NCL Christmas Cruise Activities

[Dannirose]

We will be on the Joy this December and cruising the Mexican Riviera over Christmas. Can anyone share some of their favorite things NCL has done on previous Christmas cruises?

[FlGoodShips]

The pastry chefs and all the other chefs make a christmas themed scene probably 10 feet long. Absolutely beautiful. Make sure you are there when they are setting it up. Unbelievably gorgeous. All the chefs help out.

[OrcaGirl]

We were on the Bliss for the Mexican Riviera sailing over Christmas last year, and loved it. There were beautiful decorations throughout the ship, there was a special holiday performance in the theatre that involved guests' kids as well as a selection of the regular performers (sort of a Christmas concert), and Santa and his elves were in the Atrium on Christmas day. Plus a special Christmas menu in all the dining rooms / restaurants.

[NikiPinkston]

@OrcaGirlWe were on the same cruise and I second everything you said. There was such a festive atmosphere all over the ship. We loved the Christmas show in the theater - the talent and graphics were amazing & the music was wonderful! There was even a part where everyone sang along. @DanniroseYou'll have a fabulous time and have some great memories.

[Mlake09]

We were on the Gem on 12/26 out of NYC this last year and they had Christmas decorations up for the whole cruise. My favorite were the incredible gingerbread houses, but there were also many Christmas trees and garland, poinsettias, and other decorations all around the ship. Enjoy!

[auie2]

when do they start decorating the ship for christmas

[NikiPinkston]

We boarded on 12/21 last year and the ship was completely & beautifully decorated. I especially loved the gingerbread village, which was easily 20 feet long. It was amazing! I've read on previous posts here that they start decorating the ship right after Thanksgiving.

[Deb and Jack]

12 hours ago, auie2 said:

when do they start decorating the ship for christmas

I was on the Encore December 15 2019, the ship was completely decorated. Was my first time loved it.

[Sue Do-Over]

Decorations go up the day after Thanksgiving, and come down New Years Day.   We've seen both ends of the season.

There were LOTS of families in matching PJs on either Christmas Eve or morning gathered in public spaces to open gifts. (Epic 2019)

We found the decorations to be tasteful and not overwhelming.  No religious iconography, but plenty of holly, garlands, red bows and ornaments.  The gingerbread house display is cute, but gets a little droopy toward the end. 

 

[NikiPinkston]

We were also grateful that the Encore had religious services on tv all day Christmas day, and the music onboard included religious as well as secular selections, even in the Christmas show in the theater.

[Dannirose]

1 hour ago, Sue Do-Over said:

There were LOTS of families in matching PJs on either Christmas Eve or morning gathered in public spaces to open gifts. (Epic 2019)

 

 

What a cute idea! I won't be subjecting the husband to that, but if we were traveling with kids I could totally see doing that.

[Viajera7]

In addition to what had been said they also have some arts and crafts with Christmas motif. I have been on several Christmas cruises including the Joy in 2019 and last year on the Epic back to back beginning the week before Christmas and the ship was already decorated and had the Christmas/ holidays activities.

[YVRteacher]

I’ve been on NCL Christmas cruises where they showed A Christmas Story in the theatre in the afternoon on Christmas Day.

[NikiPinkston]

Last year, during Christmas week, there were also Christmas movies on our stateroom TV, as well as many festive food sculptures in the buffet.

[Laszlo]

If the temps are just right the crew will make snow on the pool deck very early AM on the 25th. 

[YVRteacher]

They did not make snow on the pool deck in Hawaii😉

 

[NikiPinkston]

No snow in Mexico, either, but that would be so cool!