Ships Destinations Caribbean

The 14 days of Christmas in the Caribbean

Start a new Christmas tradition with P&O Cruises. If a 14-night family cruise to the Caribbean is on your wish list this year, we’ve got a variety of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy – one for each day of your holiday.

6 min 06 Jan 2020

Editorial Team

Author

It’s never too early to start making Christmas plans – especially if a Caribbean cruise is on your wish list.

A family holiday with P&O Cruises will bring the magic. Rather than stressing over meal prep and worrying about the washing-up, you can enjoy relaxing days with loved ones on sun-baked beaches and Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, cooked by us for you. And best of all? You’ll have time to relax and enjoy it all.

To help you make the most of all that free time, we’ve rounded up just some of the ways you could spend your time aboard a 14-night Christmas cruise to the Caribbean.

Day 1-2: Dive deep in a submarine

You’ll fly into and sail out of Barbados, and in between you’ll enjoy an overnight and a day to explore. Ready your sea legs on a voyage of discovery aboard the Atlantis Submarine as you cruise through an amazing undersea world, where exotic fish, spectacular sponge gardens and fascinating coral formations will be unveiled outside your porthole.

Man looking out of the window in Atlantis Submarine in Barbados

Day 3: Hunt for treasure

St Vincent is a swashbuckler’s paradise: Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed here, after all. Unleash your inner pirate as you cruise along the coast

while being regaled with fascinating tales. Listen carefully, as your guide will drop hints on the hidden treasure that awaits. Afterwards, you’ll head to the beach where it’s time to find the treasure – be quick, as it’s finders keepers!

Day 4: Chill in the children’s clubs

If the younger ones are itching to spend time with children their own age, The Reef – our fun on-board activity programme for children aged two to 17 – is just the ticket. Staffed by a crew of enthusiastic Reef rangers, it’s organised into clubs tailored to age-specific needs. And while the young ones are happily preoccupied, mum and dad are free to relax: think leisurely lunch followed by cocktails on deck.

Reef Child Minder reading a story to a child

Day 5: Take a sweet train ride

All aboard! The St Kitts Railway was built to deliver sugarcane to the capital city of Basseterre and today, it provides visitors with a unique way to experience the island. You’ll be treated to Caribbean music and a colourful history of the island, and afterwards, you’ll enjoy a catamaran cruise that takes in sweeping vistas of the fishing villages and sugar plantations that dot the coast.

Day 6: Go plane-spotting

Due to its short runway, the Princess Juliana International Airport in St Maarten is one of few places in the world where you can come this close to planes taking off and landing. You can watch the action from a boat just off the beach at Maho Bay, and also enjoy the opportunity to swim and snorkel off the boat.

Plane taking off from Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin

Day 7: Get into the swim of things

Swimming in December? It’s the norm on a Caribbean cruise. And when you’ve got a full day at sea, where better to spend it than by the pool? All our ships offer a number of places to take a dip, from paddling pools for little ones to pools that are exclusively for adults. Grab a sun lounger, enjoy some snacks and drinks and swim the day away.

Day 8: Hit the road

Travelling with teens? Take them on the adventure of a lifetime in Grand Turk. Hop in a buggy and travel along narrow marl tracks and rocky coastline, taking in scenic views of the sea, islands and key sights. Keep an eye out for the Grand Turk Lighthouse, the local pink flamingos and John Glenn’s space capsule, which landed off the coast in 1962.

Day 9: Get festive on board

You might be miles from home, but we’ll help you keep the traditions of Christmas alive. Admire the beautiful tree and garlands in the Atrium, visit the intricate gingerbread village display or catch a festive film in the cinema or in your cabin. Younger ones can enjoy a pantomime and Christmas grotto, plus children’s parties and a visit from Father Christmas.

Day 10: Find a slice of paradise

From Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, take a boat ride to the island of Virgin Gorda, a paradise of tiny coves, rock basins and sea caves. Discover stunning white-sand beaches and stacks of huge boulders that form small seawater-flooded grottos and natural pools. Take some time to stroll, swim, and explore this captivating island.

Snorkelling in Virgin Gorda in the Caribbean

Day 11: Take a ride in a RIB

Pilot your own RIB through the crystal-clear waters of Antigua. Your instructor-led ride will take you in and out of bays and around reefs before arriving at Cades Reef, where you can don a snorkel mask and fins and take to the inviting Caribbean waters. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful marine life including parrotfish, damselfish and angelfish.

Day 12: Enjoy a spot of dolphin-spotting

Forget last-minute shopping: start a new Christmas Eve tradition by heading out into the beautiful waters of St Lucia to try and spot some dolphins. The sea surrounding the island is home to a variety of different species of dolphin, including spinner and striped. If you’re lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of humpback, sperm or pilot whales.

Day 13: Have a very merry Christmas

Celebrate the best traditions of Christmas Day (and leave out the ones you won’t miss) on board. Don your best Christmas jumper and dive into the fun: enjoy morning carols led by your captain, take a seat for a traditional Christmas church service, tuck into a heavenly turkey dinner with all the trimmings (cracker hats optional) and tune in for the Queen’s speech. The festive atmosphere is infectious. Later on, you can swap charades in the living room for a sparkling performance in the theatre.

Day 14: Live the beach life

With no mound of washing-up to do, you’re free to spend Boxing Day any way you’d like. And how better to spend it than with the sun on your skin and your toes in the sand? Visit Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach, where your time is yours to do as you please. Soak up the sun, swim in the sea or simply relax in true Caribbean style.