Christmas is a magical time for adults and children alike. Good company, good food and the gifts everyone has craved all year add up to an unforgettable day, creating memories that will last for a lifetime.

But have you ever considered a Christmas or New Year cruise?

Award-winning Cardiff travel operator Passion for Cruises has, and is keen to share its latest list of holiday offers.

So imagine waking up on Christmas morning in the splendid surroundings of a sumptuous state room aboard one of the world’s leading liners.

Northern Lights
Imagine Christmas below the Northern Lights

What would Christmas Day on a cruise really be like?

With no cooking or chores to consider, you can instead enjoy a leisurely breakfast with countless newfound friends and conversation as sparkling as the champagne.

After spending the day being pampered in the spa or simply basking in the sun on your secluded terrace, you will be summoned to the Christmas dinner of your life.

Glittering silverware will reflect glittering, rainbow-hued decorations as smiling waiters wish you the compliments of the season and deliver a veritable feast, with course after course of fine food.

Best of all, there will be no washing-up afterwards – you can simply retire, replete to your stateroom or join friends for a relaxing drink in one of the ship’s stylish bars.

Then there is New Year’s Eve. If spending Christmas at sea was a defining experience, seeing in the New Year with a magnificent banquet, the world’s finest wines and countless friends will be even more special.

With a Christmas cruise, the magic does not end until the moment you return home.

Here are five Christmas cruise offers to get you excited

1. Canaries Christmas sun

Canaries cruise

On board: Oceana

When: December 17

How many nights: 12

Route: Southampton - Madeira -Tenerife - Gran Canaria - Lanzarote - Lisbon - Southampton

Cost: Inside cabin £1,399pp

Benefits: Free return coach from Cardiff to Southampton

Find out more about this deal here

2. All-inclusive Christmas Canaries

Horizon

On board: Horizon

When: December 20

How many nights: Seven

Route: Fly Birmingham to Gran Canaria - Tenerife - La Palma - Agadir - Lanzarote - Fuerteventura - Gran Canaria/return to Birmingham

Cost: Inside cabin £1,099pp

Benefits: All inclusive drinks

Find out more about this deal here

3. Northern Lights voyage – Christmas or New Year

Northern Lights voyage

On board: Richard With

When: December 19 or 30

How many nights: 11

Route: Fly Gatwick to Bergen, Norway - Alesund, Norway - Trondheim - Arctic Circle, Crossing - Lofoten Islands - Tromsø, Norway - Honningsvåg - North Cape Cruising - Kirkenes - Hammerfest - Tromsø, Norway - Lofoten Islands - Arctic Circle - Trondheim - Bergen, Norway/return to Gatwick

Cost: Inside cabin £1,599

Benefits: Includes flights, transfers and £200 on-board spending money

Find out more about this deal here

4. Christmas and New Year Cape Verde, Madeira and Canaries

Magellan
The Magellan

On board: Magellan

When: December 17

How many nights: 21

Route: Tilbury Amsterdam - Vigo - Lisbon - Sao Vincente - Praia - Tenerife - Gran Canaria - Lanzarote - Madeira - Leixoes - Tilbury

Cost: Inside cabin £1,599pp

Benefits: Free return coach from London Victoria to Tilbury included

Find out more about this deal here

5. New Year Mauritius to Cape Town

The Boudicca cruise ship operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
The Boudicca cruise ship

On board: Boudicca

When: December 27

How many nights: 16

Route: Fly Gatwick or Manchester to Port Louis, Mauritius - Port reunion - Tulear - Maputo, Mozambique - Richards Bay - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Mossel Bay, South Africa - Cape Town overnight on board and return to Gatwick/Manchester

Cost: Inside cabin £2,499pp

Benefits: All inclusive drinks £210 - includes flights and transfers

Find out more about this deal here

To see all the Passion for Cruises holidays on offer visit www.passionforcruises.co.uk