The Best New Cruise Ships of 2023

Table Of Content

• I’m so happy you’re here!
• Are the ports of call your ship visit closed?
• Popular attractions
• New Year's Eve Cruises and New Year's Cruise Deals
• Royal Caribbean – 7-Night Western Caribbean Holiday Cruise

Onshore activities vary between destinations, but most offer delicious restaurants, shopping opportunities, outdoor activities, museums and tours. During the holidays, many places also feature parades, festivals and NYE celebrations. Make a list of events you would like to participate in on your cruise and use it to choose the best travel package for you. In general, cruise ships usually sail full (or close to full), and demand for holiday sailings is usually the highest of the year.

I’m so happy you’re here!

Decide whether you want your cruise to be brief, or an extended adventure. Cruises range anywhere from a week to a month or more, depending on where you want to go, how long you want to be gone and your travel budget. However, there is usually strong demand for onboard activities related to the holiday season.

Are the ports of call your ship visit closed?

If you’re envisioning a more sophisticated New Year’s experience, several adult-only new years cruises are curated just for that. The beauty of most cruises lies in their all-inclusive nature, and new years cruises are no exception. From sumptuous meals and lavish parties to world-class entertainment, everything is taken care of.

Popular attractions

There may even be fireworks, especially if you’re on one of Cunard’s regular Canary Islands cruise which is well known for its New Year’s Eve stop in Madeira where the superb display can be seen from the ship. We’ll sail you straight into 2025 on an extra-festive cruise. We’re talking live music, DJs,special events across the ship throughout the evening. Enjoy the evening yourway and count down the last seconds of the year in the company of friends and family.

New Year's Eve Cruises and New Year's Cruise Deals

"All Adventure Ocean rooms are decorated, and kids have their own balloon drop and dance party. Teens have their own dedicated party in the teen’s lounge or designated ship venue with their own countdown." Vitani, who works in information technology and as a travel agent, also has concerns about the safety of driving during the holiday. The trip was supposed to kick off a year of travel for Gianfrancesco, who is based in Sicklerville, New Jersey.

However, if you prefer a bit of spontaneity, you can always decide onboard or even explore local operators once you dock. So, you’ve decided that new years cruises are the ideal way to bid adieu to the old and toast to the new. Cruise durations can range from short 3-night voyages to more extensive 14-night or longer journeys.

What to Expect on a New Year’s Cruise with Carnival

Enjoy lovely autumn décor, take part in a Turkey Calling Contest, and add a special message to our annual Tree of Thanks in the ship's Atrium. On the day of boarding, it can take a while for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin. Pack a day bag with essentials like medications, swimwear (in case you want to dive into the pool immediately), and any other immediate necessities. No matter where your New Year’s cruise sails, the real magic often lies in the stories you gather at each port, the people you meet, and the memories you create. As the sky bursts into vibrant colors, you’ll be in the heart of the celebration, with the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge as your backdrop.

Carnival to Celebrate New Year's Eve Across the Fleet and Ashore - Cruise Hive

Carnival to Celebrate New Year's Eve Across the Fleet and Ashore.

Posted: Sat, 30 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Discover incredible ways to take togetherness — and competitive spirit— to new heights. Cheer each other on while scaling the signature Rock Climbing Wall, or see who’s brave enough to plunge down the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠. With so much to do and indulge in, it’s easy to overextend yourself. Remember to take out time to relax, be it a spa session, a quiet evening on the deck, or simply getting a good night’s sleep. Some popular excursions can sell out quickly, so if there’s a must-do activity on your list, it’s wise to pre-book.

Q: Are there age restrictions for certain New Year’s activities or parties?

I spent Christmas, NYE on cruise with some family; would not do again - Business Insider

I spent Christmas, NYE on cruise with some family; would not do again.

Posted: Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Their New Year's celebrations often include themed parties and memorable experiences. On Holland America ships, there’s a New Year’s Eve party with a glamorous ball with a countdown to midnight. A Lido Deck gala marks the celebrations with party favors, a Champagne toast at midnight. Passengers will be kept entertained with performances from B.B.

Cruise lines often offer combined Christmas and New Year cruises, so there's the chance for double celebrations, usually somewhere warm like the Canaries or Caribbean. For those who have spent years organizing a family Christmas, taking a New Year cruise gives you the chance to slip away for a well-earned rest. Leave enough space in your luggage to accommodate souvenirs and memorabilia you’ll bring back from the ship and shore excursions.

Of course it did – and thanks to our onboard photo opportunities, you’ll have the pictures to prove it. Our fun photo stations are complete with wacky props and stunning backdrops, so you’ll have no problem getting a few images worth sharing. But for New Year’s Eve, we’re going overboard in the best way possible. These onboard activities will keep things worry-free and help you bring the season to life. New Year's Eve parties will take place throughout all the Royal Caribbean ships, complete with a countdown, balloon drop in the Promenade, Esplanade and Centrum.

As one of the first countries in the world to see the new year, Australia is the perfect place to spend New Year’s Eve — especially if you want all the fun and celebration without any of the wintertime weather. New Year’s Eve in Australia coincides with summer in the Southern Hemisphere, so you can watch the fireworks and dine on authentic Australian barbecue in comfort. Sydney is among the most beloved Australian cities on New Year’s because of its famous fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour. While there is no firm timeline, typically public areas of cruise ships get decorated for Christmas right around Thanksgiving or so. Sometimes it is the week of Thanksgiving, sometimes immediately after.

What to Expect on a New Year's Cruise with Carnival

Table Of Content

• New Year’s Cruise Tips
• The NYE Cruises in NYC in Detail
• Q: Are the pools and recreational areas open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day?
• Hornblower: New York New Year's Eve Fireworks Party Cruise
• Seabourn Cruise Line

Love, life’s sweetest reward, is celebrated with hearts and flowers and special touches throughout the ship. Onboard, you can make a card for your sweetheart, send a singing telegram, renew your vows, watch themed Movies Under the Stars, and so much more. I hope you are able to plan and fulfill all of your fantastical travel dreams! Feel free to click around my site to discover more exciting destinations and itineraries. So, as you ponder your next adventure, remember that sometimes, the most memorable moments are made not on land but at sea. From morning till midnight, there’s a whirlwind of activities to dive into.

New Year’s Cruise Tips

Count down and count your blessings on the biggest night of the year with a special New Year’s Eve dinner followed by a midnight celebratory Champagne toast. Get away from holiday pressure and expectations with a romantic December cruise to the Caribbean! Explore local traditions together, swim in secret waterfalls and unwind on powdery Caribbean sands. Romantic beach picnics are just the beginning of your holiday escape. Before you even set foot on the ship, take a moment to think about what you really want from this cruise. Is it relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a grand New Year’s celebration?

The NYE Cruises in NYC in Detail

Let’s set the stage for what you can expect as you sail into the New Year. When choosing your ideal cruise line for ringing in the New Year, it’s essential to align your preferences, budget, and desires with what the cruise line offers best. Consider what’s important to you, be it spa treatments, theater shows, or adventurous excursions, and choose a cruise line that excels in those areas. Many New Years cruises set sail for these warm waters, allowing passengers to welcome the new year with beach parties, reggae rhythms, and perhaps a cocktail or two in hand. From the Bahamas to Barbados, the Caribbean promises a balmy beginning to your year. For those cruising with kids or extended family, many cruises are designed to cater to younger guests.

Q: Are the pools and recreational areas open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day?

Adventure Ocean will extend its Late Night Party Zone hours to 2 a.m. MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seascape and MSC Divina will start their cruise with a DJ and live musicians in during embarkation in the terminal. A special New Year's Eve gala dinner will feature an upgraded menu. Families make up a much higher percentage of the guests on a holiday cruise.

Special New Year’s Festivities

Exclusive offers are per stateroom based on double occupancy, for 1st and 2nd guests sharing a stateroom and excludes 3rd/4th guests, except as provided herein. Offers are not combinable with any other discounts unless explicitly stated, and are not transferable or refundable. Must be used prior to the final night onboard the ship or the credit will be gone. Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. SeaDeam Yacht Club’s fastest selling voyages of the year, New Year is spent in the glamorous port of Gustavia, St Barts for both SeaDream I and SeaDream II, with each ship throwing a lavish party. Passengers can watch the spectacular fireworks in the harbor and both ships are adorned with festive décor, balloons, and nosiemakers.

What to Know Before Booking A New Year Cruise Holiday

Treat yourself to a therapeutic massage at the spa after the midnight celebration, or get a mani-pedi at the salon in preparation for the big night. With fun workout classes, a fitness center with ocean views, and healthy food options, you can kickstart your New Year’s resolution during your vacation. Take the time to research all your travel options before making a reservation. Cruises travel the globe every day, taking travelers to new and exciting places. Just because a specific destination might be a popular holiday choice doesn’t mean it’s the only one! For example, many December cruisers seek warm beach getaways, while others might enjoy the cultural flair and winter coziness of a more northern adventure.

When winter grips much of the world, the Caribbean offers sun, sand, and serenity. You’ll meet people from all walks of life, and who knows, the friends you make during the New Year’s countdown could become lifelong pals. The cheapest New Year’s Eve cruise in New York City starts at $195.

Kiddies can splash to their heart's content at Splashaway Bay or head to the swashbuckling Captain Jill's Cannon for the ultimate pirate experience. See who's brave enough to conquer all 13 waterslides at Thrill Waterpark, or relax along the Oasis Lagoon. Get the whole family together on a hot air balloon ride and make holiday memories to last a lifetime. Enjoy the ultimate holiday celebration with loved ones this festive season. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of distant horizons, the magic of onboard festivities, or the joy of shared experiences, New Year’s cruises promise an unparalleled journey. While the main attractions of each port are tempting, sometimes the most memorable experiences lie a bit off the beaten track.

Given that ships are on the move, midnight might be relative. But Celebrity, for example, usually changes the clocks at 2 a.m. When crossing time zones, after the celebrations, according to a spokesperson for the line. The line's Adventure Ocean kids program "will extend its Late Night Party Zone hours to 2 a.m. and (for-fee) nursery hours until 1 a.m. so parents can celebrate," the spokesperson added.

On Marshall's cruise, he stepped outside on the deck by himself and considered their remote position in the middle of the ocean. "For me, it was very symbolic that the future for me is limitless, and the opportunities are exponential," he said. They spent part of New Year's Eve playing games in the casino and drinking in the ship's lounge with friends. On the ship's promenade at midnight, they were showered with balloons. Nicole Gianfrancesco took a New Year's cruise with family in 2019 to celebrate her dad's birthday, who was born on New Year's Day.

Passengers are given noisemakers for the party which will include multiple locations to enjoy the countdown to the New Year. There’s even a Youth Program New Year’s Eve celebration for the younger crowd, soyou can dance the night away worry free. Wake up to a New Year and a fresh new starton a Carnival New Year’s cruise. Once you have a good idea of where you want to go, use the months before your trip to dig into the local culture. Get a good idea of what to expect, like holiday cuisines and regional traditions you might want to experience. That way, you won’t miss out on what could be the best part of your journey.

Whatever style you're looking to celebrate in, you'll cruise through this year's holiday season stress-free. Holidays onboard are decked out with everything you love most about the season. Gather 'round for a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner — without lifting a finger. Wander through a winter wonderland as the Royal Promenade comes alive with Christmas cheer.

If you’re traveling with a significant other or marking a milestone anniversary, there are few places as romantic to celebrate a new year together. Whether you’re spending the holidays on a solo adventure or with your significant other, a holiday cruise is a perfect way to celebrate. Despite the holidays, ports of call remain open during the holiday season because this is their busiest time of the year.

Are you looking for a great cruise over the New Year that gets you on board for the best celebration of the year? A New Year cruise could be just what you need after the busy holiday season when most of us need a rest. Or at least we need someone else to organize a great party for us to see out the old and ring in the new.

Prices tend to go up over time, and if you can book earlier, you can usually save money in the long run. If your cruise happens to sail over Christmas Day, Royal Caribbean usually offers a few different Christmas-themed activities onboard. When you take a New Year's Eve cruise, there are two ways you can potentially countdown to the New Year depending on the ship's itinerary, and that's at a destination or on the ship. Read on to see how you can celebrate no matter where you start off the New Year on your next cruise. Mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year, with time–honored traditions for an immersive experience. Our Chinese New Year celebrations include symbolic red decorations that adorn the Piazza, mythological Lion Dancers thrill spectators, and much more.

From Lighting Up Times Square To Celebrating On All 26 Ships, No One Does New Year's Eve Like Carnival - Carnival-News.com

From Lighting Up Times Square To Celebrating On All 26 Ships, No One Does New Year's Eve Like Carnival.

Posted: Sat, 30 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

You’ve picked your travel destination, and you’re counting down the days until the ship leaves shore. But first, you have to pack your bags with everything you need for a fun holiday on the water. If you’re going on a long trip, consider making a master list of items you need to bring with you and checking off each one as you go, so nothing gets left behind. Remember to consult your cruise line’s guidebook and note any restricted items. The Caribbean islands are a delightful place for New Year’s cruises because they are sunny, sandy and full of holiday traditions that vary, depending on which island you’re celebrating from. For example, St. Barth’s holds an annual New Year’s Eve — or “Old Year’s Night,” as some call it — regatta race around the island that attracts locals and travelers alike.