It’s the height of the British summer, but now is the time to start thinking about a cruise to celebrate the holiday season.

Luxury gifts with Uniworld

If it’s a luxury Christmas itinerary clients are after, then look no further than Uniworld’s 13-day Classic Christmas Markets voyage, setting sail on 22 December 2019 on the SS Beatrice. Departing from Nuremburg, guests can sample the 106-mile-long Main-Danube Canal as well as highlights such as the Wachau Valley and the grand city of Vienna, before ending their cruise in Budapest. On Christmas Eve there is a walking tour through the medieval streets of Regensburg to the Gothic cathedral for Midnight Mass. Prices from £5,799pp for the Classic form of accommodation.

A white Christmas

The chances of snow on the big day are always slim in Britain, so encourage guests to embrace their wild side on a 13-day Christmas in Antarctica cruise with Aurora Expeditions. The voyage departs Ushuaia on 17 December 2019 on the line’s shiny new ship, Greg Mortimer. Day three includes a crossing of the Drake Passage, watching for signs of the myriad of wildlife in the area. Aurora is also promising a series of “festive landings” and a traditional turkey roast dinner. Prices from approximately £9,300pp.

Time-honoured traditions

Some of the finest Christmas markets can be found along the Rhine, from Germany’s Cologne, which is situated in front of the UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral, to Strasbourg, which apparently has the oldest and largest festive market in France. Guests can experience these historic locations on AmaWaterways’ seven-night cruise, departing Amsterdam on 21 December 2019 on AmaPrima. Prices start from approximately £2,000pp.

A Caribbean Christmas

For those cruisers who really want to get away from the winter weather during the holidays, a seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary with Norwegian Cruise Line could be just the ticket. Sailing on the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Encore, this cruise – round-trip from Miami – calls at San Juan, the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. There are also three sea days, allowing guests to explore and experience NCL’s latest addition to the fleet. Prices for a 22 December 2019 departure start from £1,079pp for an inside cabin.

See Santa on P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises keeps it traditional on its Christmas and New Year cruises, promising guests a Christmas dinner on board, festive-themed entertainment and movies, a children’s tea, children’s parties and a special visit from the big man himself, Father Christmas. All this and more can be enjoyed on a 12-night Canary Islands itinerary, departing Southampton on 17 December 2019 and sailing on Ventura. Ports of call include Lisbon, Lanzarote and La Palma, among others. Prices from £1,099pp.

New Year fireworks

What can £4,999 get a client? Well, with Fred Olsen they could enjoy a 28-night cruise around Australia, complete with the fascinating experience of New Year celebrations in Sydney – a quite grand way to celebrate the dawn of another year. Departing 11 December 2019 on Boudicca, the voyage begins in Bali, before moving on to Broome on the Australian west coast, Melbourne, Hobart and many other destinations. This epic exploration ends in Cairns on 9 January 2020. Price includes flights and transfers.