Out to Sea for Nov. 30/19
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(c) By Jim and Barb Fox
They say there’s no place like home
for the holidays and many people are making that home a cruise ship.
So popular are
cruises for Christmas and New Year’s that it’s best to secure a cabin now for next
year.
“The reality is
that these sailings are at the most popular time of the year, so space might be
really tight this close in,” said Vance Gulliksen of Carnival Cruise Line.
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| Home is at sea for many over the holidays. (Jim Fox photo) |
Guests will gather
for carolling around the tree while fashionistas can try their luck in an Ugly
Sweater competition and the on-stage holiday shows put everyone in the spirit,
Carnival says.
Ships are decorated
in festive attire from bow to stern and pack the days at sea with special
treats whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or New Year’s Eve.
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| A blow-up Santa appears in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. (Jim Fox photo) |
Options range from
short getaways such as three or four nights to the Bahamas, week-long island-hopping
Caribbean voyages and much longer sailings to exotic locales.
Also popular are
cruises to the Mexican Riviera, luxury river adventures showcasing the historic
Christmas markets of Europe and holiday sailings around Hawaii, Australia, the
South Pacific, Amazon and Antarctica.
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| Holland America ships are all decked out for the season. (Jim Fox photo) |
There are concerts,
carols, festive balls and seasonally themed entertainment revues, religious
services, children’s activities of arts and crafts, building gingerbread
houses, gifts and surprise visits from Santa – in one case on water skis –
guarantee lasting memories.
As well, there are
spectacular holiday feasts, gala Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners, high
teas, tasting menus and mimosa brunches.
Don’t miss the boat
Those who choose to
cruise at this time of year pay a premium price but that is offset by the
special meals and activities that often include gifts left in each stateroom.
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| Kids have fun at holiday shows on Carnival cruises. |
There are lavish
parties on Holland America vessels with the countdown to midnight and a Champagne
toast.
The cruise line
offers an escape from the winter chill on 12 Caribbean holiday cruises of seven
to 16 days.
Along with toasting
the New Year, there’s a vast seafood and steak midnight buffet and grooving at
the B.B. King Blues Club.
Carnival’s fun ships
plan three New Year’s parties on deck around the pool while Princess Cruises
has snow-making machines creating a blizzard in the atriums.
Crystal ships have
a balloon drop and Disney Cruise Line’s private Castaway Cay has its tram decorated
as a sleigh.
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| Cruise ships put on spectacular buffets and dessert extravaganzas on holiday sailings. (Barbara Fox photo) |
Seasonal
entertainment includes themed production shows, live music and films while Santa
brings gifts to the children.
Cruisers can sip
eggnog, compete in gingerbread house contests and designing keepsake ornaments.
Leisurely shopping
There’s Christmas
dinner of roast turkey or goose, with vegetarian options, and no need to buy
gifts in advance as ships have duty-free shops as do the islands.
Youth and teen
centres host holiday parties along with cookies for Santa and carrots for his
reindeer.
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| A beachy Santa gives the shaka sign (“hang loose”) in Honolulu. (Barbara Fox photo) |
Hanukkah is
observed as the Festival of Lights burns brightly with a menorah lighting
ceremony.
Popular festivities
range from casual attire to black-tie affairs, depending on the ship and
itinerary.
If you miss the
boat this time, book a cruise to those destinations for early January when
fares are lower and the ships are still festive.
To find out more
about ships and destinations: cruising.org/cruise-vacationer/cruise-lines
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Jim and Barb Fox
can be reached at outtosea50@hotmail.com
For more Out to
Sea trip tips: http://outtoseatravel.blogspot.ca
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