Christmas, New Year’s, or even the Fourth of July. Cruise ships are filling up during these special weeks, and prices often rise as travelers look for a fun, stress-free way to celebrate without the usual cooking, hosting, or cleanup.
Cruise lines know how to make these sailings feel special. Ships are decorated, menus feature holiday favorites, and there are themed events that set the mood, from turkey dinners and costume parties to patriotic sail-away celebrations. Having sailed on holiday cruises myself, I’ve seen how memorable they can be.
However, like any trip, there are pros and cons to consider before deciding if celebrating a holiday on a cruise is truly worth it.
What Makes Holiday Cruises So Special
Cruise lines go above and beyond to make holiday sailings feel festive and fun for everyone on board. No matter the holiday, there is always something extra in the air with more sparkle, excitement, and community spirit.
For example, during Christmas sailings, ships transform into floating winter wonderlands. You will find beautifully decorated trees in the atrium, garlands along the railings, and twinkling lights throughout the ship. Santa even makes an appearance for the kids, often arriving with small gifts and plenty of photo opportunities. Holiday movies play on the big screen, and menus include seasonal favorites like roast turkey, gingerbread desserts, and festive cocktails.
Other holidays are celebrated just as creatively. Halloween cruises might include costume contests and themed parties, while Thanksgiving brings a classic turkey dinner complete with pumpkin pie. Even sailings over the Fourth of July feature special decorations and entertainment that make it feel like a true celebration at sea.
Each cruise line does things a little differently, but they all work hard to bring the holiday spirit onboard so you never feel like you are missing out, even when you are far from home.
My Experience Celebrating a Holiday at Sea
Over the years, I have celebrated several holidays at sea, including Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and even the Fourth of July. Each one felt different, but all had something special that made the experience memorable.
One of my favorite memories is spending Christmas on a cruise. The ship was beautifully decorated with garlands, trees, and sparkling lights everywhere you looked. I remember the special meal we had in the main dining room, complete with traditional Christmas favorites.
The atmosphere was so warm and festive, and it felt surprisingly wholesome to walk around the ship and wish fellow cruisers a “Merry Christmas.”
We once celebrated New Year’s Eve on a Princess Cruise, and it was such a fun and lively night. There was music, dancing, and a huge balloon drop in the atrium as everyone counted down to midnight together.
A couple of years ago, we spent Thanksgiving on a Holland America cruise. Since we are Canadian, we normally celebrate Thanksgiving earlier in the year, but I could not resist another chance to enjoy a full Thanksgiving feast.
Last summer, we had the chance to celebrate the Fourth of July during an Alaska cruise. Again, being Canadian, the day does not hold the same meaning for us as it does for our American friends, but I loved seeing how the cruise line made it special.
The ship was decorated in red, white, and blue, and they even showed patriotic movies throughout the week.
Related: Princess Cruises vs Royal Caribbean – Everything You Need to Know
What Other Cruisers Say
When I asked members of the Life Well Cruised Facebook community about their experiences celebrating holidays at sea, the response was overwhelming. Many cruisers shared how much they loved the festive atmosphere and how special it felt to celebrate in such a unique setting.
One cruiser shared, “We were on a cruise for Halloween. It was totally worth it. Some of the costumes were fabulous. My favorite was the person dressed as the shrunken head guy in Beetlejuice.” Halloween cruises are always a hit with those who enjoy dressing up and joining in themed events, and this story perfectly captures the fun and creativity that comes with it.
Another community member said, “I cruised the Hawaiian Islands over Christmas years ago. Coming from the cold Midwest winters, I was in heaven.” That warm-weather escape is a big reason many people love holiday cruises because it feels like the best of both worlds, a festive celebration and a tropical getaway.
For families, the holidays at sea can be especially meaningful. One cruiser wrote, “We took our family of six, all adults, on a cruise last Christmas. We made wonderful memories. It was our four adult offspring’s first cruise. We had a blast. It was honestly one of the most relaxing holidays.”
These stories show that holiday cruises can mean different things to different people. For some, it is about escaping the cold. For others, it is about quality family time or joining in themed fun with fellow passengers.
However, almost everyone agrees that celebrating a holiday on a cruise makes for memories that last long after the voyage ends.
Pros of Celebrating a Holiday on a Cruise
No cooking or cleaning
One of the biggest perks of a holiday cruise is that everything is taken care of for you. There is no grocery shopping, cooking, or cleaning up after a big meal. You can simply relax and enjoy the day while the crew handles all the details.
Festive atmosphere
Cruise ships look incredible during the holidays. From sparkling lights and garlands to themed music and events, the entire ship feels warm and cheerful. It is easy to get into the holiday spirit when everyone around you is celebrating too.
Special food and entertainment
Holiday sailings feature themed menus, from traditional turkey dinners to creative holiday cocktails and desserts. There are also special shows, live music, and festive activities that make the cruise feel extra memorable.
A warm-weather escape
Since we are from Montreal, we are always looking for a warm-weather getaway, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. Swapping freezing temperatures for sunshine, palm trees, and ocean views feels like the ultimate treat during the winter months. There is something special about spending the holidays outdoors, soaking up the sun instead of shoveling snow.
A unique experience
Celebrating a holiday on a cruise is something completely different from a traditional at-home celebration. Whether it is exchanging holiday greetings with fellow cruisers or watching a themed show at sea, it is an experience you will always remember.
Cons of Celebrating a Holiday on a Cruise
Higher prices
Cruising during the holidays can be more expensive than other times of the year. Both cruise fares and airfare tend to rise as demand increases, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. These sailings often sell out early, so it is best to book well in advance if you are hoping to get a good deal.
Busier ships
Holiday cruises are very popular, which means the ships are usually sailing at full capacity. The atmosphere is fun and festive, but you might notice busier pool decks, dining rooms, and popular onboard venues.
Missing family traditions
For some, the hardest part about cruising over the holidays is being away from family or missing long-time traditions at home. While the onboard celebrations are wonderful, it can feel a little different not being around the people or places you usually associate with the holidays.
Book early for specialty dining and excursions
Because these sailings are so popular, reservations for specialty restaurants, shows, and shore excursions tend to fill up quickly. Planning ahead makes a big difference if you want to experience everything without missing out.
Lively atmosphere
Holiday cruises have an upbeat and energetic vibe, which many people love. However, if you are hoping for a quiet or romantic getaway, the crowds and celebrations might feel a little too lively at times.
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So… Is It Worth It? (Final Thoughts)
In my opinion, celebrating a holiday on a cruise is absolutely worth it. It is such a wonderful way to create lifelong memories, whether you are sailing with family, friends, or even on your own.
Everything feels a little more special at sea, from the festive meals to the shared laughter with fellow cruisers who are all in the holiday spirit.
Some of my favorite holiday memories have been made on cruise ships. Waking up to ocean views on Christmas morning, ringing in the New Year with a ship-wide celebration, or enjoying a cozy Thanksgiving dinner while sailing to a new destination are moments that stand out far more than any traditional holiday I have spent at home.
If you are thinking about celebrating a holiday on a cruise, I highly recommend giving it a try at least once. It might just become your new favorite tradition!
Have you ever celebrated a holiday on a cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ethan