As the festive season approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate Christmas than aboard a luxurious cruise ship, sailing through calm waters whilst being pampered with world-class service. A Christmas cruise 2025 offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of traditional holiday preparations, allowing you to enjoy the magic of Christmas without any of the stress.
All of the cruises we have selected depart from UK ports and are at sea on Christmas Day itself.
Why Choose a Christmas Cruise 2025?
A Christmas cruise 2025 transforms the traditional holiday experience into something truly extraordinary. Instead of cooking Christmas dinner, you’ll be served gourmet meals prepared by expert chefs. Rather than washing up, you’ll be watching spectacular entertainment shows. Most importantly, you’ll wake up on Christmas morning to breathtaking ocean views or exotic destinations.
The beauty of booking a Christmas cruise 2025 from the UK is the convenience – no flights required, no jet lag to contend with, and you can drive directly to your departure port. With eight confirmed sailings departing from UK ports that will be at sea on Christmas Day, you have plenty of options to choose from.
The Best Christmas Cruise 2025 Options from UK Ports
Luxury Christmas Cruising with Cunard
Cunard leads the way for premium Christmas cruise 2025 experiences with three magnificent sailings:
Queen Mary 2 – Transatlantic Christmas Adventure
Departing Southampton on 15th December 2025, this 27-night voyage offers the ultimate Christmas cruise 2025 experience. You’ll spend Christmas Day at sea during the iconic transatlantic crossing, followed by Caribbean island hopping. This is perfect for those seeking a longer Christmas cruise 2025 with unparalleled luxury.
Cruise details:
- Duration: 27 nights
- Departure: Southampton, December 15, 2025
- Return: January 11, 2026
- Christmas Day Status: At sea between Southampton and New York
- Highlights: Classic transatlantic crossing followed by Caribbean island hopping
- Price: From £2,446 per person
Queen Anne – Canary Islands Christmas Celebration
Setting sail from Southampton on 21st December 2025, this 14-night Christmas cruise 2025 takes you to the sunny Canary Islands. Christmas Day will be spent at sea between Funchal and Lanzarote, creating a unique festive experience with warm weather and ocean breezes.
Cruise details:
- Duration: 14 nights
- Departure: Southampton, December 21, 2025
- Return: January 4, 2026
- Christmas Day Status: At sea between Funchal and Lanzarote
- Highlights: Visits Cadiz, Funchal, Canary Islands, and Lisbon with festive celebrations onboard
- Price: From £1,676 per person
Queen Victoria – Canary Islands Celebration
This 12-night Christmas cruise 2025 departs Southampton on 16th December 2025, offering a shorter but equally magical festive experience in the Canary Islands.
Cruise details:
- Duration: 12 nights
- Departure: Southampton, December 16, 2025
- Return: December 28, 2025
- Christmas Day Status: At sea or in Canary Islands
- Highlights: Winter sun cruise to Portugal and Canary Islands
- Price: From £1,351 per person
Ambassador Ambience – Christmas in the Canaries
Departing London Tilbury on 20th December 2025, this 15-night Christmas cruise 2025 offers excellent value whilst maintaining high standards. The crew handles all festive arrangements, ensuring your Christmas Day at sea is truly special.
Cruise details:
- Duration: 15 nights
- Departure: London Tilbury, December 20, 2025
- Return: January 4, 2026
- Christmas Day Status: At sea (Christmas Day)
- Highlights: Visits Leixões, Lisbon, Casablanca, and Canary Islands with crew handling all festive arrangements
- Price: From £1487 per person
Fred Olsen Christmas Cruises
Balmoral – In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas
Departing on Balmoral from Southampton (22nd December) , experience Christmas in Arctic Norway.
Cruise details:
- Duration: 16 nights
- Departure: Southampton, December 22, 2025
- Return: January 6, 2026
- Christmas Day Status: In Northern Norway seeking Northern Lights
- Highlights: Unique Christmas experience in Arctic Norway with extended stays in Narvik, Alta, and Tromsø
- Price: From £1,959 per person
Bolette – Canary Islands Christmas & Funchal Fireworks
Sailing on Bolette from Liverpool (22nd December), combining Christmas celebrations with New Year fireworks in Madeira.
Cruise details:
- Duration: 15 nights
- Departure: Liverpool, December 22, 2025
- Return: January 5, 2026
- Christmas Day Status: At sea
- Highlights: Traditional Christmas celebrations plus New Year fireworks in Funchal, Madeira
- Price: From £3,257 per person
Borealis – Canary Islands Christmas with New Year in Lisbon
Sailing on Borealis, departing Portsmouth 22 December. Escape the cold and snow for sun and sands in the ever pleasant Canary Islands.
Cruise details:
- Duration: 14 nights
- Departure: Portsmouth, December 22, 2025
- Return: January 4, 2026
- Christmas Day Status: At sea
- Highlights: Traditional Christmas celebrations plus New Year fireworks in Lisbon. Portugal
- Price: From £1,959 per person
MSC Poesia – Christmas in Northern Europe
MSC does a constant loop of the North Sea over the winter, including this voyage that covers Christmas Day. MSC is particularly popular with families.
Cruise details:
- Duration: 8 nights
- Departure: Southampton, December 19, 2025
- Return: December 27, 2025
- Christmas Day Status: Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium
- Highlights: Traditional Christmas celebrations with a multi-national twist
- Price: From £937 per person
P&O Aurora – Christmas in Northern Europe and Scandinavia
Fancy a trip up to the Baltic this December, visiting Oslo, Copenhagen and Rotterdam? P&O have just the cruise for you, leaving Southampton on 19 December.
Cruise details:
- Duration: 10 nights
- Departure: Southampton, December 19, 2025
- Return: December 29, 2025
- Christmas Day Status: At sea
- Highlights: Traditional Christmas celebrations and overnight stays in both Oslo and Copenhagen
- Price: From £1,260 per person
Our take
If we were heading out to sea for Christmas Day this year, the Fred Olsen Northern Lights cruise would be top choice. It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than snow, cold and aurora displays, especially in 24-hour darkness above the Arctic Circle.
Second choice would be the Cunard Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic followed by a romp round the Caribbean. Any excuse for a string of consecutive sea days on one of the world’s most renowned luxury cruise lines!
What Makes Christmas Cruise 2025 Special?
Traditional Christmas at Sea
Every Christmas cruise features traditional Christmas dining with festive menus, seasonal treats, and special Christmas lunch services. The ships are beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, festive lighting, and holiday decorations throughout.
Festive Entertainment
Christmas cruise 2025 passengers enjoy holiday-themed entertainment including Christmas carols, festive shows, and special Christmas Day activities for all ages. Many ships feature Christmas markets, carol services, and even visits from Father Christmas.
No Christmas Stress
The greatest advantage of a Christmas cruise 2025 is the complete absence of holiday stress. No shopping, no cooking, no cleaning – just pure relaxation and festive enjoyment whilst professional crew members handle every detail.
Unique Christmas Destinations
Unlike traditional Christmas at home, your Christmas cruise 2025 might take you to:
Planning Your Christmas Cruise 2025
Departure Ports
All of the cruise options listed will depart from a UK port:
- Southampton – The UK’s premier cruise port, easily reached by National Express coach.
- London Tilbury – Easy access from the capital
- Liverpool – Perfect for Northern England residents
- Portsmouth – Historic naval port with excellent facilities
Duration Options
Christmas cruise 2025 sailings range from 12 nights to 30 nights, allowing you to choose the perfect length for your festive holiday. Shorter cruises focus on nearby destinations like the Canary Islands, whilst longer voyages venture to the Caribbean or include transatlantic crossings.
Christmas Cruise 2025 Cabin Selection
When booking your Christmas cruise 2025, consider upgrading to a balcony cabin or suite. Watching the sunrise over the ocean on Christmas morning from your private balcony creates unforgettable memories. Many cruise lines offer special Christmas cruise 2025 packages that include cabin upgrades and festive amenities.
Take a look at our Complete Guide to Cruise Ship Cabins for more inspiration and advice.
The Magic of Christmas Day at Sea
Christmas Day aboard your cruise begins with room service breakfast or a spectacular buffet featuring seasonal specialities. The day continues with Christmas church services, festive activities, and culminates in a magnificent Christmas dinner featuring traditional dishes alongside international cuisine.
Children aboard Christmas cruise 2025 sailings enjoy special kids’ clubs with Christmas-themed activities, whilst adults can participate in Christmas cooking demonstrations, festive cocktail classes, or simply relax by the pool with a mulled wine.
Packing for Your Christmas Cruise 2025
Christmas cruise packing requires consideration of your destinations. Canary Islands cruises call for summer clothes and swimwear, whilst Northern Lights cruises require warm clothing for deck viewing.
Don’t forget formal wear for Christmas dinner and special festive attire for holiday parties.
Making Your Christmas Cruise 2025 Dreams Reality
With nine confirmed Christmas cruise 2025 departures from UK ports, there’s never been a better selection of festive sailing options. Whether you prefer luxury with Cunard, value with Ambassador Cruise Line, or unique experiences with Fred Olsen, your perfect Christmas cruise awaits.
The magic of Christmas combined with the luxury of cruising creates an unforgettable holiday experience. Instead of the usual Christmas routine, you’ll create new traditions aboard your Christmas cruise 2025 – traditions that might just become your new favourite way to celebrate the festive season.
Book your Christmas cruise 2025 today and prepare for a holiday season unlike any other, where Christmas magic meets ocean adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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