Start a new tradition on our Christmas and New Year cruise holidays

On our Christmas and New Year cruise holidays you can rejoice knowing that we’ve taken care of all your favourite traditions – with the extra touches of luxury and sparkle that make them so special. Delicious food, festive fizz, feel-good movies, sparkling decorations. And best of all? You’ve time to relax and enjoy (without having to peel a single sprout!).

Discover our Christmas and New Year cruise holidays

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Cruise into the Christmas season

Revel in the effortless enjoyment on board your festive ship. Enjoy old traditions, make new ones and unwrap delightful destinations as you go. Whether you’re holidaying with the family, or enjoying some much deserved me-time; would like to find some unique gifts at the finest Christmas markets, or fancy celebrating New Year in style – we’ve a selection of Christmas cruises for everyone to enjoy a very merry time.

Christmas cruises

Expect a traditional Christmas dinner, beautiful decorations, festive-themed entertainment and festive films
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Christmas family cruises

Our family-friendly ships will have a special Christmas Day children’s tea, children’s parties and a visit from Father Christmas!
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Christmas market cruises

Add sparkle to gift shopping with a Christmas markets cruise. Sip a glass of Gluhwein as you indulge in the luxuries of a short break cruise holiday. And no luggage restrictions means you can bring back as many goodies as you like!
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New Year cruises

Toast good health with a glass of bubbly. Or don your dance shoes and see in the new year with a shimmy. Wake up the next day to a new destination – the perfect start to a promising year ahead.
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Great for Christmas Markets

Amsterdam

Head for Leidseplein, with its ice rink and oliebollen (doughnut balls). Throughout December, dozens of Christmas trees adorn the floating Bloemenmarkt (flower market). There’s also the Christmas Palace – an emporium of festive goodies .

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Bruges

Stroll through the Christmas market, skate on the ice rink around the Grote Market, or visit the ice sculptures at the station. Mulled wine or world famous beer will no doubt add to the Christmas cheer.

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Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland at Christmas. The stalls are inspired by Danish traditions, and there are even live deer to add to the magic.

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Hamburg

Quaint stalls sell hand-made Christmas decorations and gifts from local artisans. Sample a traditional 'printen' cookie or gobble up a classic Nuremberg gingerbread man.

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Oslo

Lined with Christmas trees and lights, the streets are filled with happy shoppers. Why not nibble a Norwegian festive treat such as gingerbread (pepperkake), marzipan, or burnt almonds? Or warm yourself with a mug of glØgg.

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Magical atmosphere on board

A holiday with P&O Cruises is always filled with a sense of occasion, but never more so than at Christmas.

Magical atmosphere on board

Decorated ships

There is a magical atmosphere on board as our ships are transformed with a stunning Christmas tree and garlands in the Atrium.

Footlights Theatre on P&O Cruises Ship, Oceana

Festive film favourites

‘Christmas’ films will be shown in on-board cinemas and on in-cabin TVs. After all, Christmas Day simply wouldn’t be the same without a classic family cartoon or a timeless tale, would it?

Christmas dinner

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional dinner. Leave peeling spuds and basting turkeys to our chefs while you enjoy a tipple with newfound friends. And exchange supermarket madness for a holiday to remember.

Christmas cocktails being served on-board

Presents for all guests

Our festive cruises promise a magical atmosphere on board. filled with Christmas cheer. And because you've been especially good all year, expect a special gift, from us, to you.

Child next to Christmas tree on-board

Father Christmas

All family-friendly ships will feature children's parties, a pantomime and a visit from Father Christmas. Selected ships will also a feature a grotto, so children will be able to make their pressie requests in person.

Sing as you sail

Nothing creates that magical Christmas spirit quite like a carol or two. A local choir and entertainers will sing off all departures. So why not join in and celebrate with an old favourite? All voices welcome!

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What will it be: flip-flops or woolly socks?

Embrace a traditional wintry Christmas… or start a new tradition in the sunshine. You could swap chilly days for bright Caribbean sunshine, or don your woollens and head North to the beautiful Baltic.

The Canary Islands

Put sunshine on your Christmas wish list and we’ll make it happen. Enjoy fine weather, fabulous seafood and Spanish festivities in the Canary Islands.

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Caribbean

Bathe in the warmth of Caribbean beaches, savour sizzling street food and venture into tropical forests.

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Baltic

If you feel more Christmassy surrounded by snow-dusted rooftops and pine-clad hills, set a course for the cool enchantment of the Baltic. The fairy-tale cities of Copenhagen and Oslo are ablaze with Christmas lights and festive markets, just waiting to fill you with Yuletide cheer.

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