Holiday cruises can turn Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s into a completely different kind of family vacation – but there are a few things to know before you book. In this episode, Heidi and Melissa share five tips for planning a holiday cruise, from choosing the cruise line that matches your celebration style and understanding higher holiday pricing to booking popular onboard experiences early, planning for holiday port closures, and packing something festive. Plus, they share one important reminder for the planners and holiday magic-makers: once you’re onboard, let the ship do the hosting so you can spend less time working and more time celebrating together.
Key Takeaways
Choose the cruise line that matches your holiday style. From Disney’s immersive, family-focused celebrations to Celebrity’s more elegant approach, each cruise line creates a different holiday experience.
Plan the must-dos early. Holiday sailings are popular, so specialty dining, spa appointments, excursions, and other limited-capacity experiences can fill quickly. Know your priorities and book them as soon as your reservation window opens.
Let the ship do the hosting. Plan the traditions that matter most, but don’t try to recreate your entire holiday at home. One of the biggest benefits of a holiday cruise is letting someone else handle the cooking, cleaning, and details while you enjoy time together
Resources:
Episode 10 from Theme Parks & Passports - Family Travel at the Holidays
Disney Cruise Lines - Very Merrytime Cruises
Royal Caribbean – Holiday Cruises
Celebrity Cruise Lines - Holiday Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Lines - Holiday Cruises
Princess Cruises – Holiday Cruises
Connect with Hosts:
This podcast! https://themeparksandpassports.com/
Melissa’s company, Spellbound Vacations, LLC: https://spellboundvacations.com/
Heidi’s company, House of Mackey Travel: https://houseofmackeytravel.com/
Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellbound_vacationsllc/
Heidi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/houseofmackeytravel
Key Episode Timestamps:
(00:00) Celebrating the Holidays on a Cruise
(01:51) What Makes a Holiday Cruise Different?
(02:27) Choosing the Right Cruise Line for Your Holiday Style
(07:11) Are Holiday Cruises Worth the Higher Price?
(08:25) Book Your Must-Do Experiences Early
(11:00) What to Expect in Ports on Christmas & New Year’s
(12:15) Why You Should Pack a Festive Outfit
(13:14) Bonus Tip: Let the Ship Do the Hosting
Music is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s