Hallmark Christmas Cruise 2027: New Ship, Bookings Open Now
After three sold-out years on Norwegian, Hallmark is moving to the Celebrity Reflection — and bookings open THIS WEEK
Hallmark fans, grab your ugly sweaters — the Hallmark Christmas Cruise is officially returning for 2027, and this time it’s setting sail on a brand-new ship.
For the first time ever, the festive floating extravaganza is leaving Norwegian Cruise Line behind and heading to Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection. The four-night voyage departs Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 8, 2027, sailing to Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas, before returning November 12.
And if the past three sold-out cruises are any indication? You’ll want to book the moment tickets go live.
What Is the Hallmark Christmas Cruise?
If you’ve never heard of it, here’s the concept: Hallmark Channel charters an entire cruise ship, fills it with beloved Hallmark stars, and sends a few thousand of the most passionate fans on earth on a floating holiday celebration.
There are live shows. Movie premieres. Photo ops. Stars knocking on your cabin door as a “surprise and delight” moment. Game shows. Gift exchanges. Workshops. It’s essentially a Hallmark movie — except you’re living inside it.
The event launched in 2024 and has sold out every single year. Past stars have included Erin Cahill, Rachel Boston, Daniel Lissing, and Paul Campbell, among others.
“This feels like a special moment, and I don’t think it happens anywhere else but here and now,” actor Daniel Lissing said on the final night of the 2026 cruise.
Star Paul Campbell summed it up even better: “Being here with you guys the past four days… has reminded me that beauty still exists. I call that hope. And hope is the center of everything that we do at Hallmark Channel.”
Why the Switch from Norwegian to Celebrity?
The first three Hallmark Christmas Cruises all sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line — first on the Norwegian Joy, then the Norwegian Gem. So why the switch?
Hallmark is calling the Celebrity Reflection an “elevated setting” with “revitalized venues and award-winning amenities.” But there’s also a very practical reason: the theater.
On the 2026 cruise, multiple outdoor events had to be scrambled inside at the last minute due to bad weather. The Celebrity Reflection features a large, dedicated indoor theater purpose-built for exactly this kind of live entertainment — meaning your front-row seat to a Hallmark panel or game show won’t be rained out.
“The 2027 Hallmark Christmas Cruise builds on the celebration and community that have made this experience so special for years, while offering fans new ways to immerse themselves in the joy and positivity of our brand,” said Lindsey Roy, SVP of Branded Experiences at Hallmark.
About the Celebrity Reflection
The Celebrity Reflection is no ordinary ship. Here’s what you’re sailing on:
- Built: 2012 by Meyer Werft in Germany at a cost of $750 million
- Refurbished: October 2022, with a full refresh and Celebrity’s signature new dark blue color scheme
- Size: 125,366 gross tons — a large, premium ship
- Capacity: approximately 3,046 guests
- Decks: 17 (one more than Celebrity’s other Solstice-class ships)
- Crew: 1,271 staff members
The ship is the flagship of Celebrity’s Solstice class and is operated by Celebrity Cruises, which is owned by Royal Caribbean Group — the same parent company as Royal Caribbean International. Celebrity is known for its upscale-casual feel, sitting a step above Royal Caribbean in terms of refined dining and atmosphere.
Onboard you’ll find a pool and solarium, spa and fitness center, multiple specialty dining restaurants, and the spacious indoor theater that will host the Hallmark live programming.
What’s Happening Onboard in 2027
Here’s what Hallmark has confirmed for the 2027 sailing:
- World premiere of a new Countdown to Christmas movie — screened onboard before it airs on TV
- Daily live shows in the indoor theater with Hallmark stars
- Behind-the-scenes panels with cast members
- Game shows and interactive programming
- Photo ops with your favorite Hallmark stars
- “Surprise and delight” moments — stars randomly showing up at the pool, the buffet, your cabin door
- Hands-on workshops led by Hallmark artists (available as premium add-ons from spring 2027)
- Cocktail and mocktail tastings
- Gift exchanges
Hallmark says more details about the full star lineup and add-on experiences will be announced closer to the sailing date.
How to Book — And Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Every previous Hallmark Christmas Cruise has sold out. Here’s how the booking timeline works:
Presale — Tuesday, November 10
Available to Hallmark loyalty and membership program members, including Hallmark+ subscribers and Crown Rewards members. If you have either of these, log into your account Tuesday morning before 2026’s public buyers get a shot.
Public On-Sale — Thursday, November 12 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Open to everyone. Book at HallmarkChristmasCruise.com.
Pricing hasn’t been officially announced yet, but past Hallmark Christmas Cruises have ranged from roughly $1,500 to $3,000+ per person depending on cabin category and how early you book.
Where Are You Going? Grand Bahama Island
The Celebrity Reflection will make a port stop at Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas — the same destination as past Hallmark Christmas Cruises. Grand Bahama is a relaxed, low-key Bahamian island known for beaches, duty-free shopping, and water activities. It’s a quick stop, but it gives you a reason to step off the ship between all the Hallmark festivities — if you can tear yourself away.
Is This the Right Cruise for You?
Book it if: You’re a Hallmark Channel fan, you love a themed cruise experience, you want something completely different from a typical sailing, or you have someone in your life who would absolutely lose their mind over a gift like this.
Think twice if: You prefer a larger ship with more ports, you’re not into themed entertainment, or you need a lot of itinerary variety.
For the right person — and there are millions of them — this is the bucket list cruise of their year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2027 Hallmark Christmas Cruise sail?
November 8–12, 2027, departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Which ship is it on?
The Celebrity Reflection, operated by Celebrity Cruises.
Where does it go?
Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas, and back — a four-night sailing.
How do I get presale access?
You need to be a Hallmark+ subscriber or Crown Rewards member. Presale opens November 10, 2026.
When does public booking open?
Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET at HallmarkChristmasCruise.com.
Which Hallmark stars will be on the cruise?
The full lineup hasn’t been announced yet. Past cruises have featured stars like Erin Cahill, Rachel Boston, Daniel Lissing, and Paul Campbell.
Has it sold out before?
Yes — every previous sailing has sold out.
