We recently wrote about the bucket list cruises to take any time of year. Today, let’s explore holiday cruises perfect for a family escape while time off is easier to come by. Whether you have little ones or adult children, four days to spare or two weeks — there’s a seasonally inspired itinerary here to start dreaming about for next year!
Lower Mississippi River Cruise | American Cruise Lines
Book for: A unique way to bring the family together and see the South in its holiday finest
Climb aboard the American Cruise Lines American Symphony ship for its Lower Mississippi Cruise and the perfect Southeastern nautical excursion. This nine-day, eight-night journey between Memphis and New Orleans makes eight stops in historic towns decked out for the holidays along the Lower Mississippi River. Explore artsy Natchez’s elegantly adorned antebellum homes and multiple 19th-century Louisiana estates like Oak Alley and Houmas House (pictured).
The ship can carry a maximum of 180 passengers, so expect tailored service, lots of room to stretch out, and thoughtful holiday touches throughout your journey. There’ll be classic Christmas entertainment, cookie decorating, a full Christmas dinner, and a gift exchange. Make sure to tack on a few days to see New Orleans decked out in holiday lights after you disembark.
Christmas on the Rhine | Viking River Cruises
Book for: Exploring Europe’s famous Christmas markets
The longstanding titan of river cruising, Viking’s Christmas on the Rhine cruise is among its most acclaimed holiday itineraries. This eight-day journey navigates the Rhine River, connecting Amsterdam and Basel, with stops in Cologne, Strasbourg, and other picturesque towns renowned for their festive Christmas markets. Passengers consistently praise the immersive cultural experiences, the ship’s elegant holiday decor, and the opportunity to explore Europe’s treasured markets during the festive season.
You get to stamp your passport in four different countries, each with its own culture, bustling markets, delicious seasonal treats, and holiday traditions. Every time you step back onboard the cozy ship, you’ll be with your nearest and dearest, ready to reflect and relax. This highlight reel makes us want to book this right now.
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Perfect Day Holiday & Panama Canal | Celebrity Cruises
Book for: An unhurried journey that blends relaxation and adventure
We searched for a thrilling Celebrity Cruises itinerary that was easy to get to, had multiple days at sea to relax, and hit some incredible port stops. The Panama Canal & Perfect Day Holiday is 11 nights on the luxurious new Celebrity Ascent, encompassing Christmas and New Year’s Eve/Day. From Fort Lauderdale, you’ll sail to Cartagena, Colombia, then through the iconic canal to additional stops in Panama, Aruba, Curaçao, and the famous CocoBay in The Bahamas. This is the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and sunny adventure.
On Celebrity’s Christmas cruises, adults can schedule an indulgent spa day while the kids are entertained at camp. On Christmas Eve (a day at sea), catch a festive holiday show in the theater, enjoy live holiday music and caroling, or head to the rooftop for a Christmas-themed family movie night under the stars. Expect some serious chef-made holiday feasts, of course.
If you’re interested in booking a cruise for next year, revisit our article about the secret booking weapon everyone should know.
Canary Islands Celebration | Cunard
Book for: A European vacation that’s more sun and sand than holiday markets
This one’s a bucket-list-worthy two-week voyage from Southampton, U.K. (outside London), to the sunny Canary Islands aboard the iconic Queen Anne. The British cruise line Cunard’s been sailing since 1840, and they pull out all the stops for their holiday cruises. Expect elegant balls, festive multi-course menus, flowing champagne, afternoon teas, and all the sparkly decor you can feast your eyes on.
This itinerary includes stops in Madeira, Cadiz/Seville, and other charming coastal towns, and a New Year’s Eve overnight in Lisbon. The Canary Islands are known as the sunshine center of Europe and boast a mild climate, biodiverse outdoor attractions, national parks, and explorable small towns. While onboard, the Queen Anne has spacious suites, wellness classes, heated pools, a spa, theaters, shopping, and so much more.
Enchanting Christmas & New Year’s Cruise | Uniworld
Book for: Exploring new and unsung parts of Europe by boat over two festive holidays
Viking is far from the only player in the European holiday cruise game. Uniworld’s boutique river cruises are some of the best in the business, and their Enchanting Christmas & New Year’s Cruise takes you on an 11-day adventure from Passau (after a fairly easy flight into Munich) to Budapest along the Danube River.
This itinerary is less about shopping the markets (though there will undoubtedly be some still open) and more about soaking up the magic of the holidays in some seriously historic locales with once-in-a-lifetime moments. Imagine singing “Silent Night” in Oberndorf, where the beloved Christmas carol was composed.
After a relaxing Christmas Eve in Passau, you’ll spend Christmas Day in Salzburg with a special holiday lunch within St. Peter’s Abbey. Discover the seasonal delicacies of Slovakia in Bratislava’s picturesque downtown and enjoy the merriment and hospitality in an Austrian wine village. Finally, ring out the old year in style in vibrant Budapest. This cruise has something for kids 8 to 88. Soak up art, wine, and culture both on and off the ship as you cruise through four nations.
New Year’s Ahoy!| Virgin Voyages
Book for: A shorter, action-packed, adults-only cruise with friends
Why not ditch the extended family for a quick jaunt with friends next winter between Christmas and New Year’s Day? Designed exclusively for guests 18 and over, the ridiculously well-awarded Virgin Voyages are drenched in a chill and cultured atmosphere ideal for relaxing or indulging however you dang well please. Their ships have over 20 dining options curated by Michelin-starred chefs, so you’ll never get bored bopping from meal to meal and bar to bar.
Cruisers also rave about the unique, over-the-top entertainment, like drag queen bingo, DJ-spun tunes, and immersive cirque-style shows. Take advantage of the luxurious spa, free group fitness classes, and the private beach club at Bimini. Next year, there are four New Year’s Ahoy itineraries through the Bahamas and the Caribbean, each on a different ship — Brilliant Lady, Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, and Valiant Lady. Click here for more and check out just how chic and colorful a Virgin Voyage can be …
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Very Merrytime Cruises | Disney
Book for: An over-the-top enchanting holiday experience with kids
It’s hard not to include one of Disney’s famous Very Merrytime Cruises in this roundup — especially if kids are included in your plans. It should be no surprise that Disney goes overboard on the holiday cheer. The crew transforms each ship into a winter wonderland with holiday-themed entertainment, activities, and decor, like giant gingerbread houses, 24-foot-tall Christmas trees, and hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights.
Each Disney ship offers unique experiences. For instance, the Disney Wish, launched in 2022, has Frozen-themed suites and dining experiences. The Disney Treasure, debuting this December, promises exhilarating features like Moana-themed shows and Coco-themed dining.
Depending on your schedule, you can choose from shorter three-night cruises to longer seven-night voyages. Itineraries visit Mexico, Jamaica, the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, and Disney’s famed private island. Longer cruises often provide more immersive experiences and additional port visits.
All aboard, and happy holidays!
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