{"id":19917,"date":"2026-11-11T20:47:46","date_gmt":"2026-11-11T20:47:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/?p=19917"},"modified":"2026-11-11T21:34:58","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T21:34:58","slug":"what-to-enjoy-about-holiday-cruises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/holidays\/what-to-enjoy-about-holiday-cruises","title":{"rendered":"What to Enjoy About Holiday Cruises"},"content":{"rendered":"
Setting sail for far-off destinations is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Imagine festive decorations that you didn’t have to put up, a warm meal you didn’t have to cook, and exciting activities you didn’t have to plan. In other words, imagine getting to reap the benefits of a fun-filled holiday celebration without the stress of needing to prepare everything yourself. Sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it? Well, you are in luck. This holiday season, you can easily leave all your responsibilities at home and enjoy holiday celebrations with your family and friends on the open seas. <\/p>
Of course, some people might think planning a cruise vacation is stressful. Well, at Carnival Cruise Line, we think that planning your vacation should be fun! That’s why we put together this guide so families and groups can enjoy a holiday cruise vacation without taking the time to plan every detail. <\/p>
Make the Holidays More Fun at Sea<\/h3>
You already know that Carnival cruises feature legendary fun for all, and we can assure you that setting sail over the holidays is no different. Guests can experience the joy of celebrating together without the stress of planning a big get-together at sea. Our chefs take care of all the festive fixings, the dining rooms, bars and lounges feature holiday decorations, and the crew entertain guests with fun cruise activities. No matter the holiday, Carnival Cruise Line has you covered, so you can kick back and make the most of your vacation. <\/p>
Why go door to door for candy when you can skip the trick and instead enjoy the treat of a Halloween getaway at sea? Carnival cruise brings traditional activities like costume contests and themed dance parties to you onboard. Dress up in your best, family-friendly costume to enter one of the costume contests or join Patch the Pumpkin Pirate® in dancing the night away at Patch’s Halloween Deck Party. <\/p>
The fun doesn’t stop there! You can find spooky-themed trivia and bingo, take part in activities and dance classes, search the ship for hidden pumpkins, try a festive drink, enjoy themed performances by our live musicians around the ship, and kick back for “Thriller & Chillers” playing on the big screen.<\/p>
Families setting sail for Halloween can also find activities just for children and teens, including a pit-stop for special treats, a kids-only costume contest, special games, and spooky crafting. <\/p>
Skip the hassle of planning the perfect Thanksgiving get-together and allow us to make it one worth remembering. You read that right! Skip the prepping, the cooking, the hosting and the cleaning. All you have to do is choose a sailing that includes Thanksgiving Day and get ready to dig into the tasty turkey dinner you’ve been looking forward to all year. <\/p>
Instead of hosting family and friends at your house this Thanksgiving, invite everyone to join you on a holiday getaway at sea! Spend your time exploring beautiful, sun-soaked destinations like The Bahamas, where the soft rush of turquoise ocean along sandy beaches offers a refreshing change of scenery. Back onboard, you can dig into a traditional Thanksgiving meal cooked up by our talented chefs while surrounded by festive decorations, catch the Thanksgiving Day parade on the large screen, or kick back to watch the big sports game at one of the bars. You don’t need to worry about missing your Thanksgiving traditions if you’re not at home, because this can be the start of a new way to make memories with the people who matter most and remember all there is to be thankful for. <\/p>
Make this December one to remember with a holiday cruise setting sail for some far-off, dream destination. Whether you are celebrating Christmas or observing Hanukkah with nightly menorah lightings at sunset, a Carnival cruise makes it easy to put together a vacation the whole family can enjoy. <\/p>
Winter cruises to exotic destinations like Mexico, The Bahamas and the Caribbean take you far from typical winter weather but you’ll still be surrounded by twinkling stars, sparkling lights and an atmosphere overflowing with all the fun and festivities of the season. From bow to stern, each ship is decorated with festive decorations, including Christmas trees, wreaths, twinkling lights, and mistletoe, making it easy to get into the holiday spirit, no matter where your vacation takes you. <\/p>
Looking for ways to celebrate onboard? Join in on caroling around the ship’s Christmas tree, show off your festive style in the Ugly Sweater Competition, drop off a letter to Santa, or enjoy a live Holiday Show!<\/p>
But, of course, it’s not quite New Year’s without a party. We’ve got everything you need for the big night. All you gotta do is show up. Get ready for an evening filled with DJ sets, live entertainment, high-energy stage shows, themed trivia, special New Year’s bingo, lively piano-bar sing-alongs, and onboard comedy club shows. For younger guests, there’s a Youth Program New Year’s Eve celebration, so you can dance the night away worry-free. With festivities happening throughout the ship, there’s a way for everyone to welcome the new year!<\/p>
This holiday season, tell your friends and family you’ll be setting sail for warmer tides and easier-to-plan get-togethers. With Carnival taking care of all the details, you can spend your time making memories and celebrating in style! Enjoy all the traditions you love, with a little extra excitement along the way. And who knows? You might just discover a new family tradition in exploring far-off destinations and celebrating the big holidays together. <\/p>
CTA: Plan your family’s next holiday vacation to enjoy home-style traditions in far-off destinations.<\/p>
FAQ<\/h3>
What is a holiday cruise?<\/p>
A holiday cruise is a sailing that takes place during a major holiday or seasonal celebration, typically featuring festive activities and dining options. <\/p>
What happens on a Carnival Thanksgiving cruise?<\/p>
Thanksgiving sailings on Carnival bring the holiday spirit onboard with festive decorations, a traditional meal cooked up by onboard chefs, and fun cruise activities. <\/p>
Does Carnival serve Thanksgiving dinner onboard?<\/p>
Yes, Carnival Cruise Line serves a special Thanksgiving dinner menu on the day of the celebration, complete with holiday favorites you won’t want to miss.<\/p>
What happens on a Carnival Christmas cruise? <\/p>
Guests setting sail for Christmas on a Carnival cruise will find the magic of the season come to life through festive decorations, seasonally-inspired meals, and fun cruise activities.<\/p>
Is the ship decorated for Christmas?<\/p>
Carnival cruise ships are decorated from bow-to-stern with festive decorations, including Christmas trees, wreaths, twinkling lights, and mistletoe. Guests can also find festive additions such as a mailbox for letters to Santa.<\/p>
Are there Christmas activities for kids and families?<\/p>
Yes, guests traveling with children and families can find festive activities onboard a Carnival cruise, such as gathering to carol around the tree, an Ugly Sweater Competition, and an extra-special, live-on-stage Holiday Show.<\/p>
What happens on a Carnival New Year’s Eve cruise?<\/p>
Spending your New Year’s aboard a Carnival cruise makes it easy to ring in the new year with an evening of celebrations across the ship! From live music and DJs to piano bar entertainment, dancing under the stars and themed trivia, there’s something for everyone. Younger guests can also enjoy a special New Year’s Eve celebration through Carnival’s Youth Programs, giving everyone time to enjoy the festivities among their peers.<\/p>
Are there New Year’s Eve parties onboard?<\/p>
Yes, you can find New Year’s Eve celebrations onboard, ranging from live musical performances to DJ sets. There’s even a Youth Program New Year’s Eve celebration for the younger crowd. <\/p>
Are holiday cruises good for families?<\/p>
Yes, holiday cruises with Carnival are great opportunities for families to celebrate together, visit new places, and experience the wonder of time spent at sea. Children’s programs allow everyone to enjoy their time. <\/p>
What should I pack for a holiday cruise?<\/p>
What you choose to pack for a holiday cruise depends on your destination and the time of year. We recommend starting with comfortable clothing, swimwear, and any essentials you may need. You can also bring festive touches, like holiday-themed outfits or small cabin decorations, to make your celebration at sea feel extra special.<\/p>
Does Carnival celebrate Halloween onboard?<\/p>
Yes, Carnival celebrates Halloween onboard. Guests can dress up in family-friendly costumes, enter costume contests, enjoy spooky-themed trivia and bingo, take part in themed activities and dance classes, and kick back for “Thriller & Chillers” playing on the big screen. <\/p>
Are holiday activities available on every ship?<\/p>
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