Take a Small-Ship Cruise for the Holidays in 2025

Ahh, the holidays. The most wonderful time of the year… to try something new!

Have you thought about skipping the holiday stress and doing something different this year? Maybe enjoy the time off, welcome the end of the year, spend time with the people you are closest to—without all the bustle and stress. If you’re feeling ready for a different kind of holiday, a small-ship cruise might be just the ticket.

Instead of hectic planning and hours in the kitchen, picture yourself on the water—enjoying relaxation, festive meals, and celebrations, without one bit of effort on your part. 

Small-ship cruises offer a special kind of holiday experience. With a small number of passengers on board, these ships feel more like a floating boutique hotel than a city at sea. You’ll visit renowned destinations decked out in all their finery–with holiday lights twinkling in the night and the joyful revels of local traditions singing through the air. You’ll quickly get to know the crew and your fellow travelers, so it will be a journey among friends. 

Are you ready to find the holiday cruise you’ve been dreaming of? Here are some of the best small-ship holiday cruises for 2025.

Best Holiday Cruises for 2025

Holiday Cruise Magic in the Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles

This magical Rhine River cruise from Basel to Amsterdam is a journey that feels like stepping into a snow globe. You’ll wander through Strasbourg’s storybook streets in France’s Alsace region, then cozy up to the charm of Germany’s holiday traditions–sip mulled wine in the medieval market square of Rüdesheim, take in the twinkling lights of Cologne, and explore the cobbled lanes of Heidelberg in winter.

You’ll sail through the legendary Rhine Gorge, where more than 40 castles rise above the river like sentinels of the season. And when you reach Amsterdam, cap it all off with a stroll along festive canals, past rows of gabled buildings wrapped in their own winter glow. With four countries, postcard-perfect landscapes, and plenty of old-world holiday magic, this Festive Delights cruise is everything you love about the holidays—wrapped in one unforgettable voyage.

Sail the Sunny Seas of Florida on a Gulf Coast Cruise

If you’re looking for a warm-weather escape with a festive twist, a small ship holiday cruise around Florida’s Gulf Coast and Keys might be just what you need. Departing round-trip from Tampa Bay, this itinerary offers a relaxing and scenic way to celebrate the season. The ship will be decked out in holiday décor, tables spread with seasonal cuisine, the nights ringing with festive music, and days filled with special programming that brings the holiday spirit to life—without the stress of planning it all yourself.

As you sail from one sunny destination to the next, you’ll explore places like Marco Island’s mangrove forests, vibrant Key West, the charming streets of Punta Gorda, and the artsy vibe of St. Petersburg. You’ll stroll through historic coastal neighborhoods and encounter dolphins and sea turtles up close. A Florida cruise is both low-key and memorable, and it’s the perfect way to trade snow for sunshine without missing out on holiday cheer.

The Edge of the World: An Antarctica Cruise for the Holidays

If you’re ready to shake up the holiday routine, consider heading south—way south. A small ship expedition to Antarctica delivers a holiday unlike any other. Instead of crowded stores and busy streets, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering icebergs, playful penguins, and the vast, untouched beauty of the White Continent.

Aboard a sleek luxury yacht with fewer than 200 guests, enjoy a comfortable mix of adventure and relaxation. Holiday traditions like festive meals and warm decor are thoughtfully woven into the experience, and your days are memorable with expert-led talks and wildlife excursions. Daily Zodiac landings take you even closer to the dramatic landscape, and if you’re feeling brave, there’s always the Polar Plunge.

For many, it’s the ultimate holiday gift: the chance to explore one of the most remote places on Earth and return with stories you’ll never forget.

A Holiday Cruise  On the Lower Mississippi: Orleans and the Charms of the South

The South is famous for its warm hospitality and rich history, which makes it perfect for a relaxed, festive holiday getaway. You’ll explore grand old estates, visit important Civil War landmarks, and walk the streets of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where the French influence still runs deep. On board and ashore, you’ll enjoy live local music, including jazz, blues, and gospel, and get a taste of regional food favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, and fresh beignets. The holidays here are all about good food, good music, and good company. As local Cajuns say, laissez les bons temps rouler—let the good times roll.

Basel Christmas Markets

Visit European Christmas Markets on a Rhine River Cruise

A Rhine River cruise during the holiday season is like stepping into the pages of a classic Christmas story. You’ll experience centuries-old traditions come alive in festive town squares and cobbled streets lined with market stalls. In Basel, you can browse for handcrafted ornaments and sweet treats. In Strasbourg, follow the scent of spiced vin chaud to the glittering tree at Place Kléber. In Koblenz, watch the baroque town hall light up as a giant Advent calendar, and in Cologne, discover holiday treasures in the shadow of its world-famous cathedral.

On board, the holiday cheer continues—decked halls, seasonal treats, and cozy comfort await you after each day’s adventure. You’ll wander through medieval towns illuminated by twinkling lights, hear brass bands play carols in candlelit squares, and sample once-a-year delights like fresh gingerbread and mulled wine. It’s a joyful mix of history, culture, and festive celebration you won’t soon forget.

Baja Mexico, Photo by Efrain Alfonso

Take a Baja California Holiday Cruise

Bring your holiday traditions to Baja California and celebrate in a truly wild setting. The Gulf of California, known as “the world’s aquarium” thanks to Jacques Cousteau, is a UNESCO marine heritage site packed with incredible wildlife. From massive pods of dolphins to blue and humpback whales, this is one of the best places to see marine mammals up close during the holiday season.

On this expedition cruise, you’ll explore the rugged desert coastline by kayak, hike quiet beaches, and snorkel alongside playful sea lions. You’ll bask in stunning Baja sunsets at festive onboard celebrations and visit San Pedro Mártir Island to watch sea lions lounging and dolphins gathering in the sea. There’s even a chance to visit Santa Rosalía, a historic mining town with wooden homes and a steel church designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Families will especially enjoy the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program, where kids and teens learn about the region’s unique wildlife and plant life. With flexible routes designed to maximize wildlife sightings, your holiday cruise through this remarkable part of the world is sure to be unforgettable.

Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano on a Cruise to Costa Rica and Panama

This journey from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica to Colon, Panama, is sure to be an unparalleled holiday experience. You’ll journey through lush cloud forests, peer at a living volcano, and explore unspoiled beauty by hiking, snorkeling, or kayaking. You’ll trek inland to Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and experience the magic of a nighttime walk among nocturnal animals and sleeping tropical birds at the private Curi-Cancha Reserve. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a thrill-seeker who embraces a heart-pounding zipline or a leisure-seeker who wants to take in the breathtaking views at a slower pace. 

For this holiday sailing, the ship is beautifully decorated and the menu features all your holiday favorites with a twist, like Christmas pudding soufflé or butter-poached lobster tail. There’s plenty of fun onboard too, from holiday trivia and movies to a New Year’s Eve deck party and a Christmas High Tea. The relaxed atmosphere ensures you’ll enjoy the season without any cooking, cleaning, or fuss. While others are bundled up in the snow, you’ll be soaking up sunshine on tropical beaches, hiking cloud forests, or exploring beautiful destinations. This is a holiday adventure to remember–and maybe even repeat year after year.

Virgin Islands Cruise: Enjoy a Leeward Islands Celebration

A cruise through the Leeward Islands sails between St. Thomas and San Juan. You’ll begin your journey in Charlotte Amalie, the capital and largest city in the U.S. Virgin Islands and home to fascinating history, beautiful beaches, a fantastic golf course, and incredible shopping options. 

From there, you’ll explore the U.S. Virgin Islands and French West Indies, and visit St. John’s Cruz Bay for perfect snorkeling and diving off calm, sandy beaches. You’ll explore the lush island of Nevis and its charming capital, Charlestown, then spend a night in the upscale Caribbean hotspot of St. Barths. You’ll also enjoy time on Prickly Pear, a peaceful national park island surrounded by coral reefs, and explore Virgin Gorda’s Spanish Town along with the hidden bays and caves of Norman Island. The cruise ends in historic Old San Juan, giving you the chance to soak up the local culture or extend your holiday adventure–and how could you resist?

Why Celebrate the Holidays on a Small Ship?

The biggest reason? Less stress. You get to travel, celebrate, and relax all at once. The crew handles the meals and the planning. You get a new view every day and time to slow down and enjoy the season. And because the ships are smaller, everything feels more personal—no herding, no waiting, no big crowds.

You also get a front-row seat to holiday traditions in other parts of the world. Whether it’s a Christmas market in Germany, a New Year’s beach celebration in Baja, or a quiet sunset in the Florida Keys, you’ll experience something that sticks with you long after the decorations come down.

Tips for Booking Your 2025 Holiday Cruise

• Book early – Holiday cruises fill up fast, especially the smaller ships.
• Know what’s included – Some lines are all-inclusive, others charge separately for drinks, excursions, or gratuities.
• Pick your style – Expedition, river, coastal, or yacht? Warm weather or winter scenes? Choose what feels right for your holiday vibe.
• Ask about festive extras – Some cruises include tree lighting ceremonies, special menus, local events, or even carolers on board.

Embark On a Small Ship Cruise for the Holidays This Year

If you’re ready to make the holidays feel new again, this could be the perfect time to try a small-ship cruise. Whether you’re traveling with family, a partner, or going solo, there’s a festive sailing waiting for you in 2025. Leave the stress and busyness behind this year and sail away… you’ll be glad you did.

Let us help you find the right ship and destination. Reach out now to start planning your holiday escape. Give us a call at 800-578-1479.