If there’s any doubt cruise lines celebrate the holidays while sailing on the high seas, lay those worries to rest. In fact, you may just find cruise ships are much more ready for the holidays than your own home.

© Björn Wylezich | Dreamstime
Leave the holiday decorating to Holland America Line when you set sail on one of its holiday itineraries in the Caribbean, Asia, South America and Antarctica, Mexico and the Panama Canal, Australia and New Zealand, and Cuba. Wherever in the world you sail, onboard you and your family will enjoy festive decorations, holiday parties, visits from Santa, caroling and, of course, all your favorite holiday eats.
You may be surprised when you walk into the atrium during your holiday cruise with Princess Cruises and find it snowing, but that’s just what happens on your decked-out ship. You may also sneak a peek of Santa napping on a chaise lounge on deck, or join in on the fun during the gingerbread house-making contest.
Amid all of the fun you’ll have with Carnival Cruise Line during the holiday cruises, there’s someone onboard who may not partake — the Grinch himself. Don’t let his grumpy ways get to you, though. Instead, join in the tree lighting, don your ugly sweater and go caroling, make some festive arts and crafts with newfound friends and give your sweetheart a kiss under the mistletoe.

© Darryl Brooks | Dreamstime
Hot off Thanksgiving fun, Mickey and Minnie are bedecked in their holiday finest and ready to welcome you aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises. In addition to life-sized gingerbread houses, towering Christmas trees, garlands and poinsettias — not to mention oodles of twinkling lights — Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy host an array of holiday fun for the entire family. Do the candy-cane limbo at the Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party, watch Mickey as he flips the switch at Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony, meet Santa Claus before he dashes off to deliver gifts and enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus.
Happy holidays, and ahoy!
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