CHRIS WONG Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 What are your thoughts on cruising during the Christmas Holidays? From a crew members point of view, it is by far the busiest time of the year. The ships are near enough full capacity every week, and there are a lot more activities to do onboard compared to the rest of the year. I personally really enjoy being onboard for New Years Eve. Do you think the ships are too busy, or does this contribute to the overall atmosphere? Razorrayy, RCIfan1912 and markinct 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princevaliantus Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 6 minutes ago, CHRIS WONG said: What are your thoughts on cruising during the Christmas Holidays? From a crew members point of view, it is by far the busiest time of the year. The ships are near enough full capacity every week, and there are a lot more activities to do onboard compared to the rest of the year. I personally really enjoy being onboard for New Years Eve. Do you think the ships are too busy, or does this contribute to the overall atmosphere? Let's just say this is the FIRST and hopefully the LAST time I missed cruising for the holidays. Been doing it since I was 14 years of age and find it odd to be home. Ogilthorpe, RCIfan1912, Ian T and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristiZ Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 We cruised over Christmas and New Years for the first time three years ago and are sold on doing it every year! We love the festive decorations and special events. Ogilthorpe, Ian T, Neesa and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 I love sailing during the Holidays. I was very disappointed when it was announced that Grandeur would no longer do the 12 night Christmas + NY cruise, but of course, all of that is moot for this year, as it turns out. I love simplifying my Holiday schedule and I love the decorated and festive ship(s). I will miss it this year. Luckily, we had the big move that has distracted us from it thus far. markinct, Ogilthorpe, RCIfan1912 and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 For us, Christmas is for family, and there's a lot of us, so that will always be best at home. However, we went on our first New Year's cruise in 2018 and while it was pricey, it definitely won't be our last. We loved it and we were totally planning another one before this covid mess. We'll have to see what we can squeeze down the road. And @CHRIS WONG, that New Year's cruise on Indy was where we had a chance to meet you! Neesa, RCIfan1912, Jax and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zacharius Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 You couldn't pay me enough to cruise during a major holiday or even a summer school break. My wife and I purposely travel during the times there are likely to be as few kids/families as possible. PaulRC and USFFrank 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USFFrank Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 Would cruising during the early weeks of December count? If so yes, I've been on 4 of those (woulda, coulda, shoulda been 5 this year). The decorations are up and there's some Holiday programs being done. Ian T 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen2 Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 Agree with most: Holiday-themed cruises are just special. Time for family, special shows, decorations, great memories and family photos. New Year's Eve on a ship rivals anything we can think of! Ian T 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian T Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 We are planning on taking our first December cruise in the lead up to Christmas 2021. Whilst we will not be on board on Christmas Day itself we are flying across the pond to take a 12-night out of Bayonne, returning on Christmas Eve and then spending Christmas Day in New York (ever since Home Alone 2 was released my wife has been really keen to spend Christmas in a NY hotel ). Our boys will be 19 and 24 and are both in seemingly serious relationships so we suspect it may be the last time we holiday together as a family. USFFrank, markinct and WAAAYTOOO 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian T Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 1 hour ago, Zacharius said: You couldn't pay me enough to cruise during a major holiday or even a summer school break. My wife and I purposely travel during the times there are likely to be as few kids/families as possible. I am usually with you on this, but to @Allen2's point, Christmas is special in our household too so I am happy to break my own rule... but only for this one time of the year mind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zacharius Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 1 hour ago, Ian T said: I am usually with you on this, but to @Allen2's point, Christmas is special in our household too so I am happy to break my own rule... but only for this one time of the year mind! No problem, you can have our room - sounds miserable to me! Ian T 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxrunner Posted December 16, 2020 Report Share Posted December 16, 2020 We had a great time on the New Years cruise. The price makes it tough to repeat. I know Royal has a good loyalty program but just an idea, Royal double points for the Holidays. Trust me I understand in the capitalist system it should be no points for the Grinch season, but one can hope. markinct 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Jensen Posted December 17, 2020 Report Share Posted December 17, 2020 We have really enjoyed our Christmas cruises in the past, having withdrawals this year. Booked a southern caribbean for 21 that will include both Christmas and New Years, can't wait. Jax 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted December 17, 2020 Report Share Posted December 17, 2020 We have a B2B on Symphony booked for Dec 21 that will cover both Christmas and NY. 16 days, total. Neesa, Jax, markinct and 2 others 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WannaCruise Posted December 17, 2020 Report Share Posted December 17, 2020 First one scheduled for 2021. Fingers crossed we get to experience a cruise over xmas. WAAAYTOOO and Hoski 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe01 Posted December 17, 2020 Report Share Posted December 17, 2020 Christmas itself - probably not. I do like to spend that day with family and having all of the Christmas traditions. Just not compatible with being on a ship. As for the Christmas holidays - absolutely! Outside of Christmas Day, I find the 2-3 weeks off as dull as dishwater and as it's freezing cold for several months in Scotland, I'd love to do a New Year's cruise. I reckon that would be great fun and a perfect opportunity for some much needed winter sun. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 17, 2020 Report Share Posted December 17, 2020 We loved experiencing the magic of Christmas on Anthem last year and would definitely cruise again over the holidays. Yes it’s pricey, but Christmas is a good time for hubby and our son to get away. I would love to try a cruise over Christmas & New Years. Hoski 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 17, 2020 Report Share Posted December 17, 2020 21 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: We have a B2B on Symphony booked for Dec 21 that will cover both Christmas and NY. 16 days, total. I just said I would love to cruise over Christmas and New Years....but as you point out it likely means a B2B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted December 17, 2020 Report Share Posted December 17, 2020 32 minutes ago, Jax said: I just said I would love to cruise over Christmas and New Years....but as you point out it likely means a B2B. Even before the "global pause" in cruising, I think that Royal had eliminated every one of their extended Christmas + NY cruises. I really think it is b/c they know they can sell 2 expensive cruises vs 1 expensive cruise. Now it's B2B or nothing ! Secret: I booked Holiday cruises on Empress for a VERY good price and then L&S them to Symphony. Saved around 70%. What a deal ! Glad I did it while I still could. No more Empress (or Majesty) L&S ! Jax, twangster, JLMoran and 4 others 4 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: I think that Royal had eliminated every one of their extended Christmas + NY cruises. I really think it is b/c they know they can sell 2 expensive cruises vs 1 expensive cruise. Completely agree. Holidays carry a premium. Why sell just one premium cruise when you can sell two premium cruises? markinct and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kadmgs Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 We should be leaving on one tomorrow ... L&S'd it to Dec. '21. Hoski 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haf Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 Two years ago, we took a cruise from Miami and the best thing was we got down there a day after christmas and started our new year's eve on Dec 29. Nothing beats the overall festive mood onboard. Best cruise ever! WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulRC Posted December 19, 2020 Report Share Posted December 19, 2020 I would do a New Years trip but not Christmas. To me Christmas is more of a family time thing, plus would Santa still find me on a ship??? WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxrunner Posted December 20, 2020 Report Share Posted December 20, 2020 On 12/19/2020 at 8:07 AM, PaulRC said: I would do a New Years trip but not Christmas. To me Christmas is more of a family time thing, plus would Santa still find me on a ship??? If you believe you shall receive. PaulRC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonL Posted December 20, 2020 Report Share Posted December 20, 2020 I would LOVE to try out a Christmas and/or New Years cruise. The price has to be right though, it is so spendy those weeks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda R Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 I don't travel over Christmas holiday. Too busy and too many kids. But I do l love the decorations they have at that time, so always cruise first 2 weeks in December. Santa is on ship and all the decorations. And also is an inexpensive time to travel. Hoski and USFFrank 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattymay Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 Want to try one, just need to convince the wife we don't need to see the rest of her family on Xmas day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyC Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 We like them in December...but not Christmas week since we have to fly to cruise. Early in the month gets you all the benefits of the holiday sailings without all of the hassles of holiday travel. RWDW1204 and USFFrank 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChessE4 Posted December 22, 2020 Report Share Posted December 22, 2020 We took a couple when our son was younger, and we enjoyed them. We found that the staff really took an interest in making the cruise a delight for children. However, we also missed going to church. Now that we are retired and son has moved away, we don't go to church as much and will consider Christmas cruises. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FManke Posted December 23, 2020 Report Share Posted December 23, 2020 Is it a cruise? Then YES! teddy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KJ1231 Posted December 24, 2020 Report Share Posted December 24, 2020 2018 we did a cruise out of Tampa for a New Year's eve cruise. We were 24 hours late leaving Tampa due to fog so skipped Grand Cayman. Highlight was when captain pulled the ship up close to Cozumel and we could see the fireworks all along the coast while the captain laid on the horn.......... Like others, we have a relatively large family so being away Christmas day is not likely to happen..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRIS WONG Posted December 24, 2020 Author Report Share Posted December 24, 2020 Seasons Greetings everyone! I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas! Hopefully this time next year, we can be back at sea for the Holidays. RickinSTL, teddy, FoxboroCruiser and 3 others 3 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs. RoyalMoyal Posted December 25, 2020 Report Share Posted December 25, 2020 I hope we can be at sea for the Holidays in 2001, because we are booked! WannaCruise 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mworkman Posted December 25, 2020 Report Share Posted December 25, 2020 46 minutes ago, Mrs. RoyalMoyal said: I hope we can be at sea for the Holidays in 2001, because we are booked! Did you get a time machine for Christmas? Back to the Past! It’s catchy USFFrank, WAAAYTOOO and Mrs. RoyalMoyal 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGus Posted December 28, 2020 Report Share Posted December 28, 2020 We cruise every other year over Christmas, the odd year when our grandson does not visit. Our first one was when our children were around 15 years old and it was I can buy you the normal junk or I can take you on this nice vacation on a cruise ship. They voted and the cruise won. They loved it. It is probably the most expensive week to cruise, certainly one of them, but then so is every other vacation spot. Can't wait to take the grand children! teddy, Hoski and cruisellama 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisellama Posted December 28, 2020 Report Share Posted December 28, 2020 We would if we could get all the kids and grandkids to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs. RoyalMoyal Posted December 28, 2020 Report Share Posted December 28, 2020 On 12/25/2020 at 5:10 PM, mworkman said: Did you get a time machine for Christmas? Back to the Past! It’s catchy 2021... lord have mercy! yes, we look forward to next Christmas, and we are in the process of lift-and-shifting Easter... thanks to Sharla at MEI. She is great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillip Diamond Plus Posted December 28, 2020 Report Share Posted December 28, 2020 We have really enjoyed 2 cruises during Christmas on Royal Caribbean ships! Before our first Christmas cruise, we had trepidations about whether we might miss out on the spirit of Christmas. (We are Christian). But with the plethora of beautiful Christmas decorations, the Christmas music and carols, and even Santa and elves on board, we felt filled with the holiday spirit. Note: But the Santa that surfed on Freedom of the Seas looked a little too thin. Ha WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRIS WONG Posted December 31, 2020 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2020 Hopefully in 2021, we will all be back on a cruise ship at some point. Happy New Year everyone! cruisellama, KWong, Traveler and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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