With the holidays right around the corner, the countdown for holiday cheer has officially begun. If you have been looking to start a new tradition for Thanksgiving or Christmas, look no further than a Carnival Cruise.
No crowded airports to hustle through this year as you stress about catching your flight. Traveling during the holidays with this cruise line is as simple as driving to a local port-of-call, parking your car and hopping onboard some of the most fun ships in the industry. You can also prepare to upgrade your holiday plans this year with holiday-themed activities, delicious dining options, fun people and thrilling destinations, which are perfect for multi-generation families, couples and solo travelers.
Last Minute Cruises: Where and How
Now that you’ve thought of trying something new for the holidays, you may be wondering a few things and first on the list may be, where do I leave from and where can I go?
Carnival ships can be found within driving distance throughout the U.S., close to many major cities. Find the nearest departure port closest to you for one of the best, last-minute vacations you can find for the holidays. Popular U.S. ports that Carnival departs from include Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Charleston, New York, and Los Angeles.
Once you choose which port-of-call is easiest for you, you’ll be able to choose from exotic itineraries like a 7-night Caribbean cruise that visits the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and St Maarten. Or you can try a Western Caribbean itinerary and visit Mexico, Belize and Honduras.
If those ports of call haven’t interested you yet, how about visiting the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos, or Aruba and Curacao.
Your options are truly endless and no matter where you choose to leave from or where you choose to visit, you’ll find yourself having even more choices once onboard.
Best Carnival Deals: Avoya is constantly updating our best Carnival Cruise Deals so explore the best available so you can save big.
Carnival Cruise for Christmas and New Years
A cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy a holiday because you can enjoy the perks of all the fun and delicious food without the work or clean up.
Each Carnival ship offers different amenities, specialty restaurants, bars and activities, however there are some Carnival classics you cannot miss out on. Among popular demand, a favorite spot to start the day at is in the main dining room, where you can enjoy a Seaday Brunch with eggs benedict, french toast and a mimosa. During the holidays, the menu changes up and you can enjoy holiday classics like turkey, cranberry sauce and cider.
Aside from heart-warming food, you can look forward to holiday themed activities. One of the first things you’ll notice when you step onboard your Fun Ship are all the elaborate decorations, you may even be surprised by a guest appearance from Santa Clause.
On top of the everyday activities available, you can participate in group activities like the Ugly Sweater Competition, Grinchmas and you can watch live music. If you are traveling with children, there are plenty of youth programs for younger cruisers, including Camp Carnival and Camp Ocean.
If you decide you’d like to start your New Year out at sea, get ready for an epic night filled with live music, DJs, a balloon drop and after parties. If any cruise line knows how to throw a party, Carnival can.
Holiday Cruise Tips and FAQ
Do you need a passport to travel on a cruise to the Bahamas or Caribbean?
When it comes to traveling on a cruise abroad, it’s always best to take a valid passport, however you can also travel with your birth certificate and valid driver’s license if you are a U.S. citizen and are on a closed-looped cruise. A closed-looped cruise is a cruise that is departing and returning to the U.S.
Can I bring alcohol onboard?
Adults over the age of 21 may bring one bottle of wine or champagne that can be up to 750 ml. One bottle is allowed per person and a corkage fee may apply and is subject to change.
Carnival Cruise Tips:
- Join the fun group activities, you may meet very interesting people and make new friends
- Get to know your staff including your room steward, waiters and bartenders
- Purchase the beverage package if you plan to drink more than 6 alcoholic beverages a day
- If you don’t drink alcohol often, try the special of the day
Related article: The Best Cruise Beverage Packages & Destination Drinks
