As the holiday season approaches, many major cruise lines start to decorate their ships with festive decor to spread the holiday cheer among their passengers. Christmas decorations, including trees, lights, wreaths, and garlands, can be seen throughout the ships, creating a magical atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
Carnival Cruise Line is one such company that decorates its ships for Christmas. Each year, the company's ships are adorned with beautiful decorations, including a Christmas tree and a menorah in the atrium area. Letters to Santa boxes are also placed in the same area, allowing children to send their letters to the North Pole. Other Christmas decorations are scattered throughout the ship, including garlands, lights, and mistletoe.
Other major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, also decorate their ships for Christmas. These companies feature a variety of decorations, including Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands. Some ships even have visits from Santa Claus, who hands out presents to children on board. Overall, the festive decor on these ships creates a warm and welcoming environment for guests to enjoy during the holiday season.
When Do Cruise Lines Start Decorating
The holiday season is a magical time to go on a cruise, and many major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, decorate their ships to get passengers in the festive spirit.
Carnival Cruise Line typically starts decorating their ships for Christmas around the end of November, with the first vessels decorated as early as Friday, November 25, 2022, according to a recent announcement. The decorations will remain on board until the New Year, creating a festive atmosphere for passengers to enjoy.
Other major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, also decorate their ships for the holiday season. Royal Caribbean's ships usually start to get decorated in early December, while Norwegian Cruise Line begins decorating their ships in mid-November.
It's worth noting that the exact timing of when a ship gets decorated may vary from year to year, and even from ship to ship within a cruise line. Passengers can check with their specific cruise line or ship for more information on when decorations will be put up.
Overall, for those looking to enjoy a Christmas cruise, it's recommended to book a voyage in late November or early December to fully experience the holiday decorations and festivities on board. And for those looking to celebrate the New Year on a cruise, Carnival's ships will remain fully decorated until January 1, 2024, creating a fun and festive atmosphere for passengers to ring in the new year.
Decorations Used by Major Cruise Lines
Major cruise lines decorate their ships with a variety of Christmas decorations to bring the holiday spirit to their guests. Here are some of the most common decorations used by major cruise lines:
Christmas Trees and Garlands
One of the most iconic Christmas decorations is the Christmas tree, and major cruise lines spare no expense in bringing this symbol of the holiday spirit onboard. Christmas trees can be found in various sizes and styles, from traditional green trees to colorful and whimsical ones. Garlands made of ivy, holly, and other festive materials are also used to decorate the ship's atrium and other public areas.
Santa and Other Characters
Santa Claus is a beloved symbol of Christmas, and many major cruise lines have him onboard to spread holiday cheer. Guests can take pictures with Santa and his helpers, wear Santa hats, and even participate in activities like cookie decorating with Santa. Other characters like the Grinch and his Whoville friends can also be found onboard some ships.
Menorah and Hanukkah Decor
In addition to Christmas decorations, major cruise lines also recognize the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Menorahs are lit onboard, and other Hanukkah decorations like dreidels and gelt can be found in various areas of the ship.
Letters to Santa Box and Christmas Village
Guests of all ages can write letters to Santa and drop them off in a special mailbox onboard. Some ships even have a Christmas village set up, complete with miniature houses, trees, and other festive decorations.
Overall, major cruise lines spare no expense in decorating their ships for the holiday season. With a variety of decorations and activities, guests can experience the magic and spirit of Christmas while at sea.
Specific Cruise Lines and Their Decorations
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its festive decorations during the holiday season. Each year, the fleet of Carnival ships is decorated with Christmas trees, garlands, and other holiday decorations. The decorations are typically put up in November or December, just in time for the holiday sailings.
Some of the Carnival ships that are decorated for the holidays include the Carnival Celebration, Carnival Dream, Carnival Glory, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Vista. Other ships that are decorated include the Carnival Elation, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Valor.
During the festive season, Carnival Cruise Line offers a range of Christmas offerings onboard. There is usually a main Holiday Show during each sailing, as well as Letters to Santa boxes in the atrium area. Guests can also participate in holiday-themed activities, such as cookie decorating and gingerbread house making.
Princess Cruise Line
Princess Cruise Line is also known for its holiday decorations. During the Christmas season, the ships are adorned with Christmas trees, garlands, and other festive decorations. The decorations are typically put up in November or December, just in time for the holiday sailings.
Princess Cruise Line offers a range of Christmas and Hanukkah activities onboard. Guests can participate in a holiday-themed party, as well as a guest choir. Santa Claus also visits the ships on Christmas Day, and guests receive a small stocking with candy on the bedside table at turndown.
Overall, the holiday sailings on both Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line are worth it for those who enjoy festive decorations, holiday-themed activities, and delicious food.
Festivities and Activities During Christmas Cruise
When cruising during the festive season, passengers can expect a variety of activities and events to get them in the holiday spirit. Here are some of the festivities and activities that passengers can look forward to on a Christmas cruise.
Dining and Christmas Menu
Cruise lines typically offer special holiday-themed menus in their dining rooms and specialty restaurants during the Christmas season. Passengers can expect to indulge in traditional holiday dishes such as roasted turkey, honey glazed ham, and Christmas pudding. Some cruise lines also offer Hanukkah menus for passengers celebrating the festival of lights.
Shows and Performances
Passengers can enjoy a variety of shows and performances during their Christmas cruise. Cruise directors typically put on a special holiday-themed show on Christmas Day featuring singers, dancers, and a choir. Some cruise lines also offer holiday-themed productions throughout the sailing.
Family Activities
Christmas cruises are a great way for families to spend quality time together during the holidays. Many cruise lines offer family-friendly activities such as holiday crafts, gingerbread house decorating, and Letters to Santa programs. Passengers can also expect to see festive decorations throughout the ship, including Christmas trees, snowflakes, and holiday hats.
Overall, cruising during the Christmas season is worth it for passengers who want to celebrate the holidays in a unique way. Whether it's dining on a Christmas menu, watching a holiday show, or participating in family activities, there's something for everyone on a Christmas cruise.
Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.
Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.
