Of course, the idea of cruising may not appeal to everyone. It’s often pigeonholed as glamorous and consequently expensive, or as something suited to the “oldies” or the unadventurous.
It’s time these myths were debunked. You certainly won’t only find retirees aboard; there are plenty of families and what’s more, underage children often travel free or at minimal cost. This makes cruising an economically viable option for a family compared to a holiday spent on “terra firma”. Plus, there are plenty of activities, play areas, pools and services dedicated to the kiddies.
Celebrating the festive season at sea - whether with your significant other, your family or with a group of frolicsome friends - will surely make your holidays even more special and exciting.
Downunder, the Christmas period is peak season and availability may be a problem so it pays to secure the best cabins and itineraries well in advance.
Online sites make it easy to compare cruise companies and find which one best suits your needs. You could spend Christmas sailing up the Scandinavian fjords or the New Year in the waters of the Caribbean: the world is literally at your feet.
Dream destinations
OK, so where can we cruise to in December and January? Many companies offer Christmas and New Year cruises to the most sought-after locations. While New Caledonia and Fiji are classic destinations, this period unfortunately coincides with the rainy season and tropical cyclones are not infrequent. Best to take this cruise between May and October.
However, if you don’t want to venture too far from “home”, New Zealand is a great choice. Otherwise, tack on a flight and find yourself navigating in exotic destinations like the Caribbean, United Arab Emirates or Norway.
New Zealand
New Zealand is truly a fascinating country: a land of hobbits and the emblematic kiwi, where nature expresses itself in its grandest form. A cruise itinerary around New Zealand usually comprises both the North Island and the South Island. In the North Island the port of Auckland is where most cruise ships prefer to dock. Auckland’s Sky Tower, the tallest manmade structure in the Southern Hemisphere, is certainly worth a visit; it’s a perfect vantage point for a breathtaking view of the city. While you’re here, explore other places of interest like Cornwall Park, a landscaped area centred on a volcanic cone, where a pre-European Maori fortification was built and whose many features can still be seen.
A little south of Auckland is the harbourside city of Tauranga. Here, you can witness the lifestyle and traditions of the Maoris living in villages and replicas of historic settings. Set in the fertile region of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is replete with orchards boasting the juiciest and sweetest kiwifruit in the country.
The South Island, or Te Waipounamu, is larger but less populated than its northern counterpart. It features spectacular mountain ranges called the Southern Alps, a chain that forms the backbone of the island, the highest peak of which is Mount Cook, at 3,764 metres. It also boasts pristine lakes, stunning fiords and dramatic glaciers that flow down to the sea.
We proceed to the south-western corner of the South Island which is occupied by the Fiordland National Park, the largest park in New Zealand, with an area of 12,500 km². The park covers vast and remote wilderness, and is home to a diverse range of fauna such as the bottlenose dolphin, New Zealand fur seal, Fiordland crested penguin and the rare flightless parrot, the nocturnal Kakapo. Fiordland remains a stronghold for several other endangered species such as the southern brown kiwi, yellow-crowned parakeet, weka, New Zealand falcon, mohua and the blue duck.
And don’t leave Milford Sound off your list of must-see attractions. This marvel of nature sits within Fiordland National Park and is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. It’s protected by its natural geography, making it a paradise for all types of wildlife. Surrounded by gushing waterfalls, rugged mountains and lush rainforests, and thanks to its unique underwater environment, Milford Sound also supports the world's biggest population of black coral. While you cruise along the narrow fiords, your majestic ocean liner will appear to shrink to insignificance amid the towering verdant cliffs.
The Caribbean
For those who want to be catapulted to a more exotic scenario and enjoy the Christmas celebrations in the warmth we’re accustomed to, you can’t go past the Caribbean. Crystal-clear waters and blazing sun are the perfect ingredients for a relaxing Christmas and New Year cruise in a splendid tropical location, remote from the cyclones common in the Pacific at this time of the year.
Ports of call can range from Barbados to Jamaica, Saint Lucia to the Bahamas, Guadalupe to Trinidad and Tobago, and even to Cuba. Take the shore excursions and experience Miami’s nightlife or the culture and mystery of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
United Arab Emirates
One of the world's fastest-growing luxury travel destinations is the United Arab Emirates, a country steeped in tradition and unparalleled natural and architectural wonders. A holiday in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain is a blend of opulence, nature, modernity and culture, and an ideal way to learn about an Arab society which bridges two worlds: the East and the West. The extremely wealthy Dubai will astound you with its coastal skyscrapers, imposing high-rise buildings and exclusive 7-star hotels.
Norway
Fancy a fairytale atmosphere for Christmas? Well, nothing beats a cruise in the Norwegian fjords. The captivating scenery is dominated by picturesque villages and precipitous cliffs. Itineraries of at least 7 to 12 days give you the opportunity to visit the most characteristic places in Scandinavia: the colourful town of Trondheim or the lively Tromso, not to mention the distinctive Lofoten islands and the northernmost city of Honningsvåg, a mere 1,900 km from the North Pole. The incomparable beauty of the fjordic landscape and quaint village settings will leave you speechless.
