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How Cruise Lines Enhance Festive Family Traditions for Guests Celebrating the Holidays at SeaHow Cruise Lines Enhance Festive Family Traditions for Guests Celebrating the Holidays at Sea
Travelers are discovering the no-hassle joys of cruising during holiday periods.Holiday cruises appeal to a wide swath of the traveling public: Couples who don’t want the pressure of hosting, families looking to spend time together, solo travelers who don’t want to be alone on the holidays, and experience-chasers looking for epic celebrations.Christmas and New Year’s sailings to warm climates are particularly popular, and some cruise line members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have expanded themed holiday sailings to include Halloween and Thanksgiving.The cruise lines pull out all the stops to make sure key traditions are not only highlighted but enhanced, often with clergy onboard for those who observe, holiday food and special activities.Why take a holiday cruise?The obvious reason to cruise over the holidays is to focus on fun and family time without worrying about logistics. Seasonal celebrations become amazing vacations.No one needs to cook, clean, or squeeze too many guests into too few bedrooms. Host families don’t have to entertain visitors of all ages because ships have daily activities to satisfy the entire clan.Cruise ships are designed to host groups, with accommodations to suit different budgets, plus connecting rooms, and cabins that can sleep four (sometimes more). Onboard dining teams are adept at handling special diets and can offer holiday feasts with options for every palate.“You’re not just taking a vacation — you’re elevating a holiday tradition,” says Lainey Melnick, a travel advisor with CLIA Premier Agency Member Dream Vacations. “In my family’s case, holiday cruises have become some of our most talked-about memories — and that’s ultimately what clients are investing in.”For families overwhelmed with stuff, cruise vacations themselves make great presents, says Susie Flores, a travel advisor with CLIA Premier Agency Member Cruise Planners. “I've had many families tell me that they give their kids a few gifts, but keep the larger present as the vacation,” Flores says.Religious servicesCruise lines support guests who want to observe religious holidays with clergy on board most ships for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. When spring cruises overlap with Passover and Easter, cruise lines may add clergy for Easter services and Passover seders.Travel advisor Melnick says cruise lines are more accommodating of religious requirements than many travelers realize, making guests feel comfortable about cruise travel that overlaps with important holidays.Festive celebrations on boardFor the holidays, cruise lines go all in with holiday decorations, special menus, and themed events.Onboard Thanksgiving dinners feature turkey, pumpkin pie, and other favorites. Sports bars show Thanksgiving football games. Hanukkah cruises host nightly electric candle lighting ceremonies and serve donuts and latkes, following the tradition of eating fried foods.Both river- and ocean-going ships decorate their decks for Christmas with trees, lights, garlands, and gingerbread displays. Guests can enjoy the season with Santa visits, atrium caroling, holiday storytime, and seasonal craft-making. Carnival Cruise Line hosts an ugly sweater competition, and the Grinch will stalk the decks, thanks to the line’s partnership with Dr. Seuss.Cruise lines get in the Halloween spirit with costume parties and treats for kids. Disney Cruise Line celebrates throughout September and October with Halloween trees, Jack-o-lanterns, and spooky-ish movies shown on board. Mickey Mouse and friends sport Halloween costumes while kids trick or treat, and adults can enjoy themed beverages.Cruise lines mark other holidays, as well. Holland America Line, Cunard, and American Cruise Line position ships to see July 4 fireworks in U.S. ports and celebrate with onboard picnics, red-white-and-blue treats, and themed games and crafts. Princess Cruises often hosts vow renewals on Valentine’s Day.Anyone looking for a memorable night out on New Year’s Eve will find it on a cruise ship with midnight countdowns on the pool deck or in the atrium, complete with sparkling wine.“We have been offering a group cruise over New Year's Eve for the past four years to start the new year off with a big celebration,” says Karen Quinn-Panzer,MCC, owner of Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer in Naples, Fla. “Many ships have parties all over the ship,” she adds. “Why not let the captain do the driving!”© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected]. 07 April, 2026 -
Cruising Delivers Unmatched Value and ExperiencesCruising Delivers Unmatched Value and Experiences
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) research consistently shows value for money and the ability to visit multiple destinations in one trip as the top reasons cruisers love to cruise.For Ashley McGinnis, who recently took her eighth cruise with her family of five, there’s also the joy of not having to say no to her kids. On the Caribbean cruise, her youngest, Mavie, age 4, rode her first big waterslide, sang karaoke, and took center stage at a kids-only dance party. McGinnis’ older children enjoyed rock climbing and a poolside movie, and everyone loaded up on plenty of soft-serve ice cream. All were included in the cruise fare.“As we were disembarking, my kids were already asking when we could go back, and I’m right there with them,” McGinnis says. “There is just no competition for all the value I get on a cruise.”The Unmatched Value of CruisingIt’s no exaggeration that vacation dollars go farther on a cruise when compared to a land-based vacation. On ships ranging from small to large, ocean to river, cruise is by nature a value proposition.Cruise fares feature complimentary dining options ranging from casual buffets to à la carte full-service restaurants, a wide variety of activities from the active to the cerebral to the just plain fun, and swanky evenings with entertainment – such as production shows, piano bars, and dance clubs. Putting all that together on land would be difficult and pricey.“From strictly a pricing perspective, a cruise will often be less expensive and include more in the base price than a similar experience on land,” says cruise expert Chris Grum, founder and owner of Premier Custom Travel. “Land-based vacations usually do not include food, activities, shows, or other amenities, while cruise lines will offer those as inclusions or at a generous discount.”According to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal, even as cruise lines are raising their fares, they are still significantly lower than comparable land-based vacations. The WSJ says the difference has historically been 25% or more.Designed to fit every budget, cruising appeals to families, couples, solo travelers, and luxury seekers alike. This is reflected in the increased popularity of cruise vacations.According to CLIA's 2026 State of the Cruise Industry report, more than 37.2 million ocean-going cruisers sailed globally in 2025, up from 34.6 million in 2024. The number is expected to rise to more than 42 million passengers in 2029. Repeat intention is strong, with about 90% of cruisers planning to sail again, and 75.6% of people who have not cruised before open to taking their first cruise.One way cruise companies continue to attract fans is by staying on trend. Each year, innovative new ships launch that rival the best resorts on land, and popular features are added to the existing fleet during regularly scheduled refurbishments.At the same time, CLIA members are investing in pioneering green technologies and supporting local communities, ensuring that cruising is not only enjoyable and value-packed but also sustainable and responsible travel.Exciting Experiences Onboard and AshoreVisits to multiple destinations are part of the cruise value proposition. Unlike land travel, cruises combine adventure, relaxation, and enrichment on ship and on shore in one vacation, without the hassle of coordinating hotels, transfers, or meals in each city.“Luxury hotels may pamper you, but they can’t transport you,” says Gary Smith, Owner & CEO of TravelPerks. “Cruises deliver indulgence and exploration in one effortless package.”In ports of call, guests have easy access to beach, cultural, historical, active, and nature-based experiences, whether on your own or on shore excursions.For beach lovers, cruise lines have invested in private destinations, especially in the Bahamas. These exclusive island getaways add value by offering pristine beaches, water sports, and curated dining experiences only available to cruise guests.Agency owner Grum notes with excitement that the cruising benefit his clients love the most is simply the convenience of only having to unpack once while visiting multiple destinations.Cruise vacations are value-added and stress-free travel combined.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 22 February, 2026 -
Cruise Lines Lead the Way in Accessible VacationsCruise Lines Lead the Way in Accessible Vacations
Finding the perfect accessible vacation can be tricky. Hotels and resorts may be difficult to navigate. Transferring luggage between hotels or onto trains or airplanes as you visit multiple destinations can be a chore. A cruise can eliminate or minimize many challenges.In fact, cruising is one of the safest and most accessible ways to travel. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), more than 80% of travelers with mobility, sensory and neurological or cognitive challenges rate cruising as the best vacation option for them.Cruises provide travel experiences for all ages and abilities, and at a range of price points. For those with mobility limitations, it’s one of the best ways to see the world.Advantage of cruise over land travelCruise lines build ships with accessibility in mind. All CLIA member lines comply with international and federal accessibility regulations, and as they launch new ships, are increasingly adding accessible accommodations.Wheelchair-friendly cabin features include automatic doors, wider doorways, extra floor space by the bed, and smooth thresholds. Lowered closet rods, safes and sinks make cabin amenities easier to reach from a wheelchair.“Most cruise ships are more accessible than the typical hotel,” says John Sage, CEO of Accessible Travel Solutions. “The in-room accessibility is generally good. The accessible bathrooms tend to have roll-in showers and tend to be quite standardized [across cruise lines and ships].” Sage himself is a wheelchair user who has visited more than 120 countries.Most cruise lines provide sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices, large-print menus, Braille signage, visual-tactile alert systems in cabins, and relief areas for service dogs.Companies such as Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea can provide rental items such as motorized scooters, oxygen, bed rails and wedges, and recliners for in-cabin use, all delivered to the ship.Accessible shore excursions“One of the biggest success stories in the whole travel industry when it comes to accessibility over the last several years is the growth in accessible shore excursions,” says Sage.While in the past there were few options for wheelchair users other than pricey private tours, according to CLIA there are now more than 100 designated accessible shore excursions available at cruise ports around the world – many in partnership with Sage’s company. Often, these tours use wheelchair-friendly vans that can park close to attractions including cultural and historical sites and beaches. They focus on destinations with accessible pathways and bathrooms, and employ guides trained to accommodate travelers with disabilities.CLIA reported in 2024 that 45% of cruise travelers had booked an accessible shore excursion in the previous year.Attentive crewThe microcosm of a cruise ship means travelers will encounter the same crew members throughout their cruise. Crew learn, for instance, everyone’s dietary needs – which are also typically saved electronically for reference. Many ships allocate dedicated galley space to handle food for people with allergies.Cabin stewards get to know in-room preferences – no need to keep repeating instructions to new hospitality staff, as you would if changing hotels.“There’s also the big advantage of unpacking once,” says Sage. “For people with disabilities, that matters a lot. Moving baggage can be quite a hassle.”Smart planning is the key to success for travelers with disabilitiesThe ideal accessible cruise will vary from person to person, but Sage has one piece of advice for everyone. “To have a really accessible, frustration-free vacation, travelers should look at the shore excursions before they choose the itinerary.” Most cruisers do the reverse and then are disappointed when they can’t find tours that suit.”Because no two cruisers’ needs are the same, the best advice for a successful cruise is to work with a knowledgeable travel agent who can advise on cruise lines that will meet specific accommodations. Travelers with disabilities can also reach out to cruise line accessibility departments for more information (check cruise line websites for more information).A sampling of cruise accessibility pages:Carnival Cruise LineDisney Cruise LineHolland America LineMSC CruisesNorwegian Cruise LinePrincess CruisesRoyal Caribbean Cruises© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 22 February, 2026