Happy Spring, Now Think Christmas

Now that spring is here, can Christmas be far behind? Not in the world of cruises, where a family planning to spend next winter’s major holidays at sea had better book soon to reserve the requisite number of cabins near each other and to take advantage of early booking discounts.

We took a Christmas cruise for the first time last December to Mexico aboard the 740-passenger Cunard Royal Viking Sun, and reveled in the chance to escape from holiday decorating, cooking family feasts, hosting or attending parties.

The whole ship was fragrant with fresh evergreens and decorated Christmas trees on every deck landing as well as in the public areas. Because a number of children were on board, Santa Claus made regular appearances, usually before dinner in the dining room foyer, sometimes with a chorus of young passengers singing carols. And it was delightful to watch dressed-up 6-year-olds dancing with parents or grandparents at the formal Christmas Eve party.

Despite its takeover by the British Cunard Line last summer, the Royal Viking Sun continues its Norwegian traditions with the same Scandinavian officers and crew that have always served aboard. The crew put on a grand Norwegian Christmas buffet served at midday with cold seafood dishes and salads; hot roasts, including saddle of venison and legs of beef, and 20 different kinds of pastry, 15 cakes and a Yule log. Norwegian entertainment with costumed folk dancers from the ship’s crew was another highlight.

A Christmas gift for each passenger was delivered to the cabins--a tree-shaped crystal ornament. Christmas dinner was caviar, roast goose and steamed Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.

Christmas morning eggnog, an afternoon tea dance, a session with Santa with special gifts for each child aboard, religious services and an early evening classical concert filled Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve started off with a pre-dinner concert, an after-dinner “Follies Parisienne” show, a gala with dancing to the ship’s orchestra, complimentary champagne and countdown to midnight.

Next December the Royal Viking Sun will sail Dec. 23 from Fort Lauderdale on a 14-day round-trip cruise around the Caribbean, calling in the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Barbados, Aruba, St. Kitts and St. Croix. Fares begin at $5,685 per person, double occupancy. Call (800) 227-5628 for a free brochure or more information.

Christmas sailings leaving from or returning to Los Angeles include a 26-day Polynesian Paradise Auckland, New Zealand-Los Angeles cruise, beginning Dec. 16 on the new Crystal Symphony from Crystal Cruises (from $10,309 per person, double occupancy, if booked before April 30; segments also available). Call (800) 446-6620.

Princess Cruises’ original “Love Boat,” the Pacific Princess, sets sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dec. 22 and transits the Panama Canal before arriving in Los Angeles Jan. 7; fares begin at $4,369 per person, double occupancy. Call (800) 568-3262 for a brochure; ask your travel agent about Love Boat Savers for early booking.

Royal Cruise Line’s flagship Crown Odyssey will cruise round trip from Los Angeles on Dec. 21 along the coast of Mexico to Acapulco, returning Jan. 2. Rates begin at $3,328 per person, double occupancy, with a 10% discount for booking before July 1. Call (800) 622-0538 for information.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Viking Serenade will offer two four-night holiday sailings round trip from Los Angeles to Baja California, departing Dec. 22 and Dec. 29. Fares begin at $654 per person, double occupancy. Call (800) 327-6700 for brochures.

Carnival’s Holiday, which will be Los Angeles-based beginning in June, will offer three- and four-day holiday sailings Dec. 22, 25 and 29, round trip to Ensenada, Mexico, at fares beginning at $539 per person, double occupancy. Call (800) 327-9501 for a brochure.