mini cruise christmas

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $150 on the stateroom you want. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

CHRISTMAS CRUISES

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Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year on a Christmas cruise.

Spend an unforgettable vacation on one of our Christmas cruises, where you’ll enjoy the spirit of the season while sailing to some of the most spectacular destinations around the world.

Feast on traditional meals designed by a Michelin-starred chef—without worrying about any of the prep or cleanup. Marvel at our festive decorations, like Christmas trees covered in trimmings and tinsel that will make you feel right at home. Sing along with carolers, watch holiday-themed shows at The Theatre, and welcome Santa on board as he pays a special visit to all of the lucky kids spending Christmas at sea.

Christmas Fun for Everyone

On one of our luxury Christmas cruises, you can rest easy knowing that every member of the family will enjoy the vacation of a lifetime. Adults can schedule an indulgent afternoon at The Spa, while the kids are entertained at Camp at Sea. Teens can mingle with other teens at the Teens Club, while grandparents will love the nightly family dinners that take place in the main dining room. On Christmas Eve, watch a festive holiday show together in the theater, enjoy live holiday music, or head up to the rooftop for a Christmas-themed family movie night under the stars.

Christmas Cruise Itineraries

Escape the winter chill and plan a holiday vacation to some of the sunniest destinations around the world. Build a sandman on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean. Get into the holiday spirit while sailing around Australia and New Zealand. Or spend Christmas Eve during a once-in-a-lifetime cruise around the Galapagos Islands.

Itineraries

Tips for planning the perfect christmas cruise.

Go the extra mile and book a stay at The Retreat ® , our luxury vacation experience, where you and your family will have access to a private restaurant and lounge, a team of dedicated butlers and concierges to assist you in whatever you may need, and an array of stunning suites to choose from. 

You can also purchase unlimited premium beverage and specialty dining packages, bon voyage gifts, perks packages, an unlimited class pass to the fitness center, and more special treats on our website.

View All Christmas Cruises

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Funtastic Christmas Cruises

CHRISTMAS FUN… AND SO MUCH MORE

Funtastic Christmas cruises also include all the fun of a typical Carnival cruise.

• You could eat three amazing meals a day — plus snacks and more — without paying extra! Great stuff too, from casual munching spots to sit-down dining room meals featuring great dishes designed by Emeril.
• Your ship may even have specialty restaurants like the steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano® with its family-style Italian, Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse/Brewhouse featuring BBQs and brews, or a Creole bistro by Emeril Lagasse!
• Find our chefs showing off a little — from comfort food to exotic delicacies, get ready to discover new favorites, always fresh.
• We accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences, including an entire vegan dining room menu. Plus kids’ menus are ready to please even the pickiest little palates.
• Any hour of the day — all 24 of ‘em — is the best time to enjoy room service, plus soft-serve and pizza are available late into the night.

Entertainment

• Enjoy a high-energy stage show spectacular featuring singers, dancers and tunes you love.
• Move to the beat of live music performances, plus DJs spinning in locations around the ship.
• Show what you know — themed trivia’s going down, so start getting warmed up.
• If live-’n-lively music is your thing, hit the piano bar for fun sing-alongs.
• There’s something funny about our onboard comedy club, which features laugh-out-loud performances, some just for adults and some for everyone.
• Gather at the club, grab a drink and party till late, all to the beat of the latest tunes and classics.

Outdoor Activities

• Splash into pools, go for a swim… and don’t forget the poolside bars.
• Adults have their own place to relax away from all the action and the… well, kids: it’s Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™!
• There are plenty of ways to play — and what’s more, win — with outdoor sports activities like mini-golf.
• Pack your running shoes — there’s a jogging track with an ocean view and a breeze!

Kids & Teens

• Carnival cruises feature supervised youth activities all day long, clubs where they can hang out and make new friends.
• There are four separate youth programs: Camp Ocean ® for ages 2-11, Circle “C ® ” for 12-14 and Club O2 ® for 15-17… plus now there’s Turtles ® for the under-2s!
• Whatever kind of fun they're into — games, movies, music, karaoke and more — we've got it.
• Keep them in good hands while you enjoy evening entertainment, with available babysitting service. (For ages 11 and under.)

• Open the door and you’ll find soft, comfy linens, plus a full private bathroom with shower. Ahh, the comforts of home!
• You’ve got a stateroom attendant, ready to take care of your needs.
• Room service is always on the menu, 24 hours a day (and night!). Delivery is just a quick call away.
• Some rooms come with a view, some with balconies… and some even have a connecting door or extra half-bathroom!

Exotic Destinations

• For your Christmas cruise, choose from the tropical Caribbean islands, The Bahamas and its crystal-clear waters, or culture-packed Mexico.
• Wake up in a new port each morning — it’s like taking multiple vacations in one trip!
• Find great activities ashore like snorkeling, parasailing or swimming with dolphins.
• Taking it slow is always an option, too — think sunning on the beach, catamaran cruising or swaying hammocks in the shade.

Spend Christmas aboard… and you’re gonna have photos to share! Hashtag yours #CarnivalCruise and #Christmas to submit.

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• Small Cruise Lines christmas cruises

Small Cruise Lines Christmas and New Year

Christmas cruises 2024, 2023 new year's eve.

All Small Cruise Lines Christmas and New Year cruise offers listed here are just itineraries and not cruise deals for sale. Vessels are ordered alphabetically. Comparing all the ships in the Small Cruise Lines fleet is a most convenient way to select the best for you Holiday voyages as departures (homeports, dates), destinations (regions, visited countries), itineraries (ports of call, arrival dates, port times) and also to compare cruise prices.

CruiseMapper shows cruise prices per person. These are only indicative fares on the ship's lowest category staterooms. All rates are based on double occupancy (twin share) and don't include cruise line or travel agency promotions, group booking rates or any other special offers and discounts.

Most Christmas and New Year small ship cruises are categorized as “luxury” and usually all-inclusive (expensive). To this category also belong river cruise tours operated by differently sized ships and smaller riverboats deployed on the most popular rivers and inland waterways in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. 

As most small cruise ships don’t offer the redundancy of onboard amenities that larger passenger ships do, small ship voyages focus on the destination, rather than the vessel itself. All "small cruise" holiday itineraries feature daily port calls and a full shore excursions program. Those are well paired with various enrichment activities – both onboard and ashore.

All small ship travel vacations are about getting up personal with the operated region/destination. That means all the itinerary's tours and excursions are professionally guided and marked by unique activities themed on history, culture, wildlife.

Next tables show many Small Cruise Lines' Christmas New Year cruise itineraries as ships, departure ports, call ports (dates and arrival/departure times) and regions.

Top Christmas Markets mini cruises

Get into the festive mood with these traditional Christmas Markets mini cruises from DFDS.

Each year I grab any opportunity I can to visit authentic Christmas Markets across Europe.

These bustling markets are a pleasure to visit and would even warm the heart of Mr Scrooge.

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Quaint wooden huts decorated in festive attire sell traditional gifts and seasonal food and drink. European Christmas Markets can be romantic, charming, fun and exciting all-in-one. It's easy to get lost in the festive cheer.

Each year DFDS runs a series of mini cruises to the most popular Christmas Markets in Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands. Having sailed on a couple I can wholeheartedly recommend them as a great winter short break holiday. Here is why.

Cologne Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Cologne is a really beautiful city and it becomes even more special at Christmas. When I visited there were eight separate Christmas markets on offer.

Two nights in the very comfortable 4* Marriott Cologne hotel on Johannisstrasse offers plenty of time to see the sights and explore many of the Christmas Markets although you do need to plan your trip carefully if you want to visit all the different markets on offer.

4* Marriott Cologne hotel on Johannisstrasse

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas market is by far the biggest and most popular - but with that comes vast crowds. We visited the market a couple of times and on both occasions we felt more like sheep being herded rather than being able to meander at a leisurely pace. The crowds knew where they wanted to go and we had no choice but to follow, making a loop of the markets with great difficulty reaching any of the stalls.

This is the biggest market in Cologne and is free to look around so attracts flocks of locals as well as tourists to what is a relatively small footprint. Pick your times wisely and you should be able to move through this market at a leisurely pace. Alternatively merge into the crowd and experience one of the most authentic German Christmas Markets you will ever find.

Christmas Market at the Cologne Cathedral (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom)

The Neumarkt Christmas market is ideally positioned next to Schildergasse, one of the main shopping streets in Cologne. This was a little quieter than the markets at the Cathedral but was still busy. My favourite markets were at Heumarkt and Altstadt. These two separate markets seemed to merge into one and featured a range of stalls selling local crafts such as candles through to those that were piled high with bars of tasty fudge, chocolates and more. These markets offered everything the Cathedral markets offered but in a significantly calmer manner. Here we could meander a lot more and browse at our own pace. There was also an ice rink which was popular with families and something none of the other markets we visited offered.

Ice Rink at Heumarkt

Make sure you visit the key attractions in Cologne besides the Christmas Markets. The very solemn Cologne Cathedral is definitely worth a visit. Leave the hustle and bustle of the outside world behind as you step into this quiet, cavernous cathedral. Head to Hohe Straße and Schildergasse for some retail therapy. Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge is an iconic bridge that features in many tourist photos (mine included!).

Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge with Cologne Cathedral in the background

When we walked across the bridge we couldn't help but notice the 'Love Lock' padlocks plastered across the fencing. This tradition of placing a padlock on the fence to symbolise a couple's love for each other has created a unique space. Some call it vandalism, others call it art.

Love locks on Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge

KölnTriangle Observation Deck is arguably one of the best kept secret vantage points Cologne has to offer. It offers fantastic views over the city and the Rhine river.

The view over Cologne and the River Rhine from the KölnTriangle Observation Deck

Lastly, due to the location of your hotel you are likely to walk through the Köln Hauptbahnhof railway station a number of times. This is more like an indoor shopping centre than a train station, with shops and restaurants lining the corridors, and so is a destination in its own right.

Prices start from just £259 per person for a four-night Cologne Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, two nights bed and breakfast in the 4* Marriott Cologne hotel, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment

Brussels Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Brussels is home to my favourite Christmas Market. This is spread across a generous stretch of the city and encompasses lots of different aspects. Dozens of stalls can be found a few steps from the hotel at Place St Catherine (Winter Wonderland) along with an ice rink and a 60 metre-tall big wheel.

The bustling Winter Wonderland at Saint Catherine

The festivities continue along the streets to Grand Place where an amazing light and sound show is held each year. The memorising displays attract large crowds each night.

The light and sound show with projections onto the buildings at Grand Place

Make a beeline for the food trucks and food stalls that serve delicious food. They are incredibly popular and so food is always hot, fresh and perfect on a cold winter's night. Hot dogs cooked on a massive open fire, authentic Belgian frites and Belgian waffles can all make a filling meal on-the-go.

Besides the Christmas markets Brussels has quite a few attractions to check out. It also has an abundance of chocolate shops although be warned not all of them sell great tasting chocolate. If you want something authentic then avoid the shops with tall piles of 'cheap' boxes (they are priced relatively highly but would attract value pricing in a supermarket) and head to the small artisan producers that are tucked away around the city. These alone are reason to visit the city - the chocolate is THAT good!

The short break with DFDS Seaways includes a couple of nights in the 3* Ibis Brussels Centre St Catherine hotel. A few years ago they used the Novotel Centre Tour Noire which was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. It was spacious, very comfortable and the breakfast buffet was expansive. The Ibis alternative is just behind the Novotel hotel and when we last stayed there we found the hotel to be small, tired and somewhat lacking, although it is perfectly fine for a couple of nights. It does, however, sit a few steps away from the action so you really cannot fault the location.

Our tiny room at Ibis St Catherine which had barely enough space for the bed!

Prices start from just £219 per person for a four-night Brussels Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, two  nights bed and breakfast in the 3* Ibis Brussels Centre St Catherine hotel, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment.

Bruges Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Bruges is a magical, historical city and worth a visit at any time of the year. But at Christmas it becomes even more special thanks to the Christmas Market that sets up shop at Grote Markt. This traditional market features wooden huts lined with gifts and tasty treats. The ice rink is loved by families and looks pretty set amongst the Medieval buildings typical of Bruges.

Plenty of delicious treats in The Chocolate Line in Bruges

Bruges, like Brussels, offers plenty of fantastic chocolate shops making it a great place to stock up on some tasty Christmas gifts. I would wholeheartedly recommend visiting Dominique Persoone's The Chocolate Line which offers both traditional, safe chocolate truffles as well as some more unique flavours . Bruges also boasts many top-rated restaurants and a number of museums too.

Prices start from just £239 per person for a four-night Bruges Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, two  nights bed and breakfast in the 3* Novotel Brugge Centrum hotel, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment

Amsterdam Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Amsterdam isn't as famous for its Christmas Markets as it is Christmas shopping. While there are small Christmas markets dotted around the city they aren't anywhere near the scale of Brussels or Cologne. You can find market stalls on Leidseplein and Koningsplein. You'll even find an ice-rink too.

What the city lacks in its Christmas Markets it more than makes up for with its retail offerings. If you are after a great deal on your Christmas gift shopping then heading to Amsterdam is a great idea. The Dutch capital is famous for its excellent shopping, with everything you could possibly want from huge department stores to trendy and unique boutiques.

Meandering canals form the backbone of vibrant Amsterdam

At Christmas time, the city is illuminated with festive decorations along the cobbled streets and canal ways, transforming this city into a winter wonderland.

Prices start from just £129 per person for a three-night Amsterdam Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, one night in an Amsterdam hotel (which can be extended if you wish), coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment

Bonus: New Year's Eve Mini Cruise

Following Christmas there's one more major mini cruise event in the calender before the year is over - the traditional New Year's Eve mini cruise . This is a seriously popular cruise each year and one that fills up very quickly.

This mini cruise departs Newcastle in the early evening on 30 December where you can enjoy live entertainment and music on your overnight crossing. You will arrive in Ijmuiden the next morning and a short coach transfer will take you into Amsterdam city centre where you will have up to 5 hours to spend at will. Catch the coach back to the ship before getting getting ready for the New Year's Eve celebrations.

The ship will take a leisurely cruise down the North Sea Canal towards Amsterdam and en-route you can feast on either a lavish gala buffet dinner or a delicious 3 course à la carte meal depending upon the package you book.

Enjoy all-inclusive drinks that night before toasting the arrival of the new year with your fellow passengers and crew. Head out on deck to see the famous Amsterdam fireworks display light up the sky as the new year begins. The atmosphere on-board will be electric.

The next morning you can enjoy a lazy breakfast on-board before exploring Amsterdam city again. After spending the first day of the year in this wonderful city you'll head back to the ship and then back to Newcastle, arriving early the next morning.

Prices start from just £189 per person for a three-night Amsterdam New Year's Eve mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes three nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, live bands and international acts, a gala buffet on New Year’s Eve, an all-inclusive bar on New Year’s Eve with sparkling wine at midnight, a hot and cold buffet breakfast on New Year’s Day morning, and coach transfers to / from Amsterdam. The open decks on the ship are also a great place to view the the Amsterdam fireworks on New Year's Eve. Prices start from £219 per person for all of this with an upgrade to a 3 course à la carte menu on New Year’s Eve instead of the buffet.

Top tips for all Christmas short breaks

• Book early to secure a good price and a place. The Christmas short breaks fill up quickly, particularly the New Year's Eve cruise.
• Plan your time wisely to get the most out of the trips. If you simply want to meander around the Christmas markets then there's plenty of time to do that but if you want to cram in some sightseeing too then you'll need to use your time wisely.
• Pack light and make sure you have room for souvenirs. You will undoubtedly find treat that would be perfect as Christmas gifts while you are on holiday.
• To that end, take a few extra Euros in case you stumble across gifts and souvenirs that you simply must buy.

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Hi, I'm David and I'm a mini cruise addict. I love the ease and simplicity of exploring Europe from the comfort of a cruise ferry or cruise ship almost as much as I love finding great value deals, including the mother of all deals, the famous '2 for 1' deals.

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A Christmas Cruise Holiday YOUR FAMILY WILL NEVER FORGET

A Christmas Cruise Holiday for the Whole Family

When it comes to family holidays, it's all about options, and with Norwegian, you have plenty. Stretch out in accommodations that fit all families, including spacious suites and interconnecting staterooms. Enjoy delicious dining choices even finicky eaters can't refuse, delight in a wide variety of family-friendly activities throughout the ship and take advantage of complimentary youth programmes that accommodate all children, from tots to teens.

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The concept of a floating hotel that offers entertainment and sports in addition to lodging and food is tempting, but you are not sure if a cruise is your ideal holiday? Then a mini cruise is just right for you!

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Why a mini cruise?

A mini-cruise is ideal if you are not yet sure whether a longer cruise is right for you or if you have a new cruise line in mind and want to experience some of the things it has to offer. Starting at the harbour you then sail (usually at night) towards the destination. During the day you stop at interesting ports in between and have enough time there for sightseeing, shopping or culinary delights.

Although these trips are much shorter, usually about 3 or 4 days, than on a normal trip, you still have all the amenities such as restaurants, bars, entertainment programs, sports activities and much more available. So you get to know the cruise line on a short cruise and know immediately if it suits you. With minimal effort you can appreciate what cruising has to offer.

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Taster cruises are offered worldwide, so you are not bound to a particular departure ports. How about a Caribbean cruise , if you have planned a longer vacation there anyway? So you can ideally combine your holiday with a little taster trip. Even Mediterranean cruises and Asia cruises are available. Be inspired to experience the delights of cruising!

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The 10 most festive christmas cruises for 2023-2024.

Set sail for the holidays on your next cruise vacation.

The Most Festive Christmas Cruises

Courtesy of American Queen Voyages

These festive cruises are full of activities, food and destinations to make your holiday special.

If you're ready for a break from holiday traditions and family gatherings at home, consider booking a Christmas cruise. What makes a better present than the chance to leave all the planning, cooking, cleaning and decorating behind – and celebrate the holidays in beautiful destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean or other countries around the globe?

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, you can book a festivity-filled river cruise along Europe's iconic waterways and bundle up in your winter gear to explore the Christmas markets in the snow. If you prefer sunshine and warm temperatures, celebrate the holidays in an exotic locale, sailing crystal-clear turquoise waters and relaxing on white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees.

Whether you prefer to stay close to home or jet off for a bucket list adventure, one of these cruises may just be the perfect gift to celebrate your holidays in style.

Book a Christmas cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise

Put your name on the waiting list for November 2024 if you want to set sail on what Hallmark is touting as the "jolliest vacation ever." The Hallmark Channel – known for its year-round holiday-themed programming with Christmas in July, Countdown to Christmas and Christmas Fridays – will host the first-ever Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise sailings in November 2024 from Miami to the Bahamas . Lucky fans of the television channel will travel with their favorite Hallmark stars on one of two four-night cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Gem during the 2024 holiday season.

Highlights of the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise include photo opportunities and panels to meet the stars. Attend Christmas craft workshops or tastings with Hallmark's winemaker – the wines have names like Jingle (cabernet sauvignon) and Joy (sauvignon blanc). Guests can also look forward to "carol-oke" singalongs, cookie decorating, an ugly sweater contest and a world premiere viewing of a new Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers seven itineraries to visit the Christmas markets along the Rhine and Danube rivers – and to see the holiday splendor of Europe's grand cities, such as Vienna and Prague . Travelers can stroll through snow-dusted beautiful medieval squares and fairytale markets with chalet-inspired stalls, thousands of colorful lights, festive decorations, ice skating rinks, whimsical handmade gifts, Christmas carolers, carousels and more.

The eight-day Iconic Christmas Markets itinerary from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary , features a visit to Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas markets. Sip glühwein (hot mulled wine) and sample savory specialties like currywurst (curried sausages) and kartoffelpuffer (fried potato pancakes). Be sure to save room for sweet delights like schaumkuss, a chocolate-covered marshmallow, or lebkuchen, a traditional spiced cookie.

While on board the ship, guests can participate in festivities like tree-trimming, caroling and "Shoes for St. Nick." This European tradition encourages passengers to leave their slippers outside their stateroom door before bed. In the morning, they wake up to slippers filled with tasty treats like the children find in Europe on Saint Nicholas Day.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrate Christmas Day in the Canary Islands and ring in the new year on the Mediterranean Sea during Celebrity Cruises ' Canaries, Morocco, Spain Holiday itinerary. The 13-day round-trip voyage from Barcelona embarks a few days before Christmas 2023 on Celebrity Infinity. It features eight ports of call, including the Moroccan cities of Casablanca and Tangier as well as Seville and Valencia in Spain.

On the ship, guests can revel in the joyous spirit of the season with festive Christmas trees, traditional holiday meals, themed shows and pop-ups, carolers, gingerbread winter villages, and even a visit from Santa. The onboard bars serve up holiday-inspired cocktails like candy cane and gingerbread martinis as well as other seasonal favorites, including spiked apple cider and classic mulled wine. On New Year's Eve, plan to join in the merriment with fellow cruisers during the big countdown bash.

If you want to cross South Africa off your list of must-visit destinations , consider spending Christmas and New Year's Eve sailing round-trip from Cape Town on Azamara 's 14-day South Africa Intensive Voyage. The 2023 voyage departs Dec. 21 on Azamara Pursuit and includes stops in Port Elizabeth, home to one of the densest elephant populations in the world, and Richards Bay, which is teeming with exotic wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Guests on board the holiday cruise will be treated to Christmas performances, including singalongs and carols performed by the crew. There will be special menus in the restaurants, holiday-themed buffets, religious services and a tree-trimming party. Festive treats like hot chocolate, cookies and snacks are provided throughout the cruise. The New Year's Eve White Night party, where all the guests don their best white attire, will take place throughout the ship and on the pool deck with entertainment, music and light bites.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 12-day Christmas on the Main & Moselle cruise sails between Paris and Prague in 2023 and 2024. The adults-only sailing affords passengers 18 or older the opportunity to visit four European countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic. In addition to browsing the boutiques in Paris and a variety of Christmas markets in Germany, you'll want to explore iconic landmarks like Reims Cathedral in France and the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Don't miss the famed wines produced in the region, including Moselle, riesling, Müller-Thurgau and gewürztraminer.

The holiday spirit continues on board the ship with Christmas-themed cooking demonstrations in addition to festive decorations with garland, lights and gingerbread houses. Guests will also taste regional cuisine, enjoy cultural performances on board the ship and ashore, and learn about the history of the Christmas markets and local holiday traditions.

Read: Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees

Disney Cruise Line

Kent Phillips | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers dozens of Christmas-themed cruises in November and December of 2023 and 2024. Cruisers looking to celebrate the holidays with Disney's cast of characters in 2023 can book a Very Merrytime cruise as short as a four-day sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas. For an extended getaway, consider Disney Cruise Line 's eastbound eastbound 15-day voyage that embarks in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico , and transits the Panama Canal, disembarking in Galveston, Texas .

On the first evening of every sailing, guests can gather around the three-deck-tall Christmas tree for the tree lighting ceremony, a holiday singalong and the introduction of Santa Claus. Other festivities include the fun-filled Mickey and Minnie's Holiday Party, themed Very Merrytime activities for children of all ages, carolers singing songs, and Christmas-inspired food and beverages. Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be sporting jolly new holiday attire during the special voyages.

Read: The Top Themed Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Celebrate the holidays with a once-in-a-lifetime getaway to the sun-drenched islands of Tahiti . You'll set sail a few days before Christmas aboard the four-masted sailing yacht Wind Spirit. Windstar's 10-day Overwater Bungalow & Tahitian Paradise Cruise Tour also includes a three-night stay in overwater bungalows on the island of Moorea. Resort perks include a half-day private car tour and a romantic beach dinner where you can watch a spectacular French Polynesian sunset over the South Pacific Ocean.

Guests can join in on the holiday spirit around the ship with festive Christmas trees and decorations and holiday-inspired cocktails and treats. Special programming for the voyage includes a Christmas movie, a gala tea, an interdenominational Christmas service and a Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas morning brings more celebrations throughout the day, with holiday meals, a Yuletide afternoon tea and a Christmas dinner followed by a variety show in the evening.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Grab the swimsuit, flip-flops and sunglasses for a tropical holiday on Norwegian Cruise Line 's newest ship, Norwegian Viva. The line's nine-day Caribbean voyage departs round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico , several days after Christmas. There are eight ports of call, including stops in the beautiful islands of Curaçao , Bonaire , St. Lucia and Aruba . For a special celebration, splurge on luxurious suite accommodations in The Haven. The ship-within-a-ship retreat features a private restaurant, a lounge, a sundeck, a concierge desk and 24-hour butler service.

Holiday-themed activities on Norwegian's ships vary by itinerary and ship. Still, guests will find plenty of festive fun on board, including traditional holiday fare and holiday-inspired musical sets, trivia, and family and youth programming. Guests are invited to offer interdenominational services for fellow passengers during the sailing. You'll also find Hanukkah services listed in the Freestyle Daily Program. Plan to sleep in on New Year's Day and spend a blissful day relaxing at sea after a late night celebrating New Year's Eve on board the ship.

American Queen Voyages

The holiday-themed, eight-day Roundtrip New Orleans voyage on American Queen begins with an overnight in the city and disembarks just in time to spend Christmas Eve in the Big Easy . The ship – a 417-passenger paddlewheeler that is the largest steamboat ever built – will call on four ports during the sailing on the Lower Mississippi River. In Natchez, Mississippi, guests will find holiday markets exclusively created for the voyage, where you can shop for gifts and sweet treats. You'll also be greeted with bonfires along the riverbanks at the historic Nottoway Resort in White Parish, Louisiana. Join in the real spirit of Christmas with donations to Giving Trees in the port towns that help local charities.

There are plenty of cheery activities on board the ship with Christmas shows, singalongs, caroling and cooking demonstrations. Guests can also put their creative talents to work decorating gingerbread houses, ornaments and cards while sampling holiday-themed cocktails or sipping hot chocolate. Specially prepared dishes will celebrate the traditions of Hanukkah, including traditional foods like homemade latkes (fried potato pancakes).

Read: The Top Mississippi River Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea

For a life-changing experience and the merriest Christmas of all, spend the holiday with several species of waddling penguins, giant seals and majestic whales while visiting the ice-covered shores of The White Continent. The 10-day Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams expedition on Silversea 's Silver Endeavour sets sail from Chile a week before Christmas in 2023 for the Antarctica Peninsula. Five days of excursions allow travelers to explore this surreal and magical part of the world. Weather permitting, guests will even take a Zodiac cruise with the expedition team in the South Shetland Islands on Christmas Day.

Festive touches on board the ship include Christmas trees and lights, gingerbread houses, holiday arts and crafts, caroling, religious services, and musical performances by the crew and professional entertainers. Guests will also enjoy a traditional holiday dinner on Christmas Day.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, and river ships in Europe and on the Mekong River. She used her extensive knowledge and experience with the cruise industry to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Top Christmas Lights Displays in the U.S.
• The Best Christmas Vacations

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Winter Vacations , Christmas

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Seize bold adventure taking to the seas on a weekend-maximizing mini-cruise. Spend more time at play sailing from close-to-home ports like Southampton.

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Dreaming of adventuring in bucket-list European destinations – hot spots like hip Hamburg , historic Bruges or ultra-modern Rotterdam ? Amp up your weekend with a play-packed short cruise from Southampton.

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With its innovative architecture, world-class art galleries and unsurpassed commitment to sustainability, Rotterdam is a modern urban powerhouse. Soak up its wonders on a short cruise from the UK.

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Onboard Independence of the Seas®, your mini cruise goes super-sized on adventure. Think exhilarating activities, like the dual racer slides of The Perfect Storm℠ or the rushing thrill of the FlowRider® surf simulator. And showstopping productions, including Grease, the hit Broadway musical and Broadway at Sea℠. Mix in 12 delicious eateries – from quick stops at Sorrento’s Pizza to the ultimate dining extravaganza that is Chef’s Table – and you’re in for a short cruise that doesn’t skimp on incredible. Take to the seas from the UK!

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Mini cruises & short breaks from Southampton in 2024, 2025 & 2026

Mini cruises from southampton are the ideal tonic for those in need of a short break. with cruises from leading cruise lines including p&o cruises, msc, cunard and fred olsen cruises a mini cruise from southampton can give you that quick break with some fantastic entertainment, dining and service., the best deals on mini cruises from southampton, short cruises from southampton.

Mini cruises from Southampton are a great short break to see some of the closer ports whilst getting some of the superb service from our leading cruise lines. 3 night cruises from Southampton may take you to places such as Zeebrugge from where you may visit the picturesque town of Bruges, St. Peter Port in Guernsey or perhaps Le Havre in France. A 3 day cruise from Southampton can be taken throughout the year - Christmas cruises could take you to some Christmas markets or just allow you to enjoy the festivities on a new year mini cruise.

A slightly longer 4 night cruise from Southampton could include an additional port of call in your cruise and of course take you a bit further afield. A 4 night cruise from Southampton could show you the city of Amsterdam where you can explore the canals, art museums and historical sights also perhaps with a call at the French port of Cherbourg. Of course we shouldn't exclude 3 night cruises from Southampton which call at some of the best ports in the UK such as Falmouth, Dover or Portland which we often discount to our own detriment.

Short cruises from Southampton are available on various cruise lines so the choice of cruise style is really yours. A short cruise from Southampton is often used as an ideal way to try out a different cruise line or for a first cruise. Try British favourites such as P&O Cruises or Fred Olsen Cruises, take up the Mediterranean flavours with MSC Cruises or perhaps choose something with a little more luxury with Celebrity or Princess Cruises.

UK cruises enjoyed a renaissance in summer 2020 thanks to Covid-enforced travel restrictions and,…

The home of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Loch Ness monster, J.K. Rowling and whisky, Scotland has so…

When most people think of travelling to Europe, they immediately think of countries such as Italy,…

Germany cruise holidays take passengers to a fascinating country, brimming with history, rich in…

Netherlands

Located on the North Sea, the pint-sized country of the Netherlands is known for its modern mega…

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Explore car parking, hotels and directions with our guide to Southampton Cruise Terminal .

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Cruise packing list template: What to take on a cruise holiday

Cruise packages: what’s included who has the best are they worth the money, british isles cruise tips: everything you need to know about cruising the uk, 10 smart ways to bag a cruise bargain, cruising solo tips: how to make the most of your cruise alone, discovery princess review: what's it like onboard the new princess cruises ship, your guide to a pre- or post-cruise stay in southampton – what to see, eat & do, what you need to know about p&o cruises, dress code for cruises: what you need to know about how to dress on a cruise.

Set Sail on the Hallmark Channel's New Immersive Christmas Cruise

H allmark Channel just announced the ultimate immersive Christmas experience, and it involves a cruise ship . In a partnership with festivals-at-sea company Sixthman, Hallmark Channel is bringing Christmas fans on the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise right before the much-anticipated jollyful holidays in 2024.

"We hear time and time again that people want to immerse themselves in the world of Hallmark Channel Christmas movies and this venture is sure to bring our brand to life in a new, captivating way," Hallmark Media's Vice President of Consumer Products, Natalie Vandergast, said in a statement. "We are delighted to count down to Christmas 2024 aboard an adventure that will allow our stars and enthusiastic fanbase alike to create everlasting memories together at sea."

Don't worry though, you won't suffer in the cold! The four-day cruise will sail from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas from November 5 through November 9, 2024, where guests will get the chance to experience Christmas at the beach while getting a good tan at the same time.

Curious what the trip will be like? Picture Christmas crafts, interactive holiday-themed activities, and even a world premiere of the new Hallmark Channel movie Countdown to Christmas at the ship's very own theater. And that's not even all—during the trip, passengers will get to witness a tree lightning ceremony, and those looking to hone their cooking skills will be able to participate in Christmas cookie decorating sessions as well as wine tastings to wash it all down. And don't forget to bring your ugly sweaters aboard—there will be a contest for that, too.

If this sounds like your dream cruise, we have good news for you. Now through July 19 you can sign up for the pre-sale, where you can register to receive a booking appointment for the chance to reserve your cabin. If you can't make it to the presale, though, on July 21 at 2 pm EST bookings will open to the general public.

For more information and to reserve your spot, you can visit this website . Want more Thrillist? Follow us on  Instagram ,  TikTok ,  Twitter ,  Facebook ,  Pinterest , and  YouTube .

Serena Tara is a Staff Writer on the News team at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram .