What It's Like to Spend the Holidays on a Cruise Ship

There’s something uniquely magical about spending a holiday at sea. Picture this: the open ocean as your backdrop, a ship buzzing with excitement, and a crew that goes above and beyond to make the season feel special. This year, our SVH Travel group will experience all of this and more as we spend Thanksgiving aboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas — and we couldn’t be more excited.

Being on a cruise ship during a holiday blends the warmth of tradition with the thrill of travel. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or heading out to sea for the first time, here’s a glimpse into what you can expect during a Thanksgiving sailing.

A Festive Atmosphere from the Start

From the moment you step on board, you can feel the holiday energy in the air. The ship is beautifully decorated — think elegant autumn garlands, warm lighting, and seasonal centerpieces scattered throughout the public spaces. The crew greets you with smiles and festive touches that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a floating holiday wonderland.

Onboard activities are themed for the holiday, too. From trivia contests and craft sessions to themed shows, there’s always something to keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive while you’re enjoying the ocean breeze.

The Thanksgiving Feast — Elevated

One of the best parts of celebrating Thanksgiving at sea? The feast. Royal Caribbean truly understands how important this meal is to families, and the main dining room goes all out. You can expect a beautifully prepared Thanksgiving dinner featuring roasted turkey with all the trimmings, creamy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and plenty of desserts — including pumpkin pie, of course.

Prefer a twist on tradition? Specialty dining venues offer unique holiday menus, so you can mix it up with options like a steakhouse dinner or fresh sushi before heading to the theater for evening entertainment.

Entertainment with a Holiday Twist

Thanksgiving night comes alive with world-class shows, live music, and special events. On Quantum of the Seas, you can look forward to high-energy performances at Two70, live bands in Music Hall, and even themed dance parties to keep the holiday vibes going well into the night.

And for our SVH Travel group, there’s an extra reason to celebrate — we’ll be hosting an exclusive concert and cocktail party, giving everyone a chance to mix, mingle, and make lasting memories together.

Making New Memories Together

Being away from home during the holidays can feel a little different at first, but the beauty of a holiday cruise is that it creates new traditions. Whether you’re gathered with family for the big dinner, sharing cocktails with friends by the pool, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of the open sea, you’ll find that the holiday spirit shines just as brightly — if not brighter — at sea.

This Thanksgiving, we’ll be toasting to gratitude, adventure, and the joy of celebrating together as we explore stunning ports of call on Quantum of the Seas. There’s truly no better way to make the holiday unforgettable.