Christmas on Viking Ocean?

[Escaper]

We are considering the West Indies Explorer Dec 20-30 and would appreciate any feedback on what Christmas is like on board.  Special dinners, events, entertainment, etc.  We have sailed several times before on Ocean, so looking for what is different over that holiday.  Thanks!

 

Escaper

[Jim Avery]

45 minutes ago, Escaper said:

We are considering the West Indies Explorer Dec 20-30 and would appreciate any feedback on what Christmas is like on board.  Special dinners, events, entertainment, etc.  We have sailed several times before on Ocean, so looking for what is different over that holiday.  Thanks!

 

Escaper

We just returned from that trip and, as usual, really enjoyed it.  The decorations are beautiful and not over the top.  There is a gingerbread town set up in the Living Room.  Meals will incorporate turkey, ham, dressing etc. but also all the other stuff.   There was caroling and religious services if you wish. 

[Escaper]

Anyone else have experiences to share?  Thanks!

[Mich3554]

This past Christmas was our third on Viking during the holiday.  As mentioned, the gingerbread houses are set up.  Dinners include classic holiday offerings, we were offered mulled wine and egg nog by roving waitstaff.  The ship is beautifully decorated (which I think is coming down tonight).  There were Christmas shows and caroling.  
Oh, and there were small panettones left in our room on turn down service.  It was quite good.

[CDR2001]

Check your ports and available excursions carefully. Our friends just returned from a Christmas on the Danube river cruise, and were disappointed to find many buildings and shops closed Dec24,25 and 26, including Christmas markets. Descriptions of excursions did not indicate that things might be closed for the holidays.

Edited January 7, 2023 by CDR2001

[LindaS272]

9 hours ago, Mich3554 said:

The ship is beautifully decorated (which I think is coming down tonight).

Due to Twelfth Night/Epiphany no doubt.

[Mich3554]

3 hours ago, CDR2001 said:

Check your ports and available excursions carefully. Our friends just returned from a Christmas on the Danube river cruise, and were disappointed to find many buildings and shops closed Dec24,25 and 26, including Christmas markets. Descriptions of excursions did not indicate that things might be closed for the holidays.

Ocean, not river.  Our 3 Christmases on board have all been sea days.
 

[Jim Avery]

1 hour ago, Mich3554 said:

Ocean, not river.  Our 3 Christmases on board have all been sea days.
 

Our previous Christmas cruises have also had sea days for Christmas.  This past one docked in St. Maarten for Christmas.  Just about everything closed.  We called it a sea day