How To You can celebrate Christmas on a cruise ship.
Christmas can be celebrated on a cruise ship if you want to do something different this holiday season.It's a great way to escape cookie baking, being stuck in traffic, and wrapping presents all night long.It is important to book early with the cruise line that will fit your family's needs.You will need to pack for some holiday fun, and then get ready for a great voyage across the sea.
Step 1: Discuss your plans with your family.
Everyone on the cruise should be on board.Explain why you want to go on the cruise and discuss how you will handle popular family traditions.You should give your extended family a heads-up about your plan.The conversation is important for smaller children.Some may be excited about celebrating Christmas on a boat, but others may need convincing to abandon their holiday routine.
Step 2: Large ships are great for small children.
There are between 2,000 and 3000 passengers on large ships.If you have small children and want to take advantage of lots of family-oriented programs, these ships are the best choice.Several large ships are owned by Carnival, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian.The Disney Cruise Line ships hold over 2,000 passengers.Several pools, lots of dining options, and luxury spas and gyms are available on large ships.
Step 3: There are a lot of activities for adults and kids on mid-size ships.
Mid-size ships can hold up to 2,000 passengers.The atmosphere on these ships may be better for adults who want to meet and socialize with other people on board.Older passengers are more likely to be on a large ship.The mid-size ships of Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises are very popular.Smaller ships may be less expensive to book than larger ships.Smaller ships will not have the personal touch of larger ships.They will have shorter lines to get on and off the boat.
Step 4: Small ships can be used for luxury and less children.
Smaller ships hold less passengers.High-quality dining, excellent entertainment, and luxurious surroundings are usually provided by these ships.Families don't often travel on small boats, so this may be a better option for those looking for a romantic Christmas cruise for two.Small ships are popular on Sea Dream Yacht Club and Regent Seven Seas cruises.
Step 5: There are different cruise lines that have holiday plans.
You can learn about the boat online before you make a decision.You can compare and contrast your options.Check out what the ships have planned for Christmas.Look up the itinerary.It is important to pick a cruise that will make you excited.Since some destinations may have limited activities during the holidays, do some online searching on potential ports before you make your choice.
Step 6: You can call the cruise line to find deals.
Christmas is the most expensive time of year to go on a cruise, so expect prices to be high.You can find deals if you contact the cruise line and ask about specials.You can sign up for cruise lines' newsletters online.Don't wait to buy tickets because you're hoping for a deal.Christmas cruises will sell out quickly, so book early.The closer you book to the departure date, the higher the prices will go.
Step 7: It's a good idea to book nine months to a year in advance.
It takes a lot of planning to go on a cruise.It is advisable to finalize your choice of ship and cruise line about a year ahead of time.The departure date of the cruise is nine months away.It is more likely that you will get the cabin you want if you book earlier.If you can afford it, go for a cabin with a balcony.Families might want to book family suites with adjoining rooms.
Step 8: Avoid travel problems if you buy plane tickets early.
You can buy plane tickets when you book the cruise.It will help you avoid higher costs and oversold flights.You can fly into the city the day or night before the cruise leaves.If your flight is delayed, you don't want to miss the cruise.You may want to arrive a few days ahead of time if you are traveling to a city with winter weather.
Step 9: Before you leave, have a celebration at home.
Your family is invited for a meal and gift exchange.As this will keep you from feeling like you are missing out on the cruise, do as many Christmas activities as you can.It will allow you to avoid packing big gifts for your family while on the ship.Try not to let things get out of control since this cruise is all about reducing stress.It doesn't have to be the same as Christmas if you're going to have too much work.Whatever makes you and your family happy, do it.
Step 10: For the holiday, bring special outfits.
Add some festive options to your suitcase as you throw clothes into it.You will want to fit in on the cruise because there will be holiday-themed dinners, dances, and entertainment.It's perfect for the Christmas season.If you want a fancy look, you can pack gold or silver items.Children and adults can enjoy a Santa hat.
Step 11: There is a plan for gifts.
It can be difficult to fit a lot of gifts in your suitcase.You can exchange items before or after you leave home.Bring a few small gifts to give each other on the cruise.Since the cruise may be your family's big gift this year, you can also skip gift-giving entirely.
Step 12: You should leave room in your suitcases for souvenirs.
There is a wide variety of shops on cruise ships.You might want to delay your holiday shopping.If you plan on shopping, leave half of your suitcase empty.
Step 13: You should check your cruise line's alcohol policy.
You can celebrate the holiday with a bottle of champagne or wine.Some cruise lines will allow you to bring alcohol with you.You can double check by calling the line.Don't try to sneak it on.It may prevent you from being allowed to board.Your nice champagne is going to be wasted.
Step 14: You need to pack your IDs before you leave.
Everyone in your family will need a passport.If you need to, get a new passport as soon as you book the cruise.Before you leave your house, make sure you have everyone's passports.
Step 15: There are small decorations for your cabin.
The cabin may not have as many Christmas decorations as the ship.There is a tiny tree, some Christmas lights, and a wreath in your room.Small children may miss home during the holiday and having a few small decorations in your cabin could be comforting.You can pick up these things in your departure city.The packing process will be easier with this.
Step 16: There are holiday decorations.
You will be confronted with a spectacle of lights, ornaments, and fir as soon as you get on board.Take a moment to appreciate it.There was no need to sort the lights this year.You should take lots of photos of the decorations with your family.
Step 17: You can check your ship's daily newsletter for scheduling details.
A member of your cruise line's staff will leave a newsletter in your room every day.The next day's activities are provided in these leaflets, as well as any last-minute scheduling changes.Ask your family to pick which activities they would like to do.Taking turns picking each day will resolve the conflict if there are disagreements over activities.
Step 18: You can take advantage of holiday-themed meals.
A wide variety of food and drinks will be provided by the cruise lines.Along with turkey, ham, and all the trimmings, expect to enjoy some spiced eggnog and gingerbread houses.There were lots of Christmas cookies.There are drink specials and holiday parties for adults.
Step 19: There are daily activities for kids.
There are tons of activities for kids on Christmas cruises.You can take a picture with Santa, build gingerbread houses, or do some holiday-themed arts and crafts.Santa will give gifts to younger children on Christmas morning on some ships.You can join in for Christmas sing-alongs on some ships.
Step 20: If you choose, you can participate in onboard religious services.
Depending on which ship you pick, you can choose from a variety of services.Enjoy the time with your family when you attend the services.The season has messages.
Step 21: The ship has shops for holiday shopping.
Go inside the shops.If you aren't doing your Christmas shopping for friends and family on board, you may be able to pick up a little something for yourself.You can walk around and browse if you like window shopping.
Step 22: There are special performances and tree lightings.
Several times during the journey, your cruise line will offer holiday-themed entertainment.Broadway-quality Christmas shows can be seen on a large ship.To get into the Christmas spirit, be sure to attend any tree lighting ceremonies.There will be plenty of entertainment on mid-size ships, but the theater and performance may not be large-scale.Smaller ships are usually aimed at adults with their exclusive entertainment.
Step 23: You can participate in local festivities when you are docked.
Depending on where your ship docks, you may be able to attend holiday carnivals and celebrations.There may be limited openings in other spots during December.Get off the ship and enjoy your destination.You can attend a lot of festivals in the Caribbean during this time of year.You can still get a feel for the city even if restaurants and shops are closed.