines have offered milk and cookies at turn down, Christmas cookie decorating, wreath making and scavenger hunts.
The food is suitably Christmas-themed too, but bare in mind what is traditional for some is not for others, so you may miss out on pigs in blankets depending on who you're sailing with! Entertainment-wise, holiday themed movies are played both in cabins and on the big screens on deck. Carol singing and Christmas-themed shows are also there to get you in the spirit of things.
Top Tips
➡️ If you are taking presents - don't wrap them if you need to fly. If your bags are flagged by security, they will have to unwrap them. Use an open gift bag or take wrapping with you.
➡️ You might want to decorate your cabin, but check what is and isn't allowed on board. Candles are banned for passengers on cruise ships and there may be other restrictions
➡️ Most cruise lines allow a bottle of something to be taken on board, so double check if you like to toast with a bucks fizz whilst you open your presents in your cabin.
