On board with Cunard Christmas

Tips for planning a Christmas cruise

Christmas cruises are some of our most popular for those guests who want to explore a new part of the world as the year comes to an end.

3 min 21 Jul 2026

Cristina Azorin

Cunard writer

1. What to pack

2. Pick the perfect port

3. Find out what’s in store ashore

It’s still Christmas on board

Where will your Christmas voyage take you?

On board our Queens, Christmas is something to behold. We go all out with decorations, themed events, and Christmas trees all across the ship (how many can you find?).

Whether you want to escape to the Caribbean or spend an afternoon wandering around European Christmas markets, our Christmas holiday cruises offer everything on your wishlist.

Here is what to keep in mind when planning your Christmas cruise with Cunard.

1. What to pack

When packing for a Christmas cruise, you might need to consider a few more things than normal, depending on where you’re sailing to.

Christmas cruise packing can leave your suitcase fit to burst – but don’t panic. If you’re sailing both ways, you can bring as much luggage as you like (all we ask is that each case weighs no more than 23kg). If you’re flying to meet your Cunard Queen overseas or back home at the end of your voyage, you can bring as many cases as your airline or fare type allows, so you’ll have space to pack gifts for loved ones, and many other Christmas essentials too.

You can bring the Christmas feeling to your stateroom or suite while you sail, too, as we encourage you to bring Christmas decorations along with you.

If you’re headed on a cruise within Europe, warm knits and base layers will prove as effective as mulled wine at keeping you warm. If you're spending Christmas in the Caribbean, you might want to pack a couple of light layers and potentially a rain mac, in addition to your shorts, T-shirts, and swimwear, just in case of tropical showers.

Our cruise packing guide gives you a detailed list of the essentials and location-specific considerations, too.

2. Pick the perfect port

Most importantly, you’ll need to choose where you’re sailing with us. Our Christmas cruises vary from Caribbean escapes with gorgeous weather, to traditional European Christmas market cruises with delicacies and delights at every turn.

Belgium is a popular choice thanks to its Christmas markets. Bruges (available to visit on our cruises to Zeebrugge) hosts three Christmas markets: Markt (Market Square) offers traditional waffles and handcrafted gifts, Burg Square features upscale offerings, and Simon Stevin Square focuses on gourmet food and drink. Beyond the markets, visit the Chocolate Museum or attend a Christmas concert. Don't miss the Belgian waffles and exceptional Belgian chocolate truffles!

Our Canary Islands Christmas cruises offer an entirely different way to spend Christmas – sailing under the stars and visiting iconic Spanish and Portuguese locations during the magic of the yuletide season. You’ll wake up to winter sun and bauble-covered trees, and everything you’d expect from a Christmas lunch. Spend New Year’s Eve in the bustling streets of Lisbon and head home fully relaxed for the New Year.

If you yearn for sunny days on beaches far from the cold, Caribbean Christmas cruises offer just that. On a Cunard cruise around the Caribbean, your December can feel more summery than ever before. Evening departures mean you’ll benefit from full days in port, and plenty of time to soak up the sun and local culture in your own time.

If your cruise includes a stop in New York en route, you may have enough time for some Christmas shopping in the city full of iconic landmarks. When the big day arrives, you’ll still get the Cunard Christmas experience, with traditional food, festive treats, and whatever home comforts you could ask for.

To find the ideal Christmas holiday cruise for you, see our upcoming cruises.

3. Find out what’s in store ashore

To make the most of your time ashore, you may find it helpful to research your destinations and make a list of the sights that you don’t want to miss.

If you need a hand knowing where to go and what to do, our Shore Experience team are experts in the locations we sail to. These experiences allow you to effortlessly immerse yourself in local culture and gain a true taste of every idyllic location we visit. From snorkelling in translucent seas in the Caribbean to chocolate-making in Bruges (tours from Zeebrugge), we make it effortless to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Designed to give you the chance to step off the tourist track or access popular attractions with the guidance of local experts, our Shore Experiences are available 365 days before your cruise departs.

You can secure your place and save 10% versus booking on board if you book in My Cunard prior to sailing with us.

It’s still Christmas on board

Our crew pull out all the stops when it’s Christmas on board, with twinkling lights and decorations, foliage, and extra special touches to make your Christmas unforgettable.

The festive feeling will surround you as soon as you step on board your ship, and will continue throughout your voyage with a daily line-up of festive entertainment and activities.

On Christmas Day itself, you’ll be treated to a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and a special Afternoon Tea with delicious seasonal treats. Get into the spirit with festive films, carols in the Grand Lobby, and delightful surprises throughout your voyage.

Where will your Christmas voyage take you?

Once you’ve found a voyage that’s made it to the top of the Christmas list, start counting down the days, and get ready to discover what awaits you on a Cunard Christmas cruise.