ByIf you’re feeling like the year flew by and wondering, “How is it already December?” — don’t worry, it’s not too late to cap off 2024 with a getaway, even if it’s a quick cruise before the holiday rush. If you’re looking for the Best Cruise Destinations in the World in December 2024, there are plenty of options to explore! We’ve got a mix of destinations near and far to help you squeeze in that perfect trip. And let’s be honest, the promise of endless shrimp and breathtaking coastlines is tempting enough. But when you add in holiday cheer on the high seas, cruise lines really know how to celebrate the season. Think festive decorations, seasonal activities, and a whole lot more delicious treats to indulge in.
Whether you’re dreaming of a festive Caribbean adventure with Mickey on a Disney cruise or seeking a luxurious, intimate experience on a European river cruise, there’s something for every type of traveler and budget.
Disney Cruise
Disney Cruise Line adds extra holiday cheer with its Very Merrytime Cruises, which depart from Florida, California, and Texas, and visit places like the Bahamas and western Mexico. Each ship is decked out in festive decorations, including a giant 24-foot Christmas tree, and offers fun holiday activities and shows throughout the trip.
You’ll get to see Disney characters dressed in holiday outfits, and Santa Claus will make an appearance on many cruises. If your cruise stops at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, you’ll find even more holiday touches, like a Christmas tree and fake snow.
The newest ship in the fleet, Disney Wish, adds even more magic to these holiday sailings. The ship features special areas like the Grand Hall, which shines with holiday decorations, and exclusive character meet-and-greets with everyone dressed in festive clothes. Disney Wish also offers themed dining experiences like the Frozen-themed Arendelle restaurant and Marvel-inspired Worlds of Marvel, making it an unforgettable holiday adventure for families. From holiday shows to surprises, Disney Wish takes Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruises to a whole new level.
And for an all-new adventure, the Disney Adventure will set sail from Singapore starting December 15, 2025, offering a magical 3- or 4-night holiday at sea. It’s sure to be a memorable experience for everyone!
Christmas On the Rhine
Experience the magic of the holiday season on Viking River Cruises’ Christmas on the Rhine cruise. Offered throughout November and December 2025, this enchanting river cruise takes guests on a journey from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, with stops in the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Along the way, passengers will explore some of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets, where they can shop for handcrafted gifts, enjoy festive treats, and sample regional delicacies.
This 7-day journey is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit, with opportunities to stroll through beautifully decorated markets and enjoy local traditions in picturesque towns and cities. Whether you’re browsing market stalls in Cologne, sampling mulled wine in Strasbourg, or indulging in holiday pastries, the Christmas on the Rhine cruise offers a festive experience filled with yuletide cheer and holiday magic.
Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise
If you love Hallmark and the holiday season, this is the perfect cruise for you. Hallmark will host its first-ever Christmas Cruise, sailing from Miami to the Bahamas. You can join in the fun on one of two four-night cruises aboard the Norwegian Gem.
On this festive trip, you’ll have the chance to meet some of your favorite Hallmark stars and take part in fun activities like photo opportunities, star panels, and Christmas craft workshops. You’ll also get to enjoy wine tastings with Hallmark’s winemaker, who will share wines like “Jingle” and “Joy.”
There’s plenty of holiday fun onboard, including “carol-oke” singalongs, cookie decorating, and an ugly sweater contest. Plus, you’ll get a first look at the new Hallmark Christmas movie, “Countdown to Christmas,” before it airs. It’s truly the “jolliest vacation ever” for any Hallmark fan!
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrate Christmas Day at sea with Celebrity’s 2024 New Zealand Holiday cruise on the Celebrity Edge. This 13-night round-trip cruise leaves Sydney on Dec. 20, 2024, and stops at seven places with five days at sea. After celebrating the New Year while sailing between New Zealand’s Bay of Islands and Sydney, guests will get off the ship on Jan. 2, 2025.
If you’d rather celebrate in the Mediterranean, Celebrity Cruises also has a 12-night cruise to the Canary Islands, Morocco, and Spain. It starts just before Christmas in 2025, sailing from Barcelona on Celebrity Infinity. The cruise includes stops in Gibraltar, Morocco’s Casablanca and Tangier, three Canary Islands, and Malaga, Spain.
On both cruises, you’ll enjoy festive fun with Christmas trees, special holiday meals, Christmas shows, carolers, gingerbread villages, and even a visit from Santa. The bars will serve up holiday drinks like mulled wine and spiked apple cider. On New Year’s Eve, join the big celebration with fellow travelers as you count down to 2025!
Windstar Cruises
Spend the holidays in paradise with a dream vacation to the sunny islands of Tahiti. Set sail just before Christmas 2024 on Windstar’s seven-day Dreams of Tahiti cruise aboard the 312-passenger, all-suite yacht Star Breeze. The cruise departs from Papeete, Tahiti, and visits beautiful islands like Moorea, Raiatea, Motu Mahea (Tahaa), Bora Bora, and Huahine. In Bora Bora, enjoy a special evening with dinner under the stars and traditional Polynesian fire dancing during the Windstar Destination Discovery Event.
For a longer European holiday in 2025, the Star Collector: Winter in Spain and the Rivieras cruise offers a 14-day adventure from Malaga, Spain, to Rome, starting Dec. 13 aboard the cozy Star Legend. This cruise includes stops in Spain, France, Italy, and Gibraltar. You’ll have the chance to see famous landmarks like Michelangelo’s David sculpture in Florence and explore the Roman theater ruins in Cartagena, Spain. You can also taste wines from Italy’s Tuscany region and Spain’s Andalusia, along with local dishes like bouillabaisse in France.
On both cruises, the holiday cheer is all around with Christmas trees, decorations, festive cocktails, and special holiday treats. Enjoy Christmas like a holiday movie, a gala tea, a Christmas service, and a Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas morning brings more celebrations with a Yuletide afternoon tea, a Christmas dinner, and a variety show to end the evening.
Holland America Line
If you’re looking for a holiday getaway, the Circle Hawaii Holiday voyage with Holland America Line offers a great option. This 10-day cruise, departing from San Diego on December 18, 2024, takes you to beautiful Hawaiian destinations like Honolulu, Hilo, Kona, and Kahului on Maui. Along the way, you’ll also have a scenic cruise past the Kilauea Volcano and visit Ensenada, Mexico. Enjoy holiday festivities onboard during your days at sea.
For a more adventurous holiday, the 28-day Far East & Indonesian Holiday Collector cruise is perfect. Set sail aboard the Westerdam from Hong Kong on December 7, 2025, and explore exotic locations like Halong Bay in Vietnam, Bangkok in Thailand, and Komodo Island in Indonesia to see the famous Komodo dragons. On Christmas Day, the ship will dock in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia. On New Year’s Eve, you’ll be in Semarang, Indonesia, where you can visit the historic Borobudur temple.
On board, there’s no shortage of festive fun, including a Christmas tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, Christmas concerts, and special meals for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There’s also a New Year’s Eve party and Hanukkah celebrations with candle lighting and delicious treats. The chefs even create holiday villages to make the season extra special.
Azamara Cruise
If South Africa is on your travel bucket list, the South Africa Intensive Voyage with Azamara is a fantastic way to experience the country during the holiday season. This 15-night cruise departs from Cape Town on December 20, 2024, aboard Azamara Quest. The cruise stops in Port Elizabeth, where you can see one of the world’s largest elephant populations, and Richards Bay, which offers amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes. For an unforgettable experience, take part in the Safari 4X4 Hippo Cruise at Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, a sanctuary for white rhinos and home to the “big five” – lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards.
For a holiday adventure in Australia, Azamara’s 21-night Australia Intensive Voyage departing from Singapore on December 14, 2025, offers a unique opportunity to explore the land down under. This cruise includes 10 stops across three countries, with two overnight stays, before ending in Melbourne, Australia, on January 4, 2026.
On both of these holiday cruises, you’ll enjoy special Christmas performances, including singalongs and carols by the crew. There are festive meals, themed buffets, and religious services. Throughout the voyage, you’ll be treated to holiday treats like hot chocolate and cookies. The New Year’s Eve White Night party is a highlight, where guests wear their best white attire and enjoy music, entertainment, and delicious snacks on deck.
Icon of the Seas
The Icon of the Seas is truly a giant, and once you’re on board, it’s easy to get lost. With space for nearly 8,000 people, including both passengers and crew, across 20 decks and 250,800 tons, it’s a ship that feels more like a floating city. You can run a mile just by walking around the ship’s jogging track—two and a half laps to be exact. It’s so big that you might find yourself forgetting things in your cabin, and depending on how far you’ve ventured, getting back to your room could take a bit of time.
But even if it feels overwhelming, the sheer amount of things to do is captivating. It’s like being in a dream where there’s always something happening around you. The entertainment is top-notch and everywhere you look, from the spectacular aquatics show that you can watch while dining at the seafood restaurant (seating can be tricky to get, though) to the crew members dressed as food items singing fun songs to remind you to wash your hands.
One of the ship’s biggest attractions is its massive waterpark, which is the largest at sea. But a little tip from me—don’t forget to pack a swimsuit without zippers if you plan to enjoy the waterpark, as they’re not allowed on the slides. There’s so much to explore, and it’s a great place to experience a mix of relaxation and excitement all in one!
Princess Cruise
Princess Cruises offers a fantastic holiday experience with a variety of itineraries to explore. For those looking to spend their Christmas and New Year’s in the sunny Caribbean, the Holiday Caribbean Cruise is a great option. Setting sail in December, this round-trip cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and visits beautiful destinations like St. Thomas, Antigua, and the Bahamas. You’ll enjoy the island charm, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters while indulging in festive onboard activities like tree lighting ceremonies, gingerbread house making, and Christmas carols.
For those dreaming of a holiday getaway to the South Pacific, the Tahiti and French Polynesia Cruise is perfect. This 10-day round-trip journey from Los Angeles, California, takes you to stunning islands like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining options, and cultural experiences that include visiting traditional Polynesian villages and enjoying beachside barbecues under the stars. Christmas Eve will be a special evening with festive dinners and live entertainment, followed by a New Year’s Eve party where you can ring in the new year with fellow cruisers.
Princess Cruises also offers a longer adventure for those looking to visit Asia during the holidays. The Asia Grand Adventure cruise, a 15-day round-trip journey from Singapore, stops in exotic ports like Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hong Kong. While on board, passengers can enjoy Asian-inspired dining, traditional performances, and holiday celebrations such as special Christmas meals, a Christmas tree lighting, and even a visit from Santa Claus.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Get ready for a tropical holiday with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Panama Canal Adventure aboard the Norwegian Gem. This 11-day cruise, departing on Dec. 9, 2024, includes an unforgettable experience transiting the Panama Canal, often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world.” You’ll have three full days to explore the canal, as well as Panama City’s vibrant culture. After your canal adventure, sail to exciting destinations like Costa Rica, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and the private island of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The cruise wraps up in Miami on Dec. 20, offering plenty of sun and fun along the way.
If you’re planning ahead for a 2025 holiday, consider Norwegian’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, set to launch in April 2025. This seven-day Caribbean cruise departs Miami on Dec. 21, 2025, and includes stops at tropical destinations like the Dominican Republic, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay. For the ultimate experience, consider booking a suite in The Haven – a luxurious area with a private restaurant, concierge services, exclusive sundeck, and 24-hour butler service.
No matter which itinerary you choose, Norwegian offers plenty of festive activities onboard. Enjoy delicious holiday meals, special holiday performances, and family-friendly events. Passengers can also participate in interdenominational services, and Hanukkah services are available as well. Whether you’re enjoying a festive meal or taking part in a holiday trivia contest, there’s plenty of holiday cheer to go around.
Final Thoughts
There are so many incredible Best Cruise Destinations in the World in December 2024, and each one has something unique to offer. If you’re looking to soak up the sun, there are tropical cruises where you can relax on beautiful beaches. If you’re into exploring, there are cruises that take you to amazing places like the Panama Canal or historic European cities with festive Christmas markets.
Personally, my favorite has to be the Disney Cruise. It’s perfect for families, with all the Disney magic you can imagine, plus plenty of holiday cheer. From meeting characters to enjoying amazing shows and activities, it’s a great choice for making special memories with loved ones.
No matter which cruise you choose, it’s sure to be a memorable experience full of fun, relaxation, and excitement. So, don’t forget to pack your bags, bring your holiday spirit, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
