My spouse and I used to be committed to spending the holiday season at home for the longest duration. This was mainly because we wanted to enjoy the festivities with our loved ones. While the gatherings were enjoyable, the downside was the chaos that came along with it. There was constant cooking, shopping, cleaning, decorating, and attending social events. Although the holiday season is undeniably joyful, it can also be quite tiring.
Last year, we decided to switch things up. We decided to gift each other with a Christmas cruise to the Caribbean. To make it even better, we encouraged like-minded friends and family to join us, so we ended up cruising with cherished companions we would have otherwise spent the holidays with.
Although I was initially apprehensive that the holiday spirit would be lacking on a cruise, I was proven wrong. It turned out to be a fantastic celebration with delicious food, engaging social activities, visits to festive ports, and some relaxing days at sea (including Christmas Day itself, as most ports were closed). The best part? The ship’s crew took care of all the cooking, cleaning, and entertainment.
If you are thinking about embarking on your first Christmas cruise, here are five things we discovered about traveling during this special time of the year. (If you are a seasoned holiday traveler, feel free to share your suggestions in the comments below).
How is the holiday season experienced onboard or at port?
Both onboard and onshore, the decorations, atmosphere, and activities start to intensify in early to mid-December and carry on until New Year’s Day. In many regions like the Panama Canal and the Caribbean, the festivities extend even further, culminating with the Festival of Three Kings on January 6. Meanwhile, in the Mediterranean, the renowned Christmas markets can commence as early as Thanksgiving in the US and continue until Twelfth Night on January 5.
Which destinations are available?
We opted for a round trip to St. Maarten in the Eastern Caribbean as it offered festive experiences on land. Other regions that operate during this time include the Southern Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Central America (Costa Rica and Nicaragua), Tahiti for French Polynesia, and the Mediterranean from Rome to Barcelona.
Immerse yourself in local holiday traditions at the places you visit
Depending on your itinerary, you might stumble upon special holiday events in the ports you visit. In the Mediterranean, the popular holiday markets are open day and night, with evenings being particularly magical. In Costa Rica, the “el carnaval” celebration between Christmas and New Year’s is a major highlight, featuring locals in masks and clown attire. In the Caribbean, local food traditions like pineapple upside-down cake and coconut tarts in St. Maarten add to the festive spirit. In Puerto Rico, don’t miss out on trying out escabeche and coquito, their version of eggnog.
Expect onboard celebrations, too
Onboard, you’ll find Christmas decorations, Santa appearances, gingerbread villages, garlands, and twinkling trees. Entertainment includes a mix of regular and holiday-themed activities, with movies, music, and special menus featuring festive dishes like honey-glazed ham and Christmas cake.
Celebrating with the ship’s crew and staff
Building relationships with the crew and staff on Windstar cruises has always added depth to our experience. Emotions run high during the holidays, making our interactions even more special. It was fascinating to learn how the crew celebrates; we discovered that crew areas are adorned, gifts are exchanged, and everyone gets time off for a festive meal. A favorite among the crew is their create-a-hat competition, where they craft unique hats out of any available items. Moreover, consider bringing small gifts for the crew members or picking up trinkets during shore excursions as a gesture of appreciation.
Worried about missing your family?
Why not bring them along? The cruise offers plenty of opportunities to spend time together while also enjoying personal activities.
Continuing your own traditions
It was delightful to see travelers decorating their cabin doors with wreaths. While the cruise served as our holiday gift to each other, a spa certificate or a unique shore excursion added an extra element of surprise and created lasting memories.
Editor’s Note: Intrigued? Explore Windstar’s Christmas in July promotion until July 31, 2024.
