Discover the best places to cruise in December, from Caribbean sunshine and the Canary Islands to festive European cities. Explore December cruises from the UK, find inspiration for a Christmas getaway, and discover how cruise lines celebrate the season on board with decorations, festive dining, entertainment and special events.
December might mean cold mornings and dark evenings at home, but elsewhere in the world, the cruise season is only just getting started. From the sunshine of the Caribbean and Canary Islands to atmospheric European cities dressed for Christmas, December offers plenty of opportunities to escape.
For some travellers, a December cruise is about swapping winter coats for swimwear. For others, it is a chance to experience Christmas markets, festive celebrations, and New Year somewhere completely different. Cruise lines also embrace the season, with decorated ships, festive menus and Christmas entertainment bringing plenty of seasonal spirit on board.
If you have already explored our Winter Cruising Calendar, December is a great month to look at in more detail. Here are some of the best cruise destinations in December and what you can expect from Christmas at sea.
December can be an excellent time to cruise, but the experience varies considerably depending on where you choose to sail.
Head south to escape the British winter altogether. The Canary Islands remain a popular choice for winter sunshine without travelling too far, while long-haul destinations such as the Caribbean offer warm temperatures and tropical beaches.
Alternatively, stay closer to home and embrace winter. Cruises visiting Northern Europe can combine historic cities with Christmas markets, festive lights and seasonal food and drink.
There are also plenty of December cruises from the UK, so you can enjoy a winter break without flying. P&O Cruises, Cunard, MSC Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Ambassador Cruise Line are among the cruise lines to watch when exploring winter departures from British ports.
If you are wondering where to cruise at Christmas, the first decision is whether you want to escape winter or make the most of it.
The Canary Islands are a classic choice for a December cruise. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura offer a milder climate than the UK, dramatic volcanic landscapes and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors.
Their location also makes the islands particularly convenient for longer cruises departing from the UK. Some itineraries combine the Canaries with Madeira, Spain or Portugal, giving you several destinations to discover without the need for a long-haul flight.
For warmer weather, look towards the Caribbean. December falls within one of the most popular periods for cruising the region, with itineraries taking in everything from Barbados and Antigua to St Maarten and the Bahamas.
A Caribbean Christmas is certainly different from one at home. You could spend Christmas Eve beside the sea, wake up on Christmas morning aboard your ship and visit another tropical island before the festivities are over.
Cruise lines including P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line all offer opportunities to explore the Caribbean during the winter season.
The Mediterranean may be associated with summer holidays, but December provides a different way to explore the region. Temperatures are cooler, and some destinations are considerably quieter than during the peak summer months.
Cities such as Barcelona, Rome and Athens lend themselves well to sightseeing without the intense heat of July and August. December itineraries can therefore appeal to travellers who are more interested in history, culture and food than spending every day beside the pool.
Not every winter cruise needs to chase the sunshine. December is also a wonderful time to explore Northern Europe, particularly if Christmas markets and festive city breaks are part of the appeal.
Depending on the itinerary, you might find yourself wandering between Christmas stalls, sampling seasonal treats or admiring historic city centres illuminated for the festivities. Shorter sailings can also make these cruises an alternative to a traditional pre-Christmas city break.
Yes, many cruise ships decorate for Christmas, and the festive atmosphere can begin well before 25 December.
Exactly what you will find varies between cruise lines and ships, but Christmas trees, garlands, lights and seasonal displays are common sights. Atriums and other central areas are often transformed into impressive festive spaces, creating a very different atmosphere from the rest of the year.
The celebrations can extend beyond the decorations too. Depending on the cruise line, guests may find Christmas-themed entertainment, carol singing, seasonal activities and special menus. Family-focused cruise lines may also organise festive activities for younger guests, while some ships host religious services.
Christmas Day itself can include a traditional festive lunch or dinner, although menus and celebrations vary by cruise line. The biggest advantage is that somebody else takes care of the cooking and washing up.
If you are considering spending Christmas at sea, explore individual cruise line pages before booking to get a better idea of the onboard experience each offers.
Choose a cruise that extends beyond Christmas, and you may be able to celebrate New Year’s Eve on board too.
Cruise lines often mark the occasion with special dinners, live entertainment, parties and countdown celebrations. Depending on the itinerary and ship, you could welcome the New Year on deck, in an elegant lounge or while sailing towards your next destination.
A Christmas and New Year cruise can also turn the festive period into one complete holiday rather than two separate celebrations.
There is no single best cruise in December because the right choice depends on the type of winter holiday you want.
For winter sunshine without travelling long haul, consider the Canary Islands. If warm beaches and tropical scenery are the priority, the Caribbean is difficult to overlook. Travellers interested in sightseeing may prefer the Mediterranean, while those who want to fully embrace the season can explore Christmas markets and festive cities across Northern Europe.
The cruise line matters too. Families may prioritise ships with extensive entertainment and children’s facilities, while couples might prefer a smaller ship or a more relaxed, premium experience. Luxury cruise lines also cater to travellers who want to make Christmas at sea particularly special.
From Christmas markets and European city breaks to Caribbean beaches and Canary Island sunshine, December gives you the freedom to experience winter your way.
Whether you are searching for December cruises from the UK, planning to spend Christmas somewhere warmer, or simply looking for a different way to celebrate the festive season, we have itineraries to suit almost every style of traveller.
Explore our latest December cruise deals, discover more inspiration in our Winter Cruising Calendar, or browse our cruise destinations to start planning your winter escape.
