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 d├®cor (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!