7 Must-book Christmas Cruises For 2026: Explore Festive Destinations Across The Globe

Published on November 4, 2025

As nan festive play approaches, you mightiness beryllium looking for a measurement to flight nan accustomed vacation chaos. If you for illustration to bask a hassle-free vacation pinch breathtaking views and breathtaking destinations, past booking a Christmas cruise for 2026 could beryllium nan cleanable getaway. Imagine spending Christmas Day connected a beautiful cruise ship, enjoying gourmet meals, exploring enchanting cities, and moreover relaxing connected a beach—all without lifting a finger.

From nan humanities Christmas markets successful Europe to nan tropical beaches successful nan Caribbean, we’ve handpicked 7 of nan champion Christmas cruises to see for your 2026 festive journey.

1. Southern Rhine Christmas Cruise: Explore Germany’s Festive Markets

If you’re a instrumentality of festive markets, this seven-night stream cruise on nan Southern Rhine is simply a must. Departing from Frankfurt connected December 20, 2026, nan A-Rosa Clea will return you to charming German cities for illustration Koblenz, Rudesheim, and Wiesbaden, on pinch a sojourn to Strasbourg, France, connected Christmas Day. With its vibrant vacation markets afloat of handcrafted gifts, delicious mulled wine, and sparkling lights, Strasbourg offers a magical Christmas experience. Onboard, bask a accepted Christmas luncheon and festive surprises arsenic you sail done this beautiful European region.

Insider Tip: While Mannheim mightiness not beryllium nan astir picturesque stop, taking a tram to nan adjacent municipality of Heidelberg for a locomotion done its castle and woodlands is highly recommended.

2. Christmas Down Under: Australia & New Zealand Adventure

For a lukewarm Christmas, group sail connected nan Norwegian Spirit from Sydney connected December 23, 2026. This 14-night cruise will return you to nan sunny shores of Melbourne, Eden, and New Zealand’s stunning coastlines, including Dunedin and Tauranga. Christmas Day will beryllium spent successful Melbourne, a metropolis known for its festive decorations and breathtaking activities. From hiking to Middle-earth successful New Zealand to exploring geothermal wonders, this cruise offers some taste experiences and wildlife encounters, making it nan cleanable blend of escapade and Christmas cheer.

Insider Tip: Upgrade to NCL’s “More astatine Sea” package for unlimited drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and statement excursion credits for a much luxurious experience.

3. Ancient Mediterranean Treasures: Christmas successful Turkey and Greece

For history enthusiasts, nan Ancient Mediterranean Treasures cruise offers a unsocial vacation experience. Departing from Istanbul connected December 22, 2026, this Viking cruise takes you to nan ancient metropolis of Ephesus successful Turkey, wherever you’ll research Roman ruins without nan accustomed summertime crowds. Other highlights see Rhodes and Athens successful Greece. With less visitors during nan vacation season, you’ll bask a quieter and much relaxed sightseeing experience.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss nan optional circuit of nan Gallipoli battlefields, a profoundly moving humanities experience.

4. Antarctic Expedition: Christmas successful South Georgi

For a genuinely unsocial Christmas experience, subordinate nan In-depth South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctica Expedition departing from Punta Arenas connected December 18, 2026. Spend Christmas Day successful South Georgia, surrounded by monolithic penguin colonies and seals. With astir 24 hours of daylight, there’s nary amended spot to witnesser wildlife successful its earthy habitat. This 22-night escapade includes a sojourn to Antarctica, pinch kayaking, snowshoeing, and mini vessel trips to research elephantine icebergs. Onboard, bask master lectures connected marine biology and Antarctic exploration.

Insider Tip: Head to nan apical platform of nan Fram vessel to toast Christmas Day while watching nan wildlife of South Georgia.

5. Winter Sun successful nan Caribbean: Windward Islands Christmas Cruise

Escape nan acold and group sail connected nan Royal Clipper from Barbados connected December 19, 2026. This seven-night Star Clippers cruise will return you to tropical destinations for illustration St. Lucia, Antigua, and Martinique. Enjoy nan warmth of nan Caribbean, indulge successful activities for illustration snuba diving, and relax connected secluded beaches. The Royal Clipper’s gangly vessel creation allows it to dock successful smaller ports, ensuring a much friendly and serene acquisition distant from nan crowds.

Insider Tip: Try your manus astatine climbing nan ship’s rigging aliases learning knot-tying pinch nan unit for a hands-on maritime experience.

6. Christmas connected nan Moldau and Elbe: A Historical Christmas Journey

For a Christmas filled pinch civilization and history, see nan eight-night CroisiEurope cruise from Prague, departing connected December 20, 2026. This cruise will return you to humanities sites for illustration Dresden and Wittenberg, wherever Martin Luther sparked nan Protestant Reformation. Celebrate Christmas Day successful Wittenberg, exploring nan town’s fascinating history. The Elbe Princesse riverboat is designed to navigate nan debased waters of nan Elbe, ensuring a soft travel done Europe’s astir scenic waterways.

Insider Tip: Dress warmly, arsenic December successful Eastern Europe tin beryllium rather chilly, but nan stunning Christmas markets will make it each worthy it.

7. Thai, Cambodian & Vietnamese Christmas Cruise: A Cultural Celebration

For a festive getaway successful Asia, nan Seabourn Encore offers a luxurious 14-night cruise done Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Departing from Singapore connected December 21, 2026, you’ll sojourn beautiful islands for illustration Ko Kood and bask a Christmas Day barbecue connected nan formation successful Thailand. Explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and vibrant section cultures. With an all-suite vessel and friendly service, this cruise is cleanable for those looking for a much refined and culturally immersive vacation experience.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss nan chance to research nan Cu Chi Tunnels successful Ho Chi Minh City, a historical and fascinating site.

Conclusion:

If you’re readying your 2026 Christmas vacation, why not opt for a unsocial and stress-free vacation pinch 1 of these apical Christmas cruises? Whether you activity history, adventure, tropical warmth, aliases a taste journey, these cruises connection thing for each traveler. Book now and make your Christmas 2026 unforgettable pinch a luxurious vacation connected nan seas.