Leave the cooking and clean-up ashore and set sail for several dreamy nights where festive cheer meets summer nights at sea. This is a ready-made holiday that swaps hosting stress for onboard fun, carolling, Santa visits and a proper Christmas Day fare with all the trimmings.

If you’re after a lively, social vibe for couples, groups or families, this sailing fits the bill. Expect festive entertainment, themed dining and pockets of quiet time to relax. You’ll be comparing cabin types, inclusions and available dates to lock in the best fit.

We will help you weigh options, understand what’s covered and make the booking choice simple. Plan ahead: sailings run on specific December dates and popular cabins fill fast. Ready to compare itineraries, ports, cabins and what’s included?

Start here and then jump to the details on festive onboard moments, itineraries, cabin types, inclusions and how to secure your spot. For a quick read on family travel planning, check this helpful post at Itchy Feet Family.

Key Takeaways

  • Swap hosting stress for a ready-made summer holiday at sea.
  • Suited to couples, families and groups who want a social, festive vibe.
  • Expect carolling, Santa visits and a full Christmas Day menu onboard.
  • Compare cabin types, inclusions and key December dates early.
  • You’ll get time to relax plus organised festive entertainment.

Celebrate Christmas at Sea with P&O

This is a holiday that hands you back the time you usually spend shopping, cooking and cleaning. You step off the hosting treadmill and onto a ship where meals, entertainment and logistics are handled for you.

Why choose this over a home celebration?

Why a Christmas cruise beats hosting at home

You get more uninterrupted moments together. No slaving over a hot stove. No washing up afterwards.

That means real rest, more relaxed conversations and time to enjoy the pool, decks or a quiet corner with a book.

Festive highlights onboard: carols, Santa visits and Christmas Day dining

Festivities are built into the day. Join in carolling, watch Santa arrive with presents and savour a full Christmas Day dining menu with classic trimmings.

You can dial the pace up or down — join every event or keep it low-key. There’s options for kids and adults alike.

christmas cruises

Made for Aussie summer: pool time, long sunny days and beach vibes

Southern-hemisphere timing means long, warm days and plenty of pool or beach-style time. It finally feels like a proper break.

If you’re weighing this against a New Zealand itinerary later, compare ports, sea days and weather to match your ideal pace.

  • Practical perk: meals and clean-up handled.
  • Emotional perk: more quality time with family and friends.
  • Choice: festival rhythm you control — lively or laid-back.

Pacific explorer christmas cruise itineraries, dates and ports

Departing from Melbourne in December usually means a quick settle-in, a few scenic stops and several sea days to unwind. That mix suits people who want both shore exploring and poolside downtime.

December departures from Melbourne — what to expect

Most sailings leave mid-to-late December. Expect a 16:00 departure on day one in many examples, so plan airport transfers and parking accordingly.

Arrivals back to Melbourne commonly happen around 07:00, which helps you book morning flights or organise returns.

Sample 8-night return itinerary from Melbourne

Here’s a clear picture of how an 8-night plan can flow (exact schedules vary by season):

  • Day 1: Depart Melbourne ~16:00.
  • Day 2–3: Sea day or scenic cruising (past itineraries included Great Oyster Bay & Freycinet Peninsula).
  • Day 4–6: Ports like Hobart and Port Arthur with daytime visits and tours.
  • Day 7: Kangaroo Island — coastal scenery and wildlife.
  • Day 8: Sea day to relax.
  • Day 9: Arrive Melbourne ~07:00.

Ports and scenic cruising highlights

Kangaroo Island delivers rugged coastlines and wildlife viewing. Port Arthur is ideal for history lovers and guided tours. Hobart offers waterfront walks, markets and easy day tours.

When scheduled, scenic cruising through places like the Freycinet Peninsula is a bonus-style experience for photographers and nature fans.

Sea days, timing and a quick New Zealand comparison

Sea days are a feature: think pool time, shows and flexible downtime between ports. They let you enjoy the ship and control your pace.

If you’re also researching New Zealand cruises, compare the number of sea days and port intensity to match how much time you want on land versus onboard.

Cabins, inclusions and booking options

Knowing what the fare actually covers removes guesswork from booking and budgeting. Below is a clear, practical guide to what you get, simple cabin choices and how to hold a stateroom with low risk.

What your fare includes

The standard fare bundles accommodation, selected dining, access to venues, live entertainment and many activities. It also covers taxes, fees and port expenses.

Selected means main dining and many onboard shows are included; specialty restaurants, premium drinks and some tours are extra.

Family-friendly value

There are organised kids activities and age-appropriate programs to keep children busy while you relax.

This makes the holiday easier for parents and gives kids structured fun on longer nights and sea days.

Cabin types and who they suit

  • Interior: budget-friendly, no window — good for those who prioritise price over view.
  • Oceanview: a window for light and scenery — suits couples and small families.
  • Balcony: private outdoor space — ideal for couples who want quiet time outside.
  • Mini Suite & Suite: more space and privacy — best for families or anyone wanting extra comfort.

Pricing guide and booking offers

StateroomTwin shareSole use
Interior$1,449$2,898
Oceanview$1,649$3,098
Balcony$1,949$3,898
Mini Suite$3,049$6,098
Suite$3,749$7,498

Promos: a $99 deposit per person can hold your booking and many sailings include up to $100 onboard credit per cabin (limited allocation).

No-obligation holds let you reserve a stateroom without immediate payment; payment dates are confirmed when you finalise. Ask about upgrading to a Value Plus fare for simpler planning and fewer last-minute choices.

  1. Choose a cabin type.
  2. Confirm sailing dates and fare.
  3. Lock the $99 deposit and arrange travel to Melbourne.

For full itinerary PDFs and related sailings, see the detailed itinerary and an alternate short sailing option: itinerary PDF and a short sailing example.

Conclusion

Let the ship take care of food, fun and logistics so you can actually switch off.

These christmas cruises give you festive shows, carolling, Santa visits and a full Christmas Day menu — with none of the cooking or clean-up.

The real win is emotional: more quality time with your family and a proper holiday vibe. Use deposit promos, onboard credit offers and no-obligation holds to lock a cabin with low risk.

Decide on dates and cabin style, compare ports (or plan a future new zealand trip if you prefer more shore days), then secure the fare. December fills fast, so check availability soon.

Ready to look at offers and holds? See current booking options and promos at book offers — then pack and go; you’ll be booked and done for Christmas.

FAQ

What is the P&O Pacific Explorer Christmas cruise?

The P&O Pacific Explorer festive sailing is a holiday voyage from Australia that combines sunny summer days with special seasonal events onboard. You’ll get nightly entertainment, themed dining, family activities and dedicated kids’ programs alongside time ashore at scenic ports. It’s designed to let you relax while the crew handles celebrations and meals. 🎄⚓

Why choose a Christmas sailing instead of hosting at home?

A holiday at sea removes the stress of cooking, cleaning and hosting. You’ll enjoy all-inclusive dining options, organised entertainment and supervised kids’ activities so the whole family can unwind. With pools, shows and shore excursions, everyone finds something to love without the typical hosting headaches.

What festive highlights can I expect onboard?

Expect carols, a family-friendly Santa visit, special Christmas Day menus and themed parties. There are usually festive decorations in public spaces, holiday performances in the theatre and seasonal activities for children and adults alike. Dining times often include special set menus for Christmas Day and celebratory treats throughout the cruise.

Is cruising over Christmas suitable for Australian summer weather?

Absolutely. The itinerary takes advantage of summer weather with poolside activities, long daylight hours and beach-style excursions at port. Pack swimwear, sunscreen and light layers for cooler evenings, and you’ll enjoy a warm, relaxed holiday vibe.

When do departures typically leave from Melbourne in December?

Cruises in December commonly depart across early to mid-December and in the run-up to Christmas. Exact dates change each year, so check the cruise line’s schedule for the current season. Flights and transfers should be booked to arrive the day before or the morning of departure to avoid travel stress.

What does a sample 8-night return itinerary from Melbourne look like?

A typical 8-night return might include sailing south to scenic coastal ports, time at islands and overnight stays at historic towns, with sea days for onboard activities. Exact ports and order vary by departure, so review the itinerary for calling days, scenic cruising segments and scheduled sea days.

Which ports and scenic spots are commonly visited?

Popular southern Australian calls include Kangaroo Island, Port Arthur and Hobart, plus other coastal towns. Many itineraries include scenic cruising through interesting coastlines and bays. Each port offers short excursions, wildlife viewing or cultural tours to fit different interests.

How much downtime is there between ports?

Most itineraries build in sea days and longer port stays so you have a balance of exploring ashore and relaxing onboard. Sea days are great for shows, dining experiences, spa time and pool lounging. Check the specific sailing for the number of sea days to plan activities or rest.

What are typical arrival and departure times at ports?

Arrival and departure times vary by port but are listed on your final sailing documents. Ports usually allow several hours to a full day ashore; some overnight calls are possible. Plan transfers accordingly and arrive in good time for embarkation and disembarkation windows.

What does the cruise fare include?

Standard fare generally covers your stateroom, main dining, buffet access, nightly entertainment and use of many onboard facilities. Extras often include specialty restaurants, shore excursions, spa treatments, gratuities and some beverages unless you choose an upgraded fare or add packages.

Are there family-friendly activities and kids’ programs onboard?

Yes. The ship offers supervised kids’ clubs with age-appropriate games, crafts and shows, plus family pools and child-friendly menu options. Special seasonal activities are run during holiday sailings so children can join festive events and meet Santa in a safe environment.

How do cabin types differ?

Cabin options range from Interior (no window), Oceanview (fixed window), Balcony (private outdoor space), Mini Suite and full Suite (larger space and premium amenities). Higher categories usually include better locations, more storage, added comforts and sometimes priority services.

What price ranges should I expect by stateroom category?

Prices vary by season, cabin location and booking time. Interior cabins are the most affordable, then Oceanview, Balcony, Mini Suite and Suite. Twin-share fares are common; family cabins or interconnecting rooms may cost more. Use the cruise line’s booking tool for exact, up-to-date fares and promotions.

Are deposits, deals and onboard credits available?

Many sailings offer low deposit options, early-booking discounts and occasional onboard credit promotions. Terms change by campaign, so check current offers and read conditions carefully—especially deadlines for final payment and cancellation terms.

Can I hold a cabin without paying in full right away?

Yes — you can often reserve a stateroom with a refundable or non-refundable deposit and confirm final payment later. Policies differ by fare type and booking window, so verify hold periods and any payment schedule when you book.

What is the Value Plus fare upgrade?

The Value Plus upgrade simplifies planning by bundling benefits such as priority boarding, extra onboard credit, included drinks or specialty dining allowances depending on the offer. It’s a handy way to manage costs and reduce add-on purchases during your holiday.

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