If you haven’t decided what to do yet for Christmas and New Year, then why not consider a cruise? MSC Cruises offers last-minute festive getaways that take the stress out of the season. No cooking, no hosting – just festive fun, exceptional food, and unforgettable memories at sea. And if you’ve already got one booked, here is everything you can expect this Christmas onboard MSC Cruises. Plus, check out our review of MSC Cruises Virtuosa Yacht Club here!
Festive Fun Onboard MSC Cruises
Guests can enjoy a curated selection of seasonal activities designed for all ages, including:
Santa’s Extravaganza
A special festive event exclusively for children 11 years and younger, where they can meet Santa and receive a gift from the one and only Santa Claus onboard.
MasterChef Family Christmas Edition
Families take part in a fun, festive cooking challenge inspired by the MasterChef at Sea experience.
Guinness World Record: Family Christmas Edition
A lively onboard competition to try and beat festive-themed records together as a family.
Winter Wonderland Family Christmas Event
Step into a holiday village atmosphere with themed décor, music, and seasonal activities for all ages.
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Join the Cruise and Youth Teams (alongside mascots Doremi & LEGO Sailor) for the ship’s official Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Destinations for Every Festive Mood – Book your Festive Getaway
Whether you prefer a traditional winter wonderland or a sunny escape, MSC Cruises has options for every traveller:
- Northern Europe – Sail from Southampton and explore charming Christmas markets in Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Bruges, with twinkling lights, seasonal treats, and festive shopping.
- Caribbean – Celebrate Christmas in the sun, and snorkel or relax at Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas.
- Mediterranean – Enjoy the magic of European Christmas markets with a Mediterranean twist. Wander through Rome’s festive squares, sip mulled wine in Naples, or stroll the illuminated streets of Barcelona, combining cultural charm with holiday cheer.
- Canary Islands – Soak up winter sun on a warm-weather escape to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and more. Think golden beaches, volcanic landscapes, and festive evenings under star-filled skies.
Christmas at Sea – from £879
- 8-night sailing on MSC Poesia departing Southampton, 19 December, visiting Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge & Le Havre.
- Bonus: Free Bon Voyage package with prosecco & strawberries.
Canary Islands Winter Sun – from £699
- Fly from Birmingham to join MSC Musica in the Canaries for a 7- night cruise on 7 December from £699 per person
- Experience Christmas with some winter sun on board MSC Musica in the canaries for 7 nights on 19 December from £1,329pp
- Ports include Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Gran Canaria & Madeira.
Caribbean Winter Escape – from £2,067
- Fly to Barbados on the 23 December and sail for 14 nights on MSC Virtuosa
- Explore St Lucia, Grenada, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Tortola, St Maarten, Antigua & St Kitts
