Five reasons to spend Christmas on a cruise ship
Deciding on where to spend Christmas can be difficult. Many of us spend a large portion of Christmas Day stuck in traffic, visiting relatives, or simply neglecting our own well-being during the festive period.
Considering a cruise is a great way to ensure a stress-free Christmas Day, with more Brits looking to sail the seas over Christmas. Google Trends search data shows a 92% increase in searches for “Cruise at Christmas” in 2025 compared to 2024.
So, struggling with Christmas plans? We've revealed five fantastic reasons why celebrating Christmas Day on a cruise ship is an excellent option to consider.
Contents:
- Enjoy a stress-free day
- Ready-made atmosphere
- Christmas entertainment
- Choose the climate
- Business as usual
1. Enjoy a stress-free day
Imagine a Christmas day where there's no cleaning, no cooking, no washing up, and no pre-celebration house preparation to worry about. On a cruise, you truly are waited on hand and foot.
Many onboard restaurants offer special Christmas Day menus that feature traditional Christmas dinners, allowing you to still enjoy a festive meal without the usual cooking stress. These dining options also cater to various dietary requirements and picky eaters, making it easy for the whole family to enjoy Christmas dinner together. You’ll also be able to find plenty of festive drink choices from one of the many bars onboard. It's the perfect setting to truly relax and soak up the magic of Christmas, free from any hosting duties.
2. Ready-made atmosphere
Cruise lines transform their ships into a magical winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Guests can enjoy stunning Christmas trees in the Atrium and festive decorations sprinkled throughout the bars and restaurants. There’s so much Christmas joy spread around the ship, which takes the pressure off creating your own magic, allowing you to simply relax and soak up the festive atmosphere.
The ships go above and beyond to create a Christmas Day experience that feels like a traditional celebration at home. They are adorned with magnificent lights and decorations, creating a unique ambience unlike any other time of the year. P&O Cruises even reports that around 19,800 Christmas crackers are pulled on their ships over the period. It is truly a special atmosphere to experience.
3. Christmas entertainment
Cruises are famous for their entertainment, typically offering a full schedule of activities from day to night. On Christmas Day, the festivities become even more special. There is often a variety of children's entertainment, including appearances from Santa, who is sometimes even known to bring gifts. Many cruises feature a carol service and Christmas choirs that guests can take part in. Additionally, the entertainment team may even put on a special Christmas performance, such as a pantomime.
One thing is for sure, there’s no room for boredom when you’re on a cruise on Christmas Day. You might even find yourself dancing the night away in the onboard nightclub until the early hours! Whilst this is not a typical way to end Christmas Day at home, it definitely is a special at-sea occasion.
4. Choose the climate
The exciting part is choosing the destination, with options ranging from a snowy celebration to a tropical retreat. Lean into the traditional Christmas with cooler destination cruises, such as Northern Lights cruises, Arctic voyages with activities like dog sledding, or European cruises with plenty of Christmas markets to enjoy.
Alternatively, a tropical Christmas cruise offers the perfect sunny escape, blending onboard festive cheer and themed parties with the opportunity to relax on the beach, swapping snow for sand, in a destination like the Caribbean. This allows travellers to trade winter gear for swimwear and a cocktail, combating any winter blues. Ultimately, the choice of destination is the foundation for an unforgettable Christmas Day at sea.
5. Business as usual
You won’t find reduced hours or Christmas closures on a cruise like you would at home. Onboard, Christmas Day is alive with activity from morning until night, thanks to the incredible crew.
Start your day with room service breakfast on your balcony, followed by a spa treatment, while the little ones enjoy the kids’ club, the pool, or even a table tennis tournament. Join in with quizzes, hit the gym, or browse the onboard shops when at sea. After dinner, catch a West-End style show, try your luck in the casino, and dance the night away in a bar or nightclub. And if your ship is docked that day, you’ll even get to explore a new destination. All the joy of Christmas, but with a whole new view.
Book your Christmas cruise today!
"A Christmas cruise is an investment in quality family time, taking away any stress during this period and leaving memories to treasure forever", says Dave Mills, our Chief Commercial Officer.
Ultimately, choosing a Christmas cruise can transform what is often a stressful day into a memorable escape, offering unparalleled relaxation, festive fun and a wonderful change of scenery. It’s an opportunity to put yourself and your family first, creating new traditions that will last a lifetime. Explore your next Christmas cruise here on our website.