With 2021 drawing to a close, many of our loyal clients are getting ready to set sail on a cruise over Christmas and New Year.
With their excitement growing, it’s hard not to feel ever so slightly jealous of what lies ahead – after all, we’re struggling to think of a better way to round off the year than aboard a luxurious cruise ship. The combination of destination-led exploration, world-class facilities and the magic of the season is undoubtedly a heady mix and 100% recommended if you’re ever looking for an alternative to experience the festive period.
Unfortunately, many of this year’s Christmas cruises are now full, and the lack of availability means opportunities are scarce if you’ve left it until the last minute. However, if this is the type of holiday that ticks a box on your travel bucket list, why not consider cruising during Christmas 2022? It’s not too long to wait, and if you’re willing to book early, you will find there are some genuinely great deals available with a variety of cruise lines.
To get you started on your journey, we’ve handpicked our top five cruises for Christmas 2022, featuring world-famous lines such as Silversea and Celebrity Cruises. Take your pick from unforgettable expeditions in far-flung regions or stay a little closer to home on a no-fly itinerary from a UK port…Just make sure you book early to avoid disappointment!
Top 5 Cruises for Christmas 2022
Kayaking in Antarctica.
Silversea Cruises: Antarctica & King George Island
Departs: King George on 19 December 2022 – 9 nights aboard Silver Explorer
Fares from: £20,099 per person
Inclusions: Return economy flights from the UK, overseas transfers, 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay, return Business Class flights from Puntarenas to King George Island and more.
It’s perhaps not surprising that one of the main attractions of Christmas cruising is the opportunity to escape the cold and head to sunnier climes. Despite this, those seeking adventure are not without options – particularly when it comes to Antarctica, where you will find plenty of itineraries, including a fantastic 9-night voyage aboard the purpose-built Silver Explorer. Not only does this unique itinerary give you six full days of exploration in the Antarctic Peninsula, but it also removes the need to cross the Drake Passage, with charter flights provided to the embarkation port on King George Island. During this once-in-a-lifetime voyage, you’ll enjoy plenty of excursions and also have the opportunity to visit the captivating South Shetland Islands.
Christmas Markets in Kleber Square, Strasbourg.
AmaWaterways: Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Departs: Amsterdam on 20 December 2022 – 7 nights aboard AmaPrima
Fares from: £2,849 per person
Inclusions: Return flights from the UK, overseas transfers, beverages, WiFi and more.
Why not try a European river cruise for something a little more traditional? AmaWaterways offers a 7-night itinerary on the Rhine River next December, starting with a two-night stay in Amsterdam. Sailing onwards from the Dutch capital aboard the 162-guest AmaPrima, you’ll visit France’s largest Christmas market in Strasbourg and take a trip to the historic German city of Cologne. In Rudesheim, you can participate in a guided bike tour from the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg before arriving in Basel, Switzerland, with optional post-stays available in Lucerne or Zurich.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand.
Celebrity Cruises: New Zealand Holiday
Departs: Sydney on 20 December 2022 – 13 nights aboard Celebrity Eclipse
Fares from: £2,059 per person
Inclusions: Selected beverages, WiFi & gratuities
Set sail from Sydney and spend Christmas basking in the sun Down Under on a 13-night Celebrity Eclipse itinerary. With much of the voyage spent exploring New Zealand, you’ll visit the famous Fiordland National Park, resplendent with towering peaks and bottomless fjords, before cruising the coves and inlets of the Queen Charlotte Sound. You’ll also get the chance to marvel at the gothic architecture of Christchurch’s stunning cathedral before later heading north to sprawling Auckland, where you can spend time taking in the local arts, entertainment and perhaps even enjoy a performance from the city’s Philharmonic Orchestra.
The sun setting in Recife.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Holiday Zing & New Year Zest
Departs: Rio De Janeiro on 20 December 2022 – 18 nights aboard Seven Seas Marina
Fares from: £8,059 per person
Inclusions: Return flights, overseas transfers, dining & beverages and more.
Providing a tantalising taste of the exotic, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers an 18-night itinerary cruise next December, which fuses the vibrancy of South America with the laidback charm of the Caribbean. Sailing aboard Seven Seas Mariner, you’ll spend Christmas Day in bustling Recife before heading north up the South American coast in time for the New Year’s celebrations in Kingston, Jamaica. Then, starting 2023 in style, you’ll tour several of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands, including St Bart’s and Tortola, before finishing up with a leisurely cruise through the Bahamian waters bound for Miami, where you’ll arrive refreshed and ready to take on 2023.
Christmas lights in Funchal, Madeira.
Cunard Cruises: The Canary Islands and Madeira
Departs: Southampton on 23 December 2022 – 15 nights aboard Queen Victoria
Fares from: £2,849 per person
Inclusions: Main dining, gala evenings and more.
Few cruise lines ‘do’ Christmas quite as well as Cunard, with the iconic operator pulling out all the stops to ensure guests have a truly magical time onboard. Christmas 2022 looks to continue the esteemed line’s flair for traditions, with a 15-night Canary Island’s itinerary aboard Queen Victoria. Sailing from Southampton (and therefore ideal if you’d prefer not to fly over the festive period), this winter sun odyssey visits four Canary Islands – Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Tenerife – before cruising to Madeira for an overnight stay and an unbeatable view of the island’s breathtaking New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
