Christmas cruise?

[gnocchi_mommy]

After getting a casino offer we couldn't refuse, we just booked a cruise over Christmas- I'm wondering if they do anything special? Special holiday meal? Holiday themed shows? etc.

 

For those who have cruised over holidays before, with older (teenage) kids, did you still exchange gifts? Cruise themed gifts maybe?

[jabberjaw070596]

After getting a casino offer we couldn't refuse, we just booked a cruise over Christmas- I'm wondering if they do anything special? Special holiday meal? Holiday themed shows? etc.

 

For those who have cruised over holidays before, with older (teenage) kids, did you still exchange gifts? Cruise themed gifts maybe?

 

We also got a great casino rate so we booked over Christmas and would like to know what to expect

[gnocchi_mommy]

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

[Bill&Karen]

We've cruised over Christmas a couple of times and the menu in the dining room did reflect the holiday. IIRC they offered a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and prime rib with all the usual sides. It kind of reminded me of an "elegant night" menu. In fact, I think they even made Christmas an elegant night.

 

I seem to recall a party of some sort where Santa visited the kids, but I'm kind of hazy on that as, not having kids, we didn't attend.

 

And of course the entire ship is decorated for the season.

 

I do remember kicking back at the cruise center at Grand Turk on Boxing Day, laying next to the pool with my Canadian relatives who were marveling at swimming on Boxing Day.

Edited October 21, 2014 by Bill&Karen

[mom2tcdx2]

The closest we did to a Christmas cruise was the ship got back into port on Christmas day if I remember correctly. We even took a small tree for our cabin and had it decorated for the week. We also covered our door with a wrap for Christmas (did all 3 of our cabins). We hung up battery operated lights on our balcony. This was on the Dream several years ago. I do also remember a special holiday menu one night and it was a different menu and it had a holiday theme around it that we were able to keep.

 

I also booked just my daughter and myself on the Breeze for Christmas. Will be my first cruise without more of my family or my husband. Was too bad the promo price was only good for 2 people.

[love2decor8]

We have cruised Christmas Week in the past and will be on the Breeze this year with a teenager! Others have already responded to your question about decorating and dining, which is what I have seen as well. I believe there was a sing-a-long and/or caroling on one ship, as well as a Religious Service. However we did not partake in any of them, so I can't comment more.

 

As far as gifts...yes, I pack and bring gifts on board to exchange as well as a few lightweight decorations. I plan ahead so that all of the gifts are relatively small as well. Typically, I bring one extra carry on bag that holds all the Christmas Stuff with enough extra room for a few souvenirs.

 

I think you should also consider where you will be on Christmas Day. If you're in port, much of the day might be spent off the ship. You could plan a surprise excursion somewhere that would be something unique and special. Another idea I had was to book the tour of the ship that is offered on the final day at sea and present that as a gift. From what I understand, it's an interesting tour and well worth the $100, or thereabouts, per person. You have to book that as soon as you get on the ship, as I hear it fills up fast! For girls....there's always the Spa!

 

Also, I bring stockings for the kids, filled with some things I buy ahead of time as well as some items I pick up during the cruise. We usually have a wonderful Cabin Steward whom we try to get to know a bit. I will bring something small....chocolates.....and add some money in a card for him/her.

 

Enjoy your Cruise!

[winddawn]

I've cruised over Christmas several times. In addition to the other comments already made, I'll add some more.

 

Be aware that if you have a port day scheduled for Christmas Day, that many places in port will be closed. It can be like a ghost town with nothing open.

 

The decorations are really pretty, especially in the lobby and atrium. They also usually have a Christmas village type thing set up along the promenade. They will have a traditional Christmas dinner and you will see that many of the crew that wear white uniforms will have their families on board and you'll see them sharing meals together.

 

Have a great cruise with your family. I hope it can become a wonderful family tradition for as it was for years in my family. And yes, we did pack small Christmas presents to share onboard.

[landlady1952]

We have cruised over Christmas. We brought a little 2ft tree for room. Brought some lights and a couple of small gifts to put under tree Ships are decorated and very festive on board. Would love to do another one. You will enjoy it immensely.

[pe4all]

We cruise every Christmas week- 7 times on CCL. On CCl they have a special holiday meal in dining room, Santa in Atrium for pictures and handing out little gifts and/or candy canes for the kids, certain ships make it "snow" in the atrium in evening, special kids camp show in main showroom during afternoon where Santa also makes an appearance and kids go on stage to sing, holiday music, nice decorations, free champagne in evening if boarding on Christmas Eve/Day. Nice time to cruise.

Edited October 22, 2014 by pe4all

[huntm]

Taking our first Christmas cruise this year on the Triumph!! Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions... I am taking notes :)

 

 

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[guxu]

For those who have cruised over holidays before, with older (teenage) kids, did you still exchange gifts? Cruise themed gifts maybe?

We always exchange gifts. However, it was a little awkward last year since one family we travelled with did not prepare any gift.