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NATHAN DILLER   USA TODAY9 hours ago

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Are themed cruises popular during holidays?

Which holiday cruises are the busiest?

Why do travelers prefer holiday cruises over hosting?

Are themed cruises popular during holidays?

What You Need to Know

Read moreChristmas and New Year’s cruises draw the largest crowds of the year, with New Year’s Eve sailings being the busiest, and travelers are urged to book far in advance and consider agents to find discounts.

Story Summary

• Cruises during winter holidays like Christmas and New Year’s are among the most popular times to travel.
• New Year’s Eve cruises are typically the busiest, followed by Christmas and Thanksgiving voyages.
• To find deals and availability, travelers should book far in advance and consider working with a travel agent.

Cruise ship getaways to tropical destinations may seem like the stuff of summer vacations – but winter holidays are among the most popular times to set sail.

Whether you’re looking to forgo decorating and cooking at home in favor of relaxing on the sun deck, or you’re lured by the prospect of onboard New Year’s Eve parties by the pool, passengers setting sail around that time will find many others had the same idea.

That doesn’t mean travelers hoping to snag a cabin are out of luck, though. Here’s what to know about cruise crowds at the holidays, and finding availability – and deals – on those voyages.

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Are holiday cruises more crowded?

Generally, yes. Cruises that take place over holidays like Christmas and New Year’s “tend to be more crowded than off-season sailings because most schools and many workplaces give time off … so families who normally can’t travel together are able to,” according to Susan Guthrie, a travel agent and owner of Cruisin’ with Susan and More, affiliated with Travel with Sparkle.

Festivities on board, including holiday activities and decorations, are part of the draw, too. “There are usually many more children and multigenerational groups vacationing together,” she said in an email.

Which holiday cruises are the busiest?

New Year’s Eve cruises are typically “the busiest of all,” according to Guthrie.

“Those who celebrate Christmas tend to do so at home,” she said. “Once Christmas is over, they hop on board to celebrate the new year with their families.”

Christmas cruises are busy, too, since some guests “prefer cruising over hosting,” as are those that fall over Thanksgiving. “The warm weather entices people to escape from the colder regions,” Guthrie said of the latter. “Ships usually reach a very high capacity, but not as high as Christmas and New Year’s.”

Tips for booking holiday cruises

Given the demand, holiday cruises are usually priced at a premium. However, Guthrie said travel agents can help clients find deals.

“Oftentimes, there are group rates, room block discounts, and upgrades not posted publicly,” she said.

Booking a guaranteed cabin – which ensures a minimum cabin category but leaves the room assignment to the cruise line – can be cheaper, too. She recommended booking “at least 18 months out or as soon as bookings open up” for the best selection of staterooms.

Guthrie said discounts are often shared in online communities such as cruise Facebook groups.

“Even though these are the most expensive weeks of the year to travel, cruise lines often sail at capacity, so expect crowds.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.