Best Places To Vacation for Thanksgiving With Family

Turkey With a View: Best Places To Vacation for Thanksgiving

With holiday itineraries stretching from the Caribbean to The Bahamas to Mexico, your Thanksgiving cruise can be whatever you want it to be. Go ruin-hopping in Central America or visit a beach club in the Caribbean. I love how diverse Royal Caribbean Thanksgiving cruise destinations are, reflecting the guests who book them.

If you’re unsure of where to start, here are five Thanksgiving vacation ideas to chew on:

1. Nassau, The Bahamas

Nassau is one of the best places to vacation for Thanksgiving. Stroll through its many artisan markets and impeccable beaches, or explore a historic fort. Spend the day in museum-hopping and feasting on rum-soaked desserts. 

Many Nassau itineraries include a stop at Perfect Day CocoCay. Here, you can get your shriek on with the kids in Thrill Waterpark®, visit the adults-only Hideaway Beach℠ or chow down on BBQ at Chill Island®.

2. Cozumel, Mexico

If you’re asking yourself where to go for Thanksgiving vacation, this is where I'd send you first.

Spend Thanksgiving amongst Cozumel’s ancient Mayan settlements, or snorkel amongst the kaleidoscopic reefs of Chankanaab National Park. As an adventure traveler, this is definitely my pick for the ultimate Royal Caribbean Thanksgiving cruise.

3. Labadee, Haiti

A Thanksgiving in Labadee might be one of the most enriching ways to spend the holiday.

Check out the live performances locals in Labadee put on, head out on the water via kayak or try your hand at ziplining. You can even enjoy a true Haiti specialty: grilled seafood. That’s a perfect Thanksgiving meal in my book.

Sailings to Labadee are expected to resume in mid- to late-2027, so mark your calendars!

4. Mazatlán, Mexico

If you love history and dream of sailing through the most glittery, turquoise water you’ve ever seen, Mazatlán could top your list of the best places to vacation for Thanksgiving. 

On this western stretch of Mexico’s coastline, you can take in ocean and mountain views, all while having access to resort towns, colonial streets, white-sand beaches and buccaneer heritage. Among the many Thanksgiving vacation ideas, this one is great for all cruisers, from guests craving a chill trip to adrenaline chasers seeking the rush of surf.

5. Falmouth, Jamaica

Why You’ll Gobble Up Thanksgiving on a Cruise

If you want to kick back with a cocktail and watch the sea roll by or race your family down waterslides, you’re in the right place. The Royal Caribbean Thanksgiving cruise lineup has something for everyone. Savor dips in complimentary whirlpools on each ship or visit the sunny destinations of your dreams. These unique ways to celebrate Thanksgiving offer adventure and lasting memories without the to-do list.

Here’s what you can expect from a family Thanksgiving on the waves:

Relaxed Holiday Vibes

Fun mixed with relaxation is the name of the game on a Royal Caribbean Thanksgiving cruise. The comfortable staterooms offer plenty of options for everyone, from couples seeking quiet connection to big families celebrating Thanksgiving on a cruise for the first time. 

As someone who grew up in a family of seven, ample space — which is exactly what you’ll get in a family or suite stateroom — is key if you want to unwind. Sharing a small stateroom with siblings growing up taught me the value of a little extra room. Add spectacular ocean views, and you've got a truly relaxing Thanksgiving.

There are also so many incredible corners of the ship to experience. Grab a cocktail and lounge at one of the pools. Or, take in the sweeping artistry of AquaTheater shows. You can even dial the chill up at the spa, where you can book a massage or treat yourself to wraps, facials and acupuncture. My advice is this: Start with a slow morning at the pool before a little luxury at the spa. Then enjoy your coffee in a quiet place where you can watch the endless views of blue roll by.

Family Festiveness

Families, in particular, can really benefit from Thanksgiving cruises. The very setup encourages togetherness. 

There are so many places around the ship to hang out with your loved ones and make memories: racing each other down waterslides seeing an unforgettable show together and splashing around the pool. On a family cruise, you can spend dedicated time together family cruise thrilling, chilling and making new memories. For this reason, I think the best family vacations over Thanksgiving are definitely on a cruise.

Something New

It’s fun to shake things up every so often for the holidays. Traveling over Thanksgiving can provide tropical weather, new twists on your favorite holiday dishes, adventure and fresh views.

Cruises top the list of unique ways to celebrate Thanksgiving as they include new culinary experiences and entertainment, both complimentary and specialty. It may be different from turkey at your family’s table, but it’s exciting and different.

Savor at Sea

You’ll find holiday treats like oven-roasted turkey and pie on Royal Caribbean Thanksgiving cruise menus. Enjoy them on board as you watch the sparkling sea outside your window.

Even the most dedicated Thanksgiving cooks might like the idea of someone else handling the feast. And if you want something different, you don't have to eat traditional Thanksgiving fare on board. Sample a variety of cultural bites around the ship if you’d rather try out something new. For example, in the main dining room, you can find cuisines from all over the world, all included in your cruise fare.

Planning a Thanksgiving Cruise

Here are a few things to keep in mind during the cruise planning process:

• Consider what kind of weather, climate and landscapes you want to enjoy over the holiday.

• Ask yourself whether you’d like to spend Thanksgiving at sea or in port.

• Determine how long you want your cruise to be.

• Pack anything festive you might need for your Thanksgiving traditions.