5 Amazing Christmas and New Year Cruises for 2022
For some, Christmas just isn't Christmas without wintry weather - which is partly why festive cruises around northern Europe and Scandinavia remain so popular.
For others, the lure of some winter sun is too much. Options include sailing from the UK to sunnier climes such as the Canaries or jetting off someone hot - like the Caribbean - before setting sail.
Best Christmas and New Year cruises
Many festive cruises also run into the New year, enabling you to celebrate either onboard or in a particular port (depending on the cruise).
If you need a little inspiration, here's our pick of the best Christmas cruises for 2022. Details were correct at time of writing.
Christmas Northern Pearls from Southampton, 23 December 2022 (7 nights)
MSC Virtuosa - MSC Cruises
This no-fly 7-night cruise sets sail from Southampton and heads to Hamburg, followed by Bruges (Zeebrugge), Rotterdam, Le Havre (for trips to Paris), before returning to Southampton.
It's a great way to experience Christmas in some of northern Europe's most spellbinding cities.
Bruges
One of the highlights is Bruges, Belgium, which is famed for its Gothic and neo-Gothic architecture.
It's even more magical at Christmas when a festive market is hosted in the centre.
Paris from Le Havre Port
The Le Havre port call, meanwhile, lasts for 12 hours (9am - 9pm) giving you enough time to hot-foot it to Paris and experience some Gallic Christmas magic.
You should have at least four hours in the City of Light.
Unlimited drinks offer
If you plan on enjoying some nightly "festive spirit" you can pay an extra 30 pppd for unlimited drinks. However, if you're on a tight budget, this would be a logical extra to avoid.
MSC Virtuosa cruise ship facilities
Amenities aboard MSC Virtuosa include a Kids Club, spa, gym, F1 Simulator, a High Ropes Course, a waterpark, five swimming pools, and no less than 21 bars!
How much will this Christmas cruise cost?
Starting at 753pp for an inside cabin, this cruise could be an option for those seeking cheap cruises for Christmas 2022.
Christmas Eastern Caribbean from Barbados, 16 December 2022 (15 nights)
Britannia - by P&O Cruises
If chilly Northern European cities aren't your idea of a good time, how about the Eastern Caribbean?
This 15-night cruise includes flights from Manchester to Bridgetown, Barbados, where you board the Britannia and begin a sundrenched sojourn around some of the Caribbean's most idyllic islands.
Ports of call
Ports of call include Willemstad, Curacao; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Kingstown, St. Vincent & Grenadines; St lucia; Antigua and St Maarten, before the ship returns to Barbados for the return flight.
Britannia cruise ship facilities
Described as "P&O Cruise's Most Sophisticated Superliner," the Britannia boasts 13 places to eat, 13 bars, children's facilities, a night nursery, a library and a theatre.
How much will this Christmas cruise cost?
With inside cabins starting at 1,371, this fortnight in the sun arguably offers good value - not least because it includes flights.
The cruise comes in at 97 per night - compared to 107 per night for the Northern Pearls trip.
Beautiful Caribbean beaches
On the downside, Britannia doesn't have show-stopping amenities like waterparks, pools and gyms.
But with so many stunning beaches to enjoy, this may not be a big problem!
Christmas & New Year Canaries from Portsmouth, 22 December 2022 (14 nights)
Balmoral - Fred. Olsen
With December temperatures of up to 21 degrees, the Canaries is a great spot to soak up some winter sun.
Ports of call
This 14-might no-fly cruise sets sail from Portsmouth and stops at Madeira before heading to the sun-washed Canaries - with port calls at La Palma, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Why choose a Christmas cruise to the Canaries?
Each of the Canary Islands has its own character, and a cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy them all in a relatively short space of time.
La Palma is known as the Canaries greenest island, while Lanzarote offers volcano-clad landscapes and palm fringed beaches.
Gran Canaria is also famed for its golden sandy beaches, and Tenerife boasts yet more beaches, a buzzing nightlife and some of the best stargazing in Europe.
Balmoral cruise ship facilities
This cruise involves several days at sea, so just as well the Balmoral has a range of amenities onboard - including six restaurants; seven bars; two swimming pools, four Jacuzzis and even golf nets.
And with capacity for 1,350 people, the Balmoral is smaller and more intimate than some of the superliners currently at sea and may be better suited to couples and over-50s.
How much will this Christmas cruise cost?
Inside cabins start at 1,199 per person.
South Africa & Namibia from Cape Town, 21 December 2022 (12 nights)
Norwegian Jade - Norwegian Cruise Line
This 12-night cruise-only option sets sail from Cape Town before proceeding east to Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth.
Moving up the South African coast the ship then docks at Durban and then anchors off Richards Bay where you spend the night on board.
The ship then doubles back, bypassing Cape Town before docking at Luderitz in Namibia, followed by Walvia Bay.
The cruise then concludes in Cape Town.
Scheduled to arrive at each port in the morning and depart in the evening, you'll have plenty of time to explore.
Extended stay in Cape Town?
You might be tempted to extend your stay in Cape Town - one of South Africa’s prettiest and most captivating cities. Dominated by the great slab of Table Mountain, here you can go hiking, wine tasting or even shark cage diving!
Safari
Those travelling on a bigger budget might even book a Big 5 Safari - on which you’ll get to see lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo!
Norwegian Jade cruise facilities
With three days at sea, you'll have ample time to admire the varied South African coast.
There are also plenty of onboard amenities to keep you occupied, including a fitness centre, sport courts, a swimming pool, a kids club - and even 24-hour buffet dining!
How much will this Christmas cruise cost?
Inside cabins start at 801pp, which works out at around 67 per night. However, the cruise doesn’t include flights - so the final bill will be considerably higher.
That said, by booking your own flights you’ll have more flexibility - i.e. you can extend your trip at either end (or both ends!).
North Cape and Northern Lights Expedition Cruise from Dover - 15 nights
MS Maud - Hurtigruten Cruises
Departing on January 19, this cruise might be ideal if you want to enjoy Christmas in the UK before kicking off the new year with an Arctic adventure.
The majesty of the Norwegian coast has long attracted British cruise-goers - especially in winter.
Things to see on a Norway winter cruise
As well as snow-capped mountains and icy fjords, a cruise at this time of year means you have an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights - or aurora borealis.
Ports of call and the Northern Lights
After departing Dover, this cruise calls in at some of Norway's most legendary ports - including Bergen, Alesund, the stunning Lofoten Islands, Narvik, Tromso, Alta and Honningsvag.
In all, you'll spend five days above the Arctic Circle, giving you multiple opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
Indeed, Hurtigruten are so sure you'll see the spectacular green light show, they'll give you a refund if it doesn't materialise!
Excursions included
The deal also includes excursions to the Norwegian Aquarium in Alesund and the Narvik War Museum, as well as a trip along Sognefjorden, Norway's longest and deepest fjord.
MS Maud cruise ship facilities
Decorated in the Art Deco style, MS Maud features a Science Center with daily lectures, excellent views from the Explorer Lounge & Bar, and a range of restaurants.
How much will this cruise cost?
The chief downside to this cruise is the cost.
Starting at £3,490pp, it isn't cheap.
However, the cruise does include a wide array of excursions and extras, which on other cruises would be chargeable.
There are a few chargeable add-ons, however, such as snowshoe hiking in Loen and hiking in Magma Geopark.
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