Top five festive destinations for a cracking Christmas holiday

Whether you love or hate Christmas, what better present than treating the family to a truly unforgettable experience abroad? And it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Experience all the magic of Christmas at a traditional European Christmas market, or get away from it all and escape to warmer climes – whatever holiday you’re looking for this December, Cruise Nation has just the cruise for you.

Here, the travel experts at Cruise Nation give their five best holiday destinations for the festive seasons: 

1. New York is a spectacular winter wonderland over Christmas. Can celebrate the way they do in the movies by exploring the snow-covered streets of Manhattan, being wowed by the iconic department-store window displays and ice skating in the park. 

7 night Christmas cruise Southampton to New York with a free balcony upgrade and 4 night stay in New York on the Cunard Queen Mary 2 departing 15 December 2014, prices are from £999

2. Barcelona is home to one of Europe’s best traditional Christmas fairs, the Fira de Santa Llúcia, which dates back as far as 1786!

One night stay in Barcelona before kicking off a 10 night Christmas Canary Cruise on the Norwegian Spirit, departing 15 December 2014, prices are from £699

3. The Mediterranean is a great destination to avoid the cold British winter weather, as it’s much milder than back in the UK

One night stay in Nice before starting a six night Christmas Mediterranean cruise on the Deliziosa, departing 19 December 2014, prices are from £399

4. The Bahamas will transport to you to a totally different world, for families looking celebrate Christmas on a white sandy beach before experiencing the colourful and energetic Junkanoo parade

Three night stay in the Bahamas followed by seven night Bahamas and Florida cruise on the Norwegian Breakaway departing 18 December 2014, prices are from £1,149

5. Dubai is a great, exotic location if you’re looking for some winter sun to beat the post-Christmas blues

Three night stay in Dubai followed by a seven night cruise around the Emirates, with overnight stays in Dubai and Muscat, on the Serena departing 29 December 2014, prices are from £1,099

Whether you want to get away from it all with an exotic winter-sun break, keep the kids busy with an action-packed itinerary or celebrate Christmas in true festive style by visiting the festive European Christmas markets, you can find a cruise that will please the whole family. 

Cruise holidays are both entertaining and affordable so taking the family abroad for the week won’t cost as much as you might expect. What’s more, the ships have every facility you could wish for and a huge number of activities to entertain all the family – and you won’t have to clear up all your decorations once the festivities are over!  

Phil Evans, Managing Director of Cruise Nation said: “Christmas is an exciting time of year for parents and kids alike. On top of all the decorations, presents and delicious dinners, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with the family – but who said you have to be at home to spend time with your loved ones? With Cruise Nation’s exceptional deals, you could treat your family to an unforgettable trip this Christmas. Just call our expert team for free on 0800 408 0758 to find the best deal for your family.”

Here, Cruise Nation gives you a taste of their unbeatable value deals for getaways this Christmas: 

Christmas Deal 1 (London departure)

Cruise Nation is offering a six night Christmas Mediterranean cruise with one night in Nice from just £479pp 

Package departs on 19 December 2014 

Full board 6-night Mediterranean cruise on the Costa Fascinosa calling at Savona, Toulon, Barcelona, Ajaccio, Civitavecchia for Rome and Savona

Spend Christmas Day in Rome

Package also includes one night in Nice on a room only basis

Includes return flights from London Gatwick 

Please note a booking fee of £19pp is applicable on this offer. Baggage is at extra cost, which varies by airline 

Christmas Deal 2 (Edinburgh departure) 

Cruise Nation is offering a seven night Dubai cruise with three nights in Dubai from just £999pp

Package departs on 16 December 2014

You’ll then enjoy three nights in Dubai on a room only basis

Full board seven night cruise on the Costa Serena calling at Muscat, Khasab and Abu Dhabi

Spend Christmas day in Dubai

Includes return flights from London and free upgrade to Oceanview Cabin 

Please note a booking fee of £19pp is applicable on this offer. Baggage is at extra cost, which varies by airline 

For more information or to book your cruise holiday, visit cruisenation.com.