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It’s not too late to book a cruise to celebrate with Santa at sea this year, instead of with the in-laws.
A range of cruise lines offer Christmas and even New Year sailings, letting guests enjoy the festive period without worrying about the turkey or having to invite distant relatives.
Booking now means you’ll have a better choice of sailings and cabins, and there are chances to try out brand new cruise ships too.
You could celebrate in the Mediterranean, experience a Caribbean Christmas, or go inland for a celebration on one of Europe’s grand rivers. You can also visit Christmas markets and see how the rest of the world is marking Yuletide. And what’s more, some sailings even depart from the UK.
On board, you will find parties, sing-alongs, karaoke, festive food and films, decorations and Christmas trees, plus there may even be a visit from Father Christmas himself (for those who have been nice, of course). And the best part? Christmas lunch is sorted for you – all you need to do is sit back and enjoy.
Here is our roundup of the best Christmas cruises for 2026.
P&O Cruises: Christmas and New Year Canary Islands
Southampton – La Coruna – Tenerife – La Palma –Gran Canaria – Arrecife – Lisbon– Southampton
Departing from Southampton, you can catch some winter sun in La Coruña before celebrating Christmas at sea aboard Ventura en route to the Canary Islands with P&O Cruises. You'll spend Boxing Day on the beaches in Tenerife.
The 12-night sailing includes themed dinners, festive decorations, and even a good old-fashioned British pantomime.
The family-focused Ventura cruise ship has four pools and a sports court, as well as its Reef Kids Club for ages two to 17. Parents can escape the kids at the adult-only open-air spa terrace, The Retreat.
Departs 21 December 2026. From £1,649pp.
VIVA Cruises: Christmas Splendour across Normandy
Paris - Conflans - Vernon - Rouen - Les Andelys - Paris
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Make a river cruise ship your home as you explore the festive delights and Christmas lights of the Normandy region on a six-night cruise.
VIVA Beyond, the newest ship in the fleet, will be decked out for the festive season as it takes you along the winter landscapes of the Seine. Departing from Paris, each stop will provide a chance to explore historic old towns, charming villages and Christmas markets
Christmas Eve will be celebrated in Rouen, where guests can enjoy an onboard gala dinner on board and can join midnight mass in the historic city.
On Christmas Day, the ship calls at Les Andelys, a picturesque village overlooked by the ruins of Château Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart.
Departs 21 December 2026. From £1,625pp.
Read more: The best Mediterranean cruise holidays to book
MSC Cruises: Mediterranean
Civitavecchia - Messina - Valetta - Barcelona - Marseille - Genoa - Civitavecchia
MSC Cruises is well known for its entertainment and onboard parties, and it goes to great lengths at Christmas. Good boys and girls will be visited by Santa and will see an exclusive video of how he made it onto the ship.
The cruise line’s newest ship MSC World Asia, which launches in December, will be sailing around the Med at Christmas. Departing from Civitavecchia, you can spend a festive week visiting four different countries, with stops in Italy, Malta, Spain and France. You can spend Christmas Day on La Rambla in Barcelona before heading to Marseille on Boxing Day.
On board, guests can expect Christmas parties and decor, karaoke and plenty of tinsel as well as West End-style theatre shows. Adventure seekers will enjoy the longest dry slide at sea, The Spiral @ Tree of Life, at 81.3 metres high and spanning 12 decks.
Guests will find 40 bars, lounges and restaurants on board, including a 1980s and 1990s-themed Clubhouse and Soda Bar and a Pan Asian Bar serving street food-inspired cocktails, including a bespoke draught beer called Oceanic Asian.
Departs 21 December 2026. From £1,035pp.
Read more: Christmas holidays you must do if you’re single and over 50
Royal Caribbean: Caribbean & Perfect Day
Fort Lauderdale – Perfect Day at CocoCay - Cozumel – Costa Maya – Fort Lauderdale
Spend Christmas on Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Legend of the Seas.
Departing from Fort Lauderdale on 20 December, this six-night sailing includes a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private CocoCay island in the Bahamas.
On board, passengers will find a rock climbing wall, giant waterparks and slides, and 40 bars and restaurants to choose from. You can also zip-line across the side of the ship on the Crown’s Edge.
Festive Royal Caribbean traditions include Christmas Eve singalongs, ugly Christmas jumper making, crafts, and gingerbread decorating.
Departs 20 December 2026. From £1,269pp.
Read more: The best Christmas markets in the UK, from Bath to Edinburgh
Disney: Very Merrytime Bahamian Cruise
Fort Lauderdale - Lookout Cay - Castaway Cay - Fort Lauderdale
Disney somehow manages to make Christmas even more magical wherever you are – and that includes at sea. You can see how Mickey, Minnie, Donald and co get in the festive spirit on board the newest ship in the fleet, Disney Destiny, during a five-night Christmas cruise. The ship has a big focus on heroes and villains, with a giant SpiderMan model on its stern and visits from Marvel characters such as Loki and Black Panther.
Read more: The best Caribbean cruises
Expect to see plenty of classic characters in festive attire on board between stops on the cruise line’s private Caribbean islands, as well as a life-sized gingerbread house and a 24-foot Christmas tree. Festive activities include a tree-lighting ceremony and parties hosted by Mickey and Minnie.
Departs 23 December 2026. From £1,521 per person.
How do cruise lines celebrate Christmas Day?
Christmas Day celebrations can vary depending on the brand, ship and destination.
If you are in a port on Christmas Day, then there may not be a big Christmas lunch celebration.
Instead, some cruise lines may have their festive dinner on Christmas Eve, plus there could be a midnight buffet with lots of treats.
If Christmas Day is on a sea day, then you may get a day full of festive food and celebration.
Expect visits from Santa, and there may even be gifts for the kids, and turkey with all the trimmings should be on the menu at some point during the sailing.
Are there festive excursions?
Cruise ships that sail over the Christmas season will offer festive excursions.
This could include trips to Christmas markets or to see local decorations and lights.
Is the ship decorated?
Cruise lines will decorate the public areas of their ships, including the atrium, main dining rooms and buffet, with Christmas trees, holly and tinsel, and there will be festive-themed activities such as biscuit decorating.
If they want, passengers can decorate their cabins – though they will need to leave the Christmas tree and larger decorations at home.
Is there a Santa’s Grotto for kids?
Some cruise brands such as P&O Cruises have a Santa’s Grotto on their ships, while others, including MSC Cruises, let children meet Santa during a stage show in the theatre.
How far in advance should you book a Christmas cruise?
Booking as early as possible gives you more cabin choices, and you may get a lower price.
It is worth keeping an eye on whether the cruise fare drops, though, as you may be able to get some money back.
Itineraries are often released a year or two ahead, so it is worth looking now if you want to prepare for this Christmas or even 2026.
How can I get the best deal?
You can search for and compare cruises on websites such as SeaScanner or through the MyKindOfCruise app.
It is also worth checking individual websites if you like a particular brand, and signing up for newsletters to stay informed about deals and discounts.
Read more: A Christmas week spent searching for Santa