IT might feel way too early to mention the C-word – but if you’re dreaming of a festive cruise escape, the clock’s already ticking.
The best Christmas cruises sell out months ahead, so now’s the moment to swap thoughts of burnt sprouts for cocktails on deck.
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From frosty fjords and the Northern Lights to Caribbean beaches and Middle Eastern glamour, Jacob Lewis rounds up the top Christmas cruise deals you can still bag before they disappear.
FOR FESTIVE FOODIES
VIVA Cruises has unveiled a mouthwatering six-night culinary cruise on the Seine this December.
You’ll feast on dishes by Michelin-starred chef David Goerne while wine expert Romana Echensperger pairs the perfect tipples.
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The voyage on VIVA Beyond starts on December 8, stopping at charming French towns decked out for Christmas.
Highlights include Rouen’s historic Christmas markets and a visit to a 17th-century cider farm.
It’s from £1,695pp for the festive treat (flights not included).
More details at viva-cruises.com.
ANTWERP XMAS MARKETS
AMBASSADOR Cruise Line’s festive mini-break is £399pp if booked TODAY with code COTW10.
The three-night jaunt on Ambition departs Tilbury on December 15, giving you two full days to explore Antwerp’s Christmas markets.
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No airports, no hassle – hop on at Tilbury and you’ll be wandering through twinkling Belgian streets before you know it.
The ship’s all decked out for Christmas too, with lots of festive entertainment and grub on board.
Get more details, and book, at ambassadorcruiseline.com.
CARIBBEAN CRACKER
SWAP your winter woolies for swimwear on P&O’s newest ship Arvia, sailing from Barbados on December 13 for a 14-night island-hopping escape.
On your journey you will stop at Antigua, Grenada, St Lucia, Martinique, St Kitts, St Maarten, Tortola and Barbados, with Christmas Eve in St Maarten and Christmas Day at sea – the ship’s 30 restaurants and four pools will keep everyone happy.
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Prices start at £1,599pp – including UK flights, meals and entertainment.
Visit pocruises.com to book.
LITERARY LINERS
BOOK on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 this December and join the Literature Festival at Sea.
The transatlantic crossing from New York to Southampton, December 8-15, features top authors, poets and journalists from The Times and Sunday Times with talks, signings and debates.
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Sailings are from £779 excluding flights.
Book at cunard.com.
MID-EAST MARVELS
MSC Euribia’s seven-night Dubai round trip is perfect for those wanting Christmas with a difference.
Departing December 20, you’ll explore Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, with sunshine guaranteed.
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Christmas Day finds you on Sir Bani Yas Island’s pristine beaches.
Prices from £1,959pp including your flights.
Check msccruises.co.uk to find out more.
N-EU YEAR
FRED Olsen’s Borealis offers brilliant value with 13 nights covering Christmas and New Year.
On a no-fly round trip departing Portsmouth on December 22, you’ll hit Portugal, the Canaries and Madeira, celebrating New Year’s Eve with Lisbon’s famous fireworks.
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From £1,999pp, with an offer of £300 per cabin on-board credit.
See fredolsencruises.com.
ENJOY AURORA BOREALIS FOR LESS
FANCY chasing the Northern Lights?
Havila Voyages is slashing prices by up to £440 per cabin on its winter cruises.
The Norwegian specialists are so confident you’ll see the Northern Lights, they’ll give you a FREE cruise if you don’t spot them on their 12-day voyage.
The trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back costs from £906pp for a November 30 departure, not including flights.
Or splash out on Christmas Day at sea for £980pp (no flights) departing December 17, with husky sledding and king crab fishing thrown in.
Book by September 30 at havilavoyages.com.
