December 2026 cruisesup to -47%

Where do December 2026 cruises go?

December is one of the strongest months for ocean cruising, with a wide spread of destinations on offer — from short breaks close to Australian shores to immersive long-haul voyages across the Caribbean, Mediterranean and South America. Sailings range from 4 to 48 nights, with most sitting around 8 nights, so there is something workable whether you want a quick summer escape or a full holiday adventure. The mix runs from cruises in familiar Australian waters to round-the-world-scale journeys, and many itineraries are round-trip, with a good share departing one-way.

Close to home — South East Asia, Australia and the Pacific

If you’d rather reach your ship with a short domestic hop — or no flight at all — December brings a solid range of sailings in Australia’s own backyard.

South East Asia

South East Asia is the single largest regional option for Australian cruisers sailing close to home in December. Ships depart from Singapore and Hong Kong, calling at a string of ports across the region. If you’re based in any Australian capital, a short domestic flight connects you to either of those departure cities — far less travelling than a long-haul transatlantic route, and with the cruise itself covering ground that would otherwise take weeks to explore independently. Sailings here tend to be longer, giving real depth to the itinerary.

Australia and the Pacific

For Australia departures, Sydney is the key embarkation port, with additional sailings from other Australian ports. If you’re local to Sydney, you board and sail — no airport, no check-in queues, just the harbour receding behind you. From another state, a domestic connection is a fraction of the effort of a long-haul flight, and we can bundle it into your booking. Itineraries fan out across the South Pacific and into New Zealand, making December an excellent month for a Pacific island holiday that doubles as a genuine cruise. For dedicated sailings from Sydney this December, see our cruises from Sydney in December 2026 page, and for Brisbane departures, the cruises from Brisbane in December 2026 page has its own full listing.

The long haul — Caribbean, Mediterranean, South America and beyond

The majority of December 2026 sailings are long-haul, with the Caribbean leading the field by a clear margin. This is where the bulk of availability sits, and where the biggest ships — and the most competitive pricing — tend to cluster.

Caribbean

The Caribbean dominates December 2026 in a way no other region comes close to matching. Ships sail from Miami and Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) — worth noting that these two ports are about half an hour apart, so a Florida trip can sail from either, and it’s worth checking both for dates and prices. Port Canaveral, Tampa and San Juan, Puerto Rico round out the main Florida and Caribbean departure points. Whether you want a Western Caribbean loop, a Southern Caribbean arc or a round-trip from a Florida port, December has options at every length and price point. For Christmas cruises from Australia that make the most of the Caribbean, we have dedicated pages covering those exact dates.

Western Mediterranean

The Caribbean gets the headlines, but the Western Mediterranean is well represented in December too. Ships sail from European ports, making this a natural pairing with a pre-cruise city break. We can book your flights from Australia, your hotel nights either side, and your transfers — so the whole trip is on one booking rather than three separate ones. If the Mediterranean in December appeals, our Christmas cruises 2026 page covers the seasonal options across multiple regions.

South America

South America is a compelling long-haul option in December, with itineraries that suit travellers looking for something genuinely different from a beach-and-pool Caribbean sailing. Departures link up with flights from Australian cities, and again, CruiseAway can put flights, hotels and transfers around the cruise as a single package. One-way itineraries in this region mean you sail into a different city than you started from — a domestic or connecting flight wraps the two ends together, and we handle that too.

Mexican Riviera

The Mexican Riviera rounds out the main long-haul options, with sailings typically departing from Los Angeles. These tend to be mid-length itineraries — a good fit if you want a longer trip than a short Pacific island cruise but something more contained than a two-week Caribbean voyage.

Are there cruises in December 2026 from Sydney or Brisbane?

Yes — Sydney features as a departure port for December 2026 sailings, including Christmas cruises from Sydney in 2026, and there are also departures available from Brisbane. If you’re sailing from Sydney, you board right in the harbour — no domestic flight needed. From Brisbane, the port is equally straightforward to reach, and Christmas cruises from Brisbane have their own dedicated listing. If you’re travelling from interstate, a short domestic hop to either port is typically far simpler than travelling to an overseas embarkation point. For the widest choice from Brisbane this December, see cruises departing Brisbane in December 2026.

December also aligns with the Australian summer, so if you’re considering a Pacific or New Zealand itinerary, these departures from Sydney and Brisbane let you leave the country in good weather from either end. For a taste of what’s possible, our Sydney to New Zealand cruises in 2026 page shows itineraries that return to Australian or New Zealand ports, while Sydney to Tasmania cruises in 2026 offers a shorter southern option if you want something closer to home.

Which cruise lines sail in December 2026?

MSC Cruises has the largest volume of sailings in December 2026, with a broad selection across regions and ship sizes. Royal Caribbean follows with a strong Caribbean programme, and Celebrity Cruises adds a more premium flavour to some of the same routes. Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises each bring a meaningful share of sailings — Norwegian particularly in the Caribbean and Princess with a broader geographic spread including Australian waters. Holland America Line, Explora Journeys and AmaWaterways also appear in December availability for travellers looking for a different style of sailing. Carnival Cruise Lines rounds out a busy month for the major lines, with particular strength on short-to-mid-length Caribbean departures.

Our cruise experts know these fleets well — if you’re undecided between lines, or want to understand how the fare tiers on one line compare with another, a conversation with our team is the fastest way to narrow it down.

What ships are sailing in December 2026?

Several well-known ships have strong December 2026 programmes. Here is a closer look at the ships we hold detailed information for.

Azura — P&O Cruises

Azura completed a full interior renewal in 2025, so guests boarding in December 2026 will find fresh restaurants, bars and cabins throughout — a ship that feels genuinely new without being untested. In the 800-seat Playhouse, the aerial acrobatics production delivers entertainment at a scale that matches what you’d expect from a West End stage, and the open-air SeaScreen lets you catch a film under the stars. The Glass House, curated by TV wine expert Olly Smith, pairs wines with food in a way that makes it a destination in its own right rather than just another bar. See Azura’s cabins and deck plans for a full breakdown of what’s available.

Azura’s cabin grades run from:

• Larger Inside Cabin OB — 15 m², located exclusively on Riviera Deck, making it simple to find your bearings and navigate to ship facilities
• Sea View Cabin LB — 15 m², with natural light and an unobstructed outlook onto the water
• Superior Deluxe Balcony Cabin DA — 29 m², with a private balcony for sea air and open views
• Penthouse Suite A1 — 69 m², the largest suite on board, with a full separate lounge area

MSC Preziosa — MSC Cruises

MSC Preziosa makes an impression from the moment you step aboard — crystal staircases and an Italianate piazza set a tone that carries through the whole ship. At sea, a 120-metre waterslide, 4D movies, a Formula 1 simulator and Broadway-style shows mean there is no such thing as a slow sea day. For those who want to step back from the wider ship, the MSC Yacht Club delivers a private butler, an exclusive pool and gourmet dining — a ship within the ship. Check MSC Preziosa’s cabins and deck plans to see the full range.

Cabin grades on MSC Preziosa include:

• Deluxe Inside Cabin Fantastica — 16 m², with 4 m² more space than the standard inside cabins
• Premium Ocean View Fantastica — 20 m², with a window and 3 m² more than the deluxe ocean-view grade
• Balcony Aurea — 18 m² with a 4 m² balcony, more spacious than the standard balcony grades
• Grand Suite Aurea — 38 m², with an espresso machine, premium minibar and walk-in wardrobe
• MSC Yacht Club Executive & Family Suite — 40 m² with a separate living room and up to 3 beds, the most spacious Yacht Club option for families

MSC Fantasia — MSC Cruises

MSC Fantasia set the template for MSC’s signature Italian glamour when it launched in 2008, and the crystal staircase at its heart still draws attention from first-time and returning guests alike. Five pools, waterslides, a 4D cinema and an F1 simulator give families and solo guests plenty of space to find their own rhythm without ever competing for it. The MSC Yacht Club turns the ship into something more private — your own pool, restaurant and butler, all within the larger vessel. For cabin options see MSC Fantasia’s cabins and deck plans.

MSC Fantasia cabin grades:

• Deluxe Inside Cabin Fantastica — 17 m², matching the standard inside size with Fantastica comfort included
• Premium Ocean View Fantastica — 18 m², located exclusively on deck 5 in a stable, quiet midship position
• Balcony Aurea — 19 m², on upper decks with the best views and quick access to pool and bar areas
• Grand Suite Aurea — 38 m², one of the most spacious grades on board, with a large wardrobe
• MSC Yacht Club Executive & Family Suite with Balcony — 36 m² with a private balcony and significantly more room than a standard ocean-view cabin

MSC World Europa — MSC Cruises

MSC World Europa is MSC’s most ambitious ship to date — large in scale and packed with features that take the whole day to explore. The headline act is an 11-deck stainless steel dry slide, the longest of its kind at sea, with the ocean stretching out far below at the top. Beyond that, bumper cars in the Luna Park Arena, Guinness World Records attempts and a Nordic chef’s table dining experience sit alongside the usual pool and entertainment decks. See MSC World Europa’s cabins and deck plans for everything available on board.

MSC Magnifica and MSC Musica — MSC Cruises

MSC Magnifica carries a feature unique to its ship class: a genuine halotherapy salt grotto in the Aurea Spa, where the air itself is part of the treatment. For evenings, a 1,200-seat theatre delivers Broadway-calibre shows, and the MSC Yacht Club provides the same private-retreat experience found on the larger MSC ships. Review MSC Magnifica’s cabins and deck plans if you’re considering this ship.

MSC Musica makes a different kind of impression — a cascading three-tiered waterfall anchors the grand atrium at the heart of the ship, and the entertainment programme includes nightly live shows for an audience of 1,200. Dining spans from fresh sushi to a premium steakhouse, all without leaving the ship. See MSC Musica’s cabins and deck plans for the full breakdown.

What fare options are available in December 2026?

Fare structures vary by cruise line, and understanding them is one of the most practical reasons to book through a specialist rather than going direct.

Royal Caribbean offers several fare types in December 2026. The base Cruise Fare covers the sailing itself, while promotional fare types such as last-minute offers and early booking bonuses can add onboard credit or discounted rates depending on when you book. Royal Caribbean also offers a solo fare for single occupancy of a stateroom — a straightforward option for solo travellers who don’t want to pay a supplement calculated around a shared cabin.

Norwegian Cruise Line ranges from a straightforward lowest fare — the cruise, nothing else added — up to bundled fare tiers that include a premium beverage package, a speciality dining package, Wi-Fi and shore excursion credits per port. The bundled tiers work well if you plan to eat at speciality restaurants or drink regularly at the bar; the base fare suits travellers who prefer to choose and pay for extras individually.

Princess Cruises separates its Standard fare — the cruise itself — from Princess Plus, which adds 4 casual dining meals per voyage, beverages up to a per-drink limit, MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi, pre-paid crew appreciation and reserved theatre seating. If you’re a couple who will use Wi-Fi daily and take most meals in the main restaurants, Princess Plus often works out cheaper than adding those items individually.

Our cruise experts can compare fare tiers across these lines for your specific sailing — it takes a few minutes and can make a meaningful difference to what you actually get on board.

Are there discounts on December 2026 cruises?

A number of December 2026 sailings carry reduced pricing — up to 50% off the price previously listed for that cabin grade on that sailing, though that maximum applies to a single departure. For most discounted sailings, the reduction is around 10%. If you’re flexible on ship or departure date, our team can identify which sailings have the most competitive pricing. CruiseAway’s Best Price Guarantee means that if you find the same sailing at a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.

Many sailings also include all-inclusive fare options — a good way to lock in your onboard costs before you travel rather than managing a running tab throughout the cruise.

Can we add flights, hotels and transfers?

Yes — and for most December 2026 sailings, which depart from ports in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia, you’ll need to get there first. CruiseAway can put your flights from Australia, pre- and post-cruise hotel nights, tours, transfers and insurance into a single DreamAway Package — one booking, one point of contact, nothing fragmented. For sailings departing from Australian ports, if you’re local to the departure city you board without a flight at all; from another state, we can add a domestic leg to the same booking.

December also falls across the Christmas and New Year period, which is one of the busiest travel windows of the year. Booking flights and hotels as part of a package through us means you’re not scrambling to piece together availability during a peak period separately. Our Christmas cruises page covers seasonal options in detail, and Christmas cruises in Australia 2026 focuses specifically on Australian-market departures over the holiday period.

If New Year’s Eve at sea appeals, our New Year’s Eve cruises page and the dedicated New Year’s Eve cruise 2026 listings are worth a look — several December departures position guests perfectly for midnight celebrations on the water. And if you’re already thinking about what comes next, cruises from Brisbane in January 2027 picks up where December leaves off.

Planning around December — related sailings worth knowing

If your December dates are flexible, or you want to explore what surrounds this month, a few related pages are worth bookmarking. Christmas cruises from Sydney 2026 focuses specifically on the holiday window from the Sydney port, while Christmas cruises from Brisbane does the same for Queensland departures. Christmas cruises in Australia 2027 is the forward option if you’re already planning ahead, and Christmas cruises 2027 broadens that out across all regions. For those considering a cruise around Australia more generally, our Australia hub covers itineraries year-round.

Norwegian Cruise Line in particular has strong availability across December and into the new year — Norwegian Christmas and January cruises covers that programme in a single place. And if you’re drawn to Princess Cruises for an Australian summer sailing, the Princess Australia summer season page has the latest from that fleet.

*Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing, and are subject to change. This price is not kept up to date and therefore does not reflect live pricing and availability. Prices and any discounts shown were checked on 14 October 2026.

Where a discount is shown, it is a reduction from the price previously listed for that cabin grade on that sailing, not a comparison between cabin grades or against a brochure rate. Discounts and prices shown are not kept up to date: the reduction available now may be smaller, or may have ended, and prices may have changed.