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I Had NO IDEA What A Christmas Cruise Would Be Like. Until Now!

Tips For Travellers
Tips For Travellers
πŸ₯ˆExpert
πŸ‘οΈ 96K viewsπŸ“… 3 years ago⏱️ 10:33

Key Moments

Editorial Summary

The creator evaluates the experience of taking a seven night Holland America cruise to Mexico during the Christmas season. He addresses four primary concerns raised by his partner, Mark, including the increased cost, the change in passenger demographics, the potential for overcrowding, and the level of holiday festivities. The creator notes that while the cruise cost approximately 30 percent more than a standard sailing, the value was not significantly higher as the itinerary and amenities remained largely the same. He observes that the presence of over 400 children fundamentally altered the typical Holland America atmosphere, making it much louder and more family oriented than usual. This shift led to significant overcrowding in dining rooms, casinos, and tender ports, as the ship operated at over 115 percent capacity. While the holiday decorations and events were somewhat limited, the creator concludes that Christmas cruises are best suited for large family groups seeking a convenient holiday escape. He suggests that couples or solo travelers might find the experience less rewarding due to the lack of traditional quiet zones and the difficulty of connecting with others amidst large family parties.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Holland America Line
Slight Frown
All-time creator consensus for Holland America Line
A Nibble

This review is more critical than the all-time creator consensus.

What This Creator Said
Creator Had Mixed FeelingsFull Ship ReviewπŸ₯ˆExpert Creator
❀️ Best for CoupleOther · Winter · 7 nightsFrom San DiegoVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

Christmas cruises are much more costly than at any other time of the year

The ship was selling at around 115 to 120 percent capacity

Those having the most magnificent time on board were people that had come as a family

As a couple going on a cruise over Christmas and paying 30 percent more than normal was not good value or that special

Creator's Tips & Advice

βœ“Consider if you are traveling as a family, as that seems to enhance the experience
βœ“Book The Retreat or similar private areas to escape crowds
βœ“Plan dining reservations well in advance, especially for specialty restaurants
βœ“Be prepared for higher costs and potential crowds during Christmas cruises

πŸ†•New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Higher cost β€” Be aware that Christmas cruises are more expensive but may not offer significantly more value
Crowds β€” Expect busy ships and book amenities like The Retreat to escape crowds
Passenger mix β€” Understand that Christmas cruises attract more families, changing the onboard atmosphere

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat is a Christmas cruise like?
QIs a Christmas cruise worth the extra cost?
QWho is best suited for a Christmas cruise?

Topics Covered

Crowd Capacity4 Sad BaconKids Family1Β½ Sad BaconValue Pricing2Β½ Sad BaconDining Main2 Sad BaconDining Specialty1Β½ Sad BaconEntertainment Activities1 Sad BaconService CrewΒ½ Happy BaconPool Deck2Β½ Sad Bacon

Port Highlights

Cabo San Lucas2Β½ Sad Bacon
Top: Beach visit
San Diego
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Video content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube