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Santa Claus is coming to town and – and he could be making his way to your cruise ship.

A range of cruise brands offer Christmas sailings, letting guests enjoy the festive period without worrying about the turkey or having to invite distant relatives.

You could celebrate in the slightly warmer climate of the Mediterranean, experience a Caribbean Christmas, or go inland for a celebration on one of Europe’s grand rivers. There is also the chance to visit Christmas markets and see how the rest of the world is marking yuletide.

Onboard, you will find plenty of parties, singalongs, festive food, decorations and Christmas trees, plus there may even be a visit from Father Christmas (for those who have been nice, not naughty). Of course, Christmas lunch is sorted for you as well – all you need to do is sit back and enjoy

Here is our roundup of the best Christmas cruises for 2024/25.

Cunard: Caribbean celebration

Southampton - New York - Philipsburg - Roseau - Castries - Bridgetown - Basseterre - New York - Southampton

Why just celebrate Christmas when you could also mark the new year on a cruise as well? Cunard’s 28-night sailing gives you the convenience of embarking in Southampton for a round-trip to the Caribbean via New York on legendary ship the Queen Mary 2.

You can expect the classic British cruising experience including afternoon tea, plus the ship will be decked out with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and festive finishes. Both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve will be at sea, so expect plenty of onboard feasts and celebrations.

Departs 14 December. From £3,649pp.

Read more: The best Caribbean cruises

Viking: Christmas on the Rhine

Basel - Breisach - Strasbourg - Mannheim - Rudesheim - Koblenz - Cologne - Dordrecht - Amsterdam

A mainstay of the festive period is Christmas markets. You can enjoy the continent’s best Christmas markets up-close as well as from the water with Viking. Guests can enjoy an eight-night river cruise sailing the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam on Viking Idun and then spend Christmas Day on the continent.

Each day can be spent in a Christmas market based in a different city, letting you experience a variety of cultural takes on the festive period, as well as the usual gingerbread and mulled wine.

Departing from Basel, the river cruise takes in Alsatian treats from Strasbourg and visit a range of German and Dutch markets, all while enjoying the views on the Rhine. Guests can also enjoy onboard music performances, tree trimming and cooking demonstrations

Departs 15 December. From £3,545pp, including onboard gratuities and return flights.

Read more: The best Christmas markets in Europe

MSC Cruises: Mediterranean

Barcelona - Marseille - Genoa - Civitavecchia - Palermo - Valetta - Barcelona

MSC Cruises is well-known for its entertainment and onboard parties and it goes to great effort at Christmas. Good boys and girls will get a visit from Santa and will see an exclusive video of how he made it onto the ship.