Cruisefinder

Christmas Eve at sea

When the festive season turns magical

As the first lights begin to glow in the windows at home and the scent of Christmas fills the streets, the most wonderful time of the year begins for you in a truly special way: Christmas Eve at sea, New Year’s Eve set against breathtaking backdrops – and moments to last a lifetime. Whether along palm-fringed Caribbean beaches, following the footsteps of the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea, in the realm of the “Big Five” in South Africa, or in the vast expanse of Antarctica.

Look forward to a truly unique festive season on board – elegantly accompanied by moments of warmth, space and unforgettable memories.

What makes the festive season on board so unique

  • Festive moments on board: Lovingly decorated ships invite you to marvel. Experience magical moments in a beautifully festive setting.
  • The Captain’s Christmas address: Selected artists create a truly special atmosphere throughout the festive season. A warm and memorable moment unfolds when the Captain invites you to his heartfelt address.
  • Indulgent festive days: Culinary creations combine winter spices and exotic flavours with the magic of the season on board.
  • A peaceful retreat: Far removed from everyday life, a quiet sense of ease unfolds during the festive season – uplifting, soothing, and entirely your own.
  • Experience Christmas anew: Whether beneath palm trees or under the glow of the northern lights, with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises the festive season reveals its most extraordinary side.

Selected trips

Highlight of the week

Mauritius - Cape Town

Expedition Madagascar and South Africa: two wonderful wildernesses

03 Dec 2026 to 21 Dec 2026

  • 18 days
  • HANSEATIC spirit
  • SPI2624

Offers in the SILVER fare

Port Louis (Mauritius) - Mahe (Seychelles)

Exotic dream destinations

04 Dec 2026 to 20 Dec 2026

  • 16 days
  • MS EUROPA 2
  • EUX2628

30 % Price advantage

New York - Miami

Caribbean dream route

05 Dec 2026 to 20 Dec 2026

  • 15 days
  • MS EUROPA
  • EUR2628

Offers in the SILVER fare

Hamburg - Hamburg

Hygge Baltic Sea Advent cruise: the most relaxing run-up to Christmas ever

10 Dec 2026 to 20 Dec 2026

  • 10 days
  • HANSEATIC nature
  • NAT2626

Offers in the SILVER fare

Ushuaia - Ushuaia

Expedition Antarctica: Weddell Sea intensive (Christmas cruise)

13 Dec 2026 to 04 Jan 2027

  • 22 days
  • HANSEATIC inspiration
  • INS2700

20 % Price advantage

Miami - Miami

Idyllic festive days in the Caribbean

20 Dec 2026 to 06 Jan 2027

  • 17 days
  • MS EUROPA
  • EUR2700

Mahe (Seychelles) - Singapore

Festive days in idyllic island worlds

20 Dec 2026 to 09 Jan 2027

  • 20 days
  • MS EUROPA 2
  • EUX2700

Offers in the SILVER fare

Hamburg - Hamburg

Christmas adventure in Lapland: the best gifts for pioneering spirits

20 Dec 2026 to 05 Jan 2027

  • 16 days
  • HANSEATIC nature
  • NAT2700

Cape Town - Ushuaia

Expedition Antarctica from Cape to Cape (Christmas cruise): The ultimate adventure between two continents

21 Dec 2026 to 12 Jan 2027

  • 22 days
  • HANSEATIC spirit
  • SPI2700

Christmas on board EUROPA 2

Elaborate decoration

Lovingly adorned with great attention to detail, the EUROPA 2 shines in festive splendor. Every deck becomes a place of wonder – and Santa Claus makes children’s eyes light up.

Captain’s Christmas address

As the theater is immersed in a festive Christmas setting and the sounds of the ship’s band set the mood for the evening, the captain invites everyone to a heartfelt address. A moment full of warmth and togetherness – an experience only possible in the intimate circle on board.

Contemplative Time

Our onboard chaplain welcomes you to the ecumenical Christmas service and the morning prayer. Musically accompanied by our ocean pianist.

Christmas Beats

When the sea loses itself in the glow of evening lights, DJ sounds intertwine with the sparkle of familiar Christmas melodies – a moment of perfect luxury that surrounds everything.

Festive gala dinner

On Christmas Eve, the doors open to a gala dinner that radiates warmth and sophistication. Dressed up and full of anticipation, you enter one of the restaurants where you come together in a family-like atmosphere. Let our Chef de Cuisine take you on a culinary journey of the highest class – an evening defined by taste, elegance and Christmas magic.

The best cruise fleet in the world*

the world's BEST MOMENTS

EUROPA

The EUROPA awaits you with first-class service, a luxurious range of rooms and the highest standards of catering and comfort for a small group of up to 400 guests. 

A smiling couple on a wall overlooking the Europa at anchor

Freedom that takes you places

EUROPA 2

On the EUROPA 2, you will be travelling in a relaxed and individual way, while enjoying high quality and style. Enjoy a symbiosis of perfection and elegance as well as the highest level of casual luxury with a maximum of 500 guests.

Guests relax on the sun deck of Europa 2 under an elegant cabana overlooking the open sea

Adventure & Comfort 

Expedition class

With the HANSEATIC nature, the HANSEATIC inspiration and the HANSEATIC spirit, you can expect unforgettable adventures where the experience sets the course. Accompanied by the highest levels of comfort and service - for exceptionally intense experiences with never more than 230 guests.

View from the bow of a Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition ship into Paradise Bay in Antarctica