Ready for a little change? How about taking your festive holidays on the road? And by road, we really mean the sea. A winter cruise.

Warm breezes, open horizons, and long, unhurried days from the moment the ship leaves from the harbour. Embrace the calm of the ocean and settle in for the December of your dreams. Cap it off with a pre- or post-cruise stay, and you’ve done the unthinkable: a restorative, tranquil, festive holiday.

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Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos in December is one of the most vibrant seasons, with calm seas, warm light, and wildlife at its most active. For those who love the ocean and everything about it, a cruise here at this time is pure magic. 

Your days move between volcanic shores, secluded coves, and clear waters where you are greeted by sea lions and turtles. Guided landings take you through dramatic landscapes and encounters with rare species, while snorkelling and kayaking open the underwater world. Evenings on board are tranquil and unhurried, with the comfort of an expedition ship framing each moment.

A post-cruise stay on Santa Cruz adds a final touch, with boutique lodges, quiet coastal paths, and space to unwind before heading home.

Post-cruise stay: Pikaia Lodge

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Southeast Asia

Imagine your December holiday started by wandering through an incense-filled Thai temple, followed by afternoons in coral bays off Vietnam, and ended with colourful markets along the Malaysian coast? Idyllic.

December is the perfect time to cruise Southeast Asia, with warm weather and calm seas making this one of the best times of year for island hopping and coastal exploration.

Festive traditions here unfold through culture rather than convention. Instead of western rituals, you find beautiful food, lively night markets, riverside lanterns, and a generosity of spirit that shapes every interaction.

Why not cap your cruise by unwinding on Koh Samui or the Desaru Coast in Malaysia?

Post-cruise stay: The Four Seasons Koh Samui or The Sireya Desaru Coast, Mandarin Hotels

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New Zealand

Perhaps not known as a December destination, early summer in New Zealand brings long, golden days and cinematic coastal landscapes.

Sailing along the coast offers remarkable variety, from the sheer cliffs and waterfalls of Milford Sound to vineyard afternoons in Marlborough and small harbour towns filled with cafés and craft studios.

Cruise life here is slow, the pace is easy, and festive traditions blend effortlessly into the experience. Christmas is marked by picnics, fresh summer produce, and a sense of warmth that comes as much from the people as from the season itself. New Zealand is an ideal choice for travellers who want December to feel open, natural, and full of flavour.

We love to cap a trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud with a stay at Blanket Bay on Lake Wakatipu. Surrounded by mountains and wide open skies, it is a place to slow the tempo, savour New Zealand’s beauty, and end your journey with peace and love in your heart.

Post-cruise stay: Blanket Bay

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The South Pacific

Few places dissolve the idea of winter as completely as the South Pacific. December in French Polynesia is all about warm water, soft breezes, and a gentle tropical calm.

Starting your festive break here will take you between quiet lagoons, coral gardens, and wide stretches of open sea that shift through endless shades of blue. Your time can be spent swimming, snorkelling, paddling across still water, or simply enjoying long afternoons on deck. The evenings bring soft drumming, island feasts, and a welcoming festive spirit that is both foreign and so familiar.

If you’re not quite ready to return home, the island of Moorea offers a gentle transition back to land. Overwater suites and slow, luminous mornings add a final chapter to your December getaway.

Post-cruise stay: Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

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Australia’s East Coast

If you’re after summer sparkle, then December in Australia is for you. Everything from Sydney’s harbour to the turquoise sweep of the Whitsundays and the vivid reefs of Queensland, cruising the east coast reveals a dynamic mix of icons and natural beauty.

Aussies embrace the outdoors, especially around the holidays. Festive celebrations unfold in the summer sun, with Christmas spent beside the sea or New Year fireworks lighting the water around the Opera House. The mood is joyful, relaxed, and openly inclusive, making it an easy favourite for LGBTQIA+ travellers.

Post-cruise stays really depend on your mood. Choose Sydney for a stylish city pause filled with dining, culture, and coastal walks, or head to Hamilton Island for quiet days on the reef and a final dose of tropical calm.

Post-cruise stay: Capella Sydney or Qualia - Great Barrier Reef

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Antarctica

While most people might want a cruise to escape the cold weather, some intrepid travellers might look to embrace a landscape shaped by icebergs. For travellers who want December to feel extraordinary, Antarctica offers an experience unlike anything a warm-weather holiday can provide. 

The early summer brings long daylight, clear horizons, and penguins clustered in lively flurries along the shore. Celebrating the festive season at the edge of the earth might be a little different but no less special. There are no crowds, no noise, and no commercial strain. Just you, your loved ones, and a stillness unlike anywhere else on earth.

To cap off a trip of a lifetime can be difficult, but if you’re craving a bit of city life, the elegance of Buenos Aires with its music, late-night energy, and European-Latin charm could be just the ticket. Or maybe the quiet beauty of Mendoza’s winelands with their open landscapes and slower rhythm is exactly what you need.

Post-cruise stay: Four Seasons Buenos Aires or The Vines Resort & Spa

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Set Sail for the Festive Season

December at sea feels different. While the world accelerates toward the holidays, life at sea slows into something spacious and restorative. The season becomes quieter, more personal, and more intentional.

Wherever the destination, let us help you plan the perfect December at sea.

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