Deck the Doors: A YA Christmas Cruise Romance

by Erica Ashby

One holiday cruise. One grumpy best friend. One secret promise.

When our families booked a week-long Christmas cruise from Southampton, I knew it was a sign. Leaving the real world behind for a festive bubble feels like a gift-wrapped opportunity, and I’ve made myself a this is the week I finally tell Callum how I feel.

The Serendipity is the perfect setting, a wonderland with twinkling lights, endless hot chocolate, and even a cabin door decorating contest. It’s the kind of place where anything feels possible.

Callum might roll his eyes at the over-the-top festivities and grumble about how cheesy it all is, but because he’s Callum, he goes along with my madness anyway. He helps turn my door into a gingerbread masterpiece and even wears a ridiculous Christmas jumper for the promenade parade without (too much) complaining.

I'm getting lingering smiles, five-star hugs, and enough sparks to power the ship’s giant Christmas tree. But the fear of ruining everything is enough to make my confidence crumble.

I’m running out of time to keep my secret promise, but I won't let this magical week end with regrets.

All I need is a little Christmas courage... and maybe some mistletoe.

~ ~ ~

What to expect from Deck the Doors:⚓ A Dual POV Holiday Story (Perfect for a cozy night in)
⚓ Grumpy x Sunshine (With plenty of British banter)
⚓ A Clean, Standalone Romance (Suitable for all ages, with a pinch of swoon)

Experience the Serendipity through the eyes of passengers before the ship heads to the Caribbean for the Junior Crew's summer in the Hearts on Deck series.

Genres: Christmas

90 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2025

About the author

Erica Ashby has always been fascinated by the stories that unfold when people are brought together in a shared space. A professional people-watcher and lifelong romantic, she writes sweet, fun books about first loves, new friendships, and finding your own adventure. When she’s not writing, Erica enjoys movie nights, drinking far too much iced coffee, and daydreaming about life on the open sea. She hopes her stories feel like the perfect getaway, no passport required.

Reviews

[Lynette Baumgardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for free on my kindle and it was such a cute little romance. It was only 90 pages, so very short, and it was Christmas themed!! Overall, very cute!

[Karyna Dronova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and sweet story

It was a light and sweet Christmas story.
I really liked the setting and the events in the book. The incredible atmosphere of a festive cruise and those sweet moments between the characters. I'm really glad I chose it to read and enjoyed the process! Thank you 🥰

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set on a cruise ship, with all that you expect from cruising with queues at the buffet, cheesy entertainment, bad karaoke and competitive trivia on weird and wonderful topics, this book was a cute romance novella with an added Christmas touch.

[Chelsea Pinkard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, cute, festive, AND shippy! Really enjoyed this quick Christmas cruise read <3

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and cozy

This is a wonderful story that is perfect to escape into when you need a couple hours of a break.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and cute little Christmas read.