From port excursions at Asia’s finest destinations like Singapore, Koh Samui, and Ryukyu Island to plush sea-bound epicurean experiences and well-appointed suites, a Christmas (or New Year) cruise is a spectacular way to ring in the festivities in style. Read on for our guide to the best holiday season cruises to end 2024 on a smashing note.
Also, explore our story on the cruise company launching its first-ever Alaska itinerary.
Christmas and New Year cruises (Asia Edition) casting off in 2024
Mein Schiff – 6 by TUI Cruises
Duration: 15 days
Dates: December 17, 2024, to January 1, 2025
Fare: USD 3,539 (HKD 27,511) onwards
Originating in Singapore, this 15-day cruise makes port calls at tourist hotspots like Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Chan May (Da Nang), Hong Kong, and Ha Long Bay. The at-sea experience features ace culinary outposts like Osteria – Pizza e Pasta (for authentic Italian flavours), Atlantik – Classic Restaurant (for luxe five-course meals), Anckelmannsplatz – Buffet Restaurant (for multi-cuisine buffets), and Atlantik – Mediterranean Restaurant (for home-made pasta and Mediterranean specialities). Guests can also savour innovative tipples at Schau Bar, Abtanz Bar – Night Club, TUI Bar, Aubelnalster – Bar & Grill, Uberschau Bar, Unverzicht Bar, Studio Bar, and Gallery Bar. Luxuriate amidst 100 brand-name drinks, spacious saunas, and entertainment options including cabaret, live music, comedy, magic shows, and bi-daily cabin services.
Spectrum of the Seas by Royal Caribbean
Duration: 6 days
Dates: December 29, 2024, to January 3, 2025
Fare: USD 2,231 (HKD 17,343) onwards
Award-winning service meets Broadway-league entertainment onboard Spectrum of the Seas’ Asian voyage across Hong Kong and Okinawa (Japan). Onboard, savour sea-swathed fineries such as acupuncture treatments, jewellery-making workshops, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, and world-class dining experiences.
Anthem of the Seas by Royal Caribbean
Duration: 5 days
Dates: December 24, 2024, to December 28, 2024
Fare: USD 1,650 (HKD 12,826) onwards
Broadway musicals, comedy gigs, magic shows, and live-wire entertainment await guests on this surreal Christmas cruise in Asia, traversing Singapore, Koh Samui, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Phu My, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Hong Kong. Beyond the panoramic views and luxe hospitality, guests can indulge in mystery dinners served after solving crimes, feasting at the Piano Bar, or fine dining — Japanese, Italian, Mexican, or Steakhouse style! One of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships, Anthem of the Seas also delights with the North Star Observation Capsule for unrivalled views, a sky diving and surfing simulator, a 12 m rock climbing wall, a glow-in-the-dark laser tag arena, an escape room, bungee jumping, and the list goes on.
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Le Laperouse by Ponant Explorers
Duration: 9 days
Dates: December 20, 2024, to December 28, 2024
Fare: USD 8,773 (HKD 68,199) onwards
Starting from the Lion City, this nine-day cruise encompasses cultural discoveries, rice plantation tours, Buddhist temple halts, snorkelling, and some swims in the sparkling streams of uninhabited islands. The itinerary includes popular destinations such as Singapore, Malacca (Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia), Ko Rok Nok Island (Thailand), and Ko Kradan (Thailand). This intimate sailing experience comes with 92 cosy, well-appointed staterooms, top-notch French gastronomy, French bath products, and a glass-edged infinity pool. The cruise also elevates cocktail hour with an underwater bar shaped like a shark’s rib cage; the bar’s body listening sofas and cameras that capture marine life and reflect them on-screen package a multi-sensory experience.
Celebrity Millenium by Celebrity Cruises
Duration: 13 days
Dates: December 21, 2024, to January 2, 2025
Fare: USD 3,233 (HKD 25,132) onwards
On this 13-day expedition from Singapore to Bali, this exquisite cruise with handpicked crew from 50 countries will make port calls at Phuket (Thailand), Langkawi (Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Celukan Bawang (Bali, Indonesia), Lombok (Indonesia), and Benoa (Bali, Indonesia). Guests can expect movie screenings at the plush rooftop terrace, elevated by delectable bites from Michelin-star chefs. Further, luxuriate at the Persian Garden — a state-of-the-art spa with aqua therapy features.
Also read | Celebrity Cruises Just Announced A 110-Night Cruise, Its Longest Ever
MSC Bellissima by MSC Cruises
Duration: 5 days
Dates: December 22, 2024, to December 26, 2024
Fare: USD 511 (HKD 3,972) onwards
Ringing in the Christmas spirit at Japan and Taiwan waters, MSC Bellissima packs plenty of mistletoe magic! Expect captivating performances by Cirque du Soleil, stand-up gigs, karaoke nights, and talent contests. Starting (and ending) at Okinawa (Naha), Japan, this cruise touches base at Japan’s Ishigaki Island and Taiwan’s Taipei City (Keelung). Top off the short and memorable cruise with a traditional Balinese massage at MSC Aurea Spa.
G Adventures
Duration: 4 days
Dates: December 24, 2024, to December 27, 2024; and December 31, 2024, to January 3, 2025
Fare: USD 1,489 (HKD 11,575) onwards
Side-step discotheques, beaches, and night markets, and explore Thailand from the lapping waves! This four-day Christmas cruise will take you through Asia’s charming locales in Ko Phi Phi, Ko Raja Noi, Ko Yao Yai, and Phuket. In addition to island visits, the trip will include snorkelling, kayaking, and lip-smacking Thai delicacies.
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Spectrum of the Seas by Royal Caribbean
Duration: 10 days
Dates: December 20, 2024, to December 29, 2024
Fare: USD 3,694 (HKD 28,716) onwards
A sky diving simulator, aqua parks, multi-storey slides, and shoot hoops amidst turquoise waters — need we say more? The spectrum of the Seas carves a one-of-its-kind experience: movie screenings under the stars, an in-house casino, an adult-only solarium, cupcake-icing workshops, and medi-spa treatments! On board this cruise, explore the gorgeous landscapes of Hong Kong, Kagoshima (Japan), Miyazaki (Japan), Nagasaki (Japan), and Fukuoka (Japan).
Silver Dawn by Silversea
Duration: 23 days
Dates: December 22, 2024, to January 13, 2025
Fare: USD 18,018 (HKD 140,068) onwards
Set sail on Silver Dawn, the tenth mega-luxury ship to join Silversea’s fleet for a Southeast Asian excursion through Singapore, Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), Puerto Princesa (Philippines), Coron (Philippines), Manila (Philippines), Subic Bay (Philippines), Ilocos (Philippines), Hong Kong (Philippines), Shanghai (China), and Tokyo (Japan). Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s onboard with luxe offerings such as wellness therapies, innovative tipples at a snazzy Italian bar, and Venetian lounge entertainment.
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Seven Seas Voyager by Regent Seven Seas
Duration: 22 days
Dates: December 20, 2024, to January 10, 2025
Fare: USD 21,593 (HKD 167,859) onwards
Private balconies on plush suites, a grand observation deck, and unlimited complimentary beverages elevate this 22-day itinerary across international waters. This cruise will dock at world-famous ports cities like Dubai (UAE), Fujairah (UAE), Mumbai (India), Goa (India), Mangalore (India), Cochin (India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Phuket (Thailand), Langkawi (Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Malacca (Malaysia), and Singapore. From enjoying musical evenings at the Voyager Lounge and relishing the mouthwatering menus (also complimentary!) at Prime 7 to indulging in shore experiences, this Christmas (and New Year!) cruise in Asia promises a string of memories that’ll remain with you forever.
Tips for a fun-filled Christmas cruise experience in Asia
Now that you’ve booked a dreamy Christmas and New Year cruise in Asia, it is imperative to keep a few pointers in mind for a wholesome experience:
- Look up the key tourist attractions for all the shores your cruise will be docking at. This will help you streamline, manage your time, and make the most of it!
- If you’re travelling with kids, book a larger ship with ample activities for children, such as play zones and innovative menus. Alternatively, pick a smaller ship for better attention to detail and a more intimate atmosphere if you’re seeking top-notch luxury or a romantic getaway.
- Before booking, check if the cruise cost per person includes flights to and from the first and last port. Ironing out any logistical hiccups with your travel agent is also advisable.
- Make sure to carry adequate festive attire for meet-and-greets with the ship’s crew or any Christmas or New Year celebrations that are part of the itinerary.
(Feature image credit: Silversea Cruises)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelWriter by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More
