# December Cruises: Christmas and New Year at Sea

December cruises split into two markets: bargain early-December sailings and premium Christmas and New Year weeks. Dates, prices and what is included.

Canonical: https://www.bookcruises.us/december-cruises/


December cruises are two markets wearing one month: the first two weeks are the year's quietest, cheapest sailings, from $399 for a Caribbean week, while Christmas and New Year departures are the year's most expensive, $1,100 and up, with santa-at-sea programs and midnight deck parties to match.

## Current sailings and pricing

| Itinerary | Length | Line | From (pp) | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Early December bargain week | 7 nights | MSC Cruises | $399 | From Miami |
| Christmas week Caribbean | 7 nights | Royal Caribbean | $1,149 | Sells out by early fall |
| New Year at sea | 5 nights | Carnival Cruise Line | $749 | Midnight party included |

## The two Decembers

From roughly December 1 to 14, ships sail the same Caribbean routes as Christmas week at a third of the price, to the emptiest decks of the year: school is in session, offices are busy, and the weather is identical. It is our standing answer to "when is the single cheapest good week to cruise." Book it shamelessly.

From December 18 onward the product transforms: trees in the atriums, carolers, Santa arriving by zipline or tender depending on the line's sense of drama, kosher and midnight-mass arrangements, and a New Year's Eve that turns the pool deck into Times Square with better weather. Families book it a year out, pay the premium knowingly, and mostly report it was worth it. Both Decembers are right; just know which one you are buying.

## Booking the holiday weeks well

- Christmas and New Year sailings open with itineraries 18 months out and never go on sale: earliest is cheapest, full stop.
- The Dec 26 to Jan 2 sailing is the single priciest week of the cruise year; the Jan 2 departure right behind it is one of the cheapest.
- Kids clubs run extended holiday hours, but book them on day one: capacity caps bite on these sailings.
- Cold-weather ports (New York, Baltimore, Bayonne) run holiday Caribbean escapes too: pack for a freezing sailaway and a warm arrival.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the cheapest week to cruise in December?

The first two full weeks of the month, before school holidays begin. Caribbean interiors from $399 and balconies under $700 recur every year. Prices checked: August 2026.

### Do ships really celebrate Christmas and New Year?

Elaborately: decorated atriums, holiday menus, religious services, Santa events for kids and a full New Year's Eve countdown with champagne on deck. It is the lines' showcase week and they perform accordingly.

### When should I book a Christmas cruise?

Ten to fourteen months ahead for family cabins. By September, connecting rooms are memories and pricing has climbed twice.

## Related pages

- [Thanksgiving cruises](https://www.bookcruises.us/thanksgiving-cruises/)
- [Best time to book a cruise](https://www.bookcruises.us/best-time-to-book-a-cruise/)
- [Last minute cruise deals](https://www.bookcruises.us/last-minute-cruise-deals/)

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