Thanksgiving vs. Christmas break cruising

I know both of these can be more expensive and crowded...

But is there one better then the other ..

Weather, crowds, cost?

While I have not cruised during the in question times I have loads of friends that cruise and we have discussed numerous times to pros and cons of holiday cruises.

Since the dates are only one month apart the weather should be very similar.

I would think the difference might be thought of in this way: Thanksgiving is unique to the United States whereas Christmas is global.

Another factor will be time off. Thanksgiving break is usually a little shorter than Christmas break.

I don't really think one or the other has an advantage. Go with works best for you and yours and have a wonderful cruise.

I know both of these can be more expensive and crowded...

 

But is there one better then the other ..

Weather, crowds, cost?

I've cruised during thanksgiving and found it to be a great way to spend the holiday. All the eating, none of the cleanup. I found the ship to me slightly more crowded as well, not not unbearably crowded. It made the ship more lively.

I have not cruised during Christmas, but like the PP mentioned, Christmas would be celebrated in every port, so that may be an interesting change from Christmas at home.

Personally, I wouldn't be interested in this cruising for Christmas because I prefer to spend time at home with my family.

We live in Calif. and are tired of the cruises on the West Coast. So for us flying to cruise becomes part of the price. Cruising around Christmas means more expensive flights. In 2012 we paid $135 to fly from Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale on Dec. 8th and $390 to fly back on Dec. 22.

This year Christmas is on a Thursday and with most 7 day cruises you will need to fly home on the 27th or 28th. Think of how hard it is going to be to get a flight at a decent price at the most expensive time of the year.

I'm cruising on thanksgiving this year. The return flight sucks and is expensive. I have a direct flight down that's cheaper than 2 layovers back up

We haven't cruised during Thanksgiving but have gone on a few Christmas cruises. While it is a nice experience, it is more expensive and hectic at the airports.

Thanksgiving May be a bit cheaper than Christmas. I have never done Christmas but did the Thanksgiving one a few times.

I've sailed both times, and I would probably pick a Christmas cruise over Thanksgiving. I was in Belize on Christmas and everything still seemed to be going on. The weather is great, and think of how boring it is at home during the Christmas season. Everything closes early, TV shows are limited to Holiday specials, but when you're on a cruise you get the ships entertainment, the casino, a club, bars(where you don't seem out of place and lonely like I imagine most people do at bars on Christmas) Thanksgiving was nice but its pretty much just a standard cruise with a few special menu items on Thanksgiving Day. Only reason its more expensive IMO is because people usually get the week or atleast 3 days off without needing vacation time so its a good way to get away from the cold for some people and just relax and Carnival knows the ship is going to fill for this reason. If you're looking for a deal sail the week before or after thanksgiving!

We did thanksgiving last year and it was brilliant! It's nice when everyone is in the same boat ;) and everyone is having a good time and celebrating the holidays together.

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