If the idea of cooking, cleaning, entertaining (and refereeing!) this Christmas feels a bit much, you’re not alone. More and more people are choosing to step away from the usual festive routine and spend Christmas at sea instead. And with Christmas cruises from Southampton, it’s never been easier.
In This Guide
I book Christmas cruises for clients every year, and the question I hear most is: "Will it really feel like Christmas?" The answer, without exception from every client who has come back, is yes - and usually more so than they expected. Ships are decorated with genuine effort from embarkation. Christmas Day lunch is a full traditional service. Carol concerts, Christmas films, and Santa appearances are part of the programme. One client told me she had been dreading Christmas since losing her husband, and the cruise was the first year she had genuinely enjoyed it. That is the kind of feedback that stays with you.
As a travel advisor, I can help you choose the right cruise for your style, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with young children, or as part of a larger group. I take care of the planning and booking, so you can focus on looking forward to the fun part - being away for Christmas without any of the hassle.
No flights. No stress. Just you, the open sea, and all the magic of Christmas.
Whether you want to escape for a few days before the big day, or wake up on Christmas morning in a warm destination with someone else pouring the fizz and carving the turkey, there’s a festive sailing to match your style.
Let’s look at what’s on offer, and why it might be exactly what your Christmas needs.
Why Choose a Christmas Cruise from Southampton?
Christmas cruises from Southampton are all about ease. You can drive or train to the port and step straight into celebration mode, skipping the hassle of airports and delays.
But more than that, these cruises are designed to feel festive:
• Twinkly lights, carols, and gingerbread villages on board
• Christmas dinner without the cooking (or cleanup)
• Visits from Father Christmas for the little ones
• Midnight mass, festive movies, and end of year celebrations
You can go all in on festive magic, or keep it simple and just enjoy time away.
Pre Christmas vs Christmas Day Cruises
When people ask me about Christmas cruises, one of the first things I ask back is:
Do you want to be away for Christmas Day, or just get into the spirit beforehand?
Pre Christmas Cruises (late November to mid December)
These are great if you still want to be home for Christmas but fancy a festive break beforehand. Expect:
• Christmas markets in places like Bruges, Cologne or Hamburg
• Mulled wine, fairy lights, handcrafted gifts
• Shorter and often more affordable sailings
• Perfect for couples, friends or families with school aged kids
Cruises Over Christmas Week
If you want to fully hand over Christmas duties to someone else, this is for you.
• You’ll be sailing on Christmas Day, often in sunnier places like the Canaries, Portugal or Spain
• Onboard Santa visits, carols, games and gifts for the kids
• Full traditional dinners, shows, and festive cheer every day
Christmas and New Year Combined Cruises
Longer sailings that cover both holidays are perfect if you want to completely switch off for the season, and swap your NYE party outfit for a black tie gala under the stars.
Popular Christmas Cruise Destinations from Southampton
Winter Sun & Longer Festive Voyages. Extended Christmas cruises from Southampton typically head to warmer destinations including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Madeira and Lisbon. Some itineraries also explore parts of Spain or Portugal and occasionally include overnight stays to add depth.
Northern Europe & Christmas Market Mini Cruises. Shorter festive sailings focus on classic European destinations such as Bruges, Cherbourg, Cologne, Zeebrugge and Hamburg - perfect for visiting enchanting Christmas markets filled with mulled wine and artisan gifts.
What Happens on Christmas Day at Sea?
Cruise lines go all out to create a magical atmosphere:
• Ships are fully decorated with trees, lights, wreaths and gingerbread villages
• A full traditional Christmas dinner is served. Turkey, pudding, yule log, festive cocktails
• Entertainment includes carol concerts, pantomimes, holiday movies, crafts and more
• Midnight mass or religious services are often held on board
• Santa visits the ship and delivers gifts to children
Whether you’re exploring a port or sailing through calm seas, Christmas Day on board is designed to feel special from morning to night.
Which Cruise Line is Right for You?
There are lots of Christmas cruises from Southampton, and each line brings its own vibe. Here’s a quick look:
P&O Cruises
• Great for British style celebrations with familiar traditions
• Family friendly ships like Iona and Arvia, plus adults only options like Aurora
• Christmas markets, Canaries, Spain, Portugal
MSC Cruises
• Big, modern ships like Virtuosa
• Ideal for families. Great kids’ clubs and entertainment
• Cruise to Northern Europe or festive sunshine
Cunard (Queen Mary 2)
• Refined, elegant, and perfect for couples or adults travelling in a group
• Formal nights, Christmas balls, afternoon tea
• Currently focused on festive sailings to the Canary Islands and Madeira
Fred. Olsen
• Smaller ships with a traditional feel
• Warm, personable service and classic festive touches
• Canaries, Cape Verde, or northern itineraries
Is It Right for Families?
Absolutely. Cruise lines really go out of their way to make it special:
• Santa visits and grottoes
• Kids’ clubs for all ages, even teens
• Festive crafts, movies and shows
• Flexible dining for picky eaters or early bedtimes
If you’re travelling with older kids or teens, I can help you pick a ship with more independence, tech or adrenaline options too.
For Couples and Grown Up Groups
Fancy something a little quieter? Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 or P&O’s adult only ships offer a sophisticated, peaceful take on Christmas, with no shortage of sparkle.
Your Questions, Answered
Will it still feel like Christmas?
Yes. Every ship is decorated, and the festive feeling starts the minute you step on board.
Will Santa be there?
He absolutely will. Many ships have a grotto, and kids will get gifts and surprises.
What’s Christmas Day like?
You’ll enjoy a full Christmas dinner, festive entertainment, and special events on board. Most ships spend the 25th at sea, which means you get the full festive programme without interruption. Some itineraries may include a port stop, but cruise lines often plan the day at sea to give guests the full magic of Christmas onboard.
Is it OK if we don’t have kids?
Totally. Some ships are adult only, and many have adults only areas so you can enjoy a more peaceful vibe.
Will it be rough at sea?
It can be breezy in winter, but routes are planned with comfort in mind. I can advise on calmer itineraries or cabin choices if that’s a concern.
What about all the planning?
That’s where I come in.
How I Make Christmas Cruise Holidays Effortless
Planning a Christmas cruise should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
I help families and couples find the right festive sailing from Southampton, then take care of all the details:
• Cabin choice. Quiet spots, balconies, interconnecting rooms
• Southampton parking or hotel stays
• Flights if you’re travelling from elsewhere in the UK
• Kids’ club info and availability
• Onboard dining reservations
• Travel insurance and special requests
• Excursions or festive extras
Think of me as your festive cruise matchmaker. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teens or just the two of you, I’ll help you choose the cruise that fits your style and take care of the logistics.
Every holiday is tailored to you and booked with trusted, protected suppliers. So you can relax, knowing it’s all covered.
Ready to Start Planning?
Head to my homepage and scroll to the bottom to fill in the short enquiry form. Or drop me a message at rachael@blueturtleescapes.co.uk or call 01822 742105.
Let’s make this the Christmas where everything just clicks into place, and you actually get to enjoy it.
P.S. Festive sailings, especially those over Christmas Day, fill fast. Now’s the perfect time to get your plans underway.
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