What Christmas is Like on a Cruise Ship

All cultures that celebrate Christmas have their own traditions. Cruise ship culture is no different. As someone who has worked for six years on two different cruise lines, these traditions seem to be pretty standard across the board.

If you've ever wondered what Christmas is like on a cruise ship, I can tell you that the cruise lines pull out all the stops to give their guests a great Christmas experience, with their own distinct brand of cruise ship traditions. Then, to boost the morale of crew members who are working harder than usual, while also being away from their families over the holidays, there is a second layer of behind-the-scenes traditions.  

If you ever work as a crew member on a cruise ship over the festive season, below is a list of some of the Christmas traditions you are likely to experience:

1. An elaborate gingerbread village

Every year, the pastry chefs whip up a masterpiece for the guests. As a crew member, you will somehow sneak a photograph of it, even though cellphones are not allowed in guest areas. After Christmas, because it has been breathed on (and you’re not in Africa anymore), it will be disposed of and fed to giant squid (they’re out there) and fat dolphins. 

2. A significantly less elaborate gingerbread “village” in the crew mess 

(Guests, this is what you're missing out on.)

3. A carols by candlelight without the candlelight 

At some point in the cruise, there will be a carols sing-a-long for the guests. Songbooks will be distributed. It will be just like you're at any other carols service with one difference.  
Open flames = safety hazard.

4. Cabin decorations

If you get caught up in the festivities you might find yourself buying decorations in port (or stealing leftovers intended for guest areas) to decorate your cabin. You may just have to get your fairy lights approved by the electrical officer though, and you still have to pass cabin inspection.

5. The Christmas blackout period

When you’re on land, your friends and family may abandon you to go on vacation at this time of year. Well, not on ships! For at least three weeks over Christmas and New Years, when it comes to the crew: no one gets in or out! 

6. Christmas-themed port photos

For people who live in cold places, it is something of an obligation to take pictures in warm tropical climates to brag about the fact that they’re avoiding the crap weather, even though there’s something really special about a white Christmas (not that I would know). 

You didn’t hear the version with the wise lady who came bearing a plastic flamingo? 

- Aruba, 2017

7. Crew cabin parties

Okay, they happen all year round, but you’re more likely to go to one at this time of year. Afterwards, unlike Christmas parties on land, you don’t need an uber to get home. Just don’t get in trouble with security!

8. The end of year crew Christmas party

Nothing like some free alcohol to boost the morale of crew members missing their families.
(The guests get a Christmas party too, alcohol not necessarily included.)

Yes, even Rodrigo attended one!

9. Only having to buy one whole Christmas present for your secret Santa / office party white elephant

Your supervisor will organise a gift exchange among your coworkers. You will most likely purchase this online or from the onboard gift shop. 

10. Only receiving one white elephant / secret Santa present

There will most likely not be a pile of Christmas presents waiting for you under the office Christmas tree (if you have an office Christmas tree). You will most likely receive one gift that may or may not be a gag gift, like a duck whistle or a pair of edible underwear. (Based on real past experiences.)

11. A special Christmas lunch

This will probably happen after Christmas, but the cruise line will most likely thank you for your hard work with the one thing that boosts morale almost as much as free alcohol: Guest-quality food! 

12. A crew sale 

The onboard gift shop arranges a special sale for the crew where we are usually given the same 15% crew discount that they get on the other 364 days a year, but they will either set it up a special display in a crew area, or arrange for crew members who don’t usually have guest area access, to shop at the gift shop at a certain time. This way, everyone has a chance to buy that secret Santa gift or presents for their families if they’re part of the big group that signs off right after the blackout period. 

13. The full-ship / department Christmas photo

The company’s gift to you. Who needs naps or port time?

14. The inevitable Christmas show

Every year, without fail, one of the professional production shows will be swapped out for a slightly less professional cheesy Christmas show. If you’re in the entertainment department, you will be in it whether you like it or not!

15. A less family-friendly Christmas crew show

This is basically the guest Christmas show redone for the crew, sometimes with a few subtle or not-so-subtle differences. 

16. Wishing people “Happy Holidays” instead of “Happy Christmas”

The entire ship may be decorated for the holiday and the schedule of activities crammed full of Christmas activities so that people are forced to acknowledge it whether they like it or not, but you can’t actually utter the words “Happy Christmas”. That’s just offensive! “Happy holidays” is apparently more appropriate for anyone who doesn’t acknowledge the holiday (or at least tries not to). 

17. Trying to find time on Christmas day to call your loved ones

This can be tricky with your work schedule and the time zone differences, but at least you don’t have to see that one strange aunt who always kisses you on the mouth.  

Regardless of whether you have an amazing family at home or no one is missing you at all, on a ship you’re all in the same boat (literally and figuratively). You become each other's ship family and you rally together to survive the homesickness, the loneliness and the extended work hours. There’s something quite special in that. 

Wherever you are, I hope you have a good one!

If you can think of any cruise ship Christmas traditions I may have missed, please include them in the comment section below?