carnival christmas cruise 2023

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Carnival Cruise Line Christmas and New Year

Christmas cruises 2024, 2025, 2023 new year's eve.

All Carnival Cruise Line Christmas and New Year cruise offers listed here are just itineraries and not cruise deals for sale. Vessels are ordered alphabetically. Comparing all the ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet is a most convenient way to select the best for you Holiday voyages as departures (homeports, dates), destinations (regions, visited countries), itineraries (ports of call, arrival dates, port times) and also to compare cruise prices.

CruiseMapper shows cruise prices per person. These are only indicative fares on the ship's lowest category staterooms. All rates are based on double occupancy (twin share) and don't include cruise line or travel agency promotions, group booking rates or any other special offers and discounts.

Carnival Cruise Lines Christmas and New Year cruises are the best choice for an unforgettable "Fun Ship" Holiday vacation marked by some of the cheapest deals on medium- and big-sized ocean vessels.

Most Carnival Christmas offers are for Caribbean port and island destinations, operated with roundtrip departures mainly from Florida (Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral), also from Charleston SC, Galveston TX, New Orleans LA. Other popular Holiday destinations are California and Baja Mexico (US West Coast) out of Long Beach, and Australia New Zealand (out of Sydney and Melbourne).

Next tables show all Carnival Christmas New Year cruise itineraries as ships, departure ports, call ports (dates and arrival/departure times) and regions.

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New Year's Cruises

Carnival Cruises Holiday Events Schedule 2023

by Prof. Cruise · Published November 8, 2023 · Updated November 24, 2023

A few days ago I posted the schedule for when each Carnival ship will be decorated for Christmas . Continuing our countdown to holiday cruise season, here are the special onboard activities that will be happening on all Carnival ships through the month of December. Specific days, times, and locations (unless already noted on the schedule below) will be available on your daily Fun Times or via the HUB app once you board.

Carnival Cruises Onboard Holiday Activities Schedule for December 2023

Spirit of the Season Atrium Moments

Christmas Tree Lighting

Christmas Caroling and Santa Visit

The Ugly Sweater Competition

The Christmas and Holiday Show

The Grinch Appearances

Christmas and Holiday Dive-in Movies

Christmas and Holiday Trivia

Christmas and Holiday Bingo

Christmas and Holiday Arts and Crafts

Hanukkah Service with the Menorah Lighting (nights of Dec. 7th – 14th)

Christmas Service (night of Dec. 24th or 25th)

Christmas and Holiday Snow Friends Scavenger Hunt: Hidden images of snowmen around the ship

Family Pajama Jam

Lido event before our Dive-in Movie for families to enjoy (games, treats, crafts, and a pajama parade. Families are encouraged to come in their pajamas).

Carol-oke: Karaoke with popular Christmas and Holiday songs

When Each Carnival Ship Will Be Decorated For Christmas 2023

And with that…

Class Dismissed!

If you’re on a warm weather cruise, you might consider one of these * in lieu of a sweater:

Homework (10 points): Which of these activities are you most looking forward to? Share to the comments!

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*I’m a member of Amazon’s associates program and earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you purchase products through Amazon links in my posts. All funds go to support the work of the site. Thanks for your support!

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Celebrating Holidays

What better way to celebrate the holidays and sporting events but on a Carnival Cruise with family and friends. You will enjoy specially-planned events, timely decorations and special seasonal dishes. Events and activities may vary by ship and are subject to change.

Black History Month When: Month of February This month long observation recognizes the contributions, influence and important of African Americans.

• Black History Month trivia
• Black History Month: Meet Up
• Dance Classes
• Motown Atrium Party 
• Guess That Song 
• Coloring at Sea

Super Bowl Sunday When:  February 9, 2025 | February 8, 2026 It’s America’s biggest sporting event and the reason for America’s biggest party! Join the fan zones, grab a bucket of beer and get ready for a tailgate bash, Fun Ship-style! Super Bowl LVII will include the following experiences:

• Super Bowl Trivia  
• Sailgate Party with VIP Seating Challenge and Junior Cruiser Touchdown Dance
• Viewing locations are in select bars, lounges and  Carnival's Seaside Theater  
• Themed Casino activities
• Themed Youth Activities
• Support your team and wear your favorite football attire! 

Valentine’s Day When: Fe bruary 14 Love is defiinitely in the air this time of year! Come join us for a fun-filled day of love and activities.  

• Carnival's Largest Vow Renewal at Sea
• Valentine’s Day Bingo, Trivia, Cupid Contest and Conversation Heart Scavenger Hunt
• Valentine's Card Craft
• Valentine's Dance Class
• “All Paired Up” Casino Event
• Steakhouse Valentine's Day Lunch on ships with a sea day on the 14th ( $ )
• Divas Nightclub Hour
• Divas Atrium Party / Guess That Song
• Influential Women Trivia
• Women’s History Month: Meet Up
• Dance Classes  

Mardi Gras When :   March 4, 2025 | February 17, 2026 It’s time to celebrate Fat Tuesday and party New Orleans style!

• Mardi Gras Parade
• Mardi Gras Party
• Mask Making Workshop 
• Mardi Gras Games 
• Mardi Gras Bingo and Trivia
• To celebrate, don't forget your beads and wear your favorite purple, green and gold attire!

Dr. Seuss' ™ Birthday When:  March 2 Hooray, hooray! It’s Dr. Seuss’ big day! Join The Cat in the Hat and your Cruise Director for a fun, family Seussian birthday celebration. Hurray, the cake is on the way! 

• Special Seussian Celebration of Everyone's Birthday!
• Dr. Seuss Family Trivia
• The Cat in the Hat makes a special appearance during the Wave Morning Show
• Seuss at Sea™Programs, including Seuss-a-Palooze™ Story Time and Parade
• Dr. Seuss Dive in Movie (on ships that feature Carnival's Seaside Theater )
• Themed Youth Activities 

March Madness When: March/April March Madness Basketball is finally here! It's bracket time! Grab a bucket of beer and join us for the buzzer beaters, upsets and the Cinderella stories!

• March Madness Trivia   
• Support your team and wear your favorite team's attire!
• Check the Carnival HUB App for viewing times and locations.  

St. Patrick's Day When: March 17 It's time to celebrate the luck of the Irish! Come join us for a day filled with St. Patrick's Day festivities. 

• St. Patrick’s Day Pub Party (18+)
• St. Patrick’s Day Mega Deck Party
• Family Shamrock Hunt
• St. Patrick’s Day Bingo
• St. Patrick’s Day Games
• 'Shamrock Shuffle' Casino Event
• Wear something green and be all things Irish for a day!

Holi When: March 14, 2025 | March 4, 2026 Hindu festival of colors celebrating the arrival of spring in India.

• Morning Fitness Class
• Bollywood Family Dance Class
• Trivia: Colors
• Coloring at Sea (Rangoli)
• Holi Creativity at Sea 
• Bollywood Nightclub Hour
• Themed Youth Offerings  

Easter When:   April 20, 2025 | April 5, 2026 Activities for guests of all ages and some specific for children and their families will take place on Easter Sunday. 

• Family Easter Hop N’ Stop Hunt 
• Family Easter Flower Hunt
• Easter Egg-stravaganza Bingo
• Easter Traditions Trivia
• Non-denominational Easter Service (excluding those ships in their home port on Sunday)

Passover   When:  April 12-20, 2025 | April 1-9, 2026

• A Passover Sedar Service will be hosted on the first night of Passover by a Cruise Staff team member.

Earth Day When:  April 22 Happy FUN Earth Day! Today the whole Carnival family is celebrating Earth Day. Please join us in “caring for our awesome planet” each and every day by saving energy, reduction water consumption and minimizing waste.

• Earth Day Cake Celebration
• Earth Day Digital Scavenger Hunt
• Earth Day Trivia
• Earth Day Quiz Activity with Cruise Director and Environmental Officer
• Themed Youth Activities  

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month  When: Month of May

• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Meet-Up
• Dance Class
• Music sets featuring songs from AAPI artists

Mother’s Day When:  May 11, 2025 | May 10, 2026 Time to show Mom some love! Come join us as we celebrate Mom with fun for the entire family.

• Mother’s Day Appreciation Event
• Mother’s Day Remembrance 
• Famous Moms Trivia
• Mother’s Day Craft
• Family Digital Scavenger Hunt
• Family Face Off Game

Pride Month When: Month of June Pride Month is celebrated during the entire month of June and we are excited to announce that it will be celebrated on board. 

• LGBTQIA+ Mixer 
• Pride Nightclub Hour
• Themed Trivias
• Themed Movie Programming

World Ocean Day When: June 8 On World Ocean Day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honor the ocean which links us all. Be a part of this growing global celebration!

• World Ocean Day Celebration 
• World Ocean Day Family Fish Hunt
• Family Fishing Challenge Game
• Ocean Themed Trivia
• Ocean Themed Puzzle and Coloring Sheet
• Ocean Themed Guess That Song
• Ocean-themed Dive in Movie  (on ships that feature Carnival's Seaside Theater )  

Father’s Day When: June 16, 2024 | June 15, 2025 | June 21, 2026 Time to show Dad some love!  We have lots of fun for the entire family, Dad-worthy activities planned so come and join us. 

• Father’s Day Appreciation Event
• Father’s Day Remembrance 
• Famous Dad’s/Dad Joke Trivia
• Father’s Day Craft Card

Independence Day/4th of July When:  July 4 Come celebrate the red, white and blue with us today! We aren’t just talking about Carnival… we are talking about the good ol’ USA! We are having a party in honor of Independence Day! 

• Independence Day Fun featuring activities such as ice cream eating contest, American themed pool and deck games, etc.
• 4th of July Bash Deck Party
• Line Dancing Class
• Independence Day Bingo and Trivia 
• American-themed  Dive in Movies  (on ships that feature Carnival's Seaside Theater )    

NFL Football Season When: September-Superbowl Sunday You won’t want to miss the live sports action, so put your game face on, grab a drink and get ready to cheer!  We moved the tailgate from the parking lot to the open decks! 

• NFL Games ( select games on Sundays, Thursdays, Thanksgiving, Playoffs and Superbowl )

National Teddy Bear Day When:  September 9 As part of Carnival's partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop® and our on board program, Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea, we will celebrate this special day with our guests - the young and young at heart. 

• Cruise Director Welcome featuring the heart ceremony
• Treats, Photos and Dancing
• Latin/Hispanic Guess That Song/Music Trivia Party
• Latin Nightclub Hour
• Hispanic/Latin Heritage Trivia
• Coloring at Sea 
• Pop Salsa Dance Class

International Talk Like a Pirate Day When:  September 19 Scouring the seas for a good time? Weigh anchor! X marks the spot! Celebrate Pirates' Day with our Fun Squad ...yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!

• Pirate Deck Party 
• Pirate Scavenger Hunt
• Pirate’s Day Bingo
• Pirate’s Trivia and Themed  Puzzles
• Pack your black, white and red attire and don't forget your eye patch! 

World Series When:  End of October  It’s that time of the year again! Come cheer for your favorite teams as they go head-to-head in the Fall Classic of America’s Favorite Pastime. Play Ball!

• Baseball Trivia
• World Series Games
• Día de los Muertos Festivities
• Remembrance Event
• Calavera Scavenger Hunt
• Themed Coloring at Sea
• Creativity at Sea Skull Mask
• Themed Trivia

Diwali  When: November 1, 2024 | October 20, 2025 | November 8, 2026 We are excited to celebrate Diwali, India's 5 day festival of lights.

• Creativity at Sea 
• Trivia: Good vs. Evil

Thanksgiving Day When: November 28, 2024 | November 27, 2025 | November 26, 2026 Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thursday evening, featuring roasted turkey, yams, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, giblet gravy and pumpkin pie.

• Turkey Trot with Your Cruise Director
• Thanksgiving Day NFL Football
• Thanksgiving Turkey Hunt
• Thanksgiving Trivia
• Gratitude Box
• Fall-themed Creativity at Sea 
• Thanksgiving Dinner
• Themed Youth Activites

Hanukkah (Chanukah) When: December 25, 2024-January 2, 2025 | December 14-22, 2025 | December 4-12, 2026 Hanukkah, otherwise known as the 'Festival of Lights' is the Jewish celebration of miracles, whereby oil that was only supposed to last for one day, burned for eight days. Join us for the lighting of the menorah and a special service in honor of the Jewish celebration of miracles.

• Each night of Hanukkah, services will take place in the atrium lobby at sunset, including prayers and songs.  

Christmas Holiday Season When: December 25  (early December through Christmas)                                                        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 guests arrive on board, with the ship’s atrium and promenade areas lavishly decorated in the spirit of the season starting early December. There’s even a special mailbox for letters to Santa! Guests will gather for the lighting of the Christmas tree in the ship's atrium, caroling to Christmas classics and for fun, trying their luck in an Ugly Sweater Competition. An extra-special, live-on-stage Holiday Show puts everyone in the spirit!         

• Noon Year’s Eve Family Party with the Cruise Director
• New Year's Eve Atrium Party with the Cruise Director 
• New Year's Eve Countdown
• NYE Bash with House Rock Band 
• NYE Piano Bar Sing-Along 
• NYE Nightclub Party 
• NYE Lido Bash with Cruise Director 
• NYE After Party (in the Nightclub for adults 18+)
• New Year’s Eve Trivia and Bingo
• Rolling Into the New Year Casino event

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