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If you’re taking a Carnival cruise during the month of December, don’t be surprised
to find a good amount of holiday activities onboard, in addition to all of the traditional
Carnival Cruise activities you would expect.
Both Carnival and the other passengers onboard will help you experience as much Holiday Spirit
as you would like to enjoy!
Like any good celebration, the festivities begin as soon as you board your December Carnival
cruise with many decorations added for the holidays.
On each of our past three Carnival Christmas cruises, the ship was decorated with Christmas
trees, wreaths, garland, lights and gingerbread displays.
The celebration continues throughout the cruise with several activities that are only offered
during the Christmas season, such as the lighting of the Atrium Christmas tree on the first
night of the cruise, a holiday show in the main theater that features the ship’s singers
and dancers -- with a special performance by the kids from the kid’s camp and an appearance
by Santa Claus -- an ugly sweater contest,
holiday arts and crafts time,
Christmas-themed trivia contests,
Christmas-themed movies at the Dive-In Movies, and caroling in the Atrium.
For kids, Carnival brings the Grinch onboard to join the other Dr. Seuss characters for
the Christmas season.
He even makes an appearance at the Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast!
There’s also a mailbox available for sending letters to Santa and the kids, tweens, and
teens programs all have Christmas-themed activities such as holiday arts and crafts, parties,
and movies.
One of our favorite parts of cruising Carnival during the holiday season is all of the passengers
who get into the spirit of the season by doing things such as decorating their stateroom
doors and dressing for the occasion.
On a couple of cruises, we even saw a few seniors dressed up as Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Although Carnival actually begins their holiday cruising activities in early December, there
are special activities that only take place on cruises that sail over Christmas Day, such
as complimentary sparkling wine on embarkation day, a Non-denominational Christmas service,
and traditional Christmas dinner favorites on the menu for Christmas evening.
In addition to all the Christmas festivities on the ship, several ports also decorate for
the holidays.
However, it should be noted that some countries observe Boxing Day, which means many businesses
may be closed on December 26th.
If you’re planning on shopping that day, be sure to check the official holidays of
the port you’re visiting.
Finally, if your ship is sailing during Hanukkah, Carnival hosts a special service in honor
of the Jewish holiday, including the lighting of the menorah.
And if your cruise is ending close to New Years Eve, Carnival will likely treat you
to a balloon drop on the last night of the cruise.