Santa will enjoy a pint at the Avenue Saloon while simultaneously driving reindeer through snow-covered fantasy atriums-turned-forests, armies of two-metre nutcrackers will patrol lounges, oversized candy canes, teddy bears and dancing gingerbread cookies will enliven Bistro Cafes: Crystal Cruises’ ships are being transformed into whimsical Christmas wonderlands.

The cruise line is spending US$100,000 to decorate its fleet for Christmas, Hannukah and New Year celebrations – with ornaments ranging from old-world classics to modern innovations.

“Our ships feel both magical and comfortably familial for guests of all ages who dream of sugar plums and extraordinary holiday vacation memories,” says Bret Bullock, vice president entertainment.

Voyages departing December 21 will also boast seasonal parties, dances, carols, menorah and tree lightings, musical productions, Santa sessions, holiday movies, religious services and traditional feasts.

The feasts will feature Christmas goose, roast turkey and chestnut stuffing; potato latkes, as well as chocolate gelt, for Hannukah; and a gala New Year’s Eve dinner with champagne countdown celebration.