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Holiday Cruises

Reconnect with loved ones on a holiday cruise. Leave the prep and party planning to us as you enjoy world-class cuisine inspired by our culinary masters. Take in views and explore legendary lands as you navigate the world’s waterways in the comfort of our perfectly sized ships. Rejuvenate with hydrotherapy at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Start new traditions this holiday season.

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Bring your family and friends closer together for an unforgettable celebration with holiday offers. With festive holiday sailings, you'll find a journey that gives you everything you love about the holidays with none of the hassle.  

The sights, the sounds, the foods, and the traditions can all be enjoyed on board. Take part in a special holiday dinner, a holiday show in the Main Theatre, hear a choir singing Christmas carols, and, of course, get a visit from Santa with gifts for children and teens.

New Year’s Eve

A New Year’s Eve party and countdown is made fun and festive with holiday favors and a complimentary champagne toast. The next day, you’ll catch all your favorite College Bowl championship football games showing in many areas of the ship.

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a beautiful menorah lighting ceremony, Hanukkah services, fun crafts for the kids, and traditional foods such as latkes and toppings prepared by our chefs.  

Go on an Easter egg hunt with the Easter Bunny and indulge in an Easter Brunch in the Oceanview Café. Festive spring decorations abound, and Easter services are offered on board.

Thanksgiving

What’s Thanksgiving without a traditional turkey dinner among family and friends? We’ve got it covered. Afterwards, settle in and watch a few football games that are broadcast in many areas of the ship.

Valentine’s Day

Sweethearts have a special place in our hearts. We celebrate all things love with a complimentary rose for all women, a Love & Marriage Game Show, and a special Valentine’s cocktail. Spa treatments and specialty dining are available for purchase on board.

Spooky decorations and carved pumpkins set the tone for trick or treating for families, a Halloween party for adults, pumpkin-flavored beers and Halloween cocktails. Yes, be sure to pack your Halloween costumes for a fun-filled contest.

Enjoy a traditional Seder service and a variety of Passover foods during our onboard celebration to commemorate the story of the Exodus.

St. Patrick’s Day

Everybody’s Irish for St. Patty’s Day! Celebrate the luck of the Irish with a big St. Patrick’s Day party complete with plenty of green beer, live Irish music and a sea of green decorations everywhere.

Mother's Day

Moms get special treatment including complimentary roses. The kids and dad can record a short “Message to Mom” to be aired during a special celebration. All her favorite gifts are available for purchase, from handbags to the spa indulgences she loves.

Father's Day

Treat Dad like a king on a Father’s Day Sailing. Get him dinner in a specialty restaurant, a whiskey tasting, or a single malt cocktail special. The kids and mom can record a short “Message to Dad” to be aired at a joyful celebration of dads on board.

5 Reasons to Celebrate the Holidays With Celebrity

Celebrate the Holidays on a vacation.

• Everything's ready: Enjoy traditional holiday meals and decorating with no prep or clean up to worry about.
• Entertainment: Festive holiday shows and carolers will get everyone in the spirit.
• Togetherness: Everyone gets to enjoy downtime during the holidays to spend with those who matter most.
• Traditions: Santa brings gifts to all the kids and the halls will be decked to perfection. Corks pop on New Year's Eve.
• Award-winning dining: Sumptuous, complete holiday meals.

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5 Best Holiday Cruises You Can Still Book for the Festive Season

Embarking on a holiday cruise is one of the best ways to celebrate the festive season at the end of the year. With kids out of school and adults with time off work, it’s an opportunity to bring together family and friends to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip. And holiday cruise itineraries don’t disappoint, whether you’re interested in meandering through bustling Christmas markets that line Europe’s cobblestone streets, venturing around the coast of sub-Saharan Africa for a safari, or ringing in the New Year in the glacial waters of Antarctica, there’s something for every type of traveler. With ports awash in twinkling lights and ships decked out with trees and garlands, many travelers find taking a cruise an enchanting way to spend the holidays.

Although many voyages sell out well in advance, it’s not too late to book some of the top lines’ best offerings for this December. Here are five of the best holiday cruises around the world that are still bookable for the 2022 festive season. 

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Viking's Christmas on the Rhine cruise offers beautiful scenery along the entire route.

Christmas markets on the Rhine with Viking 

When envisioning a Christmas cruise , most travelers likely conjure up images of a river voyage through Europe, winding through picturesque towns laden with festive holiday markets. Viking has this itinerary in spades: Its new eight-day Christmas on the Rhine voyages meander from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, stopping at nine other cities in the Netherlands, Germany, and France along the way. Excursion highlights include visits to picture-perfect Christmas markets in Dusseldorf and Cologne, awash in glowing lights, with stalls offering artisan wares and towering, decked-out trees. In Strasbourg, travelers are whisked to the town’s Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas market in France, where visitors can procure mulled wine and local bredele spice cookies to stave off the chill.

Back on the ship, the scenery ambling by while sailing ranges from Middle Rhine’s historic castles, to verdant Dutch farmland with its iconic windmills, to Germany’s snow-dusted Black Forest—all visible from passengers’ personal verandas, which come with the majority of the staterooms on board Viking’s longships. 

There are still a handful of bookings available for December 2022, but many of the sailings for this year—and even some in the 2023 season—are selling out fast.

Holiday safari through Africa with Regent Seven Seas

Sailing round-trip from Cape Town aboard  Seven Seas Voyager , this Regent itinerary combines two of our favorite travel experiences: luxury cruises and African safaris . With stops in Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa, Regent’s Holiday Safari cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

In Namibia , cruisers will be treated to excursions like an off-road tour through the moon-like dunes of the Namib Desert, as well as spotting terns, osprey, and African black oystercatchers while bird watching at Walvis Bay. Throughout the voyage, there will be plenty of opportunities for passengers to try to spot the Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and Cape buffalo—as well as hippos, zebras, giraffes, vervet monkeys, and more, at numerous South African game reserves in Durban, Richards Bay, Mossel Bay, and Port Elizabeth. Each park offers slightly different varieties of wildlife that could potentially be spotted, allowing travelers to rack up an impressive list of rare animal sightings.  

Outside of the game reserves, additional excursions vary from a visit to an African healer in the Zulu township of Umlazi outside of Durban to a walk through the bustling Maputo market in Mozambique’s capital city. After long days in the sub-Saharan sun,  Seven Seas Voyager , with its specialty restaurants and immersive spa menu, will be a haven for passenger relaxation.

Kayaking to glaciers is one of the adventurous activities offered by Silversea.

Travelers can spot five different penguin species with Silversea's Antarctica sailings.

The Falkland Islands and Antarctica with Silversea

With calving glaciers, waddling penguins, and breaching whales, Antarctica gives a whole new meaning to the term “winter wonderland.” Silversea’s 14-day itinerary to The White Continent, which sails roundtrip from Puerto Williams, Chile , first makes calls on several of The Falkland Islands, home to elephant seals, sea lions, king cormorants, and at least five different species of penguins. The rugged coasts are lined with scrubby grasses and smatterings of wildflowers, all the way up to the turquoise waters.

Cruisers will ring in the New Year on the Antarctic Peninsula, with two back-to-back overnights in the serene glacial waters, then it's onward to the South Shetland Islands, home to natural wonders like a collapsed volcano caldera on Deception Island and warm geothermal waters in Pendulum Cove. 

This holiday cruise has four days at sea—when the ship won’t stop at any port—but those might end up being passengers’ favorites, as the 296-passenger ship  Silver Wind  is more like an ultra-luxe retreat than a polar ice-breaker. Among the numerous perks passengers can indulge in are all-suite staterooms, a full onboard spa, complimentary Champagne upon boarding, and butler service in each suite.

Island-hopping through southern Caribbean with Princess Cruises 

Even over the holidays, sometimes you just need to relax in the sun and sand. That’s what Princess Cruises’ 10-day voyage through the southern Caribbean islands offers, along with unique cultural immersion in some of the region’s coolest cities. 

In San Juan, Puerto Rico , explore the shops and restaurants of the Old City or venture to the waterfalls and lush flora of the nearby El Yunque National Rainforest. On Martinique, drink in Creole culture with a walking tour of capital city Fort-de-France, or snorkel in the cobalt-blue waters near the island’s famous Bat Cave, home to angel fish, parrotfish, and other colorful aquatic species. Among the other four ports on this island-hopping itinerary are Point-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Princess Cays, Bahamas; and St. Maarten.

This holiday cruise has no shortage of merriment: On board your ship  Enchanted Princess , there'll be activities like ugly sweater parties, visits from Santa and carolers, and gingerbread house making. And even though you’ll be in the Caribbean, you can expect a white Christmas, as Princess dusts the atrium of its ships with artificial snow.  

Seabourn Encore has plenty of places for passengers to relax.

Exploring Thailand and Vietnam with Seabourn

On this 16-day sojourn through Thailand and Vietnam, holiday activities dominate the programming. Holiday decorations abound, with menorah lightings, garlands wrapped around railings, and lush Christmas trees—some guests even decorate their own suite doors.

As for ports of call, expect visits to golden temples and tuk tuk rides through thronging streets during an overnight stay in Bangkok ; a traditional Vietnamese dinner at the iconic Majestic Hotel in Saigon , and ride a funicular tram to the 2,750-foot-high peak of Penang Hill in the eponymous Malaysian city.

Another highlight? Seabourn's beach barbecue on Thailand’s Koh Kood island, with its pristine white-sand beaches. Dubbed “Caviar in the Surf,” the beach party offers watersports in clear turquoise waters, and crew members serve up chilled Champagne and bites of caviar while Seabourn chefs grill up a decadent spread. After you’ve had your fill, retire to the ship,  Seabourn Encore , for a nightcap under the stars at the Sky Bar or a sumptuous bubble bath in your suite.

Booking tips for holiday cruises

How much is a holiday cruise.

The cost of holiday cruises varies depending on many factors such as the destination, cruise line, and length of the voyage. These holiday cruises start at $999 per person for an interior stateroom aboard Princess Cruises, all the way to $20,000+ per person for a suite aboard Regent Seven Seas.

Is a Christmas cruise worth it?

If you’re looking for holiday cheer from a travel experience, it would be hard to beat a Christmas cruise in terms of festivity—many ports on Christmas market cruises are chosen because of their historic reputations for going over-the-top with holiday frivolity. Think: snow-capped towns with thousands of twinkling lights, wreaths and garland adorning every doorway, ice skating rinks in quaint city centers, wandering cobblestone streets with mulled wine or hot chocolate, and hole-in-the-wall bakeries offering traditional cookies.

What is the best month to cruise in?

When it comes to holiday cruises, the best months to book a voyage for are from November to early January. These months offer the most festive atmospheres and activities. But be aware that cruise ships and ports might feel more crowded during the holidays, which are a peak travel time when many families try to vacation together during time off from school and work. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, avoid sailing during the winter holidays and the summertime.

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Contributing reporting by Janice Wald Henderson.  

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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Holiday Cruise Vacation

By Carnival Cruise Line

The holidays are still somewhat far away, but it’s never too early to start planning your next holiday cruise vacation!

Cruising is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Instead of stressing over holiday preparations, you can leave all your responsibilities at home and enjoy the holidays on the open seas with your family.

Of course, some people think that planning a cruise vacation is stressful. At Carnival, we think that vacation planning should be fun! That’s why we put together this guide for anyone who wants to have fun planning their holiday cruise vacation.

Decide on key points for the cruise vacation

The first thing you need to do is make several key decisions about the vacation itself. These decisions can be made by you, or you can include the entire family in the discussion.

First and foremost, you need to decide how long you want your trip to be . Carnival offers cruises as short as two days and as long as one or two weeks (and longer!). When deciding on the length of your vacation, make sure to consider transit time to and from the embarkation point.

Next, you’ll want to decide which embarkation point you want for the start of your cruise. Potential considerations include: distance from your home, desired cruise destination (e.g. Hawaii, Caribbean, etc.) and cost.

Once you’ve decided on an embarkation point, you’ll want to figure out the logistics of getting to and from the embarkation point. For example, will you drive or fly ? Will you need or want a hotel before or after your cruise? These are just some examples of logistics you’ll want to figure out before you plan the rest of your trip.

Set expectations for the style of vacation you’re going on

Once you’ve decided where you’ll be vacationing and for how long, the next step is to decide what type of trip you’re looking for. For example, do you want a quiet, relaxing cruise sunbathing in the Caribbean , or do you want an activity-filled vacation island hopping across Hawaii ? Is there a particular destination that captures your imagination — such as Bermuda , The Bahamas or Mexico ? If so, now’s the time to make your dream a reality!

You also need to decide whether you want a cruise ship targeted more for couples or for families. While all Carnival cruise ships offer amenities for both adults and children, certain cruises are more tailored for one or the other. In addition, there are a variety of holidays celebrated on Carnival cruises. Consider the different fun events going on during each holiday cruise to decide when to take your cruise vacation.

Halloween is frightfully fun on a Carnival cruise. With ghostly decorations, spooky desserts and cocktails and plenty of family-friendly Halloween activities, you can be sure Halloween will be a fun and memorable time with Carnival.

Walk along the ship’s promenade for some Trick or Treat and then participate in a fun costume contest. Or you can watch the Pumpkin Carving Demonstration and end a fun-filled day with a horror movie at Dive-In Movies Horror Night at Carnival Seaside Theater by the pool (featured on select ships). Whatever you choose to do, make sure the entire family packs their spookiest costume and is ready to join in on all the fun.

Thanksgiving

During Thanksgiving evening, guests can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast onboard which includes classics such as roasted turkey, yams, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, giblet gravy and pumpkin pie. Leave the cooking and cleaning up to us!

Other activities during Thanksgiving include watching the famous parade Thursday morning on ships that feature the Carnival Seaside Theater, a Thanksgiving Duck Hunt and some fun Thanksgiving Trivia.

With a festive onboard atmosphere, cheery Christmas decorations and classic cuisine, Christmas is a wonderful time to take a cruise vacation. Kick off your holiday cruise with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the atrium lobby. Then enjoy various activities throughout your vacation such as holiday shows, movies, arts and crafts and other fun events.

Keep an eye out for a special guest appearance made by the Grinch himself. He might even show up at the Character Breakfast, Holiday Show or other special places during the cruise. A Christmas cruise with Carnival is the perfect option for reconnecting with friends, families and loved ones during the holidays.

New Year’s Eve

Ring in the New Year with Carnival and join in on the biggest party of the year. With festive music and fun-filled celebrations, you’ll have so much to do on a New Year’s cruise.

Stop by the New Year’s Eve Party and watch the festive Balloon Drop (available on select ships). Or head to the Lido Deck party for some awesome live music and a countdown to bring in the New Year. Even the little ones will have fun New Year’s Eve parties to attend.

What type of stateroom will you reserve?

After you select your cruise ship, you’ll want to select the type of stateroom you will stay in. This can be a big decision since the space available in the various rooms can differ greatly. You will want to consider whether you want a stateroom or a suite, and how many you’ll need (if traveling with children).

You’ll also want to consider whether you want an indoor room, or prefer having an ocean view via porthole or balcony.

Be sure to look at the amenities offered with each stateroom and suite, so you can find the one that best suits you and your family’s needs.

Finally, take a look at the price differences between each of the various room types. Decide how much you want to spend and find a room that fits your budget.

What will you do when the ship is in port?

While you will spend a significant amount of time on the high seas, there will be times when the ship is at a port. When the ship is docked, you can take advantage of one of the many shore excursions offered by Carnival — or you can just explore on your own.

Be sure to take a look at the shore excursions offered on your specific cruise and book them in advance so they don’t fill up.

Also, remember to make it back to the cruise ship before it leaves for the next port!

Carnival EasyPay takes the stress out of vacation planning

One of the most significant advantages of planning your holiday cruise vacation in advance is that you can take full advantage  Carnival EasyPay . EasyPay allows cruisers to split up the payment for their cruise into automatic monthly installments after an initial deposit. Instead of shelling out the money all at once, you can simply incorporate it into your budget while you look forward to the day your cruise ship leaves from its embarkation point!

Cruises are surprisingly budget-friendly!

Another great advantage of taking a holiday vacation on a Carnival cruise ship is the fact that they are actually pretty easy on your wallet. Once you’ve paid for the cruise itself, much of what is offered on the ship is included at no additional cost. This includes food, drinks, activities, and events each and every day. This means you can get more out of your vacation without stressing about how much you (or your children) are spending on food or anything else.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your holiday cruise vacation and put your mind at ease next holiday season!

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Holiday Cruises with Carnival

If you're looking for a holiday vacation with no shortage of all-out family fun, look no further than Carnival Cruise Line. The name says it all, and what better a way to "Choose Fun" this holiday season than cruising with Carnival. Whether it's Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's, experience all of your favorite holiday traditions and much more when you enjoy a holiday cruise with Carnival!

Christmas Cruises with Carnival

Deck the "hulls" with Carnival and celebrate Christmas at sea aboard a FUN ship! From sugar cookies and Christmas lights, to caroling and holiday shows, Carnival brings the magic of Christmas to sea every December!

• Experience a FUN ship decked out bow to stern with wreaths, lights, trees and more!
• Drop letters to Santa into a special mailbox onboard!
• Partake in festive caroling.
• Compete in the ugly sweater competition.
• Enjoy live-on-stage holiday shows.
• Attend Christmas (and Hanukkah) services.
• Look out for the Grinch, who makes surprise appearances throughout the sailing!
• Watch the Grinch's live show and dine at the character breakfast.

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Hanukkah Cruises with Carnival

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at sea, complete with a lighting of the menorah and a special service in honor of Hanukkah.

• Attend Hanukkah services in the atrium lobby!
• Watch the lighting of the Menorah and join in prayers and songs.
• Enjoy latkes, sour cream, applesauce and Manischewitz wine.
• Children can participate in Hanukkah related games, stories and arts and crafts!

View 2024 Hanukkah Cruises (12/25/24-1/03/25)

View 2025 Hanukkah Cruises (12/14/25-12/22/25)

View 2026 Hanukkah Cruises (12/04/26-12/12/26)

New Year's Cruises with Carnival

Ring in the New Year aboard Carnival's FUN ships and start your new year off right!

• Celebrate with multiple parties at sea!
• Enjoy New Year's festivities, including balloon drops, live music, DJs and more!
• Keep the celebration going with fun after parties.
• Take advantage of youth programs on New Year's Eve for young cruisers!

View 2024 New Year's Cruises

View 2025 New Year's Cruises

View 2026 New Year's Cruises

Thanksgiving Cruises with Carnival

Enjoy Thanksgiving at sea with your friends and family aboard Carnival. You could be far from home, but your Carnival ship will be decorated with festive Thanksgiving decor to set the mood for the big day and BIGGER meal!

• Your FUN ship will feature Thanksgiving decorations and colors!
• Watch the Thanksgiving day parade broadcasted on the big screen of every Carnival ship!
• Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving evening meal featuring roasted turkey, yams, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, giblet gravy and pumpkin pie!
• Participate in "Thanksgiving Duck Hunt" and Thanksgiving-themed trivia games!

View 2024 Thanksgiving Cruises

View 2025 Thanksgiving Cruises

View 2026 Thanksgiving Cruises

4th of July with Carnival

Celebrate Independence Day with Carnival and have a sea party celebrating the red, white and blue!

• Attend the 4th of July Bash, an evening Lido Deck party.
• Enjoy outdoor activities on Independence Day, including bean bag challenges, ice cream eating contests and pool games!
• Participate in line dancing classes.
• Compete with (or against) friends and family in Independence Day Bingo, Trivia and a Slot Tournament!
• Watch American-themed movies on the Seaside Theater!
• Youth Programs will host a 4th of July Family Party, along with a Family Scavenger Hunt.

View 2024 4th of July Cruises

View 2025 4th of July Cruises

View 2026 4th of July Cruises

Valentine's Day Cruises with Carnival

You better watch out for cupid because love is in the sea air when you celebrate Valentine's Day with Carnival.

• Say "I do", part two, with a Valentine's Day Vow Renewal!
• Celebrate with onboard games and activities, including a Romeo Contest, ChooseLove Raffle, Kiss Cam and Free Hugs!
• Enjoy a delicious Steakhouse Valentine's Day Lunch (offered on select ships).
• Get festive with red and pink attire!

View 2024 Valentine's Day Cruises

View 2025 Valentine's Day Cruises

View 2026 Valentine's Day Cruises

Mardi Gras Cruises with Carnival

Carnival brings Big Easy vibes to sea so you can party it up New Orleans-style while celebrating Fat Tuesday!

• Participate in a Mardi Gras mask-making workshop.
• Enjoy a festive Mardi Gras Parade and Party!
• Bring your beads and wear purple, green and gold at sea.

View 2024 Mardi Gras Cruises (2/13/24)

View 2025 Mardi Gras Cruises (3/04/25)

View 2026 Mardi Gras Cruises (2/17/26)

St. Patrick's Day Cruises with Carnival

Get ready for a fun-filled St. Patrick's Day celebration complete with Irish-themed games, specialty drinks and food!

• Play Luck o' the Irish Bingo, St. Quackie's Day Duck Hunt and Trivia.
• Join the fun-filled St. Patrick's Day Party (18+ years of age)!
• Enjoy festive specialty drinks and an Irish entree and dessert at dinner.
• Pack your green and try your luck in the casino!

View 2024 St. Patrick's Day Cruises

View 2025 St. Patrick's Day Cruises

View 2026 St. Patrick's Day Cruises

Easter Cruises with Carnival

Enjoy family-friendly activities on Easter Sunday, including an egg hunt, bingo and non-denominational church service.

• Participate in the "Golden Egg Hunt" at sea! What could be inside?!?
• Try to win big with Carnival's Easter Egg-Stravaganza Bingo!
• Kids can attend the Family Easter Party and Easter Hop 'N' Stop!
• Attend a non-denominational Easter Service (*not on ships that are in their home port on Sunday).

View 2024 Easter Cruises (3/31/24)

View 2025 Easter Cruises (4/20/25)

View 2026 Easter Cruises (4/05/26)

Cinco de Mayo Cruises with Carnival

Celebrate a fun, festive May 5th with Carnival's non-stop fiesta at sea!

• Raise your margarita to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Fiesta Deck Party!
• Compete with friends in the Cinco de Mayo Scavenger Hunt.
• Enjoy Mexican-themed movies on Carnival's Seaside Theater!
• Kids will enjoy various themed youth activities.

View 2024 Cinco de Mayo Cruises

View 2025 Cinco de Mayo Cruises

View 2026 Cinco de Mayo Cruises

Mother's Day Cruises with Carnival

Make mom feel extra special with a Carnival cruise to celebrate Mother's Day with your entire family!

• Show your mom some love with a special Mother's Day Appreciation Event, including Mummy Wrapping, a Mother/Daughter or Mother/Son Look-a-Like Contest and "Message to Mom" recordings.
• Make a special Mother's Day Card at the onboard crafts workshop!
• Relax by the pool and enjoy Mom-themed movies at the Carnival Seaside Theater!
• Kids can participate in Mother's Day-themed youth activities.

View 2024 Mother's Day Cruises (5/12/24)

View 2025 Mother's Day Cruises (5/11/25)

View 2026 Mother's Day Cruises (5/10/26)

Father's Day Cruises with Carnival

Celebrate dad's day aboard a Carnival FUN ship, featuring dad-approved, family-friendly activities!

• Celebrate your dad with Carnival's "A Day with Dad Event" featuring the "Dress Mom Like Dad" competition and a Father/Daughter or Father/Son Look-a-Like Contest!
• With help from Carnival's craft team, make the perfect Father's Day Cards!
• Participate in Father's Day-themed trivia.
• Kids will enjoy Father's Day-themed youth activities.

View 2024 Father's Day Cruises (6/16/24)

View 2025 Father's Day Cruises (6/15/25)

View 2026 Father's Day Cruises (6/21/26)

Halloween Cruises with Carnival

Experience the spooks and frights of Halloween like never before aboard a "Frightfully Fun" Carnival cruise. For the entire month of October, Carnival's fleet will be crawling with special Halloween activities, experiences, and entertainment for all ages.

Halloween Activities aboard Carnival

• Enjoy a variety of spooky-themed activities including Halloween karaoke, trivia, scavenger hunts and bingo.
• Learn how to monster-mash like a pro in Halloween dance classes, then showcase your new moves at dance parties!
• Whether young or old, trick-or-treat to your heart's content with all ages trick-or-treating.
• Show off your frightening 'fit and compete against others in Carnival's costume contests.

Halloween Experiences with Carnival

• Learn how the pros transform ordinary pumpkins into spooky works of art!
• Become glued to the edge of your seat with "Horror Night" on the big screen... if you dare.
• Listen to live bands play sets of Halloween favorites throughout your voyage.

View 2024 Halloween Cruises

View 2025 Halloween Cruises

View 2026 Halloween Cruises

Ready for Your Holiday Cruise with Carnival?

For more information on holiday cruising with Carnival, call The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 to speak with one of our expert consultants!

* Onboard amenities, experiences, features and prices are subject to change without notice. Activities and availability vary by season and sail date. Information accurate at time of publication, but subject to change. Call 1-800-377-9383 to confirm current holiday experiences, pricing and availability.

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10 best cruise holidays and new cruises to book for 2023/2024

Glide glorious waters from costa rica to scotland with these popular cruising itineraries, article bookmarked.

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Longing for the hassle-free holiday of a lifetime? Drifting between continents on an all-in luxury cruise might just tick your boxes.

With imaginative dining options, world-class wellness amenities and memorable excursions on offer – on and offshore – multi-stop cruises blend cultural discovery and spectacular scenery with glamorous comfort.

Regular routes across the five oceans and seven continents include Caribbean classics , jaunts on the French Riviera and close-to-home cruises around the wonders of the British Isles .

From leisure cruises to Arctic expeditions and tall-ship sailings in Central America, there’s a bucket-list cruise holiday for everyone to access new waters.

Here’s the cream of the crop of cruising voyages to book this year, along with new itineraries and vessels making their inaugural journeys in 2024.

Think shiny new ships, reimagined Middle East itineraries and the  world’s largest cruise  vessel to ever take to the sea – read on to find out more.

Read more on cruises :

• 8 best river cruises in Europe, from the Douro to the Danube
• Inside (and onboard) the unstoppable trend of monster cruise ships
• How Scotland is leading the way for cruising

Doha to Mahe, Silversea

Departs: Doha, Qatar

Arrives: Mahe, Seychelles

For an unforgettable cruise on the Indian Ocean, board  Silversea’s  Silver Spirit on a 16-day voyage from glamorous Qatar to the alluring Seychelles . Cruisers will find winter sun from the Persian Gulf to Mahe’s cerulean seas sandwiched between unrivalled luxury amenities and fine dining on deck. Stops to take in Abu Dhabi’s soaring skyline, Muscat’s palm-fringed gardens and the colourful chaos of Mumbai and Cochin are dotted with complimentary onshore excursions, including snorkelling, desert safaris and temple tours.

Door-to-door prices start at £6,400pp – all inclusive of airport transfers, flights and food and beverages – for guests staying in vista suites featuring panoramic ocean views and cosy seating areas.

Departing 2 December 2024.

Costa Rica and Panama, Star Clippers

Departs: Balboa, Panama

Arrives: Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Feel the power of the wind under the traditional white sails of the Star Clipper tall ship on a seven-night yoga cruise docking at San Jose Island, the largest of Panama’s Pearl Islands; Golfita, Costa Rica’s most southern port town; and Manuel Antonio National Park in Quepos.

From £1,535pp guests can stay in an inside stateroom with en-suite – rates do not include on-board gratuities, air, hotel or transfer arrangements. Star Clipper’s Central America itineraries from Panama to Costa Rica sail from early December to late March with free daily yoga and meditation offered on select cruises.

Departing 2 December 2023.

Scenic isles of Scotland, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

Departs: Liverpool, UK

Arrives: Liverpool, UK

Cruise close to home with  Fred Olsen’s  voyage to the Scottish Isles departing from Liverpool on the Bolette. The five-night discovery of remote waters, islands and lochs calls at Lewis and Orkney for a taste of Scotland’s history at Neolithic sites such as the Ring of Brodgar. Duart Castle’s 17th-century stone, Fingal’s Cave and Iona Abbey are other cultural highlights of the hassle-free holiday on the water.

Securing one of Bolette’s 690 cabins will set Scotland enthusiasts back £1,699pp for a junior balcony suite kitted out with a private balcony, mini bar and sitting room.

Departing 3 May 2024.

In Search of the Northern Lights, Viking Cruises

Departs: Tilbury, London

Arrives: Bergen, Norway

If watching the waltz of the multicolour Northern Lights is at the top of your bucket list,  Viking Cruise’s  13-day “In Search of the Northern Lights” journey promises a deep dive into the wonders of the Norwegian Arctic and Sami culture. Five illuminating guided tours across the dramatic snowscapes of Norway’s most northern towns (Narvic, Tromsø and Alta) follow in the wake of Viking sailors, with opportunities to ride dog sledges and snowmobiles among the excursions on offer between scenic sails on the Norwegian Inside Passage.

The cruise is priced from £4,990pp to stay in a spacious veranda stateroom featuring king beds, premium toiletries, plush robes and slippers. Return flights, meals, beverages and gratuities are all included in the cost.

Departing 12 January 2024.

Antarctica Exploration, Seabourn

Departs: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrives: Ushuaia, Argentina

Seabourn’s 13-day “ Antarctica Exploration ” fuses penguins and snow storms with the passionate flare of Argentina. The expedition begins in Buenos Aires , before arriving in the wild white continent of Antarctica. Sensational scenery from the Aitcho Islands to the iceberg-peppered Antarctic Sound and the infamous cruise route, The Drake Passage, are an untouched oasis of natural beauty.

Priced at a cool £14,489pp for a veranda suite, multiple dining options, world-class entertainment and enrichment activities.

Departing 6 January 2024.

New for 2023/2024

Msc orchestra, msc cruises, saudi arabia and red sea.

As part of MSC’s new Middle East itineraries for winter 2023,  MSC Orchestra  departs Safaga, Luxor for a seven-night voyage to new port stops including Jeddah, Agaba and Sharm el-Sheikh. Travellers can cruise and fly from £959pp with full-board interior accommodation when cruising on 17 December 2023.

First departure from 26 November 2023.

Sun Princess, Princess Cruises 

Grand mediterranean voyage.

Sun Princess’  inaugural season and new 10-night Mediterranean itinerary are both on sale now. A ride on the new ship, accommodating 4,300 guests, from Rome to Corfu, Athens and Naples will set interior guests back £899pp.

Departing from 18 February 2024.

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Western caribbean and perfect day .

Arriving in 2024, Royal Caribbean’s  Icon of the Seas  will be the world’s largest cruise ship to take to the water – the ship even boasts the world’s largest waterpark at sea. A seven-night return trip from Miami with stops at Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico and CocoCay waterpark and beach club is priced from £1,750pp for an interior room.

Departing for its maiden voyage on 27 January 2024.

Vista, Oceania Cruises 

Jerusalem to athens.

The  Vista , Oceania’s first new ship for a decade, started sailing this summer with new on-shore excursions, imaginative dining concepts and a balcony for every room on offer to guests. Spend 11 days journeying from Jerusalem to Athens with visits to Cyprus, Turkey and Greece from £5,129pp.

Departing 1 June 2024.

Costa Serena, Costa Cruises 

Flavours of india.

Costa Cruises’  23 new domestic sailing routes begin in November 2023 with unique visits to Cochin, Mormugao, Goa and, for the first time, the Lakshadweep Islands. An eight-day return journey from Mumbai is priced from £716pp on the Costa Serena.

Departing 19 November 2023.

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We sold our homes to go on £27k-a-month cruise – it’s 13 WEEKS into ‘round the world’ trip but ship has not left Belfast

• Harry Goodwin
• Published : 10:11, 30 Aug 2024
• Updated : 14:40, 30 Aug 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

WORLD cruise passengers have told how they sold their homes for £27,000-a-month trip - but ship still hasn't left Belfast 13 weeks in.

The Odyssey was supposed to take passengers on an epic three-year tour of Europe, Asia and the Americas.

But the ship has been stuck in Belfast for three months after crew discovered problems with its rudders and gearbox.

Some of The Odyssey's passengers had sold all their possessions to pay between £75,000 and £700,000 for a cabin.

They now have to disembark from the ship at night and stay in local hotels.

Swedish pensioner Johan Bodin, 54, told the Mail : "We've had a good time but we didn't sign up for a ship to stay in one port."

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Huge cruise ship dubbed 'theme park at sea' to launch next year

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Johan has kept himself busy touring Belfast's pubs, visiting Giant's Causeway and trying fish and chips.

Holly Hennessy, 67, from Florida, told the Telegraph : "It hasn't felt like summer.

"It has been winter as far as I'm concerned. I'm used to the Florida sunshine. I had to go out and buy vitamin D tablets."

The Odyssey was built in 1993 and can hold more than 900 passengers.

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Operator Villa Vie Residences has sold cabins both for unlimited cruises and shorter ones lasting between 35 and 120 days.

Nine out of ten passengers reportedly plan to stay on board for the whole world cruise.

David Austin, from the US state of Georgia, said: "I was committed, having sold my house right before my arrival.

"I've stayed committed to this adventure with every delay."

Villa Vie Residences boss Mike Petterson said: "We came into Belfast from Edinburgh on our own power.

"We were confident that our beautiful Odyssey would fly through class surveys.

Cancelled cruises - know your rights

Heading on a cruise? Here's what to do if it gets cancelled and your rights for refunds and compensation.

How do I find out if my cruise has been cancelled?

Cruise liners should let you know as soon as possible if your cruise has been cancelled.

If it's cancelled on the day of the trip, you should be informed no later than 30minutes after the time you're scheduled to leave.

P& O is contacting all passengers who were due to visit the area.

What if my cruise is cancelled and I'm at the port?

If your trip has been cancelled and you're already at the port then the operator should provide you with free snacks, meals and refreshments, even if the reason it's been cancelled is due to bad weather.

What you're entitled to depends on how long the delay is.

The Department for Transport recommends that tea and water are appropriate refreshments for a delay of over four hours, followed by a snack or light meal.

If the delay goes over eight hours then a hot meal should be provided.

But food and drink will only be provided if the operator can get them to you reasonably, says ABTA.

This will depend on the facilities available at the port terminal or on board the ship, the time of day and how close the port is to local amenities.

The operator should also offer you free accommodation if the cancellation means you need to stay somewhere overnight, either on board the ship or ashore.

But it's also free to look at other options, such as paying for your trip home or asking you to make your own arrangements and offering to reimburse expenses.

The only time the ship does not have to offer this service is when the cruise has been cancelled due to bad weather, where the conditions might endanger the safety of the ship.

Can I get a refund or compensation if my trip doesn't go ahead?

If your cruise has been cancelled the operator should offer you the choice of either an alternative trip or a refund.

Unlike EU regulations that protect passengers from airline cancellations, there is no fixed amount of compensation owed to you in these kinds of situations.

You may be entitled to compensation through the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Act 2018.

You'll only be able to claim the cash if the tour operator is unable to put the trip right again.

And you won't get a payout if the cruise was cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances.

Will I get a refund if I cancel the cruise?

If you cancel your trip then you won't be able to claim compensation and you may have to pay a cancellation fee.

You might be able to claim your travel insurance depending on the policy, so it's worth checking the small print.

"We have since then been quite humbled by the scale of what it takes to reactivate a 30-year-old vessel from a 4-year layup.

"After the lapse of all classifications of class, we are now considering a new ship where all machinery and equipment must work as if new.

"We are having to do major works such as the rudder stocks, major steelwork and engine overhauls."

He claimed the ship was now in its last stages of departure, with sea trials coming next week.

He added: "We expect a very anticipated successful launch next week.

We've had a good time but we didn't sign up for a ship to stay in one port Johan Bodin Villa Vie Resident

"We will head to Bremerhaven, Amsterdam, Lisbon, then across the Atlantic for our Caribbean segment.

"We are extremely grateful for our residents who have stood by our side through the tough times.

"We have worked with our residents to provide hotels, cruises, shore excursions, trips to Tenerife and Liverpool.

"We are welcoming them for onboard visits where they can get their rooms ready and connect with crew and fellow residents.

"It is great to see the relationships building and the community bonding as we are looking forward to the next 15 years of discovery."

Founding partner Sebastian Stokkendal added that holidaymakers had access to shuttles to visit the ship during the day.

He said: "We have been serving food and drinks and offering some entertainment as well. "Additionally, we will rejoin our original itinerary as soon as we launch. While we will miss most of the Northern European segment due to being at the tail end of summer, we will add Northern Europe to the 2027 schedule. "The support we’ve received has been incredible, and it’s really fueling our excitement for what lies ahead. We’re counting down the days until we can finally launch and kick off this exciting adventure."

• Travel advice
• Northern Ireland
• United States

22 things to do on a cruise when it's rainy and cold

One of the best ways to spend a vacation is basking in the sun by a cruise ship pool with a frozen cocktail in hand. Sometimes, though, Mother Nature has other plans.

While we typically hope for sunny skies and warm breezes during a cruise, perfect weather is no guarantee. That doesn't mean you can't still enjoy your time at sea. Cruise ships provide almost limitless ways for passengers to enjoy their time on board — both outdoors and indoors.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

You can find plenty of ways to pass the time indoors, from working out and competing at trivia to perusing the shops and kicking back at a cafe. If you encounter cold and rainy conditions during your next cruise vacation, consider the following activities to fill your day with fun.

Cards or crossword puzzles are a good distraction from the bad weather outside. Try card games like rummy, blackjack and spades for two or more players. You might also find board games, crossword puzzles or jigsaw puzzles in the ship's library or lounge area. Cruisers aboard a Virgin Voyages ship can find a variety of board games in the Game Closet, just outside the arcade.

If you're a bridge enthusiast, you'll likely find ample opportunities to play bridge with fellow passengers. Some cruise lines, like MSC Cruises , Crystal and Cunard Line , offer lessons and games supervised by accredited bridge instructors.

Forgot to pack your own deck of playing cards? You'll likely find logo-branded decks of cards in one of the onboard shops, which can double as your cruise vacation souvenir.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with room service

Tuck into a plate of waffles or eggs Benedict and savor a cup of hot coffee while you're tucked in your cozy cabin bed. You can order via the room service number on your in-cabin phone. Additionally, some cruise line apps include a room-service feature that allows you to order food to be delivered almost anywhere on board.

Room service fees vary from line to line, but you'll likely enjoy no-fee room service if you sail on an upscale line like Cunard, Oceania Cruises , Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line . Disney Cruise Line also offers free room service.

Continental breakfast (think fruit, cereal, danishes, toast, bagels, muffins and yogurt) is often complimentary on some cruise lines like Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America . Other lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC and Celebrity Cruises , charge a fee for continental breakfast. Check out our line-by-line guide to in-cabin dining for everything you need to know about cruise ship room service.

Make use of your drink package

Create your own onboard bar crawl by visiting a few venues and sampling a new cocktail at each. Your watering hole tour can help familiarize you with the layout of your ship and might even reveal a new favorite hangout for the rest of your cruise.

Additionally, some lines offer wine and liquor-tasting events. Options include chocolate and liquor tastings on Disney ships, wine-tasting events with Royal Caribbean and martini-tasting flights at Carnival's Alchemy Bar.

Spoil yourself at the spa

Whether you purchase a thermal suite pass for the length of your cruise or book a single treatment from the ship's spa menu, you'll probably feel so relaxed you won't care what the weather is like outside.

A thermal suite is the section of the ship's spa that includes steam rooms, aromatic showers, thalassotherapy pools, whirlpools and/or heated tile loungers. Some of Norwegian Cruise Line's vessels feature a salt room in the thermal suite (salt crystals are believed to improve respiratory issues and skin problems). The Enclave thermal suite areas on Princess Cruises ' Royal Princess and Regal Princess tout a hammam, a Turkish-style bath with a marble bed for mud and salt treatments.

Related: The 7 best cruise ship spas

Belting out your favorite song in a room full of new friends is a great way to pass the time when less-than-ideal weather curtails your outdoor activities. Virgin Voyages sailings level up the karaoke experience with a designated karaoke lounge complete with private pink-and-purple karaoke rooms.

Play trivia

Showcase your knowledge of random facts or wow your shipmates with your level of "Harry Potter" fandom during a trivia game. The number of games throughout the day varies by cruise line, but there is usually at least one on the schedule daily. Many cruise lines offer prizes for trivia winners. I once earned Carnival's coveted "ship on a stick" thanks to my proficiency in cartoons.

Take a fitness class

What better way to chase away the chill of a rainy day than to work up a sweat? In addition to having a designated fitness center (included in your fare), most cruise lines offer a variety of group fitness classes. You'll find Pilates, yoga, spin classes, cardio boxing and boot camp-type classes aboard Norwegian, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, MSC and others.

The for-fee classes are led by certified instructors and are often scheduled throughout the day. Virgin Voyages is the outlier here, as all onboard fitness classes are free, but you will need to reserve a spot as soon as you board. (If you packed your legwarmers and neon headband, don't miss the '80s-themed workout .)

Related: Do cruise ships have gyms? Here's how to stay fit on a cruise

See a movie

While many lines feature large outdoor movie screens often situated by the ship's main pool area, some lines also have a traditional-style indoor theater.

For example, passengers aboard any Disney ship can enjoy first-run films in the art deco-style Buena Vista Theater. Cunard's ships — Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and the new Queen Anne — boast the Royal Court Theatre, which hosts film screenings (in addition to live performances and special lectures).

Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon are home to 187-seat IMAX Theaters, where passengers can immerse themselves in Hollywood blockbusters and compelling documentaries shown on a three-deck-tall screen. Moviegoers in Holland America's Wajang Theatre (on Volendam and Zaandam) can enjoy free popcorn with the show.

Warm up with a specialty coffee

If you've purchased a drink package for your cruise , it likely includes fancy coffees from the ship's onboard cafe or bistro. Even if you didn't, prices for specialty coffees on a cruise ship are in line with what you'd expect to pay on land (from around $3 to $5, depending on your coffee size and add-ins like syrup and extra espresso shots). Specialty coffees are included in your fare on luxury lines like Windstar, Viking and Oceania.

Browse the shops

While every cruise line is different, most cruise ships include shops offering duty-free cosmetics, liquor and jewelry, and cruise line-branded souvenir stores. Some vessels feature outposts of brand-name stores like Victoria's Secret, Coach and Kate Spade. Even if you don't want to buy, browsing can be a fun way to pass the time.

Attend a talk or lecture

Many cruise lines include some sort of lecture series as part of the itinerary. Experts speak on a variety of topics — from meditation and wellness to stargazing and history. Often, lecture subjects are designed to deepen or enhance your knowledge of the destinations you visit, offering insight into local culture, history or cuisine. Viking offers a robust lecture program, which provides insight into the art, music, geopolitics and nature of each port of call.

Attend an afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is a British tradition that can be enjoyed on many cruise ships. Luxury lines like Crystal, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas go all-out, with tea services that include freshly made pastries and finger sandwiches served on delicate china. Mainstream ships like Carnival offer a more casual affair in the main dining room. Most basic tea services are complimentary, though you can upgrade your experience with Champagne or other add-ons for a fee.

Take a dance class

Whether you have two left feet or want to level up your already-honed dancing skills, a dance lesson can be an excellent remedy for yucky weather. Cruise ship dance lessons are often free and can be found on various ships.

Cunard is known for its ballroom lessons set in a spacious and opulent ballroom aboard Queen Mary 2 and a smaller but equally spectacular ballroom on Queen Victoria. Cruisers on a Celebrity sailing can learn salsa, rumba or waltz moves from the line's professional dancers. Crystal typically offers group dance classes for all levels for free, but you can pony up for private lessons at $100 per class.

Enjoy arts and crafts time

Feeling creative? Many vessels host art classes and other crafty activities daily during your sailing.

Oceania's Artist Loft, on Marina and Riviera, is a designated studio space where an artist-in-residence offers workshops. Passengers on a Cunard sailing can take part in watercolor classes, art seminars and other activities. Classes are free, and art kits are available for purchase.

Additionally, Uniworld has an expert photographer or artist on board many of its river cruise sailings to lead complimentary classes for passengers. Royal Caribbean's "Arty Party" at Adventure Art, part of the kids' program, lets younger cruisers create culturally inspired projects that vary by itinerary.

Try an escape room

Some Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships feature an escape room experience. You must make a reservation, and it's an added-fee activity ($15 per person on Norwegian sailings and from $8.99 to $19.99 aboard Royal Caribbean ships).

Norwegian cruise ships that offer an escape room are Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Epic. You'll find escape rooms aboard several Royal Caribbean ships. They include Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas. The newest Royal Caribbean ship, Icon of the Seas, will also feature an escape room experience.

Read a book

I rarely travel without something to read, whether it's a physical book or one of the many unread e-books waiting for me on my Kindle. So, I'm all in for any excuse to dive into a good read.

I'll read anywhere, but a quiet nook or designated library space can provide an ideal backdrop to lose yourself in a book for an hour or so. During a November wine cruise aboard AmaWaterways' AmaPrima, I weathered a few cold and rainy days in the lounge's library nook, complete with a faux fireplace. I sipped wine and devoured the book I brought with me. It was heaven.

No book? No problem. Some cruise ships tout well-stocked libraries filled with books and magazines for every interest. Cunard bills itself as having the largest book collections at sea. The library shelves aboard Queen Mary 2 hold over 10,000 novels, so I'd say that claim is accurate.

Need book recommendations? Here are 19 books about travel worth considering.

Hit the casino

You'll find casinos on most mainstream cruise ships, including lines like Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian (except for Pride of America), MSC, Celebrity and Virgin Voyages.

A hub of excitement, the lively space will be chock-full of slot machines (sometimes hundreds of them) and gaming tables. Try your luck at blackjack, roulette, poker and other games. Tournaments and beginner lessons are often held on sea days.

Check out the arcade

I may be old school, but I could spend hours (and thousands of quarters) playing Galaga. Lucky for me (but maybe not my wallet), many mainstream ships feature extra-cost arcades. Often they're situated near high-trafficked areas like bars or casual dining venues. Just swipe your keycard, and it will charge the cost to play the game straight to your onboard account.

Several Royal Caribbean ships have Playmakers, the line's combination sports bar and arcade. It's situated along the Boardwalk on the line's Oasis Class vessels, but often in a tucked-away location on other ships.

Enjoy live music

Whether it's an acoustic guitarist near Latitudes Bar on Carnival Celebration or grand piano melodies in the Centrum of Royal Caribbean's Vision and Radiance Class ships, live music can elevate the ambience during a cold, rainy day.

Check your ship's activities newsletter or mobile app for live entertainment that's scheduled for the day.

Sign up for a cooking or mixology class

Depending on what cruise line you're sailing with, you might be able to sign up for a culinary class, chef demonstration or cocktail-making class.

Some Disney ships offer "Be Our Chef" cooking classes in the Palo kitchen, led by Palo chefs. On some Holland America and Regent Seven Seas cruises, you can learn French cooking techniques or acquire other culinary skills under the guidance of master chefs. Royal Caribbean cruisers can take a sushi-making class.

Mixology classes are also often available on Disney, Carnival, Cunard and other lines.

Relax by the ship's all-weather pool

Some cruise ships boast a covered pool area, ideal for a rainy-day swim.

On many Royal Caribbean ships, you'll find the Solarium, an indoor and outdoor retreat sheltered by a glass roof. The adults-only area features a pool, hot tubs and a relaxing bar and lounge area. Also named Solarium, the 18-plus area on board Celebrity's Solstice Class ships features heated hot tubs, comfy loungers and a lap pool. Cunard's Pavilion Pool on Queen Mary 2 is a golden-age-of-travel sanctuary.

The Pavilion aboard Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne (due to launch in May 2024), will also sport a retractable glass roof. The area will be home to a pool, three whirlpools, lounge chairs, a bar, a grill for food by the pool, a gelateria and a stage for entertainment.

Take an afternoon nap

Sometimes the best thing to do on a cold, rainy cruise day is absolutely nothing at all. Just hang that "do not disturb" sign on your cabin door, grab your sleeping mask and enjoy a little shut-eye. After all, what's a vacation without a lot of R&R?

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Inside the cruise ship Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey stranded in Belfast with three restaurants, five bars and a pool

The ship has three restaurants, five bars and lounges, a pool with two jacuzzis, a spa and fitness centre and a library.

Cruise ship passengers on a continuous round the world trip remain docked in Belfast more than three months on from their scheduled departure.

Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey was scheduled to leave Queen’s Island in the city in May issues with the rudders and gearbox have led to several delays.

More: Passengers on a continuous round the world cruise stranded in Belfast

According to the Villa Vie official itinerary, the cruise was supposed to stop at 425 destinations in 147 countries. Right now, at the end of August, passengers should be sailing around France and Belgium.

Registered Nursing and Midwifery has highest vacancy rate of HSCNI

Relics of St Bernadette to visit Ireland

However, while the ship remains in dry dock in Belfast there seems to be plenty to keep the passengers occupied.

Passengers have the choice between pay-as-you-go and ownership options.

Under ownership, residents can ‘own a villa’ and ‘customise’ the living space. Owning means residents have a villa guaranteed for 15 years and it starts at $99,000 (£77,696).

Friends and family can join residents on the cruise at a cost of $129 (£102) a day

Those unable or unwilling to make such a commitment could book shorter spells onboard, from 35 to 120 days.

The ship itself features eight decks with three restaurants, five bars and lounges, a pool with two Jacuzzis, a spa and fitness centre and a library.

There is also private offices and conference spaces onboard, meaning those who work ‘remotely’ can take it to the extreme can work online from anywhere in the world.

Passengers can even master their swing in a cutting-edge simulator, then take it to the real world on stunning courses.

There is even an onboard golf store with everything from the latest clubs and tech to attire.

Passengers even have access to an onboard hair salon onboard during the three and a half year trip.

Passengers don’t have to live on board the entire time, but 30 days’ notice must be given before re-joining.

The 924-passenger, 25,000 GRT vessel is able to reach parts of the world that larger ships cannot access.

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The ship’s flatter hull which enables her to navigate inland waterways and rivers too.

In October 2019 (sailing as The Braemar), she became the longest ship ever to transit the Corinth Canal.

Mayor welcomes stranded cruise passengers to Belfast City Hall

Passengers on a continuous round the world cruise stranded in Belfast

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Why a family cruise is an economical holiday for all ages

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Passengers bought berths on a 3-year cruise. Months on, the ship is still stuck in Belfast

BELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) — Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin gave up life on land to become seaborne nomads on a years-long cruise.

Months later, the couple has yet to spend a night at sea. Their ship, the Odyssey, is stuck in Belfast undergoing repair work that has postponed its scheduled May departure for a 3 ½-year round-the-world voyage.

Bodin said Friday that they have enjoyed their pit stop in the Northern Ireland capital, but “when we’d visited every pub and tried and every fish and chips place and listened to all the places that have Irish music, then we were ready to go elsewhere.”

“We’re ready to set sail, for sure,” added Canen.

Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey is the latest venture in the tempest-tossed world of continuous cruising.

It offers travelers the chance to buy a cabin and live at sea on a ship circumnavigating the globe. On its maiden voyage, it is scheduled to visit 425 ports in 147 countries on seven continents. Cabins – billed as “villas” — start at $99,999, plus a monthly fee, for the operational life of the vessel, at least 15 years. Passengers can also sign up for segments of the voyage lasting weeks or months.

Marketing material, aimed at adventurous retirees and restless digital nomads, touts “the incredible opportunity to own a home on a floating paradise,” complete with a gym, spa, putting green, entertainment facilities, a business center and an “experiential culinary center.”

But first, the Odyssey has to get out of the dock.

It’s now at Belfast’s Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the doomed RMS Titanic was built more than a century ago.

Villa Vie Residences’ marketing manager Sebastian Stokkendal said the company had been “humbled by the scale of what it takes to reactivate a 30-year-old vessel from a four-year layup.”

He said that after work on the rudder shafts, steel work and engine overhauls, the ship is almost ready to depart.

“We expect a very anticipated successful launch next week where we will head to Bremerhaven, Amsterdam, Lisbon, then across the Atlantic for our Caribbean segment,” he said in an email to The Associated Press.

In the meantime, the company has been paying living expenses for about 200 passengers. They are allowed onto the ship during the day and provided with meals and entertainment, but can’t stay overnight. The cruise line has paid for hotels in Belfast and in other European cities for those who want to explore more of Europe while they wait.

Passenger Holly Hennessey from Florida told the BBC she can’t leave Northern Ireland because of her shipmate – her cat, Captain.

She said that at first “I thought I’d go home, or the ship sent some people to the Canary Islands. And then I found out that because I have my cat with me, I can’t even leave.”

“I want to thank Belfast for being so welcoming to all of us,” she said.

Bodin and Canen – a Swede and an American who met when both lived in Hawaii -- have used the time to travel to Italy, Croatia and Bodin's hometown in Sweden, where they are awaiting news of the Odyssey.

Canen plans to run her Arizona-based auto-glass business from the ship. Bodin, a carpenter, is running a YouTube channel documenting the couple’s temporarily stalled journey.

Built in 1993 and operated under different names by several cruise lines over the years before being becalmed by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the Odyssey was bought by Villa Vie Residences in 2023.

The residential cruising business has proved a troubled one. MS The World, launched in 2002, is currently the only vessel of the type in operation. Another venture, Life at Sea, canceled its planned 3-year voyage late last year after failing to secure a ship.

Canen and Bodin put down a deposit on Life at Sea – they got their money back – and also gambled on Victoria Cruises, another stalled venture from which they are still seeking a refund.

But they are undeterred.

“We might be crazy, stupid, naive or resilient,” Bodin said. “I don’t know, you can put any label on it that you want.”

Lawless reported from London.

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