The holidays can be hectic. From shopping and entertaining to packing up the kids for a trip to Grandma’s, the stress of the season can leave you wishing you could sail away to some exotic locale. A Christmas cruise offers the opportunity to do just that.
Taking a cruise during the holidays is not only a welcome change of pace, but with all the gifts, entertaining and travel that you would otherwise spend money on, a family cruise could cost you as much or less than going about your normal routine.
For example, an eight-day Christmas cruise to Mexico from Los Angeles for a family of four starts at $3,740, according to a representative at Princess Cruises. On the other hand, an eight-day trip for a family of four to New York City, with a comparable level of accommodations, food and entertainment, comes in at a steep $8,990, according to the same representative.
Click through for some of the many reasons to consider a Christmas cruise this season — and how it can save you money this holiday season.
1. You'll Make Memories
Instead of running around all season to visit relatives and hit the shops, find everything you need or want in one place: on a cruise ship. Many popular cruise companies, like Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines, create Christmas-themed adventures that you will never forget.
"Taking a Christmas cruise is really about having the whole holiday experience wrapped into one big, memorable vacation," said Kim Anwar, a cruise expert and owner of MagicFamilyGetaways.com. "For busy families, this can be a big time and stress-saver. Totally worth the cost of the cruise.”
2. You'll Have Quality Time With Your Family
When you think about it, we spend an inordinate amount of time planning and preparing just to make all those holiday experiences happen. But the only work involved in taking a cruise is booking it.
“A cruise is an awesome option for Christmas and can be cheaper than entertaining at home," said Carey Reilly, a travel contributor to Foxnews.com and creator of Notsoskinnymom.com. "And being on a Disney cruise is like having your own private chef, activities director and caterer. Everything is done for you, so there’s more time to spend with your family. Plus, there are enough places to explore on board that you can get away from the family, too.”
3. You Don't Have to Cook
People expect to eat well around the holidays, and as a result, the host often spends a ton of money and hours in the kitchen cooking rather than enjoying the party. Known for their all-you-can-eat buffets, cruises offer innumerable holiday delicacies, none of which you have to prepare yourself. And on many cruises, all or most of the food is included in your rate, so you don’t have to worry about the cost.
Find Out: 30 Cruise Secrets Only Insiders Know
“Leave that extravagant dinner with all of the preparation and cooking back at home," said Courtney Johnson, senior manager of promotions and operations, cruise at Expedia. "If you paid for the cruise upfront, you don’t need to worry about any costs associated with food; you can simply relax and dine with your family.”
4. You'll Get a Broadway Experience
After traveling to visit family, hosting your own holiday fête and taking the family out to the theatre or a holiday-themed show, you’re likely both exhausted and financially tapped. With a cruise, there are countless activities, such as the Vegas and Broadway-esque shows on Carnival cruises, that are included in your rate. Experience the magic of the stage without spending one dime more.
5. There's Free Entertainment
Of course, you don't have to be a musical lover to enjoy the entertainment aboard cruise ships. And many of the offerings are suitable for the kids.
“All our shows are family oriented, except for the late-night, adult-only comedy show," said Giancarlo Novo, elite personal vacation planner, Carnival Cruise Lines. "There is no cover to attend any of our shows, nor is there one for the nightclub aboard the ship. We also offer the largest casino at sea and have award-winning spas aboard our ships.”
Brian O'Connor, vice president of public relations for Princess Cruises, said the line offers everything from Broadway-inspired shows to "The Voice of the Ocean," which is a spin on TV’s "The Voice." Additionally, families can enjoy outdoor movies and the live lounge entertainment. Best of all, the shows are included in your cruise fare.
Learn: 75 Things You Can Get for Free
6. You Can Still Do Christmas Activities
If you’re concerned that you’ll miss out on fun holiday activities such as caroling and Christmas cookies, have no fear.
“On a Disney Merrytime Cruise, you have all of your holiday festivities and activities wrapped into one holiday vacation,” said Anwar. “You can go Christmas caroling, make gingerbread houses and Christmas cookies, take photos with Santa and attend a tree lighting ceremony, just to name a few of the festivities onboard.”
Imagine the work that would go into planning all those activities at home.
7. The Cruise Itself Can Be a Gift
Of course, it wouldn't be the holidays without Christmas presents. O'Connor recommended giving the gift of cruising.
To do this without breaking the bank, you could put the money you would typically spend on gifts toward the cruise. On average, Americans spent just under $900 on holiday gifts last year, according to the American Research Group, so diverting these funds should put you well on your way.
8. Or, You Can Give a Cruise Gift Card
Don’t forget about the friends and family who weren’t able to join you. Novo suggests sending loved ones gift cards from the cruise provider.
“You can also purchase Carnival gift cards in any denomination, so that your loved ones who didn’t go with you this time around can join you on the next cruise vacation,” he said.
9. Souvenirs Can Make Great Gifts
A cruise also offers you the opportunity to purchase souvenirs at your different ports of call. And depending on where you’re cruising to, the exchange rate could be in your favor.
“You wake up every other day in a different island, a different country," said Novo. "You can purchase souvenirs at these ports of call for your loved ones, or take advantage of duty-free items, such as liquor, clothing, jewelry, etc., on the boat.”
10. You Don't Have to Host an Expensive Holiday Party
Many of us host elaborate holiday feasts for family and friends each year. Since you’ll be cruising instead, you’ll save a ton on groceries and cocktails, plus all those hostess gifts you usually buy for other people's events.
11. You Can Get a Break From Your Kids
If you stay home or travel to a family member’s home over the holidays, you’ll be with the kids 24/7. On most cruises, there are adult-supervised children's activities on board, which are free or offered for a low fee. The age to qualify varies, but for many popular cruise lines, including Carnival, kids as young as 2 are welcome.
Your cruise line might also offer nighttime babysitting for those who want to have some adult time. According to Royal Caribbean customer support, you can book a sitter for up to three kids for $19.
12. There's No Housework
That free housekeeping that we love in hotels is also available on cruises. And while spending the holidays at home is convenient, it involves a ton of housework. On a cruise, you can play, explore and eat all day and come back to a perfectly clean room. Just remember to tip the housekeeping staff.
How Much? Here's Your Ultimate Tipping Guide
13. Someone Else Will Do the Laundry
Laundry is one of those things that we can’t avoid at home. The majority of cruise lines have coin-operated laundry machines, so you can do your own, but you don't have to. For a fee, in addition to offering dry cleaning services, most cruise lines will wash and fold your clothes.
14. There Are Plenty of Cruise Deals
“If you keep your eyes open, you can find a Christmas cruise on one of the major cruise lines for under $100 a day per person base fare," said Don Munsil, president of MouseSavers.com, a website about saving money on travel. "Given that you're getting three hot sit-down meals a day — plus pretty much unlimited snacks — that's a pretty amazing deal.”
He did caution that you’re less likely to find a great deal on a Disney Christmas cruise. “It's kind of a unique experience, and they charge accordingly,” said Munsil.
Johnson recommended booking early in order to get the cabin and itinerary of your choice. But if you wait until the last minute, sometimes you can still find a great deal on a site like Expedia.
15. You Can Bring the Whole Family
Another thing to consider is bringing a large group. Not only does this prevent loved ones from getting left behind, but it also gives your group bargaining power. Munsil said you need to book a minimum of five to eight staterooms to qualify for a discounted group rate.
“Everyone can do their own thing or form small sub-groups to go off and explore the ports, and then you come back together at dinner to swap stories and compare notes,” he said.
Keep Reading: How We’re Saving on Holiday Travel This Year
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Reasons to Spend Your Christmas Vacation on a Cruise