rockyhou

We cruise every year during Halloween and found it to be a lot of fun. Plenty of guests are dressed up, and many in elaborate costumes. We are always impressed by the festivities and how much time other guest put into their costumes. It is a fun night! The first time we cruised on Halloween we did a simple easy costume, now we join the others and go all out and plan ahead. It's funny, I would not dress up at home, but being on the cruise makes it feel OK to act like the kid again...LOL

An avid cruiser here and have purposely stayed away from booking any holiday week cruise. This year we got a free cruise (inside) from the onboard casino and for a nominal fee we upgraded to a balcony, it was too good to pass up so we are booked on the Jade for Christmas.

I am wondering what I can expect on a Christmas week cruise...since it is the holiday week will the ports be fully operating or will I find many stores closed etc.? Luckily with this itinerary the ship will be at sea on the 24th and 25th, but the week leading up to the actual holiday will I see a difference in port activity? Also since we are at sea for the actual holiday, I am now wondering does the ship usually do anything in recognition of Christmas, besides being decorated. For example, holiday themed shows?, Better Christmas dinner in the main dining? Any church services or caroling?

I am looking forward to the cruise, but now wondering if my holiday will feel like just any other day at sea? Not that a day at sea is bad..I love those days :)

I would also recommend checking out Aquafest. it is a smaller group (about 500) let's you have the gay atmosphere without being consumed by it like on Atlantis or RSVP. While I like the all gay cruises, I like the Aquafest group better. With the others I feel like I am spending 7 days at a gay bar..LOL. But I do understand the appeal.