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.
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
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
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
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
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
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