Hallmark Christmas Cruise Sets Sail for Bahamas in 2026

Hallmark is once again setting sail into the hearts of holiday movie fans with its third annual Hallmark Christmas Cruise. This time, the destination is pure tropical magic.

For 2026, the cruise will glide from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy. It’s not just a cruise—it’s a floating winter wonderland where fans can mingle with Hallmark stars, attend exclusive events, and soak up Christmas cheer under the Caribbean sun.

With past voyages selling out quickly and this year’s trip already booked solid, the newly announced 2026 cruise is shaping up to be the most festive, star-studded holiday getaway yet.

The Ultimate Christmas at Sea

Imagine sipping hot cocoa on the deck while the ocean sparkles beneath a canopy of twinkling lights. That’s the kind of holiday fantasy Hallmark is trying to turn into reality.

The 2026 Hallmark Christmas Cruise will run from October 23 to October 27, 2026, offering fans four days of yuletide joy at sea. Bound for Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private Bahamian island, this voyage promises a blend of tropical relaxation and classic Hallmark-style charm.

From the moment passengers board in Miami, every detail is designed to immerse them in the spirit of the season. There’ll be Christmas décor, themed activities, and honestly, probably a few moments worthy of a Hallmark movie themselves.

How to Get Onboard the Magic

Tickets for the 2026 cruise are already generating serious buzz. Hallmark enthusiasts can register for presale opportunities at hallmarkchristmascruise.com/presale, with two rounds of sign-ups closing at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday and Sunday.

If you miss the presale, general-public tickets open on October 7 at 2 p.m. Pricing spans six tiers, from interior cabins starting at $1,445 per person to VIP accommodations in The Haven section, starting at $4,415.

Given the track record—this year’s cruise from Miami to Cozumel sold out months in advance—anyone dreaming of celebrating Christmas at sea should act fast.

What Makes the Hallmark Christmas Cruise So Special?

Hallmark has built a reputation for comforting, feel-good stories that celebrate love, community, and the holiday spirit. The Hallmark Christmas Cruise brings those same themes to life in a way that goes beyond the screen.

Guests get the chance to meet Hallmark Channel stars, attend panels and Q&A sessions, and even catch an exclusive premiere of a new Hallmark holiday movie right on the ship. It’s part convention, part vacation, and all heart.

Festivities at Sea: More Than Just a Cruise

Every day of the voyage is packed with festive activities that would make even Santa jealous. Past cruises have featured:

• Christmas craft workshops where guests can create ornaments and decorations
• Cookie decorating sessions that fill the ship with the scent of sugar and spice
• A tree lighting ceremony that transforms the deck into a holiday wonderland
• Carol-oke singalongs for those who can’t resist belting out a classic carol
• An ugly sweater contest that brings out everyone’s inner elf
• Christmas-inspired cocktail tastings featuring festive flavors and creative concoctions
• A talent show where Hallmark actors showcase hidden skills and charm the crowd

These events, combined with the ship’s luxurious amenities, create an atmosphere that’s equal parts cozy and glamorous. It’s a rare chance to celebrate the holidays in a completely new way—without ever having to shovel snow.

Meet the Stars Who Bring the Magic to Life

While the 2026 lineup hasn’t been officially announced, Hallmark fans have plenty to look forward to. The 2025 cruise, already sold out, will be co-hosted by Jonathan Bennett—known for his roles in Christmas on Cherry Lane and its sequel—and Nikki Deloach, star of Our Holiday Story and the upcoming A Grand Ole Opry Christmas.

Sixteen additional Hallmark favorites will join them on board, making the ship feel like a floating holiday film set. It’s expected that the 2026 cruise will follow suit, with a mix of returning fan favorites and new faces from Hallmark’s growing roster of holiday stars.

The Queen of Christmas and the Hallmark Legacy

No discussion of Hallmark’s holiday empire would be complete without mentioning Lacey Chabert, affectionately dubbed the Queen of Hallmark Christmas Movies. Since 2012, she’s starred in sixteen of the network’s festive romances, including the upcoming She’s Making a List.

Her career pretty much embodies everything Hallmark stands for—warmth, optimism, and that unmistakable sense of seasonal magic. Whether or not she’ll appear on the 2026 cruise is still a mystery, but her influence lingers in every snowflake and mistletoe moment the brand creates.

Getting There: A Holiday Journey from Start to Finish

For Long Islanders and other travelers, getting to the cruise is easier than ever. Flights from Islip’s MacArthur Airport connect to major terminals near the Port of Miami, including Miami International (about nine miles away), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (roughly 25 miles), and Palm Beach International (around 70 miles).

Once in Miami, guests can enjoy a pre-cruise evening soaking up the city’s nightlife or just relaxing at a beachside hotel before boarding the Norwegian Joy for four days of holiday bliss.

Great Stirrup Cay: A Christmas Paradise

On October 25, 2026, the ship will dock at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas. There, guests can trade snowflakes for seashells and enjoy a variety of shore excursions that blend tropical adventure with Hallmark’s holiday charm.

Activities include two-person kayaking, lounging in a beach cabana for up to six people, and exploring the island’s crystal-clear waters. Excursions can be booked four to six weeks before sailing, so there’s time to plan your perfect day in paradise.

The Hallmark Formula: Why Fans Keep Coming Back

Hallmark Channel holiday movies have carved out their own distinctive subgenre in the world of romance. They often follow adults in their 30s and 40s who trade the hustle and bustle of big-city life for small-town simplicity—and in the process, rediscover love, purpose, and the joy of the season.

It’s a formula that works because it taps into something universal: the desire for connection, comfort, and a happy ending. The Hallmark Christmas Cruise takes that emotional blueprint and turns it into a living, breathing experience, where fans can literally step into the world they adore.

Why the 2026 Cruise Could Be the Best Yet

With two successful sailings behind it, Hallmark’s third voyage is looking like the biggest and most immersive yet. The combination of a new destination, expanded fan programming, and the continued popularity of Hallmark’s holiday films means the 2026 cruise will be a must-attend event for die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

Add in the allure of the Bahamas, the luxury of Norwegian Joy, and the chance to make lifelong memories with fellow Christmas enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why this cruise is destined to sell out fast.

Final Thoughts: A Holiday Dream Come True

The Hallmark Christmas Cruise isn’t just a vacation—it’s an experience. It really captures what fans love about the brand.

There’s joy, togetherness, and those simple pleasures that make the holidays worth waiting for. Imagine decorating cookies with your favorite Hallmark actor.

Or maybe you’re singing carols under the stars. You could even catch a brand-new holiday movie before anyone else.

If you’re someone who wishes the holiday season would just keep going, this cruise honestly feels like the ultimate gift. And hey, who wouldn’t want to celebrate Christmas all year with a bunch of folks who feel the same?