Family Holiday Travel
The winter holidays are a time for gathering and remembering. There are so many countries and religions around the world that mark the cold, winter months with celebrations! In America, Thanksgiving and Christmas are traditionally times for families to come together, reminisce about shared memories and past loved ones, and enjoy good food.
While the celebrations may happen every year, there are always special ones that stand out for one reason or another. Like the year your aunt tried to make ham and nearly burned down the grandma’s kitchen. Or the time you all sat around and listened to grandpa tell his stories. And the time all the grandkids hid away in the spare bedroom to play card games. Or watching all the little ones fall asleep early, while the adults are still enjoying pie. You can’t predict what will be memorable for your loved ones, but you can be intentional about creating holidays that are primed for memories: take them on a cruise! Family holiday travel will make your time together unique and enjoyable.
Thanksgiving
Historic South & Golden Isles | Board the Independence and let the professional culinary team roast the turkey; the wait staff will set the table and clean the dishes; the housekeeping staff will make the beds for your guests; the crew will plan your holiday activities and excursions; the local musicians, historians and naturalists will entertain your family. All you have to do is be there and have fun! Don’t waste your holiday cooking, cleaning and worrying – family holiday travel means you can enjoy your Thanksgiving, too!
Great Rivers of Florida | Get away to somewhere warm for Thanksgiving! Board the American Star for a week cruising the Tolomato and St. Johns Rivers of northeast Florida. Departing out of Jacksonville, this unusual itinerary is fun for all ages. No matter how far you’ll be from home, your family will still enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast: roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce!
Christmas
Christmas in the Historic South
When cruising in December, itineraries are based in the south. Boats are decorated with seasonal spirit, and your excursions will highlight the classic holiday traditions of the Cajun and Creole cultures. Visit elegant old plantation homes, now lovingly decorated for the holidays. At places such as Houmas House, Oak Alley, and Nottoway Plantation, you’ll enjoy a festive atmosphere that could include live music and dancing, yummy desserts, bonfire lighting on the levee and fireworks! Cruises depart on multiple dates between Thanksgiving weekend and New Year’s day.
Colonial Christmas Cruise
The American Constitution runs a special Christmas week cruise around the Chesapeake Bay. This 11-day cruise, roundtrip from Baltimore, occurs throughout the year, giving many the opportunity to experience American Revolutionary history. There will be caroling and cookies, along with a gift exchange onboard, plus a New Year’s Eve Gala with live entertainment and if you time it right, a midnight toast to ring in the new year. The rest of the days will be infused with holiday-themed activities and excursions, as well as the most delicious cuisine. Let your family be pampered with a historic Christmas holiday!
Follow the Sun
Baja’s Bounty
| Take your family to witness the wonders of the Sea of Cortes! Enjoy 7 nights island hopping aboard the Safari Endeavour in the protected waters of the “world’s aquarium,” a wondrous background to your family holiday travel. You’ll be snorkeling with sea lion pups, paddle boarding in search of local whale sharks, and riding mules through canyons. If you want to create memories that’ll last a lifetime for your grandkids, plan to enjoy Christmas in Mexico! Kids 8+ allowed aboard the Safari Endeavour. (This cruise also cruises the week of New Years.)
New Years
Ring in the New Year on board with all the bells and whistles – champagne toasts at midnight, white tablecloth dinner, lively music, and onboard entertainment. Join the American Symphony on the Lower Mississippi River cruise between New Orleans and Memphis. You can also celebrate as you sail the Golden coast on a 7 night cruise between Charleston, South Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida aboard the American Eagle on the Historic South and Golden Isles cruise.
Call our USA River Cruise agents to learn more about which cruises are available for your family holiday travel including which ships have connecting cabins and other insider knowledge! (800) 578-1479.
