Thinking of a holiday cruise? Princess Cruises goes above and beyond for their holiday cruise celebrations, including “snow flurries” in their ship’s multi-storied atriums, holiday décor (including a Christmas tree mounted to the mast), and strolling carolers. The holiday spirit is carried on through the ship with gingerbread house-building competitions, holiday card making, turkey-carving demonstrations and a holiday variety show. Other entertainment options include a special holiday-themed Pop Choir, screenings of favorite holiday films, and a virtual Yule log that will turn the giant screens into the “world’s largest holiday fireplace.”

And of course Santa makes visit, with passengers receiving their own stocking on Christmas Eve.

Religious services are held on board, and passengers can choose a Catholic mass or a non-denominational church service performed by onboard clergy. Those observing Hanukkah can celebrate the Festival of Lights onboard with special Hanukkah activities, as well.

Those traveling on board can expect traditional Christmas dinner, replete with turkey, stuffing, and sumptuous desserts.

Children will be well entertained with a host of holiday activities… crafts, cookie decorating and caroling. They’ll be greeted by Santa Claus, and read “The Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve, as is a tradition with the line.

(Note: parents who want to enjoy a late-night holiday evening will benefit from free group kid-sitting sessions on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.)

Hanukkah is not forgotten, with special celebrations from December 20-28. There will be services, menorahs and fresh flower arrangements in blue, silver and white on display. Kosher meals are available, and kid’s centers will include activities such as a reading of “Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah.”

The line also puts on festive New Year’s Eve parties, which include music, noise-makers and a balloon drop to ring in the new year. On New Year’s Day, college bowl will be shown on the giant Movies Under the Stars screens or in shipboard lounges.

Need some ideas for great gift-giving while on a cruise? Check out this great article about being mobile for the holidays… and making gift-giving a cinch!

Truly festive atmosphere – After Thanksgiving, the cruise lines get in the holiday spirit by decorating their ships from bow to stern. Some cruise lines spend in excess of $100,000 annually on holiday decorations.

Special guests – Christmas-time cruises would not be complete without visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elf friends. They make appearances on many ships during the holiday season leading up to Christmas Day.

New Year’s fun – Ringing in the New Year is a splash aboard a cruise ship. Elaborate parties take place at sea for persons of all ages and tastes. Special food, entertainment, toasts, party favors and more make the night memorable. New Year’s Day features special football tailgate parties.

No snow – A holiday cruise is ideal for persons looking for a change of scenery as colder weather moves in at home. With Caribbean temperatures in the low 80s during this time of year, the closest one will come to cold weather on a cruise ship is the snow falling in the ship’s atrium. It’s man made, however, and designed to melt in the air.

Great food – Nobody goes hungry on a cruise vacation, especially during the holidays. Cruise menus fit the season, with world-class chefs preparing traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, plus special kosher foods during Hanukkah.

Kid’s activities galore – With children on holiday break from school, many families love to cruise during December. There is so much to do on a cruise, including a range of supervised activities for kids ages 3-17, pool activities, special lounges and dedicated nightclubs for tweens and teens.

True relaxation – Leave the hustle and bustle (and accompanying stress) of the holidays behind and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. There is no better way to spend an afternoon in December than lying poolside, enjoying a massage or sunbathing on a cruise line’s private island beach.

Unique gifts – A cruise vacation is one holiday gift that will be truly appreciated. Plus, there is world-class shopping onboard the ship and in various ports. Special shipping arrangements can be made to get the gifts home.

Top reasons why cruises are perfect gathering places for generations

Looking for an alternative to the traditional family reunion, or a perfect family holiday? Then make a splash with everyone in your family by planning a reunion cruise at sea. There are still cabins available for family gatherings on popular cruises scheduled to set sail this summer and fall, as well as the holiday season.

Following are the top reasons family reunions at sea are more popular than ever:

Superior Value – The all-inclusive pricing of cruise vacations includes a family’s accommodations, meals, 24- hour room service, most onboard activities and top entertainment – and groups often receive special amenities. Cruise ships offer families a variety of staterooms to fit any budget and travel needs. Some cabins have been specially designed to sleep four or more guests. Suites also are available for the disabled and folks who want more room and luxury amenities.

Convenient Departure Points – Traveling to board a cruise ship has never been easier. Ships depart from more than 20 ports throughout North America. Today, cruise ships are located within driving distance or a short flight of many U.S. cities.

Spa Sensations – Men and women alike who want to be truly pampered are invited to enjoy an incredible spa experience aboard a cruise ship. Spa staffs make relaxation and rejuvenation the focus of one’s visit.

Children’s Programs – For parents who may want a break from their children – and vice versa – most of today’s cruise ships offer plenty of structured and supervised recreational programs for kids ages 3 to 17. Special lounges and nightclubs for tweens and teens abound for the younger generations of families to hang out in supervised settings.

Food Galore – Cruise ships feature more dining choices than ever. They still have formal dining rooms, but most also feature more casual restaurants, grills and poolside dining options – plus 24/7 room service. Specialty restaurants, founded by some of the world’s most famous chefs, also are found on many cruise ships.

No Worries – On a family reunion cruise, there is no cooking or cleaning to worry about – just relaxation. Plus, the weather is usually warm and pristine. Once everyone’s bags are unpacked, the ship’s crew does the rest.

Floating Fun – There is never a dull moment on a cruise ship. Guests enjoy swimming pools and water slides, rock climbing walls, surf riders, ice-skating rinks, roller blade tracks, spa services, kids programs, nightclubs, gambling, shopping, dining, libraries, Internet and video arcades, enrichment seminars and guest lecturers, yoga and plenty more. A highlight for many families is the visit to the cruise lines’ private islands that dot the Caribbean – full of fun and relaxation.

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