2023 Christmas Holiday Season
With a festive on-board atmosphere, elaborate decorations and an array of traditional cuisine, entertainment and activities, Carnival’s ‘Fun Ship’ holiday cruises are the ideal option for reconnecting with friends, families and loved ones.
A festive mood is created as soon as you arrive on board - public areas throughout our fleet are adorned with oversized Christmas trees, wreaths, lights, mistletoe and other traditional touches - our decoration schedule can be found here!
Naughty? Nice? Only Santa knows! Write out your holiday wishes and drop them in the North Pole mailbox located in the atrium lobby .. and some letters will be read on our live Morning Show.
For the 2023 holiday season, our Spirit of the Season Moments and Holiday Show will be featured on several sail dates prior to Christmas.
'Tis the Season
On the Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras, there will be one show combining the events from the Spirit of the Season Moments and the Holiday Show all into one evening.
Spirit of the Season Moments
'Tis the season for traditions, loved ones and fun-filled celebrations.
The Spirit of the Season Moments is made up of magical celebrations
filled with holiday fun:
- Gather your friends and family for our traditional holiday kick off, the lighting of the Christmas tree in the atrium lobby. This event takes place on the first evening of the cruise. Hosted by the Cruise Director, a magical moment where the grand Christmas tree will be lit with spectacular lights and synchronized with wonderful, heartwarming holiday music.
- Celebrate the magic of the season with our very own Caroling event - sing-a-long to holiday classics! And a surprise visit from Santa!
- Put on your most festive ugly sweater and get ready to compete for a prize! Hosted by the Cruise Director, we celebrate the spirit of the holiday season as we combine holiday magic with a little Carnival fun! Guests of all ages are encouraged to bring their ugliest Christmas sweater for this fun competition.
Holiday Show
A magical show that’s sure to make your heart grow three sizes, with
singers, dancers and a surprise guest flown in from the North
Pole! A highlight of the cruise, this wonderful spectacular
show in the main show lounge evokes a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere
with its cozy set featuring a Christmas tree with
decorations created by the children from Camp Ocean, and of course,
a visit from Santa. And be on the look-out for the iconic and beloved
Dr. Seuss character, The Grinch!
All of us here like Christmas a lot.
But there’s someone on board who surely does not!
He’s mean and he’s green, he’s quick and so slick.
Try to spot him playing one of his tricks!
Join us for a special non-denominational Christmas service as we celebrate the season with warm stories, uplifting hymns and prayer. This service will take place on December 24th or December 25th (depending on your ship's itinerary; day, time and location will be listed in Carnival's HUB App).
We invite families to dress in their most festive pajamas and join us on Lido for games, a craft, and holiday treats! All leading up to a Dive-In Movie of the Polar Express!
How well do you know your holiday music? Join us for a festive and merry music trivia. We play the song; you do all the guessing!
* On cruises 5 days and longer
Holiday Trivia
Find out how much you know about the most wonderful time of the year with our cheery holiday trivia - the line-up includes Holiday Trivia, Holiday Radio, Holiday Movie and TV Trivia.
Popular holiday-themed movies will be shown on ships that feature the Carnival Seaside Theater.
* Movies will be shown in a lounge on ships that do not feature Carnival Seaside Theater
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for BINGO! Wear a holiday sweater and get an extra card, free with Bingo card purchase!
Naughty? Nice? Only Santa knows! Write out your holiday wishes and drop them in the North Pole mailbox located in the Atrium Lobby.
These jolly snow friends are hidden all around the ship! Get into the holiday spirit and spot our hidden friends and you could win a prize!
* On cruises 5 days and longer
Holiday Arts and Crafts
Our Arts and Crafts class will feature a paper snow globe craft kit and a menorah diamond art kit.
Youth Programs
There will be a variety of activities throughout the month including
decorating their space in Camp Ocean, games and Arts and Crafts, The
Playlist cast will be visiting various age groups to teach dance classes
and songs for an appearance in the Holiday Show.
The holiday menu features the traditional fare with all the trimmings, among other selections.
- Appetizers: Baked Brie, Deviled Eggs, Crab Salad and Beef Tartare, Short Rib, Lobster and Crab Soup, Roasted Pumpkin Soup, BLT Wedge Salad and Ceasar Salad
- Entrees: Roasted Tom Turkey, Honey Glazed Ham, Cauliflower and Cheese Pie, Grilled Black Tiger Jumbo Shrimp, Oven-Baked Salmon, Pappardelle Pasta, Flame-Grilled Striploin Steak, Ahi Tuna Salad and Featured Indian Vegetarian dish
- Dessert: Eggnog Cheesecake, Classic Bourbon Pecan Pie, Buche de Noel (chocolate log), Fresh Tropical Fruit, Ice Creams and Sorbet and Cheese Plate
Religious Services
If a clergyman of any faith wishes to perform a religious service, it is on a ‘volunteer basis’ only. To learn more about our clergy policy, click here. For those ships docked in port on Christmas Day, the Guest Service Staff can provide you with a list of local churches that are conducting services.
- November 24th: Carnival Conquest and Carnival Radiance
- November 25th: Carnival Breeze, Carnival Horizon, Mardi Gras, Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit
- November 26th: Carnival Celebration**, Carnival Dream, Carnival Glory, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Vista
- November 27th: Carnival Elation, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Valor
- November 30th: Carnival Venezia
- December 2nd: Carnival Magic and Carnival Paradise
- December 3rd: Carnival Legend, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Pride
- December 4th: Carnival Freedom, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Sunshine