The best places to cruise in December
Wednesday, 7 October 2026
December in the UK features short days, long evenings and weather that leaves much to be desired. The countdown to Christmas – whether you’re eagerly anticipating the festivities or just longing for some quality family time – can feel never-ending, which is what makes the idea of a December cruise so appealing.
From wandering between stalls in a German market square to trading your coat for sunglasses as you spend Christmas basking in the Caribbean sun, there are plenty of destinations with a lot to offer in this final month of the year.
Here are the top destinations we'd point you to this December, each with a sailing worth putting on your radar.
CHRISTMAS BY THE CANALS: AMSTERDAM IN DECEMBER
Amsterdam is lovely all year round, but December is when it really earns its keep. The canals catch the lights, the bikes keep coming whatever the weather and the whole city seems to slow down just enough to enjoy itself. It's a place that does cosy properly: think steaming cups of hot chocolate, warm stroopwafels straight off the griddle and bustling Christmas markets full of unique gifts to take home for your family and friends.
The walkability of Amsterdam makes it the perfect port for a short cruise; you can cover a huge amount of the city's charm on foot in a single day without needing more than a good pair of shoes. If you want a quick trip to a city full of culture and festive delights, look no further than Amsterdam in December.
AMSTERDAM CRUISE DECEMBER 2026: DUTCH FESTIVE GETAWAY
Departs: 7 December 2026
Duration: 2 nights
Departure port: London Tilbury
Ship: Ambition
Two nights is just enough time to experience Amsterdam at its best and be back before you miss too many of December’s festivities at home. This sailing docks at Ijmuiden, a key gateway for Amsterdam or Haarlem, where bustling Christmas markets and festive sights await.
Read more: How to spend your stopover in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Mini Cruise
I went on Ambassador Cruise Line’s ship Ambience for the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. We went to the Netherlands and Belgium. It was very easy to visit places. The ship moored in IJmuiden, Netherlands and you can go to Amsterdam from there. The next day we moored in Zeebrugge and you can get to Bruges.
It was a great way to spend a weekend.
Back on the ship the food was very delicious, the cabin comfortable and great entertainment in the evening.
– Verified Guest Review, Trustpilot
DECK THE STALLS: GERMANY IN DECEMBER
If Christmas markets are the reason you're booking a December cruise, make sure your itinerary includes Germany. Cities like Hamburg and Bremerhaven turn into something close to a fairy tale once the market stalls go up, with mulled wine on every corner and the smell of roasting chestnuts and bratwurst following you down the street.
Germany is renowned for its Christmas charm, and for good reason. The markets are genuinely different city to city, some grand and sprawling, others small enough to wander in an hour, but all of them built around the same thing: good food, handmade gifts and an excuse to wander around with a Glühwein. What better way to get in the Christmas spirit?
GERMANY CRUISE DECEMBER 2026: CRICKET LEGENDS FESTIVE GETAWAY
Departs: 13 December 2026
Duration: 5 nights
Departure port: London Tilbury
Ship: Ambience
Docking at one of Germany’s major port cities, Bremerhaven, this sailing promises bustling seasonal market squares ready to explore. But with a unique twist, guests of this sailing will be joined by cricket legends Garry Richardson, Graham Gooch, Henry Blofeld, Jonathan Agnew, Graeme Swann and Angus Fraser – a brilliant Christmas treat for fans of the sport.
CHOC FULL OF CHEER: BELGIUM IN DECEMBER
Belgium might be small, but it’s truly mighty when it comes to Christmas. Between the chocolate, the waffles and the beer, it's hard to think of a country better suited to a festive short break, and a mini cruise means you get to enjoy all three without spending too much time away from home.
Towns across the country look like they were built for this time of year. Cobbled streets, medieval squares and market stalls selling everything from mulled wine to handmade lace give the whole place a storybook feel, while the grand architecture and interesting culture are well worth exploring in their own right.
BELGIUM CRUISE DECEMBER 2026: DISCOVER GERMANY, HOLLAND & BELGIUM'S FESTIVE DELIGHTS
Departs: 1 December 2026
Duration: 6 nights
Departure port: London Tilbury
Ship: Ambition
Sailing between three countries renowned for their festive cheer, this cruise is a Christmas-lover's dream. One of the three iconic cities on the itinerary, Zeebrugge is a historic Belgian port offering charming Christmas markets and delicious seasonal delicacies. Kickstart the December festivities with this seasonal sailing.
Read more: 10 Reasons to Choose a Christmas Market Cruise
The best holiday yet!!
With Ambassador cruise line, "The warmest welcome at sea" isn't just a slogan or strap line, it's a philosophy. All of the crew from the cleaning staff, cabin stewards, waiters, and bar staff to the senior officers and entertainment troupe. It's like being a part of a family. My wife and I recently embarked on our 4th cruise (our second on the Ambassador Ambition) for a two and a half week cruise around France, Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar. This holiday was the best we ever had!! The food on board was exceptional, the entertainment and the variety of music and musicianship was amazing. Thanks to all on the Ambassador ship Ambition and all back room staff - call centre staff, sub contractor staff at Portbury Dock, Bristol who made the overall experience so memorable.
– Verified Guest Review, Trustpilot
FELIZ NAVIDAD: SPAIN IN DECEMBER
Spain doesn't always spring to mind as a December cruise destination, but it should. The weather is milder than the UK without the need for a long flight, and the country’s Christmas traditions differ a fair amount from those we have at home, and what can be seen at the aforementioned destinations on this list.
Every region of Spain brings something different to a December sailing. The rugged Atlantic coastline and delicious seafood are a world away from the flamenco and orange trees further south, and that variety is really the whole point. One port might have you exploring cathedral spires and the next tasting your way through a local market.
SPAIN CRUISE DECEMBER 2026: CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR SAILING TO SPAIN & PORTUGAL
Departs: 20 December 2026
Duration: 14 nights
Departure port: London Tilbury
Ship: Ambience
Who says Christmas should be cold? Exchange the frosty UK air for Spain and Portugal’s winter sun, and spend December 25th basking in the rays with a cold drink in hand. This itinerary arrives in Vigo in time for New Year’s Eve, offering its stunning waterfront as a dazzling backdrop to your 2027 countdown.
SUN, SEA AND SANTA: THE CARIBBEAN IN DECEMBER
Not everyone wants their winter wrapped in a scarf, and that's exactly what makes the Caribbean such a brilliant option for a December cruise. Swap the grey UK skies for warm sun, white sand and turquoise water, and Christmas suddenly looks a lot more relaxed.
Made up of hundreds of islands, the Caribbean has more variety than people expect. Some days are made for doing absolutely nothing on a beach with a cocktail in hand, others for wandering colourful streets, browsing local markets or trying food you won't find back home. Our Destination Experiences make it easy to see as much or as little as you like at each port, all without the hassle of organising it yourself.
CARIBBEAN CRUISE DECEMBER 2026: CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CARIBBEAN CELEBRATION
Departs: 20 December 2026
Duration: 14 nights
Departure port: Bridgetown, Barbados
Airport: London Heathrow or Manchester
Ship: Renaissance
Ditch the mulled wine and gloves for a cocktail and sunglasses with a Caribbean fly cruise. Embarkation couldn’t be simpler: just arrive at the airport for your Virgin Atlantic flight and we handle the rest! With nine tropical ports of call including a sunny Christmas Day at Willemstad, Curacao's colourful capital, this itinerary promises a festive season to remember. Trade tradition for something unforgettable.
Read more: Gold Sand, Blue Water - The Caribbean Beaches Worth Planning Your Holiday Around
A wonderful 42 night adventure! Thank you Ambassador Cruise Line!
Having never cruised before we embarked on 42 nights away travelling to Brasil and The Caribbean on The Ambition. Our suite was wonderful, the staff a joy and the food fabulous! The on board entertainment staff put on imaginative shows in an excellent theatre and the whole ship was kept scrupulously clean. Well done Ambassador Cruise line and staff and many thanks for an unforgettable holiday!
– Verified Guest Review, Trustpilot
A DECEMBER WORTH SAILING FOR
However you like to spend December, whether that's markets and mulled wine or sunshine and sand, there's an Ambassador sailing to suit. Our friendly crew are looking forward to welcoming you on board, wherever the season takes you. Because Moments Matter.
Our no-fly cruises sail from seven regional UK ports – London Tilbury, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Liverpool, Dundee, Bristol and Belfast - so a festive getaway is probably closer than you think. If you fancy going a bit further this December, our Fly Caribbean cruises offer easy access to tropical sun.
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WHY CRUISE WITH AMBASSADOR
Experience more with Ambassador. Sailing from UK ports with welcoming service, comfortable smaller ships and a wide range of destinations, there's plenty to uncover this festive season, from Festive markets to Christmas Day in the sun.
For more destination guides, travel tips and must-see locations, be sure to read the articles on our blog.
