10 tips to make your holiday cruise even more festive

If you’re heading out on a holiday cruise, good for you. You will love being on a cruise ship that’s all decked out for the season where you can party on without having to worry about driving (but you do have to be careful walking back to your stateroom).

Having been on a few enjoyable Christmas cruises, I thought it would be helpful to share a few tips on how to make the holiday season at sea even more festive.

1. Tips to ramp up the Christmas cheer

Pack a few decorations such as a string of lights. My mom and I did this on a Princess holiday cruise and it was so nice going back to our mini-suite with all the lights on. We also brought a tiny fake Christmas tree and even hung our stockings.

2.

If you’re traveling as a couple and want to spice things up, get yourself some sexy, Christmas-themed lingerie to wear. A little sheer red diaphanous number (for women) should result in a night of making merry.

3.

Splurge on a good bottle of Champagne such as Cristal, Dom Perignon or Krug (unless drinks are included in your fare like they are on Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea) and enjoy it on the balcony (if you have one) or in bed. You can order the bubbly from room service, at a bar or in one of the restaurants.

4.

If you’re not traveling solo, bring gifts to exchange with each other. Romantic or practical, it's up to you, just make sure it's something you can hide in your luggage and transport back home. 

5.

Pick up a little gift in port for your cabin steward or butler. It will put a smile on their face. It really makes their day. On one cruise I brought a formal dress that I was going to leave on board. It was a pretty, black number. I decided to give it to our cabin stewardess, who was my size. She was beyond herself because she didn’t have a dress to wear on New Year’s Eve.

6.

Treat yourself and/or your travel companion to pampering at the spa. A facial, massage, mani/pedi, body wrap, couples massage or heated-rocks treatment will really enhance your pleasure. Get your hair done in the salon, or opt for a special treatment.

7.

Go shopping in port or on the ship and buy yourself a special gift from you to you. There is no sales tax at ship shops so you’ll save on jewelry and perfume. I always pick up some Chanel No. 5. It’s a lot cheaper than at home.

8.

Bring festive, colorful clothing to don during the evening, it will feel more like the holidays. Sometimes at sea, even when the ship is decked out, it doesn’t look a lot like Christmas.

9.

Start working on your New Year’s health and fitness resolution early by working out regularly in the ship’s gym. Your jeans will thank you for it at the end of the cruise when they still fit.

10. Wear a smile on your face and be nice to your fellow passengers by following rules of etiquette. Here are 10 rules of good cruise etiquette.

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!