Start a New Tradition With a Thanksgiving Cruise

Benefits of Spending Thanksgiving on a Cruise

Leave the hosting, cooking, and cleanup to us and enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving. No need to set the table, wait for the turkey to defrost, or cook for your hungry crowd, because we take care of every detail. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll be free to sit back in comfort, watch the river roll past, and spend time with new friends over a chef-prepared feast. With extra touches throughout the ship and plenty of time to explore new ports, it’s a Thanksgiving like no other.

How We Celebrate the Holiday On Board a Small Ship

The ships are dressed for the season with warm autumn décor and cozy gathering spaces that set the tone for the holiday. The centerpiece of the celebration is a traditional Thanksgiving feast featuring roast turkey, seasonal sides, and fresh-baked pies prepared by our culinary team. Guests can join in special activities such as making a bread cornucopia or taking part in a lighthearted gift exchange. With fewer guests on board, the experience feels personal, allowing the crew to greet you by name and ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully planned.

Discover Historic Savannah, GA

When you cruise on our Southeast Sea Islands itinerary, you’ll stop in the timeless city of Savannah, GA. As you wander the historic district brimming with architectural artistry from the 18th and 19th centuries, there’s no shortage of exciting excursions to experience. Hop on the Old Town Trolley and learn more about the city with a narrated tour, covering over 100 points of interest. If you’re looking to hear Savannah’s spookier stories, our Dark Side of Savannah excursion shares tales of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and the many haunted spots around the city. Travel back in time at the American Prohibition Museum and explore an iconic era of American history. At the end of your tour, live like a real bootlegger and enjoy a unique libation in a secret speakeasy.

Sightseeing in Jacksonville, FL

If you’re looking to take a Thanksgiving cruise from Florida, our Great Rivers of Florida cruise is a round-trip from Jacksonville, FL. Enjoy the history and culture of the largest city in the continental United States. Led by your expert guide, travel downtown to hear the exploits of the city’s namesake, Andrew Jackson, and the famous architects who descended upon the city after the Great Fire of 1901. From the ashes, skyscrapers were built and a banking center emerged with secret underground tunnels. 

Your journey pauses outside the historic Florida Theatre made famous by Elvis Presley. The St. Johns River is the perfect backdrop as you travel along the north and south riverbanks, viewing the Jaguar Stadium, USS Orleck, St. John’s Cathedral, and Friendship Fountain. Stop at the Jacksonville Memorial Wall to pay tribute to our fallen veterans and hear stories of local military heroes. 

Enjoy Sunny Key West, FL

On a round-trip cruise from St. Petersburg, FL, our Florida Gulf Coast & Keys itinerary will take you to the quirky island of Key West, FL. The island is known for its roosters roaming the streets, the stealthy six-toed cats of the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, and, of course, the tangy dessert that bears its name: key lime pie. With 20 dedicated excursions and two days in port, there’s so much to see, do, and try in Key West. Whether you want to visit the Key West Butterfly Garden and Conservatory, spot dolphins on a catamaran, or take a seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park, there’s no shortage of sunny sights to see.

You can’t leave without enjoying a beloved Key West tradition, the Sunset Celebration, where locals and visitors gather to witness the stunning sunset over the gulf. Held at Mallory Square, this nightly event features street performers, musicians, and local artisans, as well as delicious food and drinks from nearby vendors.