It’s often nicknamed the “Great Escape” because it’s a perfect getaway if you want a break from the hectic lead up to Christmas, the shopping frenzy and Uncle Jimmy’s tired jokes around the Christmas table.
If you are having an “off year” with family visiting their inlaws or just have itchy feet, there are some great Christmas sailings on offer both near and far.
Cruises around Australia and New Zealand are perfect to avoid long flights with hefty prices and stop at picturesque ports.
But if you really want to immerse yourself in Christmas tradition and a great atmosphere, Europe’s Christmas market cruises are magical.
Think of twinkling lights, warm gluhwein and the smell of delicious roasting chestnuts.
Christmas markets are held in many cities and towns throughout Europe, carrying on a centuries old tradition.
They are often booked out quickly but there are still vacancies on some cruises sailing on Europe’s greatest rivers.
Christmas and New Year cruises closer to home, offer traditional celebrations with all the trimmings and most likely loads of seafood.
Imagine waking up on Christmas day, sauntering down to a champagne brunch then sitting down to a Christmas dinner and enjoying a feast. Follow that with a swim in the pool, a snooze, then dinner and you haven’t had to lift a finger. It’s bound to be the best Christmas gift ever.
Sounds appealing?
Here’s some Great Escape cruises to consider this Christmas.
Silversea’s Sparkling Christmas Cruises
This high-end cruise line with private butlers has two ships, the shiny new Silver Nova, launched earlier this year and Silver Muse cruising between Australia and New Zealand over the holiday break.
Silver Nova is doing a 16-day cruise from Auckland to Sydney from 20 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025, stopping at Tauranga and the Bay of Islands in New Zealand, then Dravuni Island and Lautoka in Fiji, Champagne Beach and Port Vila in Vanuatu and Norfolk Island to disembark in Sydney.
Silver Muse is offering a 16-day cruise from Sydney to Auckland stopping at Eden, Melbourne and Burnie to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Bluff, Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton, Napier Gisborne and Tauranga disembarking in Auckland. Guests can also board in Melbourne on December 23 2024.
Festive Sailings on Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Cruise fans seeking a Christmas or New Year sailing can choose from three of Regent Seven Seas premium ships, on luxe sailings with Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor. They are all offering festive sailings departing in December 2024.
Seven Seas Explorer will depart Sydney on 20 December, Seven Seas Voyager departs Dubai on 21 December and Seven Seas Splendor departs Cape Town on 21 December.
Expect to be immersed in the festive spirit from the moment you step on board, with each ship decked with magnificent Christmas trees in the atrium, to striking festive flower arrangements, as well as unique holiday customs and seasonal cuisine.
Get set for delectable feasts and festive beverages designed for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Hannukah.
Festive itineraries include: A Holiday Downunder on Seven Seas Explorer from Sydney to Auckland, departs 20 December 2024 for a 14-night cruise with up to 40 shore excursions.
Christmas night is spent cruising the Tasman Sea, New Year’s Eve is in Napier New Zealand and New Year’s Day at Rotorua, New Zealand.
Glimmering Towers of Asia on Seven Seas Voyager from Dubai to Singapore departs 21 December for 21 nights with Christmas night in Mumbai, India, New Year’s Eve cruising the Laccadive Seas and New Year’s Day on the Bay of Bengal.
Hit Europe’s Christmas Markets with Viking
From Austria to Germany and France, there are many towns and cities to explore where Christmas traditions began in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
Viking has seven itineraries that trace the towns that host some of the largest Christmas markets in the world.
Holiday departures feature complimentary onboard activities such as freshly baked Yuletide cookies and gingerbread and Christmas-inspired cooking demonstrations throughout the voyage.
The halls of Viking Longships will be ringing with musical performances and each itinerary features a tree trimming ceremony to decorate the feature Christmas tree.
Departures for Christmas market itineraries start in late November and continue throughout December, with some itineraries sailing on Christmas Day.
Viking will also be sailing around Australia and New Zealand including 23 December 2024 for a 15-day cruise on Viking Venus from Sydney to Auckland and 27 December 2024 Sydney to Auckland on Viking Orion.
Christmas Market Highlights
A 12-day Christmas cruise on the Rhine and Moselle from Paris to Zurich and return includes many festive sights. Get set for the pretty seasonal displays in Paris, the vibrant facade of the cathedral in Reims and Alsatian bonhomie in Strasbourg. Browse stalls full of local delicacies and handicrafts at the charming Christmas markets of Trier, Koblenz and Mannheim, and enjoy a warm mug of gluhwein while in the shadow of the Alps in Zürich.
Go Small with European Waterways
Hotel Barging is a boutique, unique experience that offers an immersive and all-inclusive gentle voyage of discovery focusing on the culture, history, fine wine and gourmet cuisine of the cruise regions.
European Waterways offers barge cruises with a 6-to-20-person capacity and it’s a great way to experience old-world Christmas traditions.
Christman Market cruises include the 12-passenger Panache on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin with visits to Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas market in Europe.
It also stops at the market of Riquewhir, for an array of charming chalet-style stalls selling handmade souvenirs and festive delicacies including traditional spice bread and pretzels.
Expect crisp, invigorating weather, bright colourful lights, the smell of warm bread, chestnuts cooking over embers, and the spiced aroma of mulled wine wafting from the countless stalls in the public squares.
Regional delicacies include fresh-roasted nuts, cookies and cakes, as well as a variety of cheeses, meats, fish, and sausages.
In Strasbourg, guests will also visit the Musee du Chocolat, where seasonal candy is made. The six Christmas markets of Colmar are also on the itinerary.
The all-inclusive cruises offer luxury accommodations, daily excursions, fine wine, and gastronomic meals made using locally sourced and seasonal produce.
