Where can you cruise in December?

Whatever you’re looking for in a December cruise, you’ll find it with us as we travel to a range of varied destinations. During this time, we normally visit the Baltic , the Canary Islands , the Caribbean , Northern Europe , Norway, Spain and Portugal , and Western Europe.

Where are the best Christmas market cruises?

A good Christmas market can make the season come alive as brightly as fairy lights around a tree. We visit the following Christmas markets, each containing their very own kind of festive magic: Bruges (on a Short Break, Northern Europe or Baltic cruise) Amsterdam (on a Northern Europe, or via a Baltic cruise) Rotterdam (via a Northern Europe, or Baltic cruise) Copenhagen (on a Baltic cruise) Oslo (on a Baltic cruise)

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Holidays in December

If you’re looking for a winter escape as the nights draw in, then December is the perfect time of year to get away. But with so many incredible places to explore and great deals to enjoy, where should you start? How about swapping those cold December days for the colourful Caribbean or the captivating Canary Islands? Or, if you’re in the mood for some festive fun, why not enjoy some warm Glühwein at the Christmas markets in fairly-tale cities like Bruges, Amsterdam or Hamburg? From revitalising sunshine escapes to seasonal getaways, there’s a December holiday for you.

December destination highlights

Short breaks

From peaceful pavement cafés to pulsating nightlife, Amsterdam has many faces. Keen to discover rich local culture or simply soak up the atmosphere? You can find your own rhythm in this diverse city.

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The Caribbean

Picture an idyllic holiday, picture the Caribbean. Lazing on white sands under palm tree-shaped shadows; crystal-clear waters lapping metres away while you sip from a coconut… It’s the epitome of relaxed holiday days. But don’t be fooled into thinking the Caribbean is just a beach holiday. Each diverse island has a whole wealth of charms waiting beyond its breathtaking coastline.

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The Canary Islands

Island-hop, city-swap and explore all that the region has to offer on your first cruise holiday. And while there is undoubtedly more to enjoy than the beaches and blue skies, some days the turquoise waters and mountain-backed shores might just prove irresistible.

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Spain & Portugal

Experience rustic architecture and mouth-watering cuisine on your first holiday to Spain and Portugal.

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Norway & Iceland Cruise Holidays

Cruise holidays to Norway and Iceland take you to the heart of Mother Nature. To a world of vivid landscapes, punctuated by deep fjords, soaring peaks and cascading waterfalls. And the best way to unlock these treasures? Through a cruise.

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Northern Europe and Scandinavia

The Baltic is a playground of riches. Our Baltic Cruise Holidays offer two weeks visiting capital cities, cultural masterpieces and lesser-known gems. This is your chance to dive into the region and come home with a story or two to tell.

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Northern Europe

Ready to take your city break to the next level? Imagine strolling beneath the medieval architecture of Bruges, sipping an icy beer in a canal-side café in Hamburg and admiring the many masterpieces of Amsterdam. Now imagine doing all that in a week on our Northern European cruises.

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Discover our December holidays

December 2025 Holidays
December 2026 Holidays

New to cruising?

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New to cruising

The beauty of a P&O Cruises holiday is anything goes; you might kayak along a fjord or explore by bicycle or catamaran by day and kick up your heels to a live band by evening. This is your chance to holiday like never before.

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Our fares explained

Cabins, dining times, deposits – there’s more to our prices than just the cost. But with three to choose from, which will work best for you?

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Meet the fleet

On board every cruise ship you'll enjoy the same P&O Cruises experience. But what you'll also find is that each cruise ship has a number of unique features and facilities...

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Frequently asked questions about December cruise holidays

There are a wealth of reasons to head off on a December cruise. If you’re inspired by the almost palpable sense of magic that comes with the season, consider a Baltic cruise where you’ll be able to visit the most breathtaking of Christmas markets. Or perhaps you’re not a huge fan of winter and you’d prefer to explore sunnier climes? In that case, find just the dose of sunshine you need on a Caribbean cruise. Want to get your year started off right? Consider embarking on a December cruise that carries over to the new year to start as you mean to go on.

A good Christmas market can make the season come alive as brightly as fairy lights around a tree. We visit the following Christmas markets, each containing their very own kind of festive magic:

Bruges (on a Short Break, Northern Europe or Baltic cruise)
Amsterdam (on a Northern Europe, or via a Baltic cruise)
Rotterdam (via a Northern Europe, or Baltic cruise)
Copenhagen (on a Baltic cruise)
Oslo (on a Baltic cruise)

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