Sail Into Holiday Magic: Royal Caribbean’s Festive Voyages

As the year 2025 draws to a close, skipping the usual holiday frenzy on land and instead choosing to sail off into warm waters with Royal Caribbean is an incredibly tempting festive voyages and offerings. Whether you’re planning a Christmas escape, a New Year’s celebration at sea or just a “leave winter behind” break — Royal Caribbean’s festive voyages bring fresh itineraries, seasonal events, and a chance to make the holiday season truly memorable.

Festive Voyages and Holiday Sailings

Royal Caribbean is promoting a holiday campaign titled “Bring on the biggest, boldest holiday season ever”, referencing destinations like the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, and the line’s private destination Perfect Day at CocoCay — plus the new all-inclusive beach club at Paradise Island (opening December 2025).

According to the 2025-26 Caribbean vacations press release, the line opens up a broad lineup of ships for the tropical season, including deployments from Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico.

Itineraries and Destinations

The 2025-26 season includes 6- to 8-night Caribbean cruises on major ships such as Icon of the Seas (from Miami), Oasis of the Seas (from Fort Lauderdale) and Harmony of the Seas (from Galveston, Texas). While themed cruises are nothing new for Royal Caribbean, holiday sailings (i.e., December departures) are implicitly part of this broader deployment — the promotional wording emphasizes “holiday season” destinations.

Seasonal Onboard Experiences

The line describes that during the holiday season, ships will be “transformed into wintry wonderlands” — with carolers poolside, holiday wreaths and Christmas trees throughout the ship, themed meals & drinks, Santa and his elves making appearances, cookie-decorating and more.

The “Christmas Cruise Deals” page mentions the idea of “swapping frosty days for warm onboard celebrations and special themed meals.”

Why It’s a Great Holiday Choice

Less stress, more celebration. You don’t worry about cooking the big turkey, cleaning the house, fighting over gift shopping. Instead you’re on vacation.
Family-friendly but also romantic. Kids can enjoy themed events while adults can relax, making it a solid choice for multigenerational trips.
Unique memories. Celebrating Christmas or New Year’s Eve on the open ocean, with fireworks, sea-views and festive lighting, is a bit outside the ordinary.
Warm weather. Especially appealing if you’re based in colder climates and want to escape the chill.

Tips Before You Book Your Festive Voyage

1. Pick your departure date carefully. If you want to be on board for Christmas Eve or New Year’s, look for sailings departing the week of Dec 21 or later (for Christmas) or just before New Year’s.
2. Book early. Holiday sailings are very popular — early planning pays off.
3. Check what’s included. While the holiday spirit is built in, specialty dinners, premium drinks, and excursions will still cost extra.
4. Travel logistics. Flying in a day early is smart if your cruise leaves early from the port; arriving late can cause stress.
5. Mind the itinerary. Some sailings will spend more time at sea (great for full onboard celebration) vs. lots of port stops (great if you want off-ship adventure).
6. Consider the kids. If you’re traveling with family, check into youth programs and how the holiday events cater to younger guests.

Best Festive Voyages to Consider

-7 night Eastern Caribbean Holiday — departing 21 Dec 2025 on Symphony of the Seas from Miami.
-7 night Holiday — departing 21 Dec 2025 on Rhapsody of the Seas from Tampa, visiting Costa Maya / Belize City / Cozumel.
-6-night Western Caribbean Holiday — departing 28 Dec 2025 on Rhapsody of the Seas from Tampa, visiting Costa Maya, Belize City, Cozumel.