Christmas and New Year on Cunard: What to expect onboard
If you’re considering spending Christmas or New Year at sea, a Cunard festive cruise offers a very different way to celebrate. Rather than leaving the traditions of Christmas behind, Cunard brings plenty of festive atmosphere onboard, with seasonal entertainment, special dining and celebrations for both adults and children. And, of course, there’s the added bonus of waking up somewhere new and having beautiful ports to explore along the way.
Christmas onboard Cunard
Cunard ships are transformed for the festive season, with extensive Christmas decorations throughout the ship, seasonal flowers and festive lighting.
There are plenty of seasonal touches too, including Christmas cards and gifts for guests, as well as a gingerbread village display.
Entertainment is also given a festive makeover, with Christmas productions, carol performances and themed live entertainment. Christmas films are available in the cinema, while religious services are also held throughout the festive season.
Festive dining
Food is, of course, a big part of Christmas, and Cunard has special menus and dining experiences planned for the festive period.
Guests can expect festive menus in the restaurants, traditional Christmas crackers and a special Christmas Day dinner. Seasonal cocktails and festive drinks are also available throughout the celebrations.
For guests staying in Grill Suites, there are additional festive touches, including a Christmas Day Grill Suites Afternoon Tea and dedicated festive menus.
Christmas for families
A Cunard Christmas isn't just about the adults. There are plenty of festive experiences for children and families too.
You can expect Santa's arrival, gifts from Santa, letters from Santa and Christmas carol concerts. There is also a special Captain's reading on Christmas Eve and family Christmas movie screenings.
So while Cunard has a reputation for its more traditional and elegant style of cruising, there are plenty of opportunities for younger guests to get involved in the Christmas celebrations too.
New Year at sea
Once Christmas is over, the festive celebrations continue into New Year.
There are special New Year's Eve and New Year's Day menus, festive decorations and a traditional New Year's Eve party.
New Year's Eve includes a Gala Night celebration, with parties taking place across multiple venues and live music throughout the evening. As midnight approaches, countdown clocks are displayed around the ship before the celebrations begin.
There are also some lovely little touches, including New Year's hats at dinner and complimentary party favours.
Christmas and New Year with a difference
One of the things I particularly like about the idea of spending Christmas on Cunard is that it isn't simply Christmas away from home.
You still have the traditions, the festive food, the decorations and the celebrations you'd expect, but you're doing it all while travelling somewhere new.
Imagine enjoying Christmas Day dinner onboard and then waking up to a completely different destination, or dressing up for New Year's Eve before watching the countdown from a ship at sea.
It's a very different way to spend the festive season, but for families, couples and multigenerational groups, it could make Christmas and New Year particularly memorable.
Cunard's festive programme is available across Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne, with different itineraries available during the Christmas and New Year period.
If you're thinking about a festive cruise, I can help you compare the different Cunard sailings, ships and itineraries to find the right one for you.
Call or WhatsApp: 01403 473833
anna.murrell@travelcounsellors.com
