What has dozens of Christmas trees, miles of twinkling lights, gallons of eggnog, and a Santa in swim trunks? An unforgettable holiday cruise, of course. While spring and summer might instantly come to mind when you dream of luxury cruising, the holiday season is the perfect time to book a festive cruise for the whole family.

Choose Your Itinerary

Whether you want to spend the holidays in the Caribbean, Cozumel, or in an exotic European port, you'll find a variety of itineraries to suit your mood. Many cruise lines maintain their regular schedule throughout the season, which might land you in a port of call on Christmas Day where everything is closed. Other lines carefully plan their holiday itineraries to maximize your off-ship excursion fun, and to avoid being in port on major holidays. Check with your cruise line to be sure your travel plans are perfect for your family.

Lots of people head for warmer climates during the holiday season, so flights into ports of call like Miami and Ft. Lauderdale sell out early. For a stress-free holiday cruise, consider departing from a northern port like Baltimore, where you'll find fewer crowds and plenty of things to do before you set sail. With its vibrant inner harbor packed with boutique shops and quaint antique dealers, this historic port is perfect for picking up those last minute gifts, too.

Bring the Whole Family

The holidays are traditionally a time of family gatherings, so bring the aunts, uncles, and grandparents along to celebrate in style. Book a family suite or adjoining staterooms for an intimate in-room celebration sure to please everyone, or splurge on a balcony suite for an extra-special vacation they'll always remember. Whichever cruise line you choose, you're sure to find the perfect cabin arrangement for each member of your clan.

There's lots to do aboard a cruise, so relatives of all ages will be entertained. The kids will love the caroling, crafts, and visits from Santa. Grownups will enjoy festivities ranging from black-tie parties to casual pool-side get-togethers. And the whole family will feel right at home surrounded by festive decorations while dining on traditional Thanksgiving, Chanukah, or Christmas treats.

Of course, you'll still be able to enjoy all the things that make a cruise your favorite family vacation spot. You'll be pampered in ship-board spas, dance the night away in trendy night clubs, and spend the days lounging near the pool, where the only concern is an even tan. In port, you can catch a glimpse of traditional island holiday celebrations, or just soak up some sun on a pristine beach.

Let the crew handle all the details of your celebration from the decorations to the food to the clean up, while you spend a relaxing week surrounded by your loved ones. Book a once-in-a-lifetime fairytale holiday, or begin a new tradition you'll enjoy year after year. Either way, spending the holidays aboard a luxury cruise ship promises plenty of fun for everyone.