Christmas and New Year’s cruises

No matter where you are in the world, Cunard Christmas and New Year’s cruises exude style and sophistication. Imagine infusing the festive season with winter sunshine. Spending sociable days and evenings with friends old and new, all the while being exquisitely looked after.

Why spend Christmas with Cunard?

Celebrate the festive season surrounded by Cunard Christmas traditions and good cheer.

Imagine opening your curtains to New York’s iconic skyline or stepping from your stateroom into the warm Caribbean sun. Savor the moment, before indulging in afternoon tea and a magical three-course Christmas dinner.

Sparkling lights dancing in bauble-covered trees and champagne served in crystal saucers. That’s Christmas, when you experience it on Cunard.

Celebrate the New Year in style

Welcome in a new year in exceptional fashion with a New Year’s Eve cruise on a Cunard Queen.

Spend the day in port exploring the Christmas markets before setting sail for the evening’s festivities.

Experience the anticipation of midnight drawing ever nearer, and take to the dancefloor at your ship’s magical New Year’s Eve ball, for a spectacular celebration at sea you’ll never forget.

Our Cunard festive highlights

Our cruises blend the best of being away with a traditional Christmas back home. Wherever your cruise takes you, carols in the Grand Lobby, mince pies, and visits from Santa are all part of the celebration.

Christmas tree in the Grand Lobby on board Queen Mary 2

The Christmas tree

Where else would we display the centrepiece of the festive season? Our Grand Lobby is the heart of each ship and, every December, home to a beautiful tree adorned with traditional decorations. 

Cunard Christmas card written on board Queen Mary 2 with a Mont Blanc pen.Picture date:  July 2, 2014 .Photograph by Christopher Ison ©07544044177chris @christopherison.com

Seasonal shopping

Browsing the boutiques and stores on board is a world apart from Christmas shopping on shore. It’s a serene experience, with Cunard branded gifts, and a wide range of designer names like Pandora, Tag Heuer and Chanel.

gingerbread houses on display on QM2 . Asset Bank ID 302. Picture date: 15, 12, 2016.Photograph by Christopher Ison © www.christopherison.com

Gingerbread village

One of our favourite festive traditions on board is the gingerbread village. By the time it goes on display, the Chef Patissier will have spent several weeks designing, baking and icing the edible festive scene.

Festive dining and drinks on board

Immerse yourself in the season's enchantment with a festive dining experience on board a Cunard Queen. For voyages over Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, our main dining restaurants will host jubilant festivities, with specially curated dining menus and a merry atmosphere.

What’s your Christmas drink of choice? Whether it’s champagne, a cocktail, a special wine or a decadent hot chocolate, we’ve worked with suppliers the world over to ensure you enjoy only the best over the festive season.

Christmas cruise inspiration

A Canary Christmas

Members of our Cunard family will often be found sailing the Canary Islands in December and early January. We take a tropical trip around the islands and archipelagos to find out how the locals mark the Christmas season.

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Exploring Bruges Christmas Markets

If you’re embarking on a Northern Europe voyage during the festive season, a visit to the Christmas markets in the Belgian town of Bruges is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit of this enchanting place.

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A Cunard Christmas

Spending Christmas and New Year on a Cunard Queen is a voyage our guests never forget. Discover the preparations that take place on board.

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