Decorating for the holidays can be overwhelming for any household. However, Carnival Cruise Line enhances the holiday spirit by transforming 27 cruise ships into floating showcases in just a few hours. Nearly half a million guests and crew members enjoy this festive transformation annually.
I had the opportunity to witness this transformation firsthand aboard the Carnival Elation in Jacksonville, Fla., and the process was nothing short of extraordinary.
Seeing the intricate effort and planning that goes into crafting holiday magic at sea offered a new appreciation for the season’s celebrations.
Decorating in a day
The transformation starts long before the first ornament is hung. Carnival partners with McGowen Creative Group, a logistics company that orchestrates the design and delivery of massive quantities of decorations, from garlands and lights to custom-made centerpieces.
McGowen handles the transport of these decorations to ports in the United States and Australia, ensuring they clear customs and are ready upon arrival.
Timing is crucial—the decorating team has only a few hours to transform the ship once guests disembark.
Carnival Elation at Christmas
During my visit, a team of up to 15 decorators, affectionately dubbed “elves,” worked tirelessly to deck the Carnival Elation from bow to stern. The effort involved remarkable quantities of decorations:
- 22 Christmas trees
- 30,000 lights
- 6,000 feet of ribbon
- 250 hand-tied bows
The highlight of the Elation’s décor was a massive, animated Christmas tree in the atrium, complete with synchronized lights and music.
Garlands draped from railings, dining rooms sparkled with ribbons, and children were invited to send their holiday wishes through an onboard Santa mailbox.
Fleet-wide decorating stats
Scaling the magic across 27 ships is a monumental feat. Fleet-wide, the holiday transformation includes:
- More than 600 Christmas trees
- Nearly 1 million lights
- 150,000 feet of ribbon
- 6,000 hand-tied bows
- 56,000 feet of garland
Beyond the decorations, Carnival curates immersive holiday experiences for guests. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, ships offer various seasonal activities, including:
- Carolers spreading holiday cheer
- Santa Claus appearances and a dedicated mailbox for letters
- Festive meals featuring seasonal favorites
- Ugly sweater contests
- Holiday movie screenings
- Special performances and themed events
For New Year’s Eve, Carnival goes all out with lively celebrations featuring dancing, champagne toasts, and more.
Behind-the-scenes efficiency
The efficiency behind these transformations is a marvel. Once a ship docks, teams spring into action, simultaneously working in public and crew areas. When new guests embark, the ship has been fully transformed into a winter wonderland.
A Carnival Christmas to remember
These efforts culminate in a festive atmosphere that captivates guests of all ages. Tree-lighting ceremonies, atrium snowfalls, and even appearances by The Grinch add to the enchantment.
Cruise directors lead the festivities, ensuring the holiday spirit is felt throughout the ship.
So, next time you find yourself on a Carnival cruise during the holidays, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and dedication behind every light, tree, and bow.
It’s more than decoration—it’s a labor of love that brings holiday magic to life on the open seas.
