The holiday season brings a unique charm to vacations, especially when celebrated on a cruise. Royal Caribbean International, known for its festive spirit, decorates its ships into magical winter wonderlands each year. For those planning a Christmas getaway in 2019, understanding the timeline and scope of the decorations can enrich your cruising experience, ensuring you capture every festive moment.
When Do Royal Caribbean Ships Begin Decorating for Christmas?
Royal Caribbean starts adorning its ships with holiday decorations around mid-November, typically beginning the week before Thanksgiving:
- November 15-21: Decorations commence for longer cruises and ships in tropical locations.
- November 22: Most ships will see some level of decorations by Thanksgiving.
🎄 Note: Exact dates can vary based on specific ship schedules and cruise itineraries. Check with Royal Caribbean for precise information regarding your cruise.
How Extensive Are the Christmas Decorations on Royal Caribbean Ships?
The ships are transformed with an array of decorations:
- Trees: Every ship boasts a towering Christmas tree in its main atrium.
- Lights: Strings of lights drape every corner, giving the ships a warm, festive glow.
- Gingerbread: Large, intricately crafted gingerbread displays capture the spirit of the season.
- Holiday Music: Cruise areas are filled with holiday tunes, enhancing the atmosphere.
Christmas Activities and Events
Here are some activities you might experience:
- Tree Lighting: A special event where the ship’s main tree is lit.
- Ugly Sweater Contest: A fun, communal event with prizes for the most creative or cringe-worthy outfits.
- Christmas Carols and Choirs: Singing performances, including a special cruise choir.
- Santa Visits: Santa makes appearances, ensuring kids get their Christmas wishes in.
- Gingerbread House Decorating: Both kids and adults can participate in decorating gingerbread.
Special Holiday Menus
Alongside the decorations, Royal Caribbean offers:
- Traditional Holiday Meals: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals featuring classics like turkey, stuffing, and more.
- Themed Parties: Various themed dining experiences and parties.
- Special Desserts: Seasonal desserts like Christmas cakes and cookies.
What to Expect After Christmas?
While the core decorations remain up:
- New Year’s Eve: Ships undergo a mini-transformation for New Year’s, focusing on celebratory decor.
- Removal: After New Year’s, decorations are gradually taken down over several days, with full removal typically by the second week of January.
✨ Note: New Year's festivities transition into a vibrant party atmosphere.
The Essence of a Christmas Cruise with Royal Caribbean
To summarize, here are the key points:
- Decorations begin in mid-November, creating a festive environment for all cruise dates.
- The ships are adorned with magnificent trees, lights, and holiday-themed displays.
- Special activities and meals are tailored to celebrate the season.
- The decorations are maintained through New Year’s Eve, offering an extended holiday experience.
With its blend of traditional decorations, festive activities, and the unique joy of cruising, Royal Caribbean ensures your Christmas at sea is truly magical. Whether you're sailing through snow in the Northern Hemisphere or under the tropical stars, the ships become your floating Christmas village, offering an escape wrapped in holiday cheer.
What are the most festive activities on a Royal Caribbean Christmas cruise?
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The most festive activities include the tree lighting ceremony, ugly sweater contests, singing carols with onboard choirs, Santa visits, gingerbread house decorating, and holiday-themed parties.
Do Royal Caribbean ships offer any Christmas-themed dining?
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Yes, during the holiday season, special holiday menus are served, featuring traditional dishes like roast turkey with stuffing, mulled wine, and an array of seasonal desserts.
When is the best time to book a Christmas cruise with Royal Caribbean?
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The best time to book is in the summer or early fall, as cruises during the holiday season tend to sell out quickly due to high demand. Early booking also offers better cabin choices and potentially lower rates.
