Christmas at Sea

Date posted: 31/12/19

Now that the food shopping, gift wrapping, and the office Christmas parties are done and you’ve only got the turkey dinner to cook…have you thought about escaping all this hectic and frantic time for a change next Christmas and spending the festive season at sea?

Perhaps the children have flown the nest or your grandchildren are all grown-up and busy with their own families…or you simply feel like treating your loved one, and of course yourself, to a Christmas holiday somewhere sunny and bring the year to an end in style; then a Christmas cruise might just be the answer.

When you step aboard your chosen cruise ship as the festive season approaches; you can guarantee it will no doubt be ‘dressed up to the nines’ with glamorously-adorned Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and decorations that wouldn’t look out of place in the festive windows of London’s West End or New York department stores.

So the Christmas scene is set for your time afloat! Whatever Christmas means to you, you’ll hopefully find it aboard. If you’re looking for ‘party central’ then you’re in luck; from elegant cocktail parties and late-night dancing to festive-themed entertainment. If you’re more of a traditionalist and love a bit of festive music, carol singing, Christmas films, mince pies, and a glass of port; no problem.

What about Christmas Day? Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Christmas dinner. Well step up a level to Gala Dinner and you get the picture of what to expect. There’ll still be turkey and roasties alongside pigs in blankets, stuffing, and cranberry sauce; and traditional Christmas pudding and mince pies for afters. But joy of joys someone else prepares it, cooks it, and washes up after too!

If you’re travelling with children, they’ll hopefully have a ball! Choose a family-friendly ship and Christmas Day will be extra-special for the little and not so little ones; from a festive children’s tea to child-friendly parties, they’ll feel like they’re in wonderland. Don’t worry about seeing Father Christmas, he’ll hopefully put in an appearance on the big day too to add to the festive cheer.

When it comes to destinations, the choice is endless. Maybe sail from a home port to the Canary Islands or Europe; fly further afield to the Caribbean or Dubai and the Emirates; or perhaps head ‘down under’ to Australia and New Zealand. Now that’s a different take on Christmas; giving the festivities a complete swerve with a beach barbecue or relaxing poolside with a cocktail in-hand!

If you really can’t bear to be away from home at Christmas but need a bit of festive spirit to carry you through the celebrations and family time; how about a river cruise taking in the famous Christmas Markets at towns and cities along Europe’s waterways? Or perhaps sail transatlantic for a few days’ Christmas shopping at the designer stores and boutiques of New York and beyond?

#SmileHaysTravel

Cruise Tips