
Christmas Cruises – What to expect
Have you ever been on a Christmas cruise? Today, we’re sharing 10 things you can expect on one of these magical adventures, just in time for the holidays! Here are a few examples on how Christmas cruises are different.
Christmas Cruise Dinner
A delicious Christmas dinner is offered onboard, and it includes all the traditional foods you love, including oven-roasted turkey with all the trimmings. The best part (OK, maybe not better than the freshly baked pumpkin pie) is no cooking and no dishes!
Royal Caribbean offers a holiday themed version of their bottomless galley brunch:
Stuff yourself silly at our holiday-themed version of our Bottomless Galley Brunch, and indulge in all of your favorite trimmings. Tuck into your best holiday dishes and drinks as our chefs go above and beyond to impress your inner foodie.
Seasonal activities
What Disney Cruise Lines does:
Disney Cruise Line gets even more magical around the holidays with Very Merrytime Cruises. These special holiday-themed sailings feature a Deck the Deck party (with candy cane limbo), meet-and-greets with Disney characters in adorable winter attire and a tree-lighting ceremony with Mickey himself. For cruises that include Disney’s private island Castaway Cay, guests will experience the Caribbean retreat with a wintry twist — from a reindeer-themed tram to real “snow” flurries.
What Royal Caribbean does:
The ship’s crew is there to make sure you have the best holiday cruise. At the start of your voyage, take part in the time-honored tradition of lighting the massive ship’s tree. Join Santa’s hardest working elves for the ultimate Christmas celebration and a surprise Christmas giveaway. Get up on deck for a festive walk in support of World Wildlife Fund’s Arctic programs, presented by Coca-Cola. Decorate your own gingerbread cookies and unleash your creativity with DIY ornament classes.
Christmas Traditions
A non-denominational Christmas service is offered on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, featuring bible stories, hymns and prayer. You can also sing carols together around the tree, do some Christmas-themed arts and crafts, and mail letters to Santa in a special mailbox in the lobby.
- Holiday-themed craft projects, such as making cards or ornaments
- Christmas tree or Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremonies
- Gingerbread displays or decorating activities
- Ugly sweater or Christmas costume contests
- Caroling parties or holiday music from deck musicians
- Visits from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus or other seasonal celebrities
- Holiday story times or Christmas bedtime stories
- “Snow” celebrations on deck or in a large atrium
- Seasonal movies offered on poolside theaters or in-cabin televisions
- Special holiday-themed entertainment shows
- Christmas or other holiday-themed trivia contests
- Religious services or non-denominational Christmas services
- Special gifts for passengers or special gifts available for purchase
To find out more about Christmas cruises tune in to this week’s CruiseTipsTV Unplugged podcast
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