The best cruises to take this Christmas

Eater to spend your next Christmas Day in the open ocean breeze? Here are Mike’s top picks for cruises to take this December.

Not looking forward to spending Christmas at home this year? SeaDream Yacht Club has a tempting alternative, with eight days in the Southern Caribbean – including Christmas Day at Grenada’s capital St George’s.

Beginning and ending in Bridgetown, Barbados on December 19, SeaDream will carry a maximum of just 112 guests and cruise to some of the Caribbean islands too small for regular cruise ships including Canouan, 5.6km long and 2km wide with just 1,200 residents.

All drinks, both wine with meals and from the open bars, are included in the fares which are US$5647pp twin-share. More information.

Craving adventure? Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps

Luxury cruise line Silversea Expeditions has a series of voyages to Antarctica in 2016 to mark the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance expedition. The voyages will depart Ushuaia, Argentina, to retrace Shackleton’s journey with 18 day voyages in January, February, and December 2016.

There will be lectures on Shackleton’s journey on board, and the ship will visit Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands and South Georgia, as well as Shackleton’s burial site in Grytviken. More information.

Spend Christmas on the historic Pitcairn Island

Following increased demand, Pitcairn Islands Tourism has announced additional sailings for 2016, increasing capacity by 25 per cent to 12 round trips.

The additional departures will allow for four and 11 day stays on the legendary island which is inhabited by descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers.

Depending on bookings, extended 18 day stays are also available, while those wanting to fully experience life on the island can stay for three months.

Shipping services are provided by Stoney Creek Shipping of New Zealand using the 486-tonne cargo-passenger vessel, MV Claymore II between Mangareva in French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island. More information.

Spend Christmas on the Murray with great food and wine

Captain Cook Cruises and Adelaide Sightseeing have six and seven night Summer Sail packages, with savings of up to $649 for selected dates in January and February, 2016.

The tours include three nights’ accommodation at iStay Precinct, Adelaide, a Barossa or McLaren Vale food and wine experience and a three or four night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess

Tours depart on January 6, January 27 and February 3, 2016 priced from $1179 per person twin share. More information.

Take a voyage through the Balkans (with return flights included)

Boutique adventure operator Travel Director has a 29-day “Sequel to the Balkans” itinerary that includes visits to Serbia, the Hungarian capital Budapest, Slovenia, an 11-day voyage aboard MS Emanuel along the Dalmatian coast and a visit to the Plitvice Lakes on the way to Zagreb in Croatia.

The voyage covers the northern Dalmatian coastline from Pula to Split before travelling by road via the Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb.

The package includes return flights from Australia, regional flights, transport and airport transfers as well as all accommodation, meals, tips and gratuities. Departing on July 13, 2016, cost is $17,990 per person twin share. More information.

Bring Spanish flair and Italian charm to your Christmas holiday

Cruise the Mediterranean and the Aegean, have three nights in a Barcelona hotel and two nights each in Venice, Verona, and Milan on a tour aboard Norwegian Spirit.

The 21 night Spanish Flair to Italian Charm fly-cruise-and-stay tour is with Worldwide Cruise Centres.

Prices start from $7999 per person twin share from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth to Barcelona and return from Milan.

Book before October 31, 2015 and inside and ocean view cabin categories get a free on-board soft-drink package while balcony cabins and above receive a free Unlimited Beverage Package.

The tour begins with a flight to Barcelona on May 27. More information.

Which of these cruises would you most like to experience this Christmas? Have you ever enjoyed a festive holiday this way?