Celebrate Christmas on a Cruise

Father Christmas on a cruise

How I would love to do that - celebrate Christmas on a cruise! Last year, that is exactly what Pamela, her husband Nick and their children Antonio and Amy did. They went on an 8 day Pacific Island cruise, on the newly refurbished P&O's 'Pacific Pearl', with 12 members of their extended family. The group included 4 children. I asked Pamela about this special time.
W: How was the ship decorated for Christmas?
P: The public areas were decorated, particularly around reception and the stair ways up around the shops.  The large areas at the top of the stairs (bow) had big gingerbread landscapes, houses, trees, animals with lots of lollies, snow and interesting bits and pieces.  We weren't sure if we were allowed to eat them or not but a lot of candy coated sweets seemed to have disappeared each time we went past!
W: What special Christmassy activities were there for the children to do?
P: They had a fair bit of practice to put on a show for family and friends. For that they got dressed up in Xmas type clothes. The little girls wore red skirts and Santa hats. The boys had reindeer antler headbands. Just before Santa arrived there were a lot of activities set out in the reception area such as biscuit decorating and face painting.

W: And what did Santa bring?

P: Each child on board got a present. They met Santa and had their photos taken with him beside the Christmas tree. The kids were delighted with their small gifts from the ship.

W: Where did you have Christmas Day - at sea or in port?

P:  We had Christmas at Lifou in New Caledonia. The children had a good day at the beach and I explored the area near where the tenders come in.

W: And Christmas dinner?

P: We all wore Santa hats at the table and had plenty to eat!
I won't be on a cruise ship for Christmas this year but perhaps next? That would really be something to look forward to!