Revel in the holiday season on enchanting Christmas cruises
Christmas in Australia is about pool days and outdoor fun, which aligns perfectly with life on board. A Christmas cruise lets you wake to a new horizon and celebrate without chores. Whether you prefer Christmas cruises 2025, 2026 or 2027, there are itineraries for couples, friends and families. Routes span the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and select Asian ports, with festive touches like carolling, holiday movies and photos with Santa at night. If you are flexible with dates or cabin type, watch late opportunities on our last minute cruises.
Featured cruise lines for the season
Many cruise lines operate Christmas sailings from Australia. Princess, Celebrity, Oceania Cruises, Silversea and Holland America schedule festive itineraries from local ports, and each brings its own dining style, ship size and onboard mood. Within that broader choice, two favourites often top Christmas shortlists:
- Royal Caribbean Christmas cruise highlights. Big-ship entertainment meets family-friendly variety, with activities like surf simulators on select ships and lively parades. Expect carols, special desserts and Santa visits. Compare December options on Royal Caribbean cruises and shortlist two or three sailings that balance features, budget and preferred cabin. If you are set on a Royal Caribbean Christmas cruise, check show times and kids’ club hours for sea days.
- Carnival Christmas cruise highlights. Relaxed dining, upbeat shows and playful programming set a cheerful tone. Expect festive décor, themed menus and memorable moments for kids. Start with Carnival cruises, then filter by length and cabin type. If you are researching a Carnival Christmas cruise, interior cabins usually price best, while balconies add private outdoor space for warm summer evenings.
Where can you sail?
Christmas voyages aren’t limited to Australia. You’ll find classic South Pacific island routes, scenic New Zealand sailings that mix lively cities with fjords, and Asia-focused itineraries from regional hubs such as Bali or Tokyo. Closer-to-home options visit popular Australian ports during the summer holidays, while occasional repositioning sailings appear when ships move for the season. If a countdown at sea appeals, explore celebratory New Year’s Eve cruises.
What to pack on a Christmas cruise
Beyond a standard holiday checklist, add:
- A red or green shirt, or another festive outfit for photos and parties.
- Holiday accessories like Santa hats or reindeer ears.
- Simple cabin decorations, such as tinsel or small ornaments that do not mark surfaces.
- Gifts sized for easy packing; Secret Santa keeps things simple.
- Wrapping tape and paper to avoid queues at onboard stations.
Travelling as a group
Cruising over Christmas is popular for family reunions, sports clubs and social groups because the ship bundles meals, activities and accommodation in one place. If you are planning for a large family or workplace, our team can coordinate stateroom blocks, dining times and extras that may include special savings or bonus inclusions, subject to cruise-line terms. Read about group bookings and reach out early for larger numbers and the best cabin selection.
How to choose the right Christmas cruise
- Pick a homeport and trip length. Short breaks suit first timers. Seven to twelve nights fit classic South Pacific circuits.
- Compare inclusions. Some lines bundle drinks and Wi-Fi on select fares. For price confidence, see our Price Guarantee.
- Balance ship features with budget. Big ships add waterparks and more dining, while smaller ships feel relaxed. Apply filters and compare options in Cruise Finder.
- Consider the cabin type. Families often choose balconies for extra space and views. Interior cabins usually price best. Check fare conditions before booking.
- Time your booking. December is popular, so book early for choice or watch late sales if you are flexible.
Booking and support
Ready to compare options with current pricing, live availability and clear inclusions? Use Cruise Finder to review dates, cabins and itineraries, then contact our Australian team for tailored advice. If you prefer to speak with a person or request a call back, call 13 13 03, visit contact us or submit the call back form. We explain inclusions, outline cabin differences and highlight timely offers so you can book with confidence.
Important notes and what we cannot confirm here
Onboard holiday events, exact menus and entertainment can vary by ship and year. Details for particular sailings are set by each cruise line and may change. For the most accurate information, review the itinerary page for your chosen ship on our site before you lock things in. If a specific activity is essential to your celebration, ask our team to check it for your sailing so you can plan with certainty.
Stay in the loop
To hear about a new Christmas cruise sale or limited-time package, follow Cruise Guru on Facebook, Instagram and X for timely updates and tips. If you prefer email, subscribe for news and offers. For planning ideas across the school break, see our school holiday cruises guide. Begin your search today and find a Christmas cruise that fits your plans.
