Christmas is almost here. What do you give your spouse since they already have everything? You have his and her cards. They announced, “No more watches!” last year. You want to surprise them on Christmas morning. You want to give a present that comes with bragging rights. Booking a cruise for 2025 might be a great idea.
They have always had a great time on a cruise. You have taken them together in the past. They have enjoyed getting pampered. This gift is a known quantity. It brings back great memories.
- Pick the part of the world they would love to visit. The world is your oyster, as they say. Do they like Italy? Pick a cruise visiting several Italian ports. Have they been everywhere? Do they say, “Been there, done that?” Consider the Artic, Greenland or Antarctica. Do they dislike winter? Book a Caribbean cruise during the winter months. The ship is a destination bringing them to places they loved.
- You only need to make the down payment now. Unlike jewelry, which can be expensive and goes on a high interest credit card, booking a cruise far in advance only requires a down payment now. You can plan how to budget to pay for the rest of the trip later.
- How do you wrap a cruise? It is easier than you might imagine! Get a photo of the ship. Put it into a frame. Contact your travel agent or the cruise line and get the glossy brochure detailing your specific voyage. Package them together and wrap it up!
- The big reveal. This is a crazier idea than the wrapped, framed photo. You gather together the confirmation, a photo of the ship and pictures of a few of the ports. You mount them all on a board with a colorful backing. You put a frame around it. Borrow an art easel. Early Christmas morning, setup the easel by the tree, add the framed painting are cover with a solid color bedsheet. When your spouse comes into the room, pull away the sheet and yell “Surprise!” Some of us are more extroverted than others.
- The cruise line will keep them excited. If you order something with a long delivery time, nothing usually happens until the finished product arrives. When you book a cruise, the cruise line is in touch at least once a month with emails telling you about things to do and specialty restaurants. The cruise line builds excitement for you.
- Cruises come with bragging rights. You both place the framed photo of the ship someplace where everyone will see it. You both share the news with your friends. Maybe some friends will say; “Can we go too?” Now you are traveling with people you like!
- Reach out to friends you met on past cruises. We make plenty of friends on cruises. You probably do the same. Let them know you will be flying, then sailing from their city. Make plans to see them before you sail. Some of these friends might book the same cruise too.
- You have months to shop for clothing. It is logical you have all the cruise wear you need. That does not stop you from buying more! You will likely start pre-packing a month early. This involves making piles of clothing in your spare bedroom. The excitement builds before you board the ship.
- What will you do in port? Shore excursions. You can learn about them ahead of time. Ports have unique cuisines and great restaurants. They have must see sights. Doing advance research is one of the pleasures of foreign travel.
- Enjoy the holidays!
There are plenty of reasons why booking a cruise now and presenting it as a Christmas present is a great idea!
Editor’s Notes:
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Also see Shore Excursions – Ports, Day & Weekend Trips
