It may still feel like summer but the holidays are just around the corner. If the stress and the cold temperatures of Christmastime don’t sound like something you are looking forward to this year, it might just be time to start looking at more creative ways to ring in the season. Check out a holiday cruise where you can still enjoy the festivities while someone else does all the hard work.
While the temperatures at home start to dip and the weather starts to get unpredictable, cruise ships continue to travel to exotic ports of call where sunshine and warm weather are standard year-round. But just because you aren’t at home doesn’t mean you have to leave the holidays behind.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, the holidays aboard a cruise ship are non-stop fun and festivities. Ships are decked out from end to end in holiday decorations, delicious holiday treats are pumped out of the kitchens and activities are amped up to incorporate the holidays into the already action-packed itineraries.
Princess Cruises offer some great options for families looking to celebrate the holidays away from home while still enjoying the festive holiday spirit.
Holiday at Sea. Photo: Princess Cruises
In addition to seasonal treats like eggnog and activities like a gingerbread house-making contest, Princess brings Santa along for the ride so your little ones won’t miss out on the holiday fun just because they aren’t at home to put out milk and cookies. The atrium of every ship, complete with stunningly trimmed Christmas trees and holiday decorations, is magically transformed with indoor snow for the holidays on each of their ships so, no matter what location you cruise to, you and your little ones can enjoy a white Christmas.
Carnival Cruises, well-known for packing in the family fun on ships, goes above and beyond to make sure families enjoy the holidays at sea. With seasonal wreaths, lights, Christmas trees and poinsettias at every turn, the whole ship celebrates. Caroling and an ugly sweater contest are just some of the fun festivities passengers can participate in.
Carnival teams up with Dr. Seuss to bring the Grinch aboard for the holidays. Character appearances, a character breakfast and a special holiday show are great ways for your little ones to get in the spirit and enjoy the holidays even though they are away from home.
Pool Deck. Photo: Princess Cruises
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Sep 18, 2026“MasterChef” Experience Coming to Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Caribbean
Beyond resort pools and beaches, family travelers (especially little ones) crave immersive and learning experiences. One brand, Hyatt’s Dreams Resorts & Spas, leans into this shift with an expanded collaboration with MasterChef Junior.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026Best Western Rewards, WorldHotels Rewards Launch Global Double Points Promotion
Family travelers looking to book a getaway before the end of 2026 won’t want to miss new wallet-friendly rates and deals from BWH Hotels. Available Sept. 8 to Dec. 31, this deal lets members of Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards earn double points on qualifying stays at any Best Western-banded hotel worldwide or participating WorldHotels property.
Destinations / North America
Sep 17, 2026“Kids Free” San Diego Returns for 15th Year
Family travelers will want to take advantage of San Diego Tourism Authority’s month-long promotion this October, offering more than 100 specials at museums, hotels, restaurants and different attractions across the region.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Destinations / North America
Sep 17, 2026Fort Lauderdale Just Got a Lot More Accessible for Families
Fort Lauderdale is already known for great weather and great beaches, but for family travelers who need accessible destinations, the city just got even better. Greater Fort Lauderdale recently collaborated with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization working to increase sensory awareness, accessibility and inclusiveness in public spaces. Through this partnership, the Greater Fort Lauderdale area has recently become the world’s first KultureCity-certified sensory accessible and inclusive beach destination. While that title is bit of a mouthful, it means great things for families traveling with special needs.
ShareThis