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Viking offers a range of ocean, expedition and river cruising, but for the holiday season, it’s bread and butter is its Christmas market river cruises. A hallmark of many river cruise lines, these sailings soak in all the magic of the season with calls on various ports like Vienna or Budapest that host sprawling holiday festivals with enchanting local vendors. Carnival’s FUN ships are certainly no exception from the frolic and festivities of the holidays. Participate in an ugly sweater competition, attend a special on-stage holiday performance, mail letters to Santa with a designated mailbox onboard, and don’t forget to celebrate Grinchmas, in partnership with Seuss at Sea.
Delicious Christmas Chocolate and Hanukkah Gelt
Adults might want to participate in a holiday-themed version of the cooking competition MasterChef. A number of themed activities happen throughout the sailing in the kids’ clubs, including a Christmas parade along with mascots Doremi and Lego sailors. Matching T-shirts and door decorations are a hallmark of cruises at any time during the year, so why not go all in with the Christmas cheer? Splurge on those matching family jammies (bonus points for footie pajamas) and don’t forget some spruced-up attire for a formal dinner or family portrait. Menus and offerings will vary by cruise line but anticipate a gala dinner on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas day, along with many tasty treats of the holiday season. But the highlight of each cruise will likely be the line’s holiday show.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Christmas Day Dinner Menu and December Festivities
For many couples or families with older children, the cruise itself is the ultimate Christmas present. Another great option is to pre-purchase experiences as the gifts, like a shore excursion or additional onboard experience. It’s Christmas for them too, and they might enjoy a little extra token of appreciation. Maybe you’ve never thought to spend Christmas on a cruise before, but plenty of other people have.
Christmas cruises 2024, 2025, 2023 New Year's Eve
Guests will be able to enjoy the magic of the moment with Carnival’s Caroling event; while doing this, they can wear their ugliest Christmas sweater and compete for the Ugliest Christmas Sweater competition. Cold appetizers this year include classics like a shrimp cocktail and a mouthwatering ribeye tartare. Hot appetizers include a crab and shrimp cake or crispy pork belly, followed by baked potato soup, which will get everyone in the mood for what will undoubtedly be a tough choice in main courses.
Let it Snow invites you to play in a winter wonderland with real snow, as well as sing carols and classic Christmas songs. ‘Tis the Season welcomes Santa Claus with songs, bell ringing and competitions for the best ugly sweater or festive holiday hat. The cruise director and staff will offer several holiday-themed shows throughout each cruise, and at least one seasonal movie, such as "The Polar Express," will be shown. A special holiday performance, featuring children and the decorations they made in the kids club, will be a highlight. Santa will visit with gifts for the kids, and a traditional Christmas dinner -- featuring turkey and pecan pie -- will be served.
No matter where you are, you will feel in the spirit onboard, with elegant decorations, holiday entertainment, and Catholic mass. MSC welcomes families to embark on the ultimate Christmas cruise, whether it’s four or 14 days; in the Caribbean or Northern Europe. Mr. Claus is on hand to attend to kids’ wish lists, handing out gifts to each child in partnership with brands like Lego and Chicco.
Oceania Cruises
Set sail and soon you’ll be celebrating Christmas the way you want – surrounded by your loved ones in a tropical paradise. Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has announced the holiday decoration dates for the entire Carnival fleet. If your ship is calling on a Disney private island like Castaway Cay, prepare to be wowed by tropical “snow flurries” and even a Christmas tree standing tall among the sandy beaches. Cruisers might also find a kinara, or candle holder that represents the African holiday Kwanzaa, observed between December 26 and January 1.
Carnival holds a special, non-denominational Christmas service either December 24 or 25, depending on the cruise itinerary. This service will feature hymns, prayers and plenty of stories to bring everyone closer together during the holiday season. A Christmas cruise also lets you escape winter weather and icy roads, frozen fingers, or snow days. It can also be easier to arrange for family members from distant homes to get together when you’re all on the same ship, rather than juggling many different schedules and commitments.
Coast Guard suspends search for man who went overboard on cruise ship - NBC News
Coast Guard suspends search for man who went overboard on cruise ship.
Posted: Tue, 26 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Consider bringing festive attire/door decor
Exploring the streets and beaches of each city might reveal unexpected festivals and celebrations sure to delight the senses. You’ll also want to join in on shore excursions that let you get up close and personal with nature, take part in extreme adventures and enjoy unforgettable local cuisine. While everyone back home may be dealing with snowstorms and freezing rain, you’ll be surrounded by warm temperatures and plenty of vacation adventures.
On embarkation evening, the grand Christmas tree in the atrium will be lit during a special ceremony complete with lights that are synchronized to Christmas music. In a post on his Facebook page, brand ambassador John Heald shared a list of the Carnival Cruise Line Christmas themed activities and entertainment that passengers can expect for the coming month. Despite the heat, pack your dodgy jumper and prepare to dance past gingerbread displays and sing along to a playlist of all the top Christmas tunes.
Since you're not going to want to pack and bring home lots of gifts, we recommend looking for mini-sized stockings since they're great for travel. Just be sure the packages are not yet wrapped before boarding, so they can easily pass through security. Gift bags and pre-cut wrapping paper are great ways to be able to wrap gifts onboard.
After the holiday, you don’t have the hassle of cleaning up after the exuberance or putting away decorations – you just have to unpack your luggage after the cruise. No matter what holiday you may celebrate – or none at all – these fabulous facets of a cruise vacation are always available. While there may be more holiday touches on board during the Christmas season, you never need to worry about the basics of a cruise vacation being neglected. All you need to do on our Christmas cruise is unwind, enjoy the adventure, and make the most of your deserved time away from it all.
Barbadians enjoy a traditional Christmas ham along with rum cake, of course. Consider if candy or clothes will need to be repacked and brought home or if the opened gifts might make a little room for souvenirs (and holiday gifts for friends) on the return trip. You don’t want to fixate on the banalities of home while you’re working on your backstroke in the pool but be sure to check in occasionally for the chance of any winter storms while you are away. Be sure that a trusted friend or family member has access to your home in case of emergency (frozen pipe, etc.). It might be a balmy 80 degrees with not a cloud in the sky where you are docked, but it’s important to remember that back home— depending on where you live — it’s still winter. Plan to reach your departure port at least a day in advance to account for any weather-related delays or cancellations.
More than one passenger is likely to be wearing a Santa hat, whimsical antlers, a light-up necklace, seasonal sweater, or other holiday attire. As you pull into ports of call or private island destinations you’ll be greeted with local festive flair and decorations. Some cruise destinations may be in the midst of their own celebrations with parades, holiday bazaars, and other seasonal fun. On most cruise ships, a special gala turkey or ham dinner will be held in the Main Dining Room on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, with both classic holiday dishes and elevated menu choices. Even more casual dining options, such as the buffet, will offer special Christmas dinner dishes.
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