Top Popular Christmas Cruise Destains to Explore
More people are choosing Christmas cruises for a fun holiday trip. They love the festive look, special food, and exciting trips. It’s a great way to see new places during the holidays.
There are many cruises to pick from, like Uniworld’s 8-13 day trip for $3,599 to $6,749. Avalon Waterways has cruises starting at $2,149. Tauck has family cruises over $6,000, and CroisiEurope has affordable ones for Christmas markets.
Viking cruises are calm and slow, with mostly walking tours. AmaWaterways is for the active, with bikes for exploring. There are many ways to make your Christmas cruise special.
Key Takeaways
- Uniworld offers luxurious 8-13 day sailings priced from $3,599 to $6,749.
- Tauck’s family-oriented cruises start above $6,000.
- Avalon Waterways has affordable options starting at $2,149.
- Viking cruises provide a relaxed experience with mostly walking tours.
- AmaWaterways is perfect for active cruisers with port exploration bikes.
Galapagos Islands: Unique Wildlife Adventures
The Galapagos Islands are a top pick for winter cruises. They are known for their amazing wildlife. December is the best time to see marine life.
What Makes Galapagos Special
The Galapagos Islands are home to unique animals like marine iguanas and giant tortoises. You can also see Galapagos penguins here. The islands have volcanic landscapes and black-sand beaches.
Places like Dragon Hill and Charles Darwin Research Station are must-sees. Don’t miss the Highlands Tortoise Reserve.
Holiday Activities in the Galapagos
Galapagos cruises have lots of fun activities:
- Snorkeling at Vicente Roca Point and Urbina Bay to see marine life such as seahorses, frogfish, and mola-mola.
- Wildlife viewing at Egas Port and Espumilla Beach, where you can spot flamingos, sea lions, and white-tipped reef sharks.
- Hiking through volcanic formations and crater lakes, alongside volcanic hotspots like Tagus Cove and Sullivan Bay.
Tips for Booking Your Galapagos Cruise
Looking for the best winter cruises? The Galapagos is a great choice. Book early because spots fill up fast.
Choose small ship cruises for a more personal experience. You’ll see hidden gems. Licensed Naturalist Guides will be with you, sharing their knowledge.
| Duration | Islands Visited | Main Activities | Unique Wildlife |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 days | Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago | Snorkeling, wildlife viewing, hiking | Giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins |
Christmas in New Zealand: Summer Festivities Down Under
Celebrating Christmas in New Zealand is special. It combines sunshine, beaches, and local traditions. This makes a festive cruise unforgettable.
Visitors enjoy summer activities that are unique. From water sports to cultural events, New Zealand is a top festive cruise port. It has natural beauty and heartfelt traditions.
Sailing and Beach Activities
New Zealand’s coastline has lively beach towns and ports. They are perfect for a summer holiday cruise. Sailing fans can join yachting events or relax on beaches like Rotorua’s geothermal reserves.
The warm climate is great for many activities. Here are some:
- Kayaking: Explore hidden coves and clear waters.
- Scuba Diving: Discover underwater life and colorful reefs.
- Surfing: Catch waves at renowned surf destinations.
- Fishing: Enjoy serene fishing trips with local guides.
New Zealand’s Christmas Events
Christmas in New Zealand is special. It has festive events that mix traditional and local customs. Decorating the Pohutukawa tree, New Zealand’s Christmas tree, is a highlight.
Events happen all over the country. Here are some:
- Santa Parades: Cities like Auckland and Wellington host grand parades, featuring floats, music, and performers.
- Festive Markets: Browse through holiday markets brimming with local crafts, food, and gifts.
- Outdoor Concerts: Experience live music in the summer evening breeze, perfect for family gatherings.
- Community Picnics: Celebrate with locals in parks, enjoying barbecues and festive treats.
Choosing a summer holiday cruise to New Zealand is a great idea. It offers a sun-drenched Christmas with cultural richness and exciting experiences. Cruise itineraries vary, from short getaways to longer voyages.
Whether it’s a short trip or a longer journey, celebrating at a top festive cruise port is unforgettable. It creates cherished memories.
| Cruise Duration | Ports of Call | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 Nights | Sydney, Airlie Beach | Short getaways perfect for quick festive escapes |
| 10-12 Nights | Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington | Explore New Zealand’s cities and natural wonders |
| 18 Nights | Sydney, Bali, Cairns | Comprehensive voyages including international stops |
Slovenia: A Tranquil Alpine Retreat
Slovenia is a peaceful place with beautiful alpine villages and holiday markets. It’s a calm spot away from busy places. You can see stunning views at Lake Bled and explore the old town of Ptuj.
Ljubljana is a great place to stay. It’s in the middle of many attractions.
Exploring Alpine Villages
Radovljica and Ptuj are like pictures come to life. They are full of festive lights and have a romantic feel. These villages are perfect for a quiet Christmas.
There are fun winter activities like horseback riding and ice skating. Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj have amazing views all year.
Holiday Markets and Traditions
Slovenia’s holiday markets are a big deal. In Ljubljana, Radovljica, and Ptuj, you’ll find stalls with local crafts and food. Maribor is special for its winter beauty and ski resort.
Don’t miss Postojna Cave on your way to the coast. It’s an amazing underground place.
| Location | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Lake Bled | Apline views, rowing to Bled Island |
| Ptuj | Historic charm, renowned carnival |
| Ljubljana | Central hub, festive markets |
| Maribor | Winter sports, nearby ski resort |
Find peace in these quiet Christmas spots. Here, the festive magic meets Slovenia’s alpine beauty.
Iceland: A Winter Wonderland Experience
Iceland becomes a magical place in winter. December is cold and dark, but it’s full of wonder. The sun sets early, making everything feel more magical.
Chasing the Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights is a big reason to visit Iceland in winter. This amazing light show lights up the sky. You can take special tours to see it.
The Imagine Peace Tower on Videy Island is lit up on the Winter Solstice. It adds to the magic of winter nights in Iceland.
Exploring Ice Caves and Hot Springs
Iceland has beautiful ice caves and hot springs. Ice caves are like something out of a dream. They show off Iceland’s icy beauty.
Hot springs, like the Blue Lagoon, are warm and cozy. They’re perfect for relaxing in the cold.
Reykjavik is full of holiday cheer. Shops stay open late, and there are fireworks on New Year’s Eve. The Christmas markets are fun, with crafts and food.
Iceland offers a magical holiday experience. You can chase the Northern Lights or relax in hot springs. It’s a place of wonder.
| Holiday Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Northern Lights Cruises | Specialized tours to view the Aurora Borealis |
| Ice Cave Exploration | Guided tours through Iceland’s stunning ice caves |
| Geothermal Hot Springs | Relaxation in natural hot springs like the Blue Lagoon |
| Christmas Markets | Festive markets in Reykjavik, Hafnarfjörður, and Heiðmörk |
| New Year’s Eve Fireworks | Reykjavik’s largest fireworks show on New Year’s Eve |
European River Cruises: A Festive Journey
Start a festive journey through Europe with European river cruises this holiday season. Christmas market cruises let you see holiday traditions in cities along the Danube and Rhine rivers. Every moment is filled with festive cheer, from the lights to the mulled wine.
Danube River Cruise Highlights
The Danube River is great for Christmas market cruises. Cities like Vienna are famous for their holiday markets. Viking’s Danube Christmas Delights cruises start at $2,799 per person.
Riverside Luxury Cruises’ Dreaming of Christmas on the Danube starts at $1,732 per person. These cruises take you to Europe’s iconic markets. You’ll see handcrafted gifts, quaint streets, and warm glühwein in special mugs.
| Cruise | Departure | Starting Fare (per person) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Luxury Cruises: Dreaming of Christmas | Late Nov – Dec | $1,732 | Unique holiday markets, Vienna’s traditions |
| Viking’s Danube Christmas Delights | Nov – Dec | $2,799 | Historic markets, festive onboard activities |
Rhine River Cruise Favorites
The Rhine River has charming Christmas markets and historic cities. Adventures by Disney’s Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets starts at $8,299 per adult. For 2025, it starts at $6,599 per adult.
CroisiEurope’s Christmas in the Seine Valley cruise starts at $1,560 per person. These cruises have special holiday touches like tree-trimming and caroling. They make your journey unforgettable.
| Cruise | Departure | Starting Fare (per person) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventures by Disney: Rhine River Christmas Markets | Dec 19, 2024 | $8,299 (adult), $7,499 (child) | Traditional markets, family-friendly activities |
| CroisiEurope: Christmas in the Seine Valley | Dec 23 | $1,560 | Seine Valley sights, festive onboard experiences |
European river cruises bring you into the holiday magic. You’ll see historic markets and scenic rivers. It’s a unique experience for making holiday memories.
Thailand: A Warm Holiday Escape
Want a warm Christmas? Thailand is perfect. December in Thailand is festive and warm, great for sun lovers.
In Northern Thailand, it’s 18°C to 25°C (64-77°F) during the day. Nights are cool, from 10°C to 15°C (50-59°F). Central Thailand, like Bangkok, is warmer, with highs of 20°C to 32°C (68℉-89.6℉). Southern Thailand is even warmer, with temperatures between 23°C (73°F) and 31°C (88°F).
Thailand celebrates holidays in a special way. December starts with King Bhumibol’s Birthday on the 5th. Then, there’s Constitution Day on the 10th. Christmas and New Year’s Eve bring decorations, activities, and ceremonies to Thai cities.
Bangkok is great for luxury. Enjoy fancy hotels, Michelin-starred meals, and festive bars. Don’t miss Christmas Eve and NYE galas at hotels for fun and food.
- Book flights and hotels 2 to 3 months early for December.
- Look for the best airline fares 11 months in advance.
Thailand is a winter wonderland. Its streets and beaches are magical. Whether in Bangkok or by the beach, Thailand offers unforgettable warm Christmas vacations.
| Region | Temperature Range (Day) | Temperature Range (Night) | Festivities Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Thailand | 18°C to 25°C (64-77°F) | 10°C to 15°C (50-59°F) | King Bhumibol’s Birthday |
| Central Thailand | 20°C to 32°C (68℉-89.6℉) | — | Christmas Eve Gala Dinners |
| Southern Thailand | 23°C (73°F) to 31°C (88°F) | — | Beachfront Celebrations |
French Polynesia: Tropical Christmas in Paradise
French Polynesia is a dreamy place for a tropical Christmas. It has luxury and beautiful views. A 10-day cruise shows off its beauty.
Enjoy the warm weather and fun holiday activities. They make your trip both relaxing and exciting.
Best Islands to Visit
Christmas in Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Moorea is special. Bora Bora has calm beaches. Moorea has green mountains.
- Bora Bora: Its beaches are perfect for snorkeling and diving.
- Moorea: See beautiful views on the “Island Tour & Belvedere” excursion.
- Raiatea: It’s a hidden treasure with rich culture and landscapes.
Activities and Experiences
The cruises have fun activities like caroling and gingerbread house contests. There are also formal nights. Enjoy traditional dance in Bora Bora.
Try water sports like jet-skiing and para-sailing. There’s something for everyone.
Get a 10% discount on double cabins and no single supplement for solo travelers. Kids up to 12 cruise free with parents. Free shore excursions in Bora Bora and Moorea are a bonus.
French Polynesia is the best for a luxurious tropical Christmas. It has natural beauty, fun activities, and great deals.
Conclusion
Exploring top winter vacation spots shows us amazing Christmas cruise places. We’ve seen the Galapagos Islands, European river cruises, and French Polynesia. Each place offers a special holiday experience.
When planning a cruise, think about what you want to see and do. The weather and culture of the place matter a lot. They help make your trip perfect.
Christmas cruises are very popular. This means they can be expensive and hard to get into. But, if you plan early, you can find great deals.
Early bird discounts and special cruises can help. They make these trips more affordable. This way, you can enjoy a unique holiday experience.
Onboard, there are fun events and activities. They add to the holiday spirit. But, they might cost a bit more.
Booking early gets you the best deals. It also lets you choose from more options. Whether it’s the Northern Lights or summer fun, there’s a cruise for you.
Planning well and being open to different trips makes any cruise special. It turns your vacation into a dream come true.
