Posted on Wednesday, 1 December 2021

The notion of taking a Christmas cruise often triggers a wave of excitement, commonly followed by a slightly dispiriting thought: Will the rest of my family be annoyed that I'm leaving them over the festive period?

But whether you're considering a sun-kissed maritime escape to the Caribbean, or a romantic ship-born adventure along the Norwegian fjords, there are three ways to handle the "disappointed relatives" problem.

The first is to take a 2021 Christmas cruise before the 25th (or after) - this way you can enjoy  a winter getaway without disrupting the Christmas schedule.

The other is, quite frankly, to say "life is too short" - and book your trip over Christmas day anyway. There's no point pulling Xmas crackers with Auntie Mable or listening to Uncle Ron's old war stories if you're filled with resentment!

Of course, there is another possibility: invite Auntie Mable and Uncle Ron along for your Christmassy cruise!

Christmas cruises 2021

With the "guilt" issue sorted, you then have another - much more pleasant - quandary: which of the many Christmas cruises for 2021 to book?

Thankfully, here at starttravel.co.uk we've put together a list of great cruises departing before Christmas 2021 or early next year.

 

Caribbean (from Southampton with zero flights): Saga - 30 days

First in our pick of Christmas cruises for 2021, is this amazing Caribbean Christmas cruise from Saga.

If you love the idea of winter sun, but loathe flying, then Saga's luxurious 30-day Caribbean Christmas cruise from Southampton could be for you.

You’ll sail all the way down to the sun-washed Caribbean, without a single glimpse of an airport waiting lounge.

Highlights include Antigua, ‘gateway to the Caribbean’, and elegant Martinique.

Saga's brand new Spirit of Adventure is a boutique ship with all the mod-cons and perks you'll need for a fabulous trip, including sightseeing tours, sundeck, gym, and afternoon tea. Plus, because it's Saga, it’s ideal for older travellers.

Since it's a 30-day cruise, it costs in excess of £7,000 pp, but a whole month away from the UK winter is not to be sniffed at!

Departs 6th December.

Bahamas with flights: (Celebrity Cruises) - 4 days

If you just need a quick sunshine fix, then this four-day 2021 Christmas cruise with Celebrity could be just the ticket.

You'll fly to Fort Lauderdale in Florida, then begin your cruise.

After stopping off on the stunning island of Bimini for Christmas Eve, spend Christmas Day on the high seas, then cruise to Nassau, where you'll enjoy Boxing Day. The next day you'll dock in Florida, fully refreshed with a great-looking tan to show your envious friends and relatives.

Departs December 23rd.

 

Galapagos (Silversea) - 11 nights

Of our choice of Christmas cruises 2021, this is one not to missed if you're a lover of nature.

You won't find many reindeers, polar bears or elves on this 11-night cruise around the Galapagos islands, but you will see friendly seals, inquisitive turtles, and cheeky penguins.

Arguably the ultimate cruise for wildlife lovers, this cruise begins on the 18th of December at San Cristóbal Island and takes in many other nature-packed islands, including iguana-laden Santa Cruz on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day itself is spent at sea, but you won't have any post-Xmas comedown on Boxing Day, because the cruise continues to yet more wondrous islands, populated with red-footed boobies, frigate birds, and more iguanas.

Starting at more than £14,000 pp, it's not a cheap Christmas cruise, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most breathtaking wildlife on the planet.

 

Arctic winter in Norway (Seabourn) - 14 days

If taking a sunshine break during Christmas seems sacrilegious, why not consider an Arctic escape along the fjords of Norway for your Christmas cruise 2021?

Seabourn is offering a 14-day package that gives you a great chance of seeing the dazzling Northern Lights (aurora borealis) and also includes sledding, cross country skiing and more.

And if a winter Arctic cruise sounds too chilly, there are several other Arctic-bound departures in summer.

Either way, such a booking could be the ultimate Christmas present for your loved one!

Egypt - AmaDahlia (AmaWaterways) - 11 nights

If you wish to completely side-step Christmas while getting plenty of sunshine and even more culture, then an Egyptian luxury Christmas cruise could be ideal.

AmaWaterways' new ship the AmaDahlia offers an intimate sailing experience, with 34 staterooms and suites offering space for just 68 travellers.

A voyage on the AmaDahlia also includes "sip & Sail'' cocktail hour, sightseeing and excursions, and nightly entertainment.

Highlights include the Temple of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and Queens, and the Pyramids of Giza (the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the World).

Perfect Day @ CocoCay, Bahamas (Royal Caribbean) - 8 nights

This one's ideal for those who want a break just after the Christmas festivities have ended.

Board the vast and luxurious Enchantment of the Seas for this 8-night Royal Caribbean cruise around the Bahamas, departing on December 31, 2021.

Alongside sun-drenched Nassau and Grand Bahama Island, you'll get to visit the world famous Perfect Day at CocoCay. It's a private destination exclusively for Royal Caribbean customers, fringed with sandy beaches and packed with a host of family activities including water parks, zip lines and wave pools.

For classic family fun, this is arguably one of the best cruises during Christmas.

A memorable way to see in the new year - although you'll need to book return flights to Baltimore, Maryland to experience it.

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