Christmas Cruises & New Year Cruises
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year aboard one of Fred. Olsen's intimate ships with our magical Christmas and New Year cruises. Escape the usual festive hustle and bustle and unwind in a winter wonderland, where every moment of the festive season is designed to feel special.
Our Christmas cruises offer traditional festive menus, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, incredible entertainment and the signature warm hospitality our crew is known for. Sailing to destinations such as the Canary Islands, Northern Europe and the Caribbean, why not see in the New Year in style on a New Year's Eve cruise – an event to talk about for years to come!
Xmas cruises:
Christmas cruises & New Year cruises with Fred. Olsen
When you sail with Fred. Olsen over the festive season, you experience a true celebration, filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments that will linger long after the festivities have ended.
From dancing the night away at our exclusive New Year’s Eve parties to enjoying champagne toasts with breathtaking ocean views and watching fireworks displays from the best vantage points, every moment is special.
Our dedicated crew ensures every detail is meticulously planned and taken care of, allowing you to spend more time creating special memories with loved ones and less time peeling potatoes.
What to expect on our Christmas and New Year cruises
Each day, you'll be waking up to a picturesque new destination, ready for you to discover its unique charm and beauty. As well as the joy of exploration, while you travel on our intimate smaller ships over Christmas and New Year, you'll experience:
• Traditional Christmas dining with festive menus and seasonal treats
• Holiday entertainment, including carols and festive shows
• Beautifully decorated ships, creating that magical festive feeling
• Christmas Day celebrations with special activities for all ages
• Festive afternoon tea and seasonal cocktails
• Exclusive New Year’s Eve parties, where you can dance the night away
• Local fireworks displays viewed from the very best vantage point – your cruise ship deck
Discover incredible Christmas cruise destinations
There are some wonderful destinations to be visited in December, from winter warmers to winter wonderlands:
- Canary Islands– Soak up the festive sunshine in the sun-kissed Canaries and stroll along golden beaches
- Northern Lights- Seek out the mesmerising Aurora Borealis, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your festive celebration
- European Christmas Markets- Explore traditional Christmas markets across Europe for the ultimate festive shopping experience
- Caribbean– Go island-hopping across the Atlantic and embrace the laid-back atmosphere of the Caribbean
Frequently asked questions about Christmas and New Year Cruises
What should I wear on a Christmas cruise?
What you wear on your Christmas cruise depends on where you're travelling – a warm-weather cruise to the Canary Islands calls for a different packing list than a winter cruise to Northern Europe. We'd always recommend comfortable shoes, smart casual clothes for evenings on board, and plenty of layers. Wherever you choose, we always encourage guests to bring their favourite Christmas jumpers to ensure you're truly in the festive spirit!
When do cruise ships decorate for Christmas?
We love to start the festive season in style, and that's why we begin decorating our ships from the end of November. From twinkling lights to a beautifully dressed Christmas tree and impressive displays, our decorations create a magical Christmas feeling the moment you step on board – putting you right in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year.
Will I be able to spend New Year’s Eve in port?
Many of our New Year cruises feature overnight stops, allowing you to celebrate New Year's Eve in a thrilling new location. We understand the excitement of welcoming the New Year somewhere different, whether that's watching spectacular fireworks from out on deck or celebrating on board, and we ensure you can enjoy this unforgettable moment in some of the most exciting ports available. When choosing your itinerary, just look for the "Overnight Port" label to find these special opportunities.
Where do Fred. Olsen Christmas cruises depart from?
Our Christmas cruises sail from a choice of regional UK ports, including Southampton, Liverpool, Rosyth so you can often step aboard close to home without the stress of long airport transfers. Sailing from the UK means your festive season begins the moment you arrive at the terminal; simply settle in, unpack once, and let us take care of the rest while you enjoy a stress-free start to Christmas and New Year.
Where can I go on a Christmas cruise?
There's a wonderful choice of destinations for cruises at Christmas, from sun-kissed escapes to snowy adventures. Sail to the Canary Islands for festive sunshine, head to Northern Europe to chase the Northern Lights, or explore traditional Christmas markets for the ultimate festive shopping. Whether you're after a winter wonderland or a warmer celebration, there's a Christmas cruise 2026 itinerary to suit every kind of festive break.