Exclusive: Santa’s secret plans to visit cruise ships revealed

San Juan, Puerto Rico - April 20, 2017: Royal Caribbean International ship Anthem of the Seas at the pier in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

We all know Santa magically makes his way to every household in the world in the hours before Christmas morning, but less is known about an additional trip he makes over the oceans and seas to visit all the people on cruise ships.

John Grantham is the cruise director onboard Quantum of the Seas. He still remembers the first time he had to speak to Santa to make plans for the big man’s arrival.

He’s never spoken about the conversation they had until now, and he spoke exclusively to Travel Weekly.

“We were incredibly excited speaking to Santa as he made his way to Quantum of the Seas, he wanted to ensure he had all the correct gifts for the families onboard as well as all of our crew,” Grantham said.

“In the weeks leading up to Christmas, children who have visited our kid’s club Adventure Ocean throughout December have been busy writing letters to Santa, which ensures his elves are well prepared with the right gifts.

“We worked closely with Santa’s team of reindeer to support navigating the sleigh to the ship from the North Pole and safely landing on the ship’s helipad,” he said.

Grantham said Santa also revealed how much he enjoys visiting the cruise ships, something the man in red has not spoken about publicly.

“It’s one of Santa’s favourite stops. He loves to check out the gingerbread houses onboard and will often sneak a taste. After all of the chimneys that Santa has to squeeze down, he enjoys arriving on our ships knowing there is plenty of space to land too.”

Excusive leaked CCTV video of Santa onboard cruise ship.

“Getting to all 26 ships in 24 hours is no mean feat so our crew ensure we have mince pies, carrots and our famous cookies on hand for Santa and his team to enjoy at their pit stop in the South Pacific.”

Santa’s knowledge of the ship’s layout would suggest he’s been on board before. Something
Grantham confirmed.

“Santa has been known to take some well-deserved time off and loves returning to Royal Caribbean ships as a guest to soak up some sun and relax before he has to start gearing up for Christmas all over again,” he said.

“We’ve had reports of Santa hanging ten on the FlowRider as well as rock climbing, he is also known to join in trivia in the Schooner Bar in disguise, his knowledge of geography is unmatched!”

Latest News

  • Hotels

Groupe Barriere appoints La Collection as ANZ representative of its Fouquet’s properties

Groupe Barriere has announced it has appointed La Collection as the exclusive representative for Australia and New Zealand of its two flagship Fouquet’s properties. This partnership brings together La Collection’s dedication to exceptional boutique experiences with the legendary heritage of the Fouquet’s brand. Groupe Barriere, a name synonymous with French luxury and the art of […]

  • Conferences
  • First Nations
  • Tourism

Indigenous tourism drives economic growth: The World Travel & Tourism Council finds

Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute US$67 billion ($AU100 billion) to the global economy by 2034, a landmark World Travel & Tourism Council has found. This economic boom is fuelled by increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences, in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States, among others. The report showcases the sector’s role […]

  • Conferences
  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb becomes world’s first member of WTTC’s ‘Together in Travel’ for SMEs

Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb co-founder Ryan Mossny has been named the world’s first member of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s new ‘Together in Travel’ program for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). Announced at the 2024 Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), today the ‘Together in Travel’ program is a unique initiative aimed at providing support and […]