Mediterranean Christmas Cruise

This Christmas, swap cold winter days for the warmth and charm of the Mediterranean. Your holiday begins with two nights in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most loved cities. Stroll along Las Ramblas, take in the stunning architecture of Gaudí, or enjoy a cosy café as the city glows with festive lights. Barcelona at Christmas feels magical, blending Spanish traditions with the joy of the season.

After your stay, you will board Costa Smeralda, a ship designed for comfort, entertainment, and relaxation. Over the next seven nights, you will sail across the Mediterranean, waking up in a new destination each morning. This is not just a cruise; it is a Christmas journey filled with culture, history, and discovery.

One of the highlights of this itinerary is Christmas Day in Palermo, Sicily. Imagine walking through historic streets, hearing the bells of old churches, and experiencing the warmth of local traditions on this special day. The city offers the perfect blend of Italian charm and festive spirit, creating memories that will last long after the holiday ends.

Other ports bring their own unique character. Rome invites you to explore timeless landmarks, from the Colosseum to the Vatican, while Savona offers a quieter coastal setting with Italian beauty at every corner. Marseille in France welcomes you with its harbour, historic quarter, and festive markets. In La Goulette, Tunisia, step into a different world where souks, spices, and colourful streets showcase North African culture. Each stop adds another layer to your Christmas story.

This cruise combines the joy of travelling with the spirit of the season. It is an opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a way that feels both festive and adventurous, while enjoying the comfort of a full-board cruise and the beauty of the Mediterranean.

This package has been designed to make your Christmas holiday smooth and enjoyable, with all the key details taken care of from start to finish. You will not need to worry about planning each step — everything is already arranged so you can simply enjoy the journey.

• Flights from London Gatwick:Your holiday begins the moment you leave London, with return flights included to and from Barcelona. This ensures your travel is easy and stress-free.
• 2-night hotel stay in Barcelona: Start your trip with two nights in one of Europe’s most exciting cities. The hotel stay allows you to explore Barcelona at your own pace, whether you want to visit the famous Sagrada Família, shop for gifts in festive markets, or relax with local tapas in the evenings.
• 7-night Mediterranean cruise on Costa Smeralda: Sail aboard a modern ship designed for comfort and discovery. Costa Smeralda offers spacious cabins, a wide choice of restaurants, and plenty of entertainment. As you travel from one destination to another, you can enjoy sea views, relax by the pool, or take part in onboard activities.
• Full-board dining on the ship: All meals are included while you are at sea, giving you the chance to enjoy everything from fresh Mediterranean flavours to international dishes. Whether it’s breakfast with a sea view or dinner after a day exploring, you’ll always find something delicious waiting for you.
• Onboard entertainment and festive activities: Cruising at Christmas brings something extra special. Alongside the ship’s regular entertainment, you can expect a festive atmosphere with themed events, shows, and celebrations. It’s the perfect balance of fun and relaxation.

With flights, hotels, meals, and entertainment included, this holiday is about giving you the space to enjoy the season in style. You can focus on the experiences, the destinations, and the festive spirit, while the details are all taken care of.

This holiday departs on 20 December 2025, just in time to celebrate Christmas in the heart of the Mediterranean. Instead of spending the festive season at home, you’ll find yourself surrounded by new cultures, historic streets, and bright holiday lights in different cities each day.

In Barcelona, the days leading up to Christmas are filled with markets and lively celebrations, giving you a warm and festive start. Once on the cruise, each stop adds a new memory. The highlight comes on Christmas Day itself, when the ship docks in Palermo, Sicily. Imagine celebrating the day exploring an Italian city rich in tradition, enjoying its historic streets and festive atmosphere — a completely different way to spend Christmas, but one you’ll always remember.

Travelling at this time of year also means you’ll see Europe dressed in lights and decorations, from Rome’s grand squares to the markets of Marseille. It is a season of celebration across the region, and you’ll be part of it in a way that goes far beyond an ordinary holiday.

As the year draws to a close, you’ll return home with a sense of renewal, wonderful stories to share, and memories of a Christmas unlike any other.