Do you also feel like the year has already passed in the blink of an eye and can’t believe it’s already December? No worries, it’s still possible to kick off 2025 with a trip, even if it’s just a short cruise before the holiday rush. If you’re also wondering about the Best Cruise Destinations in the World in 2025, then there are many options available for you to explore! We’ve prepared a list of destinations near and far that will help you to plan your dream trip. Let’s be real, the idea of unlimited shrimp and stunning coastlines is more than enough to tempt you. Think about the seasonal activities, festive decorations, and many delicious treats to cover.
Whether you’re dreaming about a festive Caribbean adventure with Mickey on a Disney cruise or seeking an intimate and luxurious experience on the European river cruise, then there is something for every type of traveler within their budget.
Disney Cruise
Disney Cruise Line enhances the holiday joy with its Merrytime Cruises. It departs from California, Florida, and Texas, and visits places such as the Bahamas and the western Mexico. Each ship is adorned with festive decorations which also includes a giant 24-foot Christmas tree, and also offers fun and enjoyable holiday activities and shows throughout your trip.
On your Disney trip you will get to see many Disney characters dressed in holiday outfits. And the best part? Santa Claus will also make an appearance on many of the cruises. If your journey stops at Castaway Cay, or Disney’s private island then it is the best, why? Because you will find even more holiday things, such as Christmas trees and fake snow, interesting isn’t it?
But wait, the fun doesn’t stop here! There are many more things to explore in your Disney cruise journey. The ship will also cover special areas such as the Grand Hall, which shines like a heaven with holiday decorations, and many exclusive characters will meet-and-greets with you dressed in festive clothes. There’s more for you! Disney Wish will also offer you themed dining experiences such as the Frozen-themed Arendelle restaurant and the Marvel-inspired Worlds of Marvel. This journey will make it an unforgettable holiday adventure for your families. From holiday shows to exciting surprises, Disney Wish will take Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruises to the whole new level.
Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise
Do you also love Hallmark and the holiday season? Then this will be the best cruise for you. Hallmark is going to have its first Christmas Cruise, departing from Miami to the Bahamas. It is a four-night base cruise that will offer you an exciting holiday-themed experience.
On this thrilling trip, you might get the chance to meet your favorite Hallmark stars. The cruise trip will also include many fun activities such as star panels, photo opportunities, and Christmas craft workshops. You will also get to enjoy the best wine tasting experience with Hallmark’s winemaker.
What more? There will be plenty of holiday fun activities for you which includes cookie decorating, carol-oke” singalongs, and an ugly sweater contest. If you are also a fan of hallmark then we bet this is gonna be your truly “happiest vacation ever”.
Windstar Cruises
Do you also dream of a sunny island vacation? Then here’s the best for you! This holiday is in paradise with your dream vacation in the sunny islands of Tahiti. Set sail just before Christmas night. The cruise departs from Papeete, Tahiti, and visits incredible islands such as Raiatea, Moorea, Motu Mahea (Tahaa), Bora Bora, and Huahine. The best thing? In Bora Bora you can enjoy a special evening dinner under the stars under the traditional Polynesian fire dancing at the Windstar Destination Discovery Event.
If you are planning a longer European holiday in 2025 then the Winter in Spain and the Rivieras offer you a 14-day adventure from Spain, Malaga, to Rome, starting from December 13 aboard the cozy Star Legend. This cruise will include stops in France, Spain, Italy, and Gibraltar. You will also get the chance to see the famous landmarks such as Michelangelo’s David sculpture in Florence. Moreover you can explore the Roman theater in Cartagena, Spain. In your trip they will also provide a chance to taste wines from Spain’s Andalusia and Italy’s Tuscany region along with traditional dishes such as bouillabaisse in France.
On both of the cruises, the holiday activities are all around with Christmas trees, festive cocktails, decorations, and special holiday treats. You can enjoy your Christmas like a holiday movie, a Christmas service, a gala tea, and a Christmas Eve dinner.
What’s more? Christmas morning will bring you more celebrations with a Yuletide afternoon tea and a lighthearted Christmas dinner, and plenty of shows to end the night.
Celebrity Cruises
Have you ever imagined your Christmas with a celebrity? Celebrate your Christmas Holiday with Celebrity’s 2024 New Zealand Holiday cruise at the Celebrity Edge. This cruise includes the 3-night round-trip cruise that will leave Sydney on December 20, 2024, and will stop at 7 places within five days at sea. After celebrating the New Year at New Zealand’s Bay of Islands and Sydney, the guests will get off from the ship on January 2, 2025.
If you rather want to celebrate in the Mediterranean, then here’s the good news for you! The Celebrity Cruises will also offer a 12-night cruise to Morocco, Canary Islands, and Spain. It will start just before Christmas in 2024, departing from Barcelona on Celebrity Infinity. The cruise will include stops such as Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco’s Casablanca and three Canary Islands, Spain, and Malaga.
On both cruises, you will get to enjoy festive fun with Christmas trees, Christmas shows, special holiday meals, carolers, gingerbread villages, and also a visit from Santa.
The bars will also serve up holiday drinks which include spiked apple cider, and mulled wine. So if you’re planning a New year Holiday then join the big celebration on New Year’s Eve with fellow travelers as you count down to 2025!
Christmas On the Rhine
Do you want to explore local towns and markets on your trip? Then here is the holiday season for you! Viking River Cruises or Christmas on the Rhine cruise offers throughout November and December 2024,
This river cruise will take guests on the trip from Amsterdam to Basel, and Switzerland. It will also include stops like Germany, Netherlands, and France. Moreover, throughout the journey you will also get to explore some of the most famous European Christmas markets, where you can shop for beautiful handcrafted gifts, sample regional delicacies, and enjoy festive treats,
This 7-day trip is the best way to delve into the Christmas spirit, with many opportunities to explore beautifully decorated markets and enjoy their local traditions in towns and cities.
Whether you’re exploring market stalls locally, indulging in holiday pastries, or sampling mulled wine at Strasbourg, the Christmas on the Rhine cruise will offer you a best festive experience filled with christmas cheer and holiday magic.
Holland America Line
Last but not the least on the list is Holland America Line. If you’re searching for a holiday getaway, then the Holland America Line offers a great option. This 10-day cruise, sailing from San Diego on December 18, 2024. It will take you to beautiful Hawaiian destinations such as Hilo, Honolulu, Kona, and Kahului on Maui. Moreover, along the way, you will also get to witness a scenic cruise past the Kilauea Volcano and Ensenada, Mexico.
If you are looking for a more adventurous and longer holiday, then the 28-day Far East and Indonesian Holiday Collector cruise will be the best option for you. It will depart from Hong Kong and will explore exotic locations such as Bangkok in Thailand, Halong Bay in Vietnam, and Komodo Island in Indonesia to witness the famous Komodo dragons.
On Christmas Day, the ship will sail at Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia. Moreover, on New Year’s Eve, you will be in Semarang, Indonesia, where you can get to visit the historic Borobudur temple.
There will be no shortage of festive fun. It will have Christmas tree lighting, Christmas concerts, Santa’s arrival, and special meals for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There will also be a New Year’s Eve party with candle lighting and delicious treats. So if you are planning for a longer trip, then don’t miss this out!
Final Thoughts
There are so many Best Cruise Destinations in the World in 2025, and each of them has something best to offer. If you want to soak up the sun, then there are tropical cruises for you where you can sit and relax on beautiful beaches.
But If you are planning to explore them there are many cruises available that will take you to the best places such as the Panama Canal and the historic European cities with festive Christmas vibes.
If you ask my favourite one then definitely it will be Disney Cruise. It is the best option for families. It has all the Disney magic you can imagine, and plenty of holiday activities. It will be a great choice for making the best and special memories with your loved ones.
No matter which cruise you opt for, it will be a memorable experience full of relaxation, fun, and excitement. So, pack your bags, and don’t forget to bring your holiday spirit, and be ready for the best adventure of a lifetime!