December cruises

Yes, December is one of the best times of the year to set sail on a cruise. To begin with, a December cruise gives you the chance to bid farewell to the outgoing year in full style, as well as to relax in anticipation of the new year. Furthermore, with the many holidays during this period – between Christmas and the approaching New Year's Eve – December is a great period to organize your holidays, whether to spend unforgettable moments with your family or to travel with your friends. 

As it is the month of Christmas, you can experience the magic of the holidays by visiting incredible places and savoring how other countries and cultures celebrate this event. Additionally, a December cruise also gives you the opportunity to escape the cold by heading to warm and sunny destinations, especially the Caribbean, as well as the Emirates  and the Atlantic islands of the Canaries and Madeira. 

With our December cruises, you can treat yourself to an unforgettable winter vacation. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit with your family or on a romantic getaway for two, you can visit some of the most beautiful cities in Northern Europe such as Hamburg, London, Bruges, or Amsterdam, and stroll through their wonderful Christmas markets. 

If you wish to relax and recharge to the fullest for the advent of the new year, the Caribbean is one of the most sought-after destinations in the winter months due to its mild and warm climate. With MSC Cruises, you can reach the Bahamas, including Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our private island immersed in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, Cozumel in Mexico, and many other dream locations for a December vacation by the sea. 

Other warm destinations include the Canary Islands and Madeira, where you can admire incredibly beautiful landscapes surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, or treat yourself to a journey discovering the futuristic modernity of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. December is also a good time to visit the main cities of the Mediterranean free from crowds, from Barcelona to Marseille, from Naples to Rome, and even Tunis. You can also choose to travel to South America or South Africa or treat yourself to an unforgettable cruise to Japan and discover its culinary richness and stunning temples.

What to pack for your December cruise depends on the destination you’d like to visit! For Northern Europe cruises, pack for cooler weather. A warm, waterproof jacket is suggested, along with comfortable sweaters, warm pants, and sturdy waterproof shoes. Don't forget a scarf, hat, and gloves. For Mediterranean cruises, pack layers considering that the winter months are generally colder. A coat and jumper are ideal for cooler evenings. 

While for warmer destinations like the Caribbean, Canary Islands and the Emirates, pack light clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and and a few sweatshirts or jackets for cooler days.  

Looking for a December cruise that fits your holidays? MSC Cruises has got you covered. From short winter getaways or longer journeys, you can find the perfect itinerary for you! Choose from mini-cruises lasting 3 or 4 nights, standard 7-night cruises, or lengthier routes of up to 10, 17 nights. 

The price of a December cruise can vary depending on several factors, including the itinerary, cruise length, and accommodation choice. To book your December cruise with at the best price, you can take advantage of the available December cruise deals. 

December is one of the best months to visit the Caribbean, as it marks the beginning of the dry season with low chances of rain that extend until April. 

With a December cruise in the Caribbean, you can say goodbye to the cold and wind and spend long hours enjoying the tranquil tropical sun. Temperatures average between 25-30°C during the day, while in the evening they rarely drop below 20°C. The water temperatures are also perfect for an unparalleled vacation at sea, remaining around 25-27°C. The optimal temperatures of the Caribbean will have you returning from your vacation with a dream tan! Since December marks the beginning of the dry season in the Caribbean, the chance of rain is extremely low and limited to occasional rains. 

Your suitcase must include all the essentials for enjoying the sea: swimsuits, sunscreen, sunglasses, and flip-flops for the beach. As for clothing, we suggest bringing casual and lightweight clothes like short-sleeved shirts, blouses, and shorts. We also recommend bringing some more elegant but still fresh outfits for the various evenings on board our cruises. A few slightly heavier items such as a sweater or jacket could be useful in case of wind, especially in the evening. 

The temperatures in Mediterranean countries in December are not high but remain milder compared to those in other countries - for example, Northern Europe. Temperatures can vary depending on the specific region. For instance, along the Mediterranean coasts of France, average temperatures are around 12-14°C, while in Spain and Italy they are around 15-18°C. Therefore, the days are cool but not extremely cold when compared to other European countries.  

Chances of rain can also vary from one region to another, although December is generally characterized by an increase in rainfall compared to the autumn and summer months. For example, the Mediterranean coasts of France and Spain experience rainy Decembers, while in southern Italy, rain is less frequent than in the north. 

Considering the temperature variation between different regions of the Mediterranean, we suggest packing layered clothing so you can comfortably adapt to the various temperature changes during the day and night. Long-sleeved shirts or blouses and a coat are recommended during this period. We also suggest bringing a raincoat in case of rain and a scarf and gloves in case of colder weather. Meanwhile, a pair of comfortable covered shoes is a must for your walks among the main streets and attractions of Mediterranean cities. 

For general information please read our Booking Terms and Conditions.