Christmas Cruise Activities On board
With a superb selection of cruises to choose from, both leading up to and over the festive period, we're sure you'll find one to suit you. To complement the cosy atmosphere on board, certain sailings in the run-up to Christmas have been timed to give you the chance to immerse yourself in traditional festive markets in the likes of Germany or Belgium, browsing wooden huts and sampling regional specialties along the way. [ReadMoreMob]
A Christmas and New Year cruise is the perfect way to celebrate - our elves have been busy hanging twinkling decorations and dressing Christmas trees, the crew are in festive spirits, and there may even be an appearance from Father Christmas!
Let us take care of Christmas for you - sit back and relax, enjoy a festive cocktail; treat yourself at the Atlantis Spa; watch our festive performances; and indulge in a fabulous Christmas Lunch with all the trimmings. Be sure to check your My Cruises account for more information on formal and theme nights - in the past, we've had a hint of red or gold, adding a lovely festive touch to your time on board.
We can't wait to welcome you on board our festive cruises, where our friendly and attentive teams will ensure you have the very best of times.
With a superb selection of cruises to choose from, both leading up to and over the festive period, we're sure you'll find one to suit you. To complement the cosy atmosphere on board, certain sailings in the run-up to Christmas have been timed to give you the chance to immerse yourself in traditional festive markets in the likes of Germany or Belgium, browsing wooden huts and sampling regional specialties along the way. [ReadMoreMob]
A Christmas and New Year cruise is the perfect way to celebrate - our elves have been busy hanging twinkling decorations and dressing Christmas trees, the crew are in festive spirits, and there may even be an appearance from Father Christmas!
Let us take care of Christmas for you - sit back and relax, enjoy a festive cocktail; treat yourself at the Atlantis Spa; watch our festive performances; and indulge in a fabulous Christmas Lunch with all the trimmings. Be sure to check your My Cruises account for more information on formal and theme nights - in the past, we've had a hint of red or gold, adding a lovely festive touch to your time on board.
We can't wait to welcome you on board our festive cruises, where our friendly and attentive teams will ensure you have the very best of times.
Life on board our Christmas & New Year Cruises
Christmas at sea, with all the trimmings
Our crew will pull out all the stops to ensure you have a magical, memorable dining experience at Christmastime. If you’re on board for Christmas Day, you’ll enjoy a very special time at sea, complete with a traditional lunch and fabulous feasts.
Get set for plenty of festive fizz, or perhaps you’ll opt for a mug of warming mulled wine or even try one of our specially crafted festive cocktails. Plus, there’ll be plenty of other treats and surprises in store – the only way to find out more is to secure your place on board.
Celebrating the New Year in style
Our 2026 cruises over Christmas Day also coincide with New Year’s Eve, creating an additional celebration with themed activities, a sumptuous feast and spectacular fireworks in Antigua, Cádiz or Funchal, best enjoyed from the perfect vantage point of your smaller ship.
Whether you’d prefer to dance the night away or enjoy a chance to reflect and toast new beginnings, your Christmas and New Year cruise promises unforgettable moments from start to finish.
Christmas at sea, with all the trimmings
Our crew will pull out all the stops to ensure you have a magical, memorable dining experience at Christmastime. If you’re on board for Christmas Day, you’ll enjoy a very special time at sea, complete with a traditional lunch and fabulous feasts.
Get set for plenty of festive fizz, or perhaps you’ll opt for a mug of warming mulled wine or even try one of our specially crafted festive cocktails. Plus, there’ll be plenty of other treats and surprises in store – the only way to find out more is to secure your place on board.
Celebrating the New Year in style
Our 2026 cruises over Christmas Day also coincide with New Year’s Eve, creating an additional celebration with themed activities, a sumptuous feast and spectacular fireworks in Antigua, Cádiz or Funchal, best enjoyed from the perfect vantage point of your smaller ship.
Whether you’d prefer to dance the night away or enjoy a chance to reflect and toast new beginnings, your Christmas and New Year cruise promises unforgettable moments from start to finish.
Mulled wine, churned into a refreshing festive sorbet (V, VE, GF)
Whole Norfolk Bronze roast turkey with bread stuffing & all the trimmings
Duo veal & beef tournedos served with baby potatoes green asparagus & morel sauce
Roasted halibut served with celeriac puree, green asparagus, parsnip chips & truffle red wine sauce
Forest mushrooms wellington (V)
Pan roasted cauliflower, cashew cream, cauliflower chips, cauliflower puree & cauliflower fondants (V, VE, GF)
Christmas log, dark chocolate sponge, vanilla butter cream & peppermint meringue topping (V)
Cognac-soaked Christmas pudding with English style vanilla custard (V)
Chocolate & orange ganache, orange parfait, cocoa tuile & orange gel
Madeira wine poached fresh fruits with berry sorbet (V, VE, GF)
Platter of British & International cheeses, fig chutney & red onion marmalade (V)
Tea, coffee, gingerbread cookies & mince pies
Foraged wild mushroom consommé, with herb gnocchi, confit tomatoes & pickled mushrooms (V)
Prawn bisque, with brandy cream (GF)
New Year seafood platter, smoked salmon*, tiger shrimps, crab claw served with cocktail sauce
Yeasted cauliflower, with pickled grapes, capers, mint & cauliflower fondants (GF, V)
Tossed salad, rocket leaves, red radish, crispy shallots, asparagus tips & pistachio vinaigrette (VE)
Seared scallops, with curried parsnip puree, parsnip crisps & pomegranate (GF)
Roasted mango sorbet, a refreshing sorbet with pink peppercorn powder (V, VE, GF)
Baked white chocolate & strawberry cheesecake, port wine reduction (V)
Fresh raspberry tart, dark chocolate ganache & cranberry ice cream (V)
New Year choux with vanilla & chocolate cream dipped in caramel glaze (V)
Clementine & gingerbread trifle, Grand Marnier gel, orange & rosemary (V, GF)
Platter of British & International cheeses, fig chutney & red onion marmalade (V)
Tea, coffee, New Year pralines & macaroons
Naughty Elf
Gin, Cointreau, Lemon Squash
Tipsy Santa
Brandy, Lanson
Mistletoe Martini
Chambord Liqueur, Sweet and Dry Martini
Absolut Celebration
Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Sparkling Wine, Lime, Cranberry
Holiday Cheers
Prosecco, Aperol
Rudolph Cocktail
Brandy, Triple Sec, Lemonade
Christmas Martini
Vodka, Apple Sour, Lime
White Christmas Mojito
White Rum, Coconut Liqueur, Lime, Coconut Milk
Candy Cane
Soda, Syrup, Lime Juice, Mint
Jingle Bell Juice
Cranberry Juice, Strawberry Syrup, Soda
Santa’s Fruit Punch
Orange & Cranberry, Elderflower
Sober Xmas
Orange & Pineapple Juice, Black Tea, Ginger Ale
Santa’s Driver
Tonic Water, Chamomile Tea, Lemon
Bucks Fizz
Lanson, Orange Juice
Kir Royale
Lanson, Crème De Cassis
Mimosa
Lanson, Grand Marnier, Orange Juice
Lanson Fraisye
Lanson, Strawberry Sirop
Lanson Elderflower Cordial
Lanson, Elderflower Cordial
Sparkling Entertainment
When the lights go down, the evening entertainment truly comes alive, with our Show Companies and Entertainment Teams – in partnership with entertainment leaders RWS Global – delivering magical performances that capture the joyful spirit of the season.
Expect laughter, music and a touch of festive theatre as
you’re transported into the traditional world of pantomime; and get ready to watch along and listen to all your Christmas favourites, while our attentive crew take care of every detail.
Past Christmas sailings have included a twist to our formal and theme nights, too, with a hint of red, green or gold to add a lovely festive touch to your time on board.
Sparkling Entertainment
When the lights go down, the evening entertainment truly comes alive, with our Show Companies and Entertainment Teams – in partnership with entertainment leaders RWS Global – delivering magical performances that capture the joyful spirit of the season.
Expect laughter, music and a touch of festive theatre as
you’re transported into the traditional world of pantomime; and get ready to watch along and listen to all your Christmas favourites, while our attentive crew take care of every detail.
Past Christmas sailings have included a twist to our formal and theme nights, too, with a hint of red, green or gold to add a lovely festive touch to your time on board.
And lots more.....
Festive cruise Daily Times
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on board our smaller-sized cruise ships!
Join in the fun with fellow guests at on board events, including Christmas Jumper Day, seeing Santa on Christmas morning and festive cooking demonstrations.
Enjoy crafting felt angels, needled-felted Christmas fairies, Christmas cards and decorations and many more festive items with like-minded guests.
Our smaller ships, Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral, are decorated with care by our dedicated crew, who love setting the scene to help our guests feel extra special on their cruise.
Join our teams on board for a fabulous Christmas Panto!
Join our on board show companies - in partnership with RWS Global, headline acts and resident bands for entertainment and fun with Christmas themes.
Please feel free to join us for a non-denominational Christmas Day Service, before embarking upon a day full of festive activities.