CHRISTMAS CRUISES
Christmas holidays: planned. Magic at sea: unplanned.
There’s a particular feeling that comes with Christmas: the glow of lights in the streets, presents waiting beneath the tree and the chance to slow down and enjoy time with family and friends. A Christmas cruise allows the festive season to unfold somewhere different, where new destinations, time together and life on board become part of the celebration.
Where that "somewhere" is depends on the kind of festive holiday you are looking for. Wander through Northern Europe’s traditional Christmas markets, escape to the Caribbean for a more relaxed pace, or explore historic Mediterranean cities during the holiday season. No matter where you choose to explore, on board MSC Cruises’ ships, seasonal entertainment, dining and celebrations create a welcoming Christmas atmosphere throughout your journey.
A Xmas cruise allows you to focus on the occasion itself rather than the organisation behind it. Whether you're travelling with children or as a couple, with the practical details taken care of, you'll have more time to relax, reconnect, and make the most of the festivities.
MSC Cruises also offers a range of Christmas cruise deals, allowing to enjoy a seasonal escape while benefiting from excellent value. For those seeking a genuinely distinct way to see out the old year and welcome the new, a selection of tailored New Year itineraries are also available.
Explore our 2026 Christmas cruises and start planning a truly unforgettable festive season.
CHRISTMAS CRUISES ENTERTAINMENT
With MSC Cruises every day will be filled with Christmas activities and entertainment for both adults and kids! From Christmas shows to Christmas karaoke, there will be plenty of specials. Kids as well will spend the most magical Christmas holidays ever: meeting Santa Claus with their wish list and many other themed activities just designed for them. The true magic of Christmas awaits you on board MSC Cruises.
CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
MasterChef Christmas Edition: The most famous cooking talent show in the world steps aboard MSC Christmas cruises! The power of the activity is the fact that the experience goes over the cruise; the lucky winner of the final prize, will have the opportunity to take part into the casting of the TVShow, and become the new Star of MasterChef!
Carol-oke Christmas! Make spirits bright singing out one Christmas song at a time!
Holiday Trivia: Tinsel, Tidings, and Trivia! Be ready to sleigh all the questions!
Christmas Mingle and Jingle Party: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate the holiday with friends and some spirited cheers! Leave your mischief makers at home and dance the night away!
CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND FAMILY
MSC Kids Christmas: be sure not to miss our Christmas parade starring Doremi, our Lego Characters and all our younger guests!
The Winter Grotto: Doremi & our Lego Characters along with Santa and his Elves in the grotto for a Holiday spectacular of Christmas activities, dancing and art and crafting!
Santa’s Extravaganza: Don't miss MSC Cruises’ event of the season, designed for all our young guests and their families onboard!
Guinness World Record Family Christmas Edition: Get ready for the ultimate holiday showdown with Guinness World Record: Christmas Family Edition. Play with loved ones of all ages and try to beat a world record.
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration: Don’t miss the magical Tree Lighting Celebration with Santa and his team of holiday merry makers along with our Officers, Doremi and our Lego Characters. Experience the joy of the season as we light up the night together!
Santa’s Shop of Arts and Crafts: Your handmade holiday starts here! Our Creative Coaches and Elves will be ready to create, craft and celebrate the season with all our Happy Holiday Makers!
DECK-orate the Halls! Participate in the biggest challenge of the holiday cruise with our door decoration competition! Set sail into the holiday spirit and transform your cabin door into a festive work of art! Compete for prizes!
Caroling with The Officers: Join us for a festive Christmas Chorus featuring our officers and fun for the whole family! Sing along and celebrate the joy of the season together.
Battle of the Bad Knits! Make sure you pack your ugliest Christmas jumper for this holiday season and join the battle to see who has the baddest knit! The uglier, the merrier!
CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND FAMILY
DISCOVER ALL CHRISTMAS CRUISES
Christmas cruises FAQs
Are Christmas and New Year cruises worth it?
Opting for a Christmas or New Year's cruise offers a distinct experience, a refreshing change from a more traditional celebration at home. It's an opportunity to mark these special times of year while sailing between wonderful destinations, enjoying the comfort of an MSC Cruises ship and the wide array of activities available for all the family. Significantly, on board, you can simply set aside the usual festive preparations and instead, truly relax into a delightful winter holiday.
MSC Cruises ensures a wonderful festive atmosphere too, with a variety of engaging Christmas activities for everyone. And for something rather special, a Christmas or New Year's cruise can also be a delightful gift for those closest to you – a unique way to create lasting memories.
What to expect on a Christmas and New Year cruise?
Expect each day on board to be filled with festive activities and entertainment for all the family. From bespoke MSC Christmas shows to a lively New Year's Eve party or even Christmas karaoke, there's plenty to enjoy. Children, too, will have a truly magical time, perhaps even meeting Santa Claus with their wish lists and taking part in specially designed themed activities.
Adults might find themselves in a Christmas-themed MasterChef Edition or singing festive hits at karaoke. For New Year's, a vibrant theme night and the iconic countdown will ensure a memorable celebration.
What is the best Christmas and New Year cruise?
When a sun-drenched winter escape is on your mind, the Caribbean proves to be an ideal destination. From The Bahamas, including Ocean Cay (MSC Cruises' private island), to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and other spectacular islands in the Southern Caribbean, you'll find abundant sunshine and endless sea on an MSC cruise for your winter holiday.
Should you be seeking other warm destinations for your festive season cruise, you might consider MSC Cruises' itineraries to the beautiful Canary Islands and Madeira. The futuristic cities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha offer a fascinating experience, visiting these locations during their most pleasant, mild-weather period.
December and January also prove to be special months for a delightful cruise in Northern Europe, where you can discover enchanting Christmas markets in stunning cities like Hamburg and Bruges.
The festive period is also an ideal time to explore some of the Mediterranean's most engaging cities, each rich in history and distinct appeal. Picture yourself spending the holidays by Rome's Colosseum, capturing the beautiful Bay of Naples with Vesuvius, enjoying a delicious paella in Valencia, or strolling through Tunis's unique Medina.
How much is a Christmas and New Year cruise?
The price of a Christmas or New Year's cruise depends on your chosen destination, the length of the itinerary, your preferred cabin, and the type of experience you opt for. MSC Cruises also provides a range of deals to help you book your festive cruise at a saving.
