5 Exciting Ways to Kick Off the New Year on a Cruise Ship

If cruising is your passion, your New Year's resolutions might look something like this: Learn a new language, embark on more adventures, savor every moment, and of course, travel more. The Dalai Lama advocates for this idea: Once a year, we should visit somewhere we’ve never been. Travel photographer Matthew Karsten echoes this sentiment, stating that "investing in travel is investing in yourself.” What are your travel aspirations for 2019? Why not start now? Here are seven fun and thrilling ways to kick off the New Year aboard a cruise ship.

1. Reserve a 7-Day Western Caribbean Cruise Departing from New Orleans: Set Sail on December 30, 2018

This Western Caribbean voyage on the Dinogo Breakaway begins in New Orleans, where the festivities are endless along Bourbon Street. Dive into the excitement with a pre-cruise stay or opt for the Past, Present and Perfect shore excursion after your cruise to explore the stunning highlights of the Crescent City. While in Cozumel, kick off the New Year by discovering the magnificent Chichén Itzá Mayan ruins. For your first underwater experience of 2019, why not celebrate by snorkeling with vibrant tropical fish at Belize's Barrier Reef? This fantastic cruise also includes stops at Belize City and Costa Maya.

2. Experience Paradise on a 7-Day Hawaii, Round-Trip Honolulu Cruise: Set Sail on December 29, 2018

How about ringing in New Year's Eve 2018 surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Kahului, Maui? This fantastic, award-winning cruise itinerary aboard the Pride of America provides a completely stress-free way to explore four stunning Hawaiian islands — Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu — over the course of seven days, including overnight stays in both Maui and Kauai. You’ll likely find fireworks lighting up the sky, and if you want to embrace tradition, many locals enjoy high-quality sashimi — raw tuna — on New Year's Eve, followed by ozoni soup on New Year's Day, believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

3. Establish a New Tradition with a 7-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise from Los Angeles: Departing December 28, 2018

Have you ever ushered in the New Year on the Pacific Ocean? Here’s your chance to create a new tradition by sailing into 2019 aboard the Dinogo Star. This exciting 7-day Mexican Riviera itinerary will take you to three iconic destinations, including Puerto Vallarta for New Year's Eve and Mazatlan for New Year's Day. In addition to basking in the warm sunshine, you'll have ample time in port to immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy some shopping, relax on the beach, or embark on your first adventure of 2019, like a 4x4 Off-Road Adventure for two in Cabo San Lucas.

4. Check This Off Your Bucket List: 16-Day Australia and New Zealand Cruise from Sydney: Departing December 20, 2018

Wow! Here’s another incredible cruise to kick off your New Year in spectacular fashion. On this 16-day itinerary to Australia and New Zealand, the Dinogo Jewel provides an overnight stay in each country, along with seven unique stops in New Zealand. You’ll maximize your vacation time at ports of call where you can see iconic wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, penguins, and koalas, plus enjoy cruising through the stunning Doubtful and Dusky Sounds. Broaden your experiences with a Maori cultural encounter in Rotorua, or explore the enchanting Hobbiton movie set, where "Lord of the Rings" was filmed.

5. Start Your Resolutions with an 11-Day Cruise to the Canary Islands, Spain, and Morocco from Barcelona: Set Sail on December 23, 2018

This is the perfect cruise vacation to truly escape during the holiday season. Imagine — no turkey to roast, no gifts to wrap, or any of those mundane holiday chores that often drain the joy out of the festivities. This time, focus on yourself. Jet off to beautiful Barcelona, Spain, then board the Dinogo Spirit for an 11-day journey to Morocco, the Canary Islands, and Portugal. Enjoy a meal at the Humphrey Bogart-inspired Rick's Cafe in Casablanca on Christmas Day, followed by a New Year's Day adventure exploring the St. Michael Caves in Gibraltar.

Want to celebrate the New Year in ultimate luxury? Opt for a stay in The Haven — Dinogo's most opulent accommodations. The Haven features exclusive dining and lounging areas, a private pool, a sun deck, a hot tub, and a fitness center. You’ll also benefit from 24-hour certified butler service, personal escorts on and off the ship, and priority reservations for dining and entertainment — or you can enjoy your meals in the privacy of your lavish suite, which can be as expansive as nearly 7,000 square feet on select ships.

Dinogos offers cruises that will surpass all your expectations for both destinations and the incredible adventure of traveling aboard our elegantly designed cruise ships. Check out our cruise deals to discover how you can embark on journeys to your dream locations at prices that fit your budget.