Everything I Loved and Hated About Cruising at Christmas 

Woohoo! I'm so happy to be able to share this with you! I hope you had a very Merry Christmas! Here are photos of everything I ate on my cruise, including the main dining room meals, buffet, specialty restaurants, and more. WARNING: DO NOT CLICK IF YOU'RE HUNGRY >> emmacruises.com/po-cruises-food-photos/

In the USA "Die Hard" has gained a cult following as a Christmas movie indeed. It 's based on the fact that Bruce was supposed to be spending the holiday with his estranged wife and children when all hell breaks loose at her job. There is a Christmas song soundtrack as well. I love re-watching it every year! The good guy wins!!!

Die Hard is totally a Christmas movie!!! I am so tempted to take a Christmas cruise. It looks wonderful!

I have been binging your videos I enjoy you voice, cadance and manner of speaking. Very comforting.

My God, if i found myself on a cruise with Ann Widdecombe i'd be jumping towards the props touts quick.

Die Hard is definitely a Christmas movie. It centers around an office Christmas party, but it’s LA so no snow

Die Hard is very much a Christmas Movie! Watch again next Christmas!

Emma: "I will always accept cookies." Ad-services for websites: (rub hands gleefully)

Emma, When I was 17 back in 1982, I took a Christmas Cruise with my family, my Grandma and Grandpa, my Mom and my Brother and two Sisters on the MS Fairsea for a seven night cruise to Acapulco, Mexico that departed San Francisco and returned to Long Beach where we flew back to the Bay Area. It was an amazing voyage and we had five ports of call on our voyage with spending Christmas in port in Acapulco. We cruised with Sitmar Cruises on the MS Fairsea (2) and an interesting fact, Sitmar was purchased by P & O Cruises. Thank you for bringing back such a nice memory for me and Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year!

“Die Hard” IS a Christmas movie. There should be no argument about this. 🎅

I went on a Cunard cruise for christmas one year and I turned 18 on the ship (Queen Victoria, 07'-08'). It was also an incredibly rough cruise where I visited Tenerife, Lisbon, Malaga, etc. And while I can't say I would cruise again, it certainly was memorable and an unconventional way to celebrate!

It's nice to hear U R thoughtful about the workers on the ship.......I too tidy my cabin a bit before the cabin crew come in because they are soooo busy........People need to understand ship workers R not slaves.....When my kids cruise with me I tell them not to be cheeky with staff because staff have families to provide for and work hard.

Matt the busker (with the wave) is my nephew, thanks for including him in the video!

I was on the same cruise, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Seeing your video brought a few smiles to my face. I saw you with your brother and mum at the Elvis talk, but didnt get a chance to say 'Hi'. Thanks for the enjoyable video.

Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie!

Die Hard is the definite Christmas movie! 🎅💥💣

Die Hard is indeed a Christmas movie. The best ever in fact.

Ice skating in the atrium is so amazing. Wow! And yay for me getting the Boxing Day trivia question answered correctly thanks to our UK friends! ❤️ Love that virtual queue for dinner. Something all cruise lines should add to the anytime dining scheduling

I'd love a formal Christmas day. I live dressing up to drink champagne etc.

Really enjoyed watching this Emma. You guys looked great on the formal night. Formal nights are always my fav! I’ve never cruised at Christmas but you have really sewn a seed.

You're wrong, Die Hard is a Christmas movie

That turquoise shirt certainly brings out your eyes! Great video, as usual! Christmas decor was spectacular!

Die Hard is a Christmas movie!

You are truly a wonderful ambassador for ocean cruising, and have a lovely personality, you really strive to tell it As it is and that’s good. I personally would not do an ocean cruise but have done some river cruises and liked them. How anyone has criticised you I can’t agree with and I’m from the frozen north, good luck to you and do enjoy your happy pleasure.

What a lovely family! Hope your 2022 is everything you want it to be.

P&O sounds to be one of the most musical cruise lines. (Not an original joke, I'm sure) Thanks for the video. Blessings to Emma, Hudson, the family, and you!

We went on our 3rd Christmas cruise on the NCL Encore and spent Christmas Day at seas. Dressed formal and we went on a specialty dining for Christmas. We went on the Epic in. 2017 and the Allure of the seas in 2019. Loved every minute

Die Hard is very definitely a Christmas movie! It is set at Christmas. Christmas music is played! It is my favorite Christmas movie!

Great video again thanks Emma. So I live in Australia and my parents were born in Malta and they all tell me that Boxing Day was the day you voted! In both countries up until the mid 70’s they used that day to vote. I’d never heard your explanation for Boxing Day before.

Thank you. I just happened to see this when it popped up. Always fun to watch your videos. You have a quiet humor and an easy manner. You're intelligent... Honestly you're wonderful.

Sounds like an awesome Christmas! Also can't wait for the video about the rough seas. I've never been in rough seas but I'd sure like to give it a try!

Hi Emma, my wife and I were on the same cruise as your family. Just watched your video which was well produced incidentally. Loved it, thank you for bringing back so many happy memories even though it was only two weeks ago. I have always said people seem to disappear on cruise ships. I never spitted you once. Take care

We love watching your videos, and would love to cruise more. We did a seacation on Regal Princess in August. Prior to that Celebrity Galaxy way back in 1999 in the Caribbean. And, I hate to say, prior to that, 1973 (I was 11) for my Dad and I on Union Castle Reina Del Mar (only just over 20,000 tonnes) on a very similar itinerary to what you have just done. How it has all changed. Clearly, I need to watch more of you videos to inspire us to go on a cruise later this year. Thank you for what you do.

I love the thought that P&O has a note on your account that says "keep supplied with cookies"

Being overly drunk, loud or rude does not belong on a cruise. Love this video.

Die hard is the best Christmas movie ever 🤷‍♂️🤣😂

I find it hard after an angry passenger performance to stay seated and not stand up applauding loudly the spectacle and performance because anyone that animated and emotionally charged over something so simple like not having a ticket for a show either is the greatest actor ever or needs to know a performance like that is only appropriate on the stage. Bravo. Free entertainment no one wanted. Emma your cruise reviews are next level, well done.

I believe that "have a lie in [with chocolate]" is definitely a Britishism. "Have a go" also sounds like a bit of a Britishism. "Cookie lady" may be a Britishism; I've never heard it in the US. Please advise. That was a fun trip report; I look forward to part 2.

This video made me smile. Your positive outlook is refreshing.

I was on that cruise! Watching a helicopter evacuation while eating at the buffet was interesting to say the least and it was a shame that we missed madeira. But overall the storms and seasickness was worth it

Lol Die Hard is totally a Christmas movie (love your work!) 👍

You have a great vibe about you and I really enjoyed your video ty for sharing

Glad that you and your family were able to celebrate Christmas together on a cruise. As for the plates of cookies in your cabin, that reminds me to beware of accepting cookies on websites 🍪 😆

I love how P&O ensured everyone followed covid safety protocols with no exceptions and it all made sense! This alone would encourage me to fly across the pond back into one of their cruises. Emma, cruising over Christmas with your family looked awesome!!!

Hi Emma I hope you enjoyed Ventura for the most part, I wasn't onboard at the time of recording. But I worked on ventura 2years later (2023-2024) doing the exsactly the same cruise, then I did the following one too as guest ents DJ for the newyears one. Personally I loved my experience on Ventura alot more then I did on Sky (worked on sky in 2023) on the first sea day I remember it being slightly rocky. We did go to every port on that xmas cruise it was honestly amazing and then xmas at sea was beautiful, it was soo calm I got so stunning picture in the evening of the still waters, it looks AI generated because how unreal it looked. The only issue we had was some passengers that drank too much and got abusive (they got kicked off straight away) For our Newyears cruise we went southampton to Amsterdamn and Belgium, did the over night in amsterdamn for NY but leaving it was really bad weather, that the pilot had to come onboard and couldn't get off until we reached Southampton, when we left amsterdamn they closed that port. We unfortunately were informed the night prior we wouldnt be docking in Belgium as both our captain and the captain of Arura they decided it was best to cancel them trips. The final day before reaching southampton was the worst for me, you mentioned the bay of biscoff the only issue I have ever had sailing thru there was slow Internet connection🤣 My issues always stems from the english channel and the north sea by essex and hull. But overall I hope you had a lovely time onboard with Ventura and I hope to bump into you cruising one day. 😊 -BOB (BrookeOnBoard)

I know I am late to the party, but..... Die Hard is DEFINITELY a Christmas movie!!! ;) Taking a Christmas Cruise on the Crown Princess next December 22nd!! ;) So excited!

Yes I was on the 2021 Christmas Cruise with Sky Princess you are right there is some familiarity to P&O ship .PEPSI. And chocolate cake, i knew i liked you😊🚢. My trip was fantastic glad yours was too

Why am I watching this video 9 months after you posted it?! Christmas is absolutely my number 1 time of year, so it was really great to see your experience of cruising at this time of year - for sure on my bucket list! Hope you;'re enjoying Carnival as we speak!

Omg same! I also spent my first Christmas on a cruise, I got back a couple days ago! Mind you its only my second cruise but I had a lot of fun! It doesn't top my first cruise but I would definitely do it again! Can't wait to see the video where you talk more about the seasickness you got.

Looks like a great way to spend Christmas. We are now on Ventura in April after swapping from Iona so nice to see what the ship has to offer! 😀

I agree with you, 50-60% capacity is ideal. Room steward once a day is plenty. Did majestic princess for new year's eve. It was great! I dont mind the mask so Now is a great time to cruise!

Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie.

Emma: You name it and it happened on this cruise Me: A baby!

What a beautiful, well done video (even better than the last one) as the ship was decorated with such amazing style. You are fabulous and thank you for sharing your holiday with us viewers.

A great Xmas day picture of you & your family all dressed up at Dinner. Happy & safe 2022 sailing’s 🤓👍. M&Y

Emma i find your commentaries extremely addictive! I cruised on Azamara twice, 2017 and 2019 in Europe. Amazing experiences. I felt very torn between enjoying ship life and exploring countries. Unfortunately, with Covid, I dont feel I could enjoy another right now. Masks everywhere. 😌. I find your clear descriptions really helpful and they bring back great memories

Nice to see the photo of your family. We hear about them but never get a chance to meet them, thanks. I am surprised that cruise ships do not understand an individual's desire to not drink alcohol. They might have fewer passengers falling overboard.

I have spent Christmas in Las Vegas, but a Christmas cruise has piqued my curiosity.

We were on this cruise and never found any gingerbread or Christmas cake to eat! Nor did P&O give us a door decoration or potted Christmas tree. I took my own decs luckily. I never saw the ice skating in the atrium. I must’ve been too busy unpacking!

Fun post! Thank you!

Told my girlfriend you said Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie (I agree) and she yelled that it is. With a few expletives. Lol glad you had fun. Would love to do a holiday cruise, but the prices are so high.

People in the pool In 70 degree weather is so wild to me

yeah Emma. Unconventional it is. Thank you always. And so happy you were with your family. Happy New Year a few days late. PS love that golden ring.

I like that it's formal!

I kept getting cookies and chocolate cake. I have no idea how they knew. We were on the same cruise, I think.

Great to hear you enjoyed your P&O Christmas cruise. Would be magical to be away for Christmas (we’ve only done 3/4 days in the run up due to work). Always love how they have a gingerbread village 😍 😘

Wow. It felt just like Princess while watching this. I will never get to do a Christmas so It was fun to watch. Hope you had a great Christmas and New Year.

Our favorite Christmas cruise was the Royal Princess who had a snow making machine working in the Piazza during the tree lighting.

I’ve taken cruises at Christmas time and found them very enjoyable.

What do you mean "Die Hard" is not a Christmas movie! ;)

Great synopsis. Glad you got to spend time with the family in this COVID world. Die Hard is indeed a Holiday tradition, but my wife shares your opinion. lol. Looks like a great feast and fun!

Emma, you rock. We just subscribed to bring you to 100K. Love your work and it is fun to watch.

Wonderful video Emma, lots of work I'm sure. Glad you got to spend a (mostly) fun Christmas with your family. Thanks.

Thanks for sharing … my wife & I will be doing Christmas and New Years aboard Regent Splendor via the Panama Canal for the fist time this year. Sounds wonderful!

Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie 😂

Always find Ventura and Britannia spacious,even when full unlike larger ships!

It would be strange for me to do crushing on Christmas day. But good to see you all enjoying it.

Well Done Emma! Beautiful Everything...Ship, Cabin, Food, Decorations! Thanks! Stay Safe!♥♥

Thanks again Emma. Your description and experience's are always great. You have tempted me to try a Christmas cruise. Yo Ho Ho

Another great video!

I am so glad that you had a fantastic trip, (sorry about the nasty weather) the xmas decorations look lovely and the cookies look so yummy

Diehard is definitely a Christmas movie. On the other hand, Miracle on 34th Street is one of my favorites. I've been to that store, but not during Christmas, sadly.

Hi Emma, a Late Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. It sounds and looks as if your family and you had a fantastic cruise (at least so far). What we loved about this video ... not one word about "outbreak". We lucked out with our Celebrity cruise back in November with no masks,, all ports open, reduced capacity and no virus. Let's hope our June Celebrity cruise to Bermuda goes the same way. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut. Go Chelsea Blues 💙

I love the dressing room area on P&O.

Am enjoying these. Brothers-in-law love a cruise. My idea of hell - although tempted by the River Cruise video - easy to get to the cities and culture. Boxing Day. Not as stated. Money to the poor (poor boxes in church) rather than take home by workers. In the scale of things, a small thing. Fab videos.

Great video, as always! You have that "thing" that all the best RU-vidrs have- an obvious and sincere enthusiasm for your chosen subject matter. It always shows! That weak app (can't update schedules on the fly) is truly bizarre. The next time a 12 or 13-year-old is spotted on board they should get the kid to fix it for them. Probably they could get it done just in exchange for a sodas package and free wifi.

Die Hard definitely is a Christmas Movie! Thanks for the great video. 👍

Open doors on balconies is a must. We had 3 cabins with our group of 7 on Azura, would have been a right pain if we had to leave the room via the front door.

In Ireland we don't call it Boxing day though, we call it St Stephens Day :)

Glad you had an overall great time... was looking forward to this video.

At 2:02: the reindeer on the ring fingernail and the Santa hat on the index fingernail -- that's a striking creation. Do you paint that yourself?

Boxing day is a holiday in Canada too.

I have been on golden twice as a child

Oh boy this again.... Die Hard is Absolutely a Christmas movie! 😅

Ma’am, Die Hard is *definitely* a Christmas movie!

Die Hard IS a Christmas movie! ;-)

The cookies looked amazing. A 12 night cruise would be wonderful. Even if you had more Sea days. Thinking of doing one in 2024 for my mother 75th birthday and Christmas. They do cost more.

You have a very handsome family......All the Best to You!

This was so informative thank you! Looking forward to seeing the storms video

Thanks for another fantastic video Emma 😊 We love Ventura - she's the first ship that we sailed on together, and looks amazing all decorated for Christmas 🎄 😀 The magical mystery cookie plates sound great too - the rough weather not so much 😬🌊