Another great video. I wish I could go away in December. Well, I actually could ,but my job is busy when the ships return. Just a reminder, I am a chauffeur here in South Florida. And the vast majority of my work is cruise passengers from the airport to the hotels. And from the Hotels to the ships and back to the Airports. This is when I make my money November thru April. Although, it has been a little slow this week so far. You are right about the good ships being in port now. They started coming back end of October. May and October is really the best time for me. Business is slower and people's kids are still in school so prices are reasonable and humidity is lower. I need to plan something for May. Working on a friend of mine. Or at least as soon as I meet him for lunch. What's the matter with these people that don't like cruising. You are so enthusiastic. I just love listening to you. All the Best Boychik.
Just got back from Harmony during Thanksgiving, and I found the pools and the oceans cold! It’s like they didn’t heat the pools, so I didn’t use the pool more than once and definitely didn’t try the water slides. I liked that they waited until after Thanksgiving to put up the Christmas tree! It was beautiful and elegant! The weather was nice except for a rainy day in Roatan.
Totally agree! Currently on Wonder of the Seas and have another one booked next December on Oasis. Also love cruising in January like I did earlier this year on Adventure.
December is definitely my favorite month to cruise and it has nothing to do with the holiday season. Cool nice weather and good deals are my factors for cruising in that month. I don’t cruise during summer months (except Alaska) because of humidity and many people aboard.
Just about to go cruise on Dec 8th and looking at some of the activities on the list so far they do have a caroling and tree lighting ceremony event listed as well as one day has a holiday tasting menu for dinner with a dress code theme of “red” so looks like they might do a few little things in month of Dec as a whole too! We’re looking forward to it!
I’m about to go on my honey moon cruise Saturday and I’m super excited I was worried that December would be a bad month but I’ve realized it works perfect
It's great in the daytime, but gets cooler on deck after sunset.. I recommend packing a sweater any month you sail but esp. when sailing between Nov. and March. Congratulations and enjoy your honeymoon!
The ocean in December can sometimes be less than ideal weather wise in recent years but I agree Matt is the one of the best months to cruise! I've cruised December many times!
@@TheRiverPirate13 I need to get them! My kids were wearing them, and they seemed fine! They said the water was cold but didn’t mind it. The pool temperature surprised me, though.
A december cruise was always in our plans because as you said cruises in Dec are generally lower prices, and fewer people on board. Many years ago Royal actually gave extra C&A points for balcony bookings in December. I think it was called Diamonds in December. The december cruises also usually had christmas decorations and we had excuse to wear Santa hats for boarding and other photos......LOL
Our wedding anniversary is December 2nd, so we go cruising the first week of December almost every year. In fact, we just got off of the Wonder of the Seas this morning. This year the water was cold at Coco Cay, usually it is warm enough to swim in. We love taking a cruise at this time. Like you said, it is after hurricane season. With my job, I have to be at work in case a hurricane comes through Florida. Great video.
Most of my cruises have been early December, for my birthday. This year I head to Galveston on Monday, driving from Austin. Couldn’t find one over my birthday that was long enough, so next week it is. And apparently the sailing (Mariner of the Seas) is sold out.
Wife and I are doing Sky Princess and Oasis in January for my Birthday, then back to back on the new Celebrity Xcel in November-December for her Birthday. I cant wait to get back to the Caribbean,...its been since 2010,...way too long. All she and I have done so far is SEVERAL trips to Alaska, The Seattle port is 20 minutes from our house.
I love cruises in early December. It's more affordable, there aren't as many kids, and the weather is better. I booked my December 8th cruise at the beginning of the year. 5 days until Oddysey. I can't wait!
Our anniversary is the beginning of December and we have cruises booked. This year, this Saturday we leave for Carnival and then Royal Caribbean after.
As a parent of a young child, I’m not going to be able to experience a cruise in early December for a long time for obvious reasons. That’s ok with me; as long as I’m blessed enough to be able to cruise at all, I’ll gladly go when our schedule permits, which inevitably is when most people, especially parents, are able to go. Btw, Icon in July… can’t wait!🛳️
Early Dec is one of our always times to cruise. Our anni is Dec 7th, and we love celebrating with Royal. Sometimes Channukah starts on those sailings which is a fun bonus for us. Last year they had suf'ganiot and latkahs!!!! My spell checker doesn't like my transliterations, but IYKYK. 😉
We always go on a cruise every December/early January. Last year, we had the worst luck. Terrible weather, and they couldn't get docked at Cococay. Instead of Cococay, we spent abother day at sea.
my first cruise was december 18-23 2023 on the radiance, not exactly early december but everything u said here was very very true, decent weather and nice decorations, only thing was that my flight back to chicago was a mess because of the fog, but that has nothing to do with royal caribbean obviously
I did 1 December cruise. Ocean water was barely bearable, but Oasis Lagoon at CocoCay was unusable. Also the roughest seas we have ever experienced. Maybe that part was a coincidence. Edit to say the weather was fantastic
I have to slightly pushback a bit on your hurricane season being over so you don’t have to really worry about bad weather. That might be true in Florida, I’m not sure. However as a Navy veteran who’s sailed in the Mid Atlantic region December through early March can get really bad. I actually never worry about being at sea during a hurricane because they can navigate around those. However in the winter months & early spring storms can come out of nowhere from Mane down to the Carolinas.
We’re also on the December 8th Wonders of the Sea cruise for 7 days. We just got married, so it’s our honeymoon cruise, and it’s our first time on a cruise! We’re really looking forward to it and hope to meet up!
Matt, while the Caribbean is the biggest cruise region in the world, do you have experience cruising in the Southern Hemisphere? I'm guessing December in Australia, New Zealand, and South America temperatures are ideal in December.
For those who have cruised in the first two weeks of December, are there a lot of children aboard? We have been on a few charter cruises with no children and have been hesitant to go on a “regular” cruise not knowing how many children would be aboard? This may be a good option for us.
Book asap. The longer you wait the higher the price. Alaskan cruises/excursions are expensive and are almost always sold out. Make sure you check each ship’s specific itinerary docking times for a particular sailing date because they are not always the same. I made that mistake when I booked an Alaskan cruise next May and the ship’s docking time in Victoria is 5 pm. I thought it was at 11 am. Can’t do much between 5pm-10pm.
I’m going on The Symphony of the Seas in 3 weeks on a New Years cruise. It’ll be my first time on Royal Caribbean. Last year I did a Celebrity cruise for the New Year. I had an amazing time but I don’t remember seeing many kids. Now I realize there’s a big difference between both cruise lines, but I wonder if my sailing on Royal will be full of kids. Has anyone been on the Symphony for New Year’s that can give me an idea of what to expect? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!!
There are no hurricanes near where we cruise. We have a Med cruise over Xmas week and it's less than any of RC, Carnival, etc and drinks are included. Are these vlogs just for yanks?
What clothes should you pack for a cruise in December? Is it cold on the boat while in the water? My husband and I are leaving out of Galveston, Texas in December and I’m so torn on what to wear. Any suggestions?
For those who have cruised in the first two weeks of December, are there a lot of children aboard? We have been on a few charter cruises with no children and have been hesitant to go on a “regular” cruise not knowing how many children would be aboard? This may be a good option for us.
Going to be on brilliance of the seas 21-28 for my first time cruise and not only will it be Christmas but also my birthday! All on one cruise!!!
I like December, but water in the Caribbean is swimmable, but definitely cooler than March through November. It's noticeable.
Bahamas sea was Baltic in November when we went.
Yay! Thanks for this video! I got a great last-minute deal on a 7-day cruise that departs Dec 14th!
On odyssey right now 🔥. First cruise in my life. Awesome experience
Love that for you! Next you’ll be like me a cruise or two a year!😊
thats so awesome im happy for you! hows it going? Ive never been on a cruise before
First cruise ever this weekend on symphony! Dec8-15th so excited
Us too! I don’t count a cruise we took 40 years ago!😂
@ hahaha it’d be so different now compared to then! Basically like an entirely different experience
@@schamber1000 if you’re gonna drink get a drink package with gratuities on a drink is like $16
Love the Christmas festive vib when sailing in December! Very fun time to cruise!!🎄🎅
How early do they start decorating for Christmas?
I love December cruises and try to go the first week in December every year. Love the lower humidity and the ships look extra beautiful.
We do tooo!! Headed out on Saturday!!!!❤
Headed out Sunday on carnival celebration. My kids first cruise.
We cruise every Christmas 🎄 but this will be our first New Years Eve cruise celebrating my birthday.
Happy Early Birthday 🎉ENJOY
I have cruised on Carnival 3 times in December and the same type of vibe and decorations were going on. December is fantastic in December!
Going on Utopia Dec16-20. Cant wait to see this ship and its Christmas vibes.
We are going December 12th and I love to see the ship decorated. Also have done New Year’s Eve so much fun.
Another great video. I wish I could go away in December. Well, I actually could ,but my job is busy when the ships return. Just a reminder, I am a chauffeur here in South Florida. And the vast majority of my work is cruise passengers from the airport to the hotels. And from the Hotels to the ships and back to the Airports. This is when I make my money November thru April. Although, it has been a little slow this week so far. You are right about the good ships being in port now. They started coming back end of October. May and October is really the best time for me. Business is slower and people's kids are still in school so prices are reasonable and humidity is lower. I need to plan something for May. Working on a friend of mine. Or at least as soon as I meet him for lunch. What's the matter with these people that don't like cruising. You are so enthusiastic. I just love listening to you. All the Best Boychik.
Going to Bahamas on Odyssey on 12/15! Looking forward to it!
Just got back from Harmony during Thanksgiving, and I found the pools and the oceans cold! It’s like they didn’t heat the pools, so I didn’t use the pool more than once and definitely didn’t try the water slides. I liked that they waited until after Thanksgiving to put up the Christmas tree! It was beautiful and elegant! The weather was nice except for a rainy day in Roatan.
I took my very first cruise ever with Royal in December 2019, and we had beautiful weather. The weather was hotter than I expected.
I live in Nova Scotia so I'd rather be damned well anywhere in December but here. lol
Great to hear all this! Heading out of Miami on Sunday!!
Me too! I’m taking a cruise in December this month!
Totally agree! Currently on Wonder of the Seas and have another one booked next December on Oasis. Also love cruising in January like I did earlier this year on Adventure.
December is definitely my favorite month to cruise and it has nothing to do with the holiday season. Cool nice weather and good deals are my factors for cruising in that month. I don’t cruise during summer months (except Alaska) because of humidity and many people aboard.
Just about to go cruise on Dec 8th and looking at some of the activities on the list so far they do have a caroling and tree lighting ceremony event listed as well as one day has a holiday tasting menu for dinner with a dress code theme of “red” so looks like they might do a few little things in month of Dec as a whole too! We’re looking forward to it!
I’m about to go on my honey moon cruise Saturday and I’m super excited I was worried that December would be a bad month but I’ve realized it works perfect
It's great in the daytime, but gets cooler on deck after sunset.. I recommend packing a sweater any month you sail but esp. when sailing between Nov. and March. Congratulations and enjoy your honeymoon!
Deck the halls with boughs of holly...and piña coladas! This holiday cruise looks like Santa traded his sleigh for a ship and a sun tan!🌴🚢🎄😂
The ocean in December can sometimes be less than ideal weather wise in recent years but I agree Matt is the one of the best months to cruise! I've cruised December many times!
Just got back from Thanksgiving and the pools and oceans were cold!
@@rnguyen2516 We that is true. I wear a rashguard in the water which seems to help!
@@TheRiverPirate13 I need to get them! My kids were wearing them, and they seemed fine! They said the water was cold but didn’t mind it. The pool temperature surprised me, though.
Early December cruise was easily the cheapest and most relaxing
A december cruise was always in our plans because as you said cruises in Dec are generally lower prices, and fewer people on board. Many years ago Royal actually gave extra C&A points for balcony bookings in December. I think it was called Diamonds in December. The december cruises also usually had christmas decorations and we had excuse to wear Santa hats for boarding and other photos......LOL
We’re going on our first New Year’s cruise on the brilliance of New Orleans cannot wait🎉🎉🎉
Our wedding anniversary is December 2nd, so we go cruising the first week of December almost every year. In fact, we just got off of the Wonder of the Seas this morning. This year the water was cold at Coco Cay, usually it is warm enough to swim in. We love taking a cruise at this time. Like you said, it is after hurricane season. With my job, I have to be at work in case a hurricane comes through Florida. Great video.
Was there December 2023 and the water at the CocoCay was cold. But the weather was really nice.
I just went on the last week of November 2024 and the water was cold in the Bahamas (Cococay & Nassau), for Labadee and Falmouth it was warm
Most of my cruises have been early December, for my birthday. This year I head to Galveston on Monday, driving from Austin. Couldn’t find one over my birthday that was long enough, so next week it is. And apparently the sailing (Mariner of the Seas) is sold out.
Wife and I are doing Sky Princess and Oasis in January for my Birthday, then back to back on the new Celebrity Xcel in November-December for her Birthday. I cant wait to get back to the Caribbean,...its been since 2010,...way too long.
All she and I have done so far is SEVERAL trips to Alaska, The Seattle port is 20 minutes from our house.
we are scheduled to go in our cruise christmas week can't wait!
Going on my first December cruise in 2025. December 7-14 on symphony! Can’t wait!
I'm going to the Bahamas in a couple of weeks on the Voyager of Seas for a 4 nights, ending on the 23rd. Can't wait! #Michigan
Heading out on grandeur on Sunday!
I love cruises in early December. It's more affordable, there aren't as many kids, and the weather is better. I booked my December 8th cruise at the beginning of the year. 5 days until Oddysey. I can't wait!
Ooooh, me too!! We do couple cruising in Dec and I love it! Not to mention, the decorations and that life size Christmas tree🎉🎉🎉
Great video Matt! Icon 12/14! Can’t wait!!!
Went on Allure '16, Harmony '18 and Adventure '19 all the second week after Thanksgiving week.
Really enjoy having a designated driver for New Year’s celebrations. Going again this year on the Jewel OTS 9 night.
Our anniversary is the beginning of December and we have cruises booked. This year, this Saturday we leave for Carnival and then Royal Caribbean after.
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
As a parent of a young child, I’m not going to be able to experience a cruise in early December for a long time for obvious reasons. That’s ok with me; as long as I’m blessed enough to be able to cruise at all, I’ll gladly go when our schedule permits, which inevitably is when most people, especially parents, are able to go. Btw, Icon in July… can’t wait!🛳️
I love this time👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Early Dec is one of our always times to cruise. Our anni is Dec 7th, and we love celebrating with Royal. Sometimes Channukah starts on those sailings which is a fun bonus for us. Last year they had suf'ganiot and latkahs!!!! My spell checker doesn't like my transliterations, but IYKYK. 😉
Our wedding Anniversary is the 4th of December. Amazing time to cruise.
First time cruising beginning December birthday
We are on Celebrity Ascent this week--it's great!
Yes! I’ll be on Harmony of the sees this Sunday December 8th! Anyone else hit me up!
I’ll be on Utopia in 4 days! I love December cruising as well
I am about to go on my 9th December cruise, but never over Christmas. It has always been a value price.
We always go on a cruise every December/early January. Last year, we had the worst luck. Terrible weather, and they couldn't get docked at Cococay. Instead of Cococay, we spent abother day at sea.
I would like to try a cruise in December. It sounds good. I have only been in January and now February, so I'm still new to cruising. 😊
Awesome info. Headed out next week on the Utopia of the seas.
Going on Symphony Dec 15th. Can’t wait
I'm on Allure right now and loving it.
my first cruise was december 18-23 2023 on the radiance, not exactly early december but everything u said here was very very true, decent weather and nice decorations, only thing was that my flight back to chicago was a mess because of the fog, but that has nothing to do with royal caribbean obviously
I did 1 December cruise. Ocean water was barely bearable, but Oasis Lagoon at CocoCay was unusable. Also the roughest seas we have ever experienced. Maybe that part was a coincidence. Edit to say the weather was fantastic
I’ll be in symphony this Sunday! 12/8
I have to slightly pushback a bit on your hurricane season being over so you don’t have to really worry about bad weather. That might be true in Florida, I’m not sure. However as a Navy veteran who’s sailed in the Mid Atlantic region December through early March can get really bad. I actually never worry about being at sea during a hurricane because they can navigate around those. However in the winter months & early spring storms can come out of nowhere from Mane down to the Carolinas.
Yes you are correct but I wish you would have kept this a secret…I have done several and will continue to do so.
Ive always said that. The cruises are the cheapest and the weather is perfect in the Caribbean.
We’re leaving this Sunday on the Wonder!
We’re also on the December 8th Wonders of the Sea cruise for 7 days. We just got married, so it’s our honeymoon cruise, and it’s our first time on a cruise! We’re really looking forward to it and hope to meet up!
Matt, while the Caribbean is the biggest cruise region in the world, do you have experience cruising in the Southern Hemisphere? I'm guessing December in Australia, New Zealand, and South America temperatures are ideal in December.
We are on the Harmony right now for my 50th birthday 🥳
I leave on my first December cruise in 11 days!
I'm a teacher so the only time I can cruise is during high cost/high demand times.
It might help to use a travel agent with group rates to keep the cost down.
For those who have cruised in the first two weeks of December, are there a lot of children aboard?
We have been on a few charter cruises with no children and have been hesitant to go on a “regular” cruise not knowing how many children would be aboard? This may be a good option for us.
going on one this month, but on on royal. im going on the new margaritaville islander
I can't do the Dec cruises. Mostly cause of the cost of the flights to and from the ships. Other then that. I do them in a second!
Hey Matt me and my family are doing icon Jan11th to the 18th I think it should be a good time! Hopefully the weather is good
Awesome ship. You’ll love the elevator system. Don’t forget to check out the area in front of the Aqua Theatre up front.
Only one more day until Adventure of the Seas on Saturday.
I absolutely love cruising in December and January!! It’s a different feel! I love how festive the ship looks and the deals are awesome to book!!!
The waters can be rougher in december and the waters are colder than late spring and summer
Any advice for me and my uncle taking a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska this coming July?
Check out our total Alaska guide www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/alaska-cruises
Book asap. The longer you wait the higher the price. Alaskan cruises/excursions are expensive and are almost always sold out. Make sure you check each ship’s specific itinerary docking times for a particular sailing date because they are not always the same. I made that mistake when I booked an Alaskan cruise next May and the ship’s docking time in Victoria is 5 pm. I thought it was at 11 am. Can’t do much between 5pm-10pm.
Booked from fort Lauderdale to Coco Cay Dec 20. Hope no cold fronts
My favorite month to cruise is any month with at least 28 days.
I’m going on The Symphony of the Seas in 3 weeks on a New Years cruise. It’ll be my first time on Royal Caribbean. Last year I did a Celebrity cruise for the New Year. I had an amazing time but I don’t remember seeing many kids. Now I realize there’s a big difference between both cruise lines, but I wonder if my sailing on Royal will be full of kids. Has anyone been on the Symphony for New Year’s that can give me an idea of what to expect? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!!
How is the weather and sea conditions in the western Caribbean in late February? Like from Galveston to Mexico and roatan?
First cruise in dec 12 -16
There are no hurricanes near where we cruise. We have a Med cruise over Xmas week and it's less than any of RC, Carnival, etc and drinks are included. Are these vlogs just for yanks?
Hey what do you perder a caribean cruise or a europe one
Taking grandkids 5 and 4 on Utopia in April, it’s a “Christmas gift”, any suggestions on giving the gift of a cruise on Christmas Day?
I just finished my December cruise and the water was freezing!
Today my us c1d visa is rejected so please let me know when I got 2nd chance for visa interview in royal Caribbean cruises
What about cruises out of Los Angeles?
Just one more day until Adventure of the Seas leaving on Saturday.
i am on voguer of the seas 9-14 next week
suite
What clothes should you pack for a cruise in December? Is it cold on the boat while in the water? My husband and I are leaving out of Galveston, Texas in December and I’m so torn on what to wear. Any suggestions?
It’ll be plenty warm as you go south. As an example, I was in Cozumel today and it was 80
Too many kids. Especially on the Icon. Nothing but pools closed for puke and poop cleaning. Mid January would be much better.
😮😂
They REALLY should heat the ship pools
I keep saying I wanna do a cruise 🛳️ in December maybe 2025 anytime when less kids will be on board
Like and coment if you go on Utopia dec 16th!
I will be there!
@dransianimox see you there
Royal Caribbean ships are loud, especially when children are on board. My least favorite cruise line. But it is great for families.
Less likely to have kids sailing in early December too.
New Years on a cruise ship? Most people are too young to remember the Poseidon Adventure.
Fake CGI video
are you dumb?
Dafuq?
@@whodey2112what makes you say that?
@@terrybingham9524 Because it is, look carefully especially at the shadows and how people move in the video
For those who have cruised in the first two weeks of December, are there a lot of children aboard?
We have been on a few charter cruises with no children and have been hesitant to go on a “regular” cruise not knowing how many children would be aboard? This may be a good option for us.