Top Christmas Cruises 2023
If you’re looking for a unique getaway this Christmas, then a Christmas cruise is a wonderful option. Giving you the chance to see some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations throughout the festive season, you’ll have a Christmas that you’ll never forget. An incredible time of the year to travel, not only will you get into the festive spirit onshore (maybe by visiting a Christmas market), but also whilst you’re onboard as many cruise lines will put on special events, decorate the ship and even gift presents to guests!
There are so many Christmas cruises in 2023 to choose from, whether you’re looking to visit Northern Europe, the Caribbean or another destination. Read on to see our top Christmas cruises 2023 picks, alongside the best Christmas cruise 2023 destinations. Or, you can find more on the latest Christmas cruise deals right here!
MSC Christmas Cruises 2023
MSC Cruises has long been a popular cruise line for families and couples alike, since it first started sailing in 1970. Known for its modern fleet and its vast amount of amenities onboard, their ships range in size, catering for 2000 up to 5000+ people.
This Christmas, treat yourself or your loved ones to a MSC Christmas cruise and enjoy a magical getaway that’s filled with Christmas entertainment and activities for both kids and adults.
Top Highlights Onboard a MSC Christmas Cruise in 2023
MSC Christmas Cruise Activities for Adults
- MasterChef Christmas Edition: In this unique themed event, you can take part in the cooking talent show and the winner will have the opportunity to even try out for the TV show itself!
- Christmas karaoke
- MSC Christmas Show: A festive production that will put you in the Christmas spirit.
- New Year’s Eve Party: If you opted for a cruise that takes place through New Years, you’ll be able to enjoy the MSC New Years Eve Party. from themed sets to decorations, costumes and more, it’s the ultimate way to toast to the new year.
MSC Christmas Cruise Activities for Kids
- Santa’s Extravaganza: Santa brings a gift for every child aged up to 11 years old. A wonderful festive event that the little ones will undoubtedly love!
- Movie with Santa: Shown in the theatre, this sets off the Santa Extravaganza with a bang!
- Doremix Xmas: A fun and immersive family disco game.
- MSC Kids Xmas Parade: Exciting for all the family, the MSC mascot, Doremi along with other characters join in.
- Winter Wonderland: Located in Doremi Village, it includes themed games, dances and more.
P&O Christmas Cruises 2023
A popular British cruise line, P&O Cruises has been welcoming guests for over 40 years. And at Christmas, it’s clear that P&O Cruises goes all out aboard their ships. From magical decorations to themed shows (such as a pantomime!), festive cuisine and more, they strive to make your Christmas experience onboard unlike anything you’ve experienced before. From the moment that you step onboard your P&O Christmas cruise, you’ll feel as though you’re in a winter wonderland.
And with so many different P&O Cruises ships offering Christmas cruises in 2023 (including the popular Iona Christmas cruise) you’ll be able to enjoy a festive getaway that’ll create memories that last a lifetime at a budget that suits you.
Top P&O Cruises Christmas Activities
- Santa’s Grotto: Your little ones can meet Father Christmas at his festive grotto!
- Christmas films
- New Year’s Eve Party
- Pantomimes (on specific days)
- Other special festive-themed entertainment and activities.
On Christmas day, P&O Cruises host a Christmas dinner, including all of your favourite trimmings. There’s also a carol service that’s hosted by the captain, a decorative Christmas cake display, an intricate gingerbread village display and Father Christmas will bring presents for all the children onboard!
Marella Christmas Cruises 2023
Marella Cruises is beloved for their mid-sized ships, family-friendly feel and all inclusive offerings. With itineraries on offer throughout the year, including cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands and beyond, there’s a Marella Cruises getaway for everyone.
One of the most exciting offerings Marella Cruises have is their Christmas cruises. And with a wide selection of Marella Christmas cruises in 2023, you’ll find the ultimate festive getaway for you and your loved ones. And with lots of different Christmas-related things to do onboard, you’ll be spoilt for choice on how you spend your Marella Christmas holiday.
Top Marella Cruises Christmas Entertainment and Activities
- A festive Christmas dinner on the 25th December
- Christmas music throughout the ship
- Christmas at Sea show: Featuring comedy, singing and dancing!
- Mince pies, gingerbread and other themed food
- Christmas Eve carol concert
- Christmas High Seas entertainment: With a choir performance
- Christmas deck party
- Themed game shows
- Santa meet & greet
- Christmas nativity
- Themed New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day events
If your cruise sails over Christmas Day you’ll receive a Christmas cookie, truffles and a bauble! And for kids, they’ll get a chocolate Santa!
Princess Christmas Cruises 2023
And finally we have Princess Cruises. Boasting a relaxed atmosphere, and known for their extensive itineraries visiting all 7 continents, it currently has 15 ships in the fleet.
A Christmas cruise on Princess is magical and enchanting from start to finish. Not only are the ships decked out in holiday décor, including holly, wreaths and Christmas trees, but there are several themed Christmas entertainment and activities.
Top Princess Cruises Christmas Entertainment and Activities
- Yuletide carolers performing festive songs
- Themed seasonal entertainment (including shows, films and live music)
- Catholic/interdenominational church services
- Ugly sweater party
- Gingerbread house making
- Snow in the Piazza
- Christmas themed fun fair and PJ party
- On Christmas day, Christmas dinner will be served with all of the seasonal sweet and savoury treats, from chocolate Yule logs to Christmas cookies.
- For the little ones, there are Christmas parties, festive arts & crafts, and a fun Sata meet and greet!
- New Year’s Eve events: A fun party filled with champagne, confetti, music and more!
- New Year’s Day events: Traditional college bowl games ensue with themed food and more!
Top Christmas Cruises 2023 Destinations
But where should you travel on your 2023 Christmas cruise? When deciding on your Christmas getaway, it might be challenging to decide whether you want to opt for a traditional festive destination, such as Northern Europe, where you’ll be able to visit Christmas markets and it will be colder (and arguably a little more festive!) or if you want to travel further afield and enjoy some winter sun.
To help with your decision, we’ve rounded up our top 2023 Christmas cruise destinations:
Caribbean Cruise Christmas 2023
Best for: Winter Sun
Starting off the list is cruises to the Caribbean. There’s no denying that the Caribbean is an incredible destination to visit; from the delicious food to the beautiful scenery and friendly locals, there’s so much to see and do throughout this tropical vacation hotspot. Whether you opt for a Christmas cruise that visits the eastern Caribbean islands, such as Saint Kitts, Barbuda and Saint Martin, or western Caribbean, such as Grenada, Jamaica or St. Lucia, you’ll have an unforgettable time.
And whilst outside might be warmer, on the cruise ships there’ll be plenty of festive activities to make you feel as though it’s still Christmas.
See Iglu’s Christmas cruises to the Caribbean here.
Christmas in the Canaries 2023
Best For: Cruising from the UK
Alternatively, if you want to stay a little closer to home, why not try Christmas in the Canaries in 2023? The Canary Islands are made up of 7 different islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, LA Gomera and El Hierro. Known for their mild temperatures throughout the year, breathtaking beaches and fascinating history, the Canaries are a wonderful option for your Christmas getaway.
Not only are there Christmas cruises from Tilbury that sail to the Canary Islands, but there are also Christmas cruises to the Canary Islands from Southampton, making this destination perfect for those looking to cruise from the UK in December.
Whether you’re looking for Christmas in Tenerife in 2023 or one of the other islands, see our selection of Canary Islands December cruises here.
Northern Europe Christmas Cruises 2023
Best For: Wintry Landscapes
And finally, we have Northern Europe. Made up of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Northern Europe is beloved for its picturesque natural beauty that includes geysers, volcanoes, lush green forests and other spectacular scenery.
Arguably the most festive and ‘Christmassy’ location on this list, the moment you sail into Northern Europe, whether it be into the Norwegian Fjords or another destination, you’ll feel like it’s a traditional Christmas. After sipping on a warming hot chocolate and enjoying the festive entertainment onboard, you’ll step off the ship and will be greeted with Christmas decorations, cooler temperatures and plenty of festive cheer!
Regardless of whether you’re looking for a Norway Christmas cruise, a Finland Christmas cruise or another cruise in Northern Europe we’ve got you covered. With our Christmas cruises in 2023 visiting an array of Northern Europe destinations, no matter where you travel to, you’ll have an unforgettable time.
Explore our collection of Northern Europe Christmas cruises in 2023.
Book a Christmas Cruise in 2023 with Iglu Cruise
Ready to book your 2023 Christmas cruise? See our Top 10 Christmas Cruise Deals page that includes Caribbean Christmas cruises in 2023, Canary Islands Christmas cruises in 2023 and more! Alongside our tempting Christmas cruises, we’ve also got an extraordinary collection of New Year Cruise Offers. Enjoy a magical and festive getaway this December, that’ll create everlasting memories that your family will cherish for years to come.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for some more travel inspiration, check out our blog - Best Ports for Christmas Markets. Or perhaps you want to treat yourself this Christmas? Our collection of Luxury Christmas Cruise Deals are guaranteed to impress!