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        There may be no place like home for the holidays but there’s also no place like a cruise ship where decorations and dinner are laid on for you and you can mix new friends with old ones singing Christmas carols or ringing in the New Year.  Be aware that there are more kids and higher fares on holiday cruises but there’s no time for a Blue Blue Christmas when your floating home stops at different places every day.       

     If you live in Southern California and want to set sail for a holiday week-end from someplace within driving distance, both Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean offer 5-day Baja cruises from Long Beach and 7-day cruises that go as far as Acapulco.       

   Carnival looks out for travelers in every category.  There’s a Singles Welcome Aboard introductory party on every cruise and lots of options for the littlest travelers, starting with Camp Carnival activities from 9:00-10:00 AM every day.  The crafts at Christmas include decorations created by the kids to hang from the Christmas trees that are found in public spaces throughout the ship.  Some of them are even featured in the special musical revues which have holiday themes and sets with faux oversized fireplaces.  

           The Christmas revue ranges from a Rock ‘n’ Roll Medley featuring Holly Jolly Christmas to Silent Night and traditional Christmas carols.  The seasonal costumes and special dance numbers are family-friendly.Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa at sea.  Even without a chimney in your stateroom, he’ll find the littlest travelers on Christmas morning.       Diners will find the traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Pecan pie leads the dessert selection.            Guests can join the carolers who stroll throughout the ship singing contemporary holiday songs as well as the familiar classics.  Perennial holiday movies such as “The Polar Express” are shown on in-stateroom television.

Royal Caribbean ships are bedecked with miles of garlands and lights.  They offer parties and Christmas cookie decorating for children, gifts in every cabin and celebrity entertainment.  On Christmas Eve, the Captain tells those who care the most how Santa finds us in an interview on your in-cabin TV.  On Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass is available, as well as “’Twas The Night Before Christmas” reading and caroling for all. Santa arrives on Christmas Day.  There’s an Egg Nog Party for grown-ups, a special holiday show, Morning religious service and a Special Christmas Day ice-skating session.

New Year’s Eve on both lines offers everything you ever wanted in a party.  Champagne, dancing, countdown by the Captain, Times Square on a huge TV suspended about the deck and a unique blast from the Ship’s Horn to greet the New Year.

Whether you choose to take your family on a Christmas cruise or adventure by yourself to experience a gala New Year’s Eve party at sea, you’ll find color, entertainment, congeniality and fresh sea air on your holiday at sea.