December is one of the most exciting times of the year to take a cruise. It’s the season for chasing sunshine, skipping the airport chaos, and turning holidays into something a little less expected. Some travelers head south to thaw out on Caribbean beaches or explore ancient ruins in Mexico. Others book bucket-list adventures like transiting the Panama Canal or spotting penguins in Antarctica. You might be looking to unwind before the holiday rush, spend Christmas or New Year’s at sea, or even give someone a cruise as a gift. No matter the reason, the best cruises in December offer a memorable mix of affordability, celebration, and destination variety. This guide will help you zero in on the right sailing.
Related: What are the best Christmas cruises?
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Is December a good time to cruise?
Yes, and it’s one of the most flexible months of the year for cruise travelers. Early December is considered shoulder season in many regions, which means fewer crowds and lower fares on warm-weather routes like the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii. As the month progresses, prices rise alongside demand, but guests are rewarded with festive programming and seasonal décor aboard most major lines.
In the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, December marks the start of the dry season, bringing clear skies and calm seas. In Mexico, it’s prime time for whale watching. In the Galápagos, wildlife viewing is at its peak. Hawaii welcomes the return of humpback whales this time of year, while Antarctica opens for its short but stunning summer season. No matter your goal, December cruises come packed with natural and cultural highlights.
Top 10 destinations for cruising in December
Choosing where to cruise in December depends on what you’re looking for: tropical beaches, cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, or festive winter charm. Here are the best cruise destinations in December, from quick getaways to iconic adventures.
1. Eastern and Western Caribbean - warm weather and private islands
The best Caribbean cruises in December offer a laid-back escape from winter, especially in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. With departures from Florida, Galveston, and San Juan, itineraries range from three-night weekend getaways to week-long tropical adventures. In the Western Caribbean, expect calls to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Roatán, where snorkeling, beach bars, and ancient ruins await. Eastern Caribbean sailings often visit St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and the Dominican Republic, offering duty-free shopping, ziplining, and historic island towns. Early December sailings come with fewer crowds and better prices, while mid-to-late December brings festive programming like Christmas markets, themed shows, and New Year’s Eve celebrations at sea.
Families will appreciate ships that stop at private islands like CocoCay, Celebration Key, or Lighthouse Point, where beach days come with waterparks, cabanas, and zip lines. Cruises in December from Florida are a go-to for warmth, relaxation, and celebration.
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC Cruises offer frequent December sailings throughout the Caribbean, often including stops at private islands and holiday-themed onboard programming.
December Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises:
2. Southern Caribbean - sunny days and fewer crowds
For fewer crowds and hospitable culture, the Southern Caribbean is a top pick in December. Ports like Oranjestad, Curaçao, Cartagena, and San Juan offer a rich mix of colonial architecture, music festivals, hidden beaches, and warm tropical weather. This is one of the best places to cruise in December for travelers looking to avoid peak-season congestion while still enjoying vibrant local culture. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival offer accessible 7- to 10-night itineraries to this region, often departing from Florida or San Juan.
Related: ABC Islands cruise guide: Best cruise lines, itineraries & travel tips for 2025
December Southern Caribbean cruises:
3. Mexico - beaches, culture, and whale season
For West Coast cruisers, Mexico is one of the best places to cruise in December. Departing from Los Angeles or San Diego, these itineraries visit Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. December is also the beginning of whale-watching season, particularly in Cabo.
It’s not just about wildlife, the region offers colonial towns, golden beaches, and tequila tastings by the sea. Affordable sailings and shorter flight times make it a popular pick for many travelers.
Cruise lines like Princess, Carnival, and Holland America regularly sail to the Mexican Riviera in December, offering everything from short getaways to week-long itineraries with scenic ports and cultural excursions.
December Mexico cruises:
4. Hawaii - sun, surf, and humpback whales
With average highs in the 80s and dry weather patterns, a Hawaii cruise December 2025 promises sun and relaxation only the Pacific can provide. Inter-island cruises allow you to visit Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Longer roundtrip sailings from the West Coast add sea days and scenic cruising.
The best cruises in December for families often include holiday luaus, kids’ activities, and themed meals. Humpback whales begin returning from Alaska in December, adding extra wonder to your beach or hiking day.
December sailings to Hawaii are especially popular aboard Norwegian’s Pride of America, which offers exclusive inter-island cruises with no international flights required. For travelers departing from the West Coast, Princess, Carnival, Holland America, and Celebrity feature longer itineraries that combine scenic sea days with stops at multiple islands, often paired with festive onboard celebrations and whale-watching opportunities.
December Hawaii cruises:
5. Panama Canal - dry season and scenic transits
The best cruises to take in December often include a full or partial transit of the Panama Canal. This iconic route shines during the dry season. Itineraries commonly include Costa Rica, Colombia, and the Southern Caribbean, blending history, nature, and engineering marvels.
Cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, and Norwegian frequently offer full or partial transits through the Panama Canal in December, often paired with stops in Costa Rica, Colombia, and the Caribbean. For a more upscale experience, Oceania, Celebrity, and Viking provide smaller ships with panoramic viewing areas, expert lectures, and excursions focused on the region’s history, wildlife, and indigenous culture.
December Panama Canal cruises:
6. South America and Antarctica - summer meets ice
South America adds depth and diversity to December cruising with longer itineraries that reach beyond the Caribbean. From the tango streets of Buenos Aires to the fjords of Chile, the region offers a culturally immersive experience filled with historic ports, local cuisine, and dramatic landscapes. Cruise lines like Holland America, Azamara, and Oceania specialize in these sailings, with smaller ships that access unique ports and excursions tailored to heritage, art, and nature.
For truly wild December experiences, few trips compare to an expedition cruise to Antarctica. This is peak season for penguin chicks, near-constant daylight, and jaw-dropping scenery like glaciers and towering icebergs. These are among the best cruises to go on in December for travelers seeking remote nature, educational programming, and small-ship luxury. Many itineraries start in Buenos Aires, combining culture and city life with a journey to the White Continent. Princess offers scenic Antarctica cruises with enrichment talks and onboard comforts, while Regent delivers all-inclusive luxury, expert-led excursions, and immersive lectures throughout the voyage.
December South America and Antarctica cruises:
7. Southeast Asia - temples, markets, and sun
December is the start of the dry season in much of Southeast Asia, making it one of the best cruise destinations in the world in December for warm weather, cultural depth, and fewer rain disruptions. Ports like Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang offer a fascinating blend of history, cuisine, and scenic coastlines.
Cruise lines like Princess and Holland America offer comfort-focused, well-paced itineraries across the region. For longer or more immersive experiences, Celebrity, Azamara, and Viking provide enrichment-based cruises with overnight stays and curated excursions. Luxury travelers may enjoy Regent Seven Seas, which includes all-inclusive service, fine dining, and culturally themed shore tours.
December Southeast Asia cruises:
8. Australia & New Zealand - summer down under
In the Southern Hemisphere, December is full summer, making Australia and New Zealand ideal for travelers craving beaches, wine country, and natural beauty. From Sydney’s harbor fireworks to the fjords of New Zealand’s South Island, this region is perfect for a sunny, celebratory end to the year.
Cruise options range from short, festive sailings to longer coastal or cross-country routes. Princess and Holland America offer seasonal itineraries along the coastlines and across the Tasman Sea. Celebrity and Viking cater to travelers looking for scenic cruising, upscale amenities, and immersive shore experiences throughout the region.
December Australia & New Zealand cruises:
9. Europe’s Christmas markets - lights, treats, and charm
A different kind of holiday magic happens on Europe’s rivers. The best river cruises in December visit cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Strasbourg, which transform into winter wonderlands during the Christmas season.
Viking Ocean Cruises runs Christmas market cruises Europe, where you can sip mulled wine, shop handcrafted gifts, and enjoy holiday performances.
December Europe’s Christmas market cruises:
10. Galápagos - wildlife, sun, and guided hikes
December is one of the most active wildlife months in the Galápagos, with mating sea lions, nesting birds, and excellent snorkeling conditions. These December cruises focus on close-up encounters with marine iguanas, tropical fish, and tortoises, with expert-led excursions across the islands. Celebrity offers small-ship, all-inclusive itineraries designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing the experience.
December Galápagos cruises:
Best December cruises for families, couples, and groups
Cruises in December aren’t one size fits all. Some travelers want to keep kids entertained during school break, others want a quiet getaway before the holiday chaos, and some are looking to ring in the New Year somewhere unforgettable. Depending on your priorities such as relaxation, adventure, celebration, or connection, there’s a cruise itinerary that fits. Here's how different travelers can make the most of a December sailing.
For families on holiday break
Cruise lines like Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival roll out the red carpet for families in December. With kids’ clubs, festive shows, and water attractions, the best December cruises for families make it easy to keep everyone entertained.
Onboard Disney ships, kids can meet Santa Goofy, build gingerbread houses with cast members, and enjoy snow flurries on the deck during Mickey’s Winter Wonderland Ball. Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas features the Ultimate Abyss slide, laser tag, and holiday parades, while Carnival’s Mardi Gras offers Family Feud Live and holiday movie nights under the stars. Families also love stops at private islands like Castaway Cay and CocoCay, where kids can zipline, splash in waterparks, or relax in family cabanas.
View top December cruises for families:
For couples seeking romance or adventure
Whether it's a European river cruise or a sailing through the Galápagos, December is ideal for couples seeking a memorable trip. Think balcony cabins, scenic ports, and excursions that lean toward relaxation or exploration. Avalon Waterways’ Christmas river cruises include mulled wine tastings in Vienna and walking tours through Old Town Prague lit with festive lights.
Celebrity Flora offers couples-only excursions in the Galápagos, like snorkeling with sea turtles at Gardner Bay or enjoying sunset cocktails on a private balcony suite. For couples who want tropical romance, a December itinerary on Princess Cruises through the Southern Caribbean includes champagne balcony breakfasts, couples massages, and quiet, uncrowded beaches in islands like St. Lucia and Grenada.
Browse December cruises for couples:
For solo travelers or groups of friends
Short cruises to the Bahamas or Mexico offer an easy escape for groups or solo travelers. Cruise lines like Virgin Voyages and Norwegian cater to this crowd with flexible dining, built-in social events, and solo staterooms. Virgin’s Scarlet Lady sails 4- and 5-night Bahamas cruises with group-friendly activities like karaoke nights, drag brunches, and rooftop lounges.
Norwegian’s Breakaway offers Studio staterooms with access to a private solo lounge, perfect for meeting fellow travelers before heading to a group cooking class or themed deck party. Weekend itineraries to Cozumel or Nassau from Miami or Galveston make it easy for friend groups to reconnect, no complicated planning required.
Related: The 5 best cruises for solo travelers
Explore December cruises for solos & groups:
When to sail in December
The best time to cruise in December is typically during the first two weeks of the month. Sailings during this window are often less expensive, less crowded, and easier to book on short notice. You’ll still enjoy great weather in most warm-weather destinations, from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia, without the holiday rush.
By mid-December, demand surges as families and groups travel for Christmas and New Year’s. These sailings are packed with festive programming, but they sell out quickly and often come with higher price tags. If you’re set on sailing over the holidays, book several months in advance and consider Cruisebound’s early booking deals or off-peak ports to lock in better pricing.
FAQs about cruising in December
1. Is December a good time to cruise?
Yes, December is a great time to cruise thanks to warm weather in many regions, festive onboard experiences, and a wide range of destinations.
2. What’s the weather like on a cruise in December?
December cruise weather is typically warm and dry in tropical areas, while Europe is cooler but filled with seasonal charm.
3. Are December cruises more expensive?
December cruises tend to be more expensive around the holidays, but prices are often lower in the first two weeks of the month.
4. Where’s warm to cruise in December?
Warm places to cruise in December include the Caribbean, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
5. What are the best destinations for a family cruise in December?
The best family cruise destinations in December are the Bahamas, Cozumel, Hawaii, and itineraries with private island stops.
6. What’s the best cruise line for a December vacation?
The best cruise line for a December vacation depends on your preferences. Royal Caribbean and Disney are great for families, Virgin and Viking cater to adults, and Celebrity suits premium or exotic routes.
Find your perfect December cruise
The best December cruises combine warm-weather escapes, festive celebrations, and one-of-a-kind destinations. Early planning pays off, especially if you're sailing around the holidays or looking for a specific ship or itinerary. Start browsing cruises in December 2025 or cruises in December 2026 on Cruisebound now and lock in the winter trip that fits your travel style.
