Christmas Cruises Offer Diverse Escapes, From Canaries to Antarctica
Several cruise lines are still offering berths for holiday voyages, ranging from warm-weather destinations to adventurous polar expeditions.
For those seeking an alternative to traditional holiday celebrations, several cruise lines are offering a variety of Christmas and New Year's voyages. Options range from winter sun in the Canary Islands to an Antarctic adventure, providing alternatives to home-based festivities.
Festive Sailings
Marella Explorer's 'Canarian Christmas' Cruise offers a week-long itinerary calling at Atlantic islands, with Christmas Day spent in Madeira. The cruise departs from Las Palmas on December 21 and is priced from £1,747 per person, including food, drink, entertainment, and flights from Bournemouth.
Azamara Quest's 'Panama Canal Holiday and New Year's Eve' cruise is available for booking, with cabins starting from £2,939 per person. This voyage departs Miami on December 18 and will be in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for New Year's Eve celebrations. The price includes onboard credit for excursions, dining, and spa treatments, with flights costing extra.
Swan Hellenic's 'Antarctic Peninsula Odyssey' offers a ten-night voyage departing Ushuaia on December 17. Priced from £9,700 per person, this expedition cruise aboard the SH Minerva explores the Antarctic. The cost includes transfers, meals, and most drinks, with flights being additional.
MSC Cruises' new MSC World Asia will be in Barcelona on Christmas Day. The ship features attractions such as an overwater swing and a long dry slide. A seven-night trip departs from Civitavecchia (Rome) on December 21, with full-board packages starting at £1,029 per person, excluding flights.
APT is offering a 16-day river cruise, 'Magnificent Europe with Christmas and New Year’s Eve,' with a half-price promotion. This cruise departs Amsterdam on December 18 and travels to Budapest. Staterooms are available from £3,698 per person, including flights, 44 meals, and some drinks.
Seabourn Quest will dock in St. Kitts on Christmas Day for a beach party with champagne and caviar. The 16-day Leeward Islands all-inclusive voyage sails round-trip from Miami starting December 20, with prices from £8,198 per person. Flights are not included.
These options provide travelers with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season in diverse locations while avoiding the traditional duties of cooking and cleaning.