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 and New Year 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 also see in the New Year in style – an event to talk about for years to come!
Where can I go on a Christmas cruise?
Find your Christmas or New Year cruise
Christmas cruises with Fred. Olsen
A Christmas cruise with Fred. Olsen offers a relaxed way to enjoy the festive season. From the end of November, our ships are decorated for Christmas, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere on board. On Christmas Day, you can look forward to traditional festive menus, carol singing and seasonal celebrations, while destinations ashore include Christmas markets, winter sunshine or island-hopping round the Caribbean or Mediterranean.
When you head back on board, you'll return to a warm, friendly atmosphere where it's easy to get to know your fellow guests, and while our crew take care of the details, you can simply relax and make the most of the festive season.
New Year cruises with Fred. Olsen
See in the New Year somewhere different with a New Year cruise from Fred. Olsen. Many of our sailings feature an overnight stay in port, giving you the chance to join local celebrations ashore, before heading back on board to enjoy fireworks from the comfort of your ship as you depart for your next port of call. Look for the 'Overnight Port' symbol when choosing your cruise.
On board, New Year's Eve brings live entertainment, dancing and a midnight toast in the friendly atmosphere of our smaller ships. It's a relaxing way to start the year, with new destinations to explore from the very first day.
Christmas cruises from the UK
Several of our Christmas and New Year cruises sail from Southampton and Liverpool, so you can start your festive break close to home, with no airport queues or long transfers. Arrive at the terminal, unpack once and let the celebrations begin as soon as you step on board.
What to expect on our Christmas and New Year cruises
Along with new places to discover, our smaller ships bring the festive season to life on board with:
- Traditional festive menus and seasonal treats
- Carols, festive shows and entertainment
- Festive afternoon tea and seasonal cocktails
- Christmas Day celebrations on board
- New Year's Eve parties with music and dancing
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
- European Christmas Markets - Explore traditional Christmas markets 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 and a bit of sparkle for evenings on board, along with 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 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 stays, giving you the opportunity to see in the New Year somewhere different. You may choose to celebrate ashore and experience local traditions before heading back on board your smaller ship to enjoy the views as spectacular fireworks light up the night sky, making for unforgettable moments, before you sail on to your next exciting destination. When selecting your cruise, look for the "Overnight Port" symbol to find these sailings.
Where do Fred. Olsen Christmas cruises depart from?
Our Christmas cruises sail from Southampton or Liverpool, so you can often step aboard close to home without the hassle of long airport transfers. Sailing from the UK means your festive season begins from the moment you arrive at your departure port; 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 a Christmas cruise, whether you're looking for winter sunshine or a festive escape. Sail to the Canary Islands for warmer weather, explore the sun-kissed Caribbean's colourful islands and laid-back way of life, or discover traditional Christmas markets filled with seasonal sights, sounds and flavours. Whether you're dreaming of sunshine or festive traditions, there's a Christmas cruise to suit the way you'd like to celebrate.
Which Fred. Olsen ships sail at Christmas?
All three of our smaller ships – Balmoral, Bolette and Borealis – sail over Christmas and New Year, each with her own festive itineraries. Whether you'd like winter sun in the Canary Islands, island-hopping in the Caribbean or a visit to Europe's Christmas markets, you'll find the same warm, friendly service and festive celebrations on board each ship. Just use the filters above to find out which ship is sailing each Christmas cruise.
Are Christmas cruises all-inclusive?
Our Christmas and New Year cruises include full-board dining, comfortable cabins and suites, evening entertainment, gratuities, and port fees and taxes. Book a Freedom Fare and you'll also enjoy selected drinks with lunch and dinner, plus the choice of your cabin, restaurant and dining time. For extra drinks at any time of day, you can add our Premium Drinks Package, leaving you free to settle in and enjoy the festive celebrations on board.