Holidays at Sea

Written by Smith Jones    Tuesday, 19 February 2008

Christmas is a terrific time of year to take a cruise. Holidays at sea are becoming so popular that more than 75 ships are scheduled for year-end voyages from U.S. ports. You can expect the works---glittering decoration, lavish holiday meals, a Santa for the children, caroling by the crew, and nondenominational Christmas services. We’ve selected a range of Christmas cruises that seem especially interesting. All may be booked through your travel agent. If you’re flexible, you can probably find a cruise at a discount, especially in the last weeks before departure. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Princess Cruises’ brand-new Crown Princess, leaves Fort Lauderdale on December 22 for seven days in the Caribbean, stopping at Nassau, Grand Carmen/Cozumel, then heads back to Fort Lauderdale. We predict that this baby’s first Christmas will be memorable ($1,575-$2,985, including round-trip air fare from major U.S. cities). The Mississippi Queen promises an “old-fashioned holiday with a Victorian theme” (see “Pride of the Mississippi,” June 1990). The refurbished riverboat, operated by the Delta Queen Steamboat Co., sails from New Orleans December 22 for a seven-night cruise up the Mississippi. Great old plantation houses will be decked out in holiday finery ($995-$3,500). Regency Cruises offers three Christmas cruise. The Regent Sun will depart San Juan December 23 for a seven-day sail, stopping at Grenada, Barbados, Martinique, Marie Galante, ant St. Thomas. The Regent Sun will sail from Fort Lauderdale December 19 on a nice-day cruise with stop at St. Thomas, St. Barts, Barbados, Marie Galante, Martinique, St. Martin, and San Juan. The regent Star sets sail on a seven-day cruise from Montego Bay December 23, stopping at Ocho Rios , partially transiting the Panama Canal, then calling at Costa Rica and Grand Cayman. Regency’s holiday cruises cost $1,095-$2,815. Crystal Cruise’ beautiful new Crystal Harmony offers 11 days of yuletide luxury on a trip around the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal and up to Acapulco. It departs from San Juan on December 16. $2,860-$11,165. Another trans-canal voyage is offered on Royal Cruise Line’s Golden Odyssey. Passengers ship, which attracts couples looking for a pleasant low-key gateway. The 12-day voyage leaves San Juan on December 21. Fares are $3,278-$6,858, but there’s a 20 –percent discount if you reserve by October 1. For those who yearn for more exotic waters, the Royal Viking Line’s Royal Viking Sea leaves December 21 for a 19-day cruise from Bangkok for Sydney, with stops at Singapore, Semarang, Bali, Perth, and Melbourne. Expect elegant celebrations and decorations---this ship’s service, accommodations, entertainment, and food are all top class ($5,130-$18,145 per person, includes airfare from the West Coast---add-on airfares for the rest of the United States are $250 or $350---and a choice of land packages in Bangkok or Sydney).

Last Updated ( Saturday, 23 February 2008 )