If you can’t face spending umpteen hours basting the turkey, preparing the veg and burning the roast potatoes this year, getting away from it all over the festive period may be the perfect way to celebrate Christmas. Here, we have selected ten of Cruise1st’s best Christmas deals from Nordic adventures to relaxed Caribbean getaways.
Bahamas
Celebrate the Quantum of the Seas’ first Christmas with a 7 night festive cruise around the Bahamas. Just a month after the ship’s maiden voyage, the most technologically advanced ship takes in the Royal Caribbean’s private island, Coco Cay, and other beautiful islands of the Bahamas. With 18 restaurants and amenities for all ages, the Quantum of the Seas is the perfect place to spend a relaxing family Christmas.
Deal: Bahamas
Hawaii & Las Vegas
Add a touch of glitz and glamour to Christmas this year by swapping Noddy Holder and Brussel sprouts for ball gowns and the elegance of Vegas. This 19 night trip aboard the Grand Princess takes in the stunning islands of Hilo, Honolulu, Nawiliwhili and Maui as well as giving guests the chance to stay on the famous Las Vegas strip.
Deal: Hawaii Islands & Free Las Vegas Stay
Panama Canal
Taking in Aruba, Puerto Limon and Fort Lauderdale as well as Princess Cruises’ private Half Moon Cay resort, the 14 night Panama Canal cruise aboard the Holland America MS Maasdam combines culture and sight-seeing with luxurious relaxation. The Panama Canal still remains one of the greatest engineering feats of the world – enjoy its splendour before taking in relaxing destinations.
Deal: Panama Canal Sunfarer Holiday
Christmas Markets
Although not technically sailing over Christmas day, the 3 night Christmas Markets cruise aboard the MS Marco Polo presents the perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming festivities. Sailing from the small port of Tilbury, the cruise takes in Amsterdam and Antwerp – giving passengers the chance to enjoy Holland and Belgium’s finest Christmas Markets.
Deal: Christmas Markets
Cities of the Med
Visiting some of the Europe’s finest old cities gives passengers aboard the 7 night MSC Splendida cruise a perfect opportunity to enjoy traditional Christmas festivities. The Catholic cities of Rome Palermo will be beautifully adorned to celebrate the original purpose of the Christmas period. The cruise disembarks after Christmas in Barcelona, an ideal place to bring in the New Year.
Deal: Spain, France, Italy, Tunisia
Northern Lights
For those looking for a more traditional Christmas adventure, the pursuit of the Northern Lights aboard the Fred Olsen Black Watch is rich with that tangible Christmas spirit. Seek out the Aurora Borealis on the 16 night cruise which takes in many of the stunning cities of Scandinavia. This cruise provides the opportunity to enjoy a true white Christmas as well, rather than the miserable drizzle we usually endure in the UK.
Deal: In Search of the Northern Lights
East Caribbean
If you’re planning on escaping the cold and the sleet, the Celebrity Reflection 7 night cruise from Miami to the islands of East Caribbean may be the perfect solution. Whilst friends back home are peeling spuds, you could be sipping on a Pina Colada on a private beach. One of the dreamers rather than the traditionalists.
Deal: East Caribbean Christmas
Bali
Setting sail from the Australian port of Fremantle, the 10 nights cruise aboard the Astor visits the picture-perfect paradise of Bali. Held during the southern hemisphere’s summer, this is the perfect trip for sun-worshippers looking to escape the cold snap of the UK, not to mention the X Factor winner’s inevitable Christmas number 1 single.
Deal: Merry Christmas Bali
Canary Islands
Taking in both Christmas and the New Year, the 17 night Holland America MS Rotterdam cruise visits Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Seville and Lisbon. The Canaries’ southern location off the coast of Africa means they enjoy a much milder December and January than the rest of us experiencing near-arctic conditions.
Deal: Canary Islands Holiday
Hong Kong & Singapore
Celebrate Christmas and the New Year aboard the Azamara Quest during this 14 night trip to the incredible island states of Singapore and Hong Kong. The two incredibly unique and culturally significant locations present an enjoyable and intriguing festive period. Immerse yourself in the local customs with the welcoming locals during shore excursions throughout China.
Deal: New Years in Hong Kong
For a full range of cruises, visit the Cruise1st home page or call our dedicated sales team on 0808 2746 777 for a full range of great deals.
Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: Prayitno, Christine Warner Hawks, steven depolo4, Aaron Keene, Graham Hills, Jesus Solana, Timo Horstschafer, David Stanley, Java Tourism, El Coleccionista de Instantes, Leonid Yaitskiy
