December Escapes Celebrate The Holidays On The High Seas

December cruises offer a unique way to celebrate the holidays—decorated ships, festive menus, and destinations from the Caribbean to Antarctica. Holiday sailings typically run 7–14 days; popular routes include Caribbean (warm weather, beach stops), Mexican Riviera, and European Christmas markets. Cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity) deck ships with trees, lights, and special events—Santa visits, midnight mass, and New Year's Eve parties. Pricing: 7-day Caribbean $800–1,800 per person (inside), $1,200–2,500 (balcony); European river $3,000–6,000. Booking 6–12 months ahead secures better rates; last-minute deals sometimes appear but limit options. This guide covers December cruise options, what to expect, and how to plan a holiday escape on the high seas.

Popular December Itineraries

Caribbean from Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral): Cozumel, Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Thomas—5–7 days $600–1,200, 7–14 days $900–2,000. Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles or San Diego: Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán—7 days $700–1,500. European Christmas market cruises: Viking, AmaWaterways on Rhine/Danube—Nuremberg, Strasbourg, Vienna—7–10 days $2,500–5,000. Repositioning cruises (transatlantic) can offer value for flexible travelers ($600–1,200 for 12–14 days). Choose based on weather preferences, length, and whether you want beach, culture, or adventure.

Holiday Amenities and Onboard Festivities

Ships decorated with trees, wreaths, and lights; some lines offer gingerbread house displays and holiday shows. Special dinners (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve) typically included. Disney: character meet-and-greets, themed dining. Kids' programs: Santa visits, holiday crafts. Religious services: Christmas mass, Hanukkah. New Year's Eve: parties, champagne toasts, fireworks (where permitted). Expect 20–40% premium for holiday sailings vs. early December. Book early or consider Dec 1–15 for lower rates.

Booking Tips and Budget Considerations

Holiday cruises cost 20–40% more than off-season. Balcony cabins sell out first; inside cabins offer value. Travel insurance: $75–150 for 7-day cruise; winter weather can disrupt flights. Fly in a day early to avoid missing the ship ($150–300 for hotel). Pack layers; Caribbean is 75–85°F but ships are air-conditioned. Gift-giving: some families exchange small gifts; ship shops offer last-minute options. Plan ahead for best experience and value.

Choosing the Right Ship and Line

Disney Cruise Line: families—character meet-and-greets, themed dining, kids' clubs; $1,200–2,500 for 7 days. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian: diverse activities for families and adults; $800–1,800. Carnival: fun and value; $600–1,200. Celebrity and Holland America: refined experiences for adults; $900–2,000. Virgin Voyages: adults-only; $1,000–2,000. Consider ship size: mega-ships (4,000+ passengers) offer more amenities but can feel crowded; smaller ships (1,000–2,000) provide intimacy.

Packing and Practical Tips

Pack formal or semi-formal attire for holiday dinners—many lines have dress codes (no shorts in main dining). Bring medications and essentials in carry-on; luggage can be delayed. Download cruise line app before boarding for daily schedules and onboard account. Reserve specialty dining ($50–100/person) and excursions early—they fill up. Travel insurance: trip interruption and medical evacuation. December on the high seas combines celebration with adventure—prepare well and enjoy.

Weather and Destination Considerations

December weather varies by destination. Caribbean: 75–85°F, warm and humid; pack swimwear, sunscreen, light layers. European river cruises: 35–50°F; pack coats, scarves, comfortable walking shoes for Christmas markets. Mexican Riviera: 70–80°F. Alaska and Northern Europe: cold, 20–40°F; pack heavy layers. Shore excursions may sell out—book in advance through the cruise line or third-party operators (Viator, Shore Excursions Group) for potential savings. Onboard spending adds up—set a budget for drinks, specialty dining, and souvenirs.

Conclusion

December escapes celebrate the holidays on the high seas with a unique blend of relaxation and festivity. Ships are decorated with trees and lights; special dinners, Santa visits, and New Year's Eve parties create memorable experiences. Popular itineraries: Caribbean from Florida, Mexican Riviera, European Christmas markets. Book 6–12 months ahead for best rates; holiday sailings cost 20–40% more than early December. Match the ship to your style—Disney for families, Celebrity for adults. Pack layers, fly in a day early, and consider travel insurance. Celebrate the season on the water.

Multi-generational travel tips: choose ships with varied activities—Royal Caribbean's Oasis class has something for every age. Book connecting cabins or family suites for togetherness with privacy. Schedule one group activity per day (dinner, show) and let everyone choose their own adventures otherwise. Grandparents can treat the family—cruise packages make gift-giving simple. Consider travel insurance that covers multiple generations. December cruises create lasting memories across generations; plan for flexibility and shared experiences.

Holiday-specific considerations: Christmas and New Year's sailings fill quickly—book by summer for best selection. Early December (1–15) often has lower rates before the holiday premium. Some lines offer menorah lighting and Hanukkah services. Pack a few wrapped gifts for under the tree; ship shops have last-minute options. Consider a balcony for Christmas morning—watching the sunrise at sea is magical. Holiday cruises attract families; expect more kids and festive energy. If you prefer quieter sailing, choose early December or a premium line. December escapes celebrate the holidays on the high seas with memories that last a lifetime—plan ahead and enjoy the journey. Ships transform into winter wonderlands; the combination of travel and celebration creates a unique holiday experience you will remember for years.