Christmas in the sun
- The Caribbean: the most popular festive choice, during the region’s drier season. US cruisers can sail from Florida; UK and European cruisers often take a fly-cruise. See Caribbean cruises.
- Canary Islands and Madeira: mild winter weather, often on round trips from Southampton with no flights. Madeira’s New Year’s Eve fireworks over Funchal are a famous highlight.
- Long-haul: Australia’s summer cruise season, Dubai and the Arabian Gulf, or Southeast Asia.
Christmas market river cruises
From late November through December, river cruises on the Rhine and Danube visit towns famous for their Christmas markets, such as Cologne, Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Vienna and Budapest. Expect cold weather, short days and lots of mulled wine. Some sailings fall over Christmas itself, but many run in the weeks before.
Tips for booking a festive cruise
- Festive sailings fall in school holidays and are among the most popular of the year, so the best cabins go early.
- Fares are often higher than at other times of year. Sailing just before or after the holiday dates can cost less.
- Check what’s included: festive gala dinners and New Year’s Eve parties are common, but some events may cost extra.
- If you’re flying to the ship, allow plenty of time for winter weather delays.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
