This year (and every year, in fact), consider taking a break from the usual routine and carve out a new holiday tradition—at sea. Imagine this: Every detail taken care of—from your room being tidied up twice a day to enjoying the ultimate holiday dinner—without you having to lift a finger. A holiday cruise is all about making memories with your friends and family—anything but time-consuming tasks. The only thing on your “to-do” list is to maximize your quality time and spend each day the way you want to spend it. You’ll easily get into the spirit with Deck the Holidays, Royal Caribbean’s biggest celebration during the most wonderful time of the year.

Royal Caribbean decks the halls with holiday décor, transforming the Royal Promenade into a winter wonderland guests of all ages will love.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Throughout December, on Caribbean cruises, enjoy festivities that include special appearances by Santa’s elves, gingerbread-cookie decorating, family story time and much more. Each ship will celebrate with tree and menorah-lighting ceremonies, and every Centrum, Royal Esplanade or Royal Promenade—the center for fun and thrills on board—will be transformed into a winter wonderland.

A favorite for many, the Holly Jolly Holiday Parade is a must-see, and don’t miss the festive photo opportunities, caroling, holiday movie screenings in the AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships (wear your pjs!), craft making and games for all ages—including ugly sweater contests and scavenger hunts.

The staff at Adventure Ocean, our award-winning youth program, has everything the youngest of guests need to write letters to Santa to hand-deliver them to the man himself at the “North Pole!” Fun fact: For a different type of family activity, you can also sign up to join a walk on deck in support of the World Wildlife Fund’s Arctic programs.

The festivities continue with a holiday-inspired menu in the main dining room, and, on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, lobster specials at Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and 150 Central Park. Kosher options will also be available on board. Of course, what really makes this time of year so magical are the treats: Every evening of December, guests can indulge their sweet tooth at the Milk and Cookies Corner in the Windjammer.

Everyone gets a much-deserved break on board our holiday cruises.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Cap it all off with New Year’s On Deck, the celebration to remember, featuring favors at every venue, private parties, elevated eats in the main dining room and across specialty restaurants and the exciting ball drop in the main Promenade, Esplanade or Centrum (for cruises that sail through January 1).

Holiday cruises range in length from three to seven nights and are bound for tropical, bucket-list locales, including our private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Cozumel, Mexico and more.

Looking forward to spending the holidays at sea? Find the cruise for you and your crew here—trust us, you’ll be the hero of the year!