It’s only five months away, yet 30 percent of Australians have not planned or booked their Christmas holiday, according to a survey by Cruiseco.

The survey also found 25% of Australians think the festive season is a good time to cruise so families and friends can get together.

So the leading cruise travel agency set about creating a special Christmas sailings brochure for Australia, New Zealand and the world.

Cruiseco CEO Amanda McClelland, who has three grown-up children, says the season is the best time for families to holiday together.

It was while she was planning with her daughter and researching Christmas options that she realised what a vast array of choices people face.

So Cruiseco set about a special magazine in its Collections series – 40 pages, including beautiful Christmas markets in Europe and hot, hot beaches in Asia and South America.

But Ms McClelleand points out the problem for Christmas cruising is it can be expensive, and often books out.

Her advice: “Get in early.”

Here’s what’s topping Cruiseco’s Yuletide ideas to celebrate:

1. A white Christmas

There’s something enchanting about spending Christmas in the snow especially in New York. Visiting New York during the Christmas season is especially magical and it also has one of the biggest New Year’s Eve festivals in the world.

Warm your spirits from the exquisite window displays along Fifth Avenue, ice-skating rink in Central Park to the tree lighting ceremony at the Rockefeller Centre.

Those travelling with kids, should take a trip to Santaland at Macy’s – a New York tradition since 1902 or they can explore pop-up Xmas markets while sipping hot apple cider or hot chocolate.

2. European Christmas markets

You haven’t done Christmas in Europe until you have been to a Christmas market in Germany. Every year, Germany’s most popular market squares are transformed into traditional winter wonderlands. Whilst Vienna is a popular holiday haven for Christmas, the smaller Austrian town of Salzburg is just as mesmerising. Then there’s eclectic Budapest. Brimming with bars, thermal baths, Hungarian folk dance and performances at the Opera House, Budapest offers a unique Christmas ambience.

You haven’t done Christmas in Europe until you have been to a Christmas market in Germany

3.Family Cruises

Take the family on a Christmas cruise where you can spend a relaxing time with the family without the stresses and hassles of slaving over a stove. Have your meals cooked for you instead with the entire crew ready to help you with anything you need.

4. Shopping in Asia

Singapore is well known for being a shopper’s paradise with Orchard Road, ION Orchard and Marina Bay Sands shopping malls to choose from. Bangkok is another amazing shopping and entertainment haven where you can explore rooftop bars, temples and Grand Palaces.

Christmas shopping on Orchard Street, Singapore
Christmas shopping on Orchard Road, Singapore

5. Enjoy the summer sun

Escape to Indonesia’s idyllic islands like the tropical paradise of Bali. December is a great time for whale watching as you cruise from one tropical island to another in the Indonesian archipelago.

6. Sail to the South Pacific

You can cruise to the South Pacific and enjoy the tropical rainforests, colourful coral reefs and white sandy beaches. The South Pacific is a popular family holiday destination or you can cruise across the ditch to New Zealand. According to Cruiseco, when you take a cruise over the festive season, you will always have peace of mind that Christmas is all taken care of, whether you are at sea or waking up to a new port destination with a day of adventure ahead.

See more at collections.cruising.com.au