Christmas and New Year Cruises

If you are looking to trade snow for sand or you simply don’t feel like hosting a house full of guests this holiday season, then you might consider booking Christmas and New Year cruises.

Celebrate the holidays on the high seas

Seasonal sailings provide the chance to escape from the hustle and bustle that surrounds the holidays. Instead of bundling up in a winter coat you can strip down to your bikini and work on your tan rather than shoveling your driveway.

While there are many benefits to taking a Christmas and New Year cruise, there are some drawbacks as well. Prior to booking a holiday cruise consider the following pros and cons:

• Super escape: There’s no better time to sail to tropical locales than during the frigid winter months. Many cruise lines offer seven- to 16-day cruises in the Caribbean and other sunny destinations, including Hawaii and Mexico, specifically during the holiday season. What’s more, several cruise companies, such as Carnival and Holland America expand their services to the Caribbean to accommodate the influx of seasonal travelers.

• Festive environment: Cruise lines go out of their way to make their ships festive during the holiday season. There are many perks to sailing on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, such as:
  • Spectacular holiday decorations
  • Parties
  • Special menus
  • Caroling
  • Visits from Santa
  • Miniature Christmas trees for individual staterooms
  • Gingerbread houses for individual staterooms
  • Holiday-themed drinks
  • Formal New Year’s Eve soirees

• Fun for the whole family: Most holiday cruises cater to families by offering events and activities suitable for passengers of all ages. While the kids are rock-climbing, ice-skating or playing basketball, grandma and grandpa can get in a game of shuffleboard, mom can enjoy a massage at the ship’s spa and dad can practice his swing at the onboard putting green.

• Limited space: The holiday season is the most popular of time for cruise companies. Consequently, it is vital to book early if you plan to take a Christmas or New Year’s Eve cruise. Early fall is the best time to book a holiday cruise, as it leaves you with enough time to take advantage of early booking savings. In addition, October is when cruise lines start promoting holiday sailings with special discounts.

• Higher prices: Given the popularity of holiday cruises, most itineraries come with a higher price tag than sailings during the rest of the year. It may seem premature to plan a winter cruise when the leaves have yet to fall, but by doing so you can ensure a reduced fare. Moreover, you're more likely to successfully book the itinerary and the stateroom that you want.

• Family friction: If you have never been away from home during the holidays you may experience negative feedback from family members when you tell them you plan to be on the high seas Christmas morning. Be prepared to invite loved ones along on your holiday adventure or consider sharing a hefty dose of the holiday spirit when you return.

Imagine ringing in the New Year jamming to reggae music in Montego Bay or waking up on Christmas morning to a view of cobalt blue skies and tranquil turquoise waters from the balcony of your cruise ship. There’s nothing quite like celebrating Christmas on a cruise ship.

Booking early is the best way to save money on higher-priced holiday voyages. However, if you're willing to gamble, some companies offer reduced rates at the last minute. Keep in mind, though, these last-minute rates are only offered on ships that don't sell out early, and not all cruise lines have them. It’s a good idea to check with a travel agent or the cruise line for advice if you are thinking about waiting to book your holiday cruise.

In addition, you can check the following online resources, which offer savings on specific Christmas and New Year sailings:

• VoyagesofDiscovery.com
• AffordableTours.com
• CruiseCheap.com
• IGLUCruise.com
• Uniworld.com

• Thanksgiving Cruises
• 3 Day Cruise Packages
• Princess Cruise Lines

• Adults Only Cruise Ships
• Cruise Ship Cabins
• Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Cruise Ship Formal Nights
• Carnival Cruise Line