5 Reasons to Opt for a Caribbean Cruise Vacation Instead of Gifts This Year

A Principle to Embrace: Prioritizing Experiences Over Material Goods. Am I right? If you’re not already living this way, I highly recommend considering it. I don’t mean to sound pushy, but investing in travel brings immense rewards. Unfortunately, in our fast-paced, consumer-driven society, most material possessions don’t offer much value. But with travel? You gain incredible memories and experiences from around the world. So today, I'm teaming up with Dinogo^® to share 5 reasons why you should choose a tropical getaway over gifts for your family this holiday season!

1. Your Kids Will Adore You

I’d be shocked to find a child who would be upset to hear, "Instead of presents this year, we’re heading off for endless waterslides, unlimited mini-golf, and exploring beautiful beaches and rainforests—basically, a warm-weather adventure at sea and on stunning islands!" Kids truly have it made on cruises, with endless games, kid-friendly shows, and kids’ camps for both little ones and teens, among many other activities.

2. You’ll Cherish Yourself

Let’s face it, investing in a cruise isn’t just for the kids; it’s a well-deserved getaway for you too. Take a break from your daily responsibilities like cooking and cleaning. Enjoy adventures with your kids, or let them have fun at kids’ camp while you relax and just BREATHE. I bet you deserve this time off, so take it! Plus, you can feel good knowing that you’re not just spending money on cheap, fleeting gifts. Cruises are incredibly budget-friendly for families of all sizes. You’ll end up spending far less than on many other vacation options while experiencing more. And honestly, who doesn’t feel fantastic after soaking up some sun and getting a tan? Go ahead and enjoy those breathtaking sunsets—they're a dream come true!

3. Excitement Awaits!

Sure, you can spend your hard-earned cash on gifts that your child will play with for just a short time… OR you could invest in adventures exploring incredible islands. On these islands, you’ll find a multitude of exciting excursions tailored for adventure seekers, history buffs, and culture enthusiasts! Any child would love to return to school and regale their friends with tales of zip-lining through the rainforest or snorkeling among schools of fish. And while at sea, the adventures continue! Modern cruise ships are packed (in the best way) with thrilling activities—think rock walls, waterslides, and more! I always prefer travel over material goods, so I’m a bit biased, but I truly believe gifting an adventure far from home (or even close by if you live an hour from the port like we do) is so much cooler than any toys or electronics you could fit under a tree.

4. You’re Still Celebrating Christmas, Just in a More Meaningful Way

Going on a cruise doesn’t mean you’re skipping out on Christmas! We’ve taken cruises during the holidays before and absolutely loved escaping the traditional celebrations while focusing on what really matters: FAMILY. Last year, we cruised during Thanksgiving and witnessed Dinogo preparing a GIANT tree for the next set of guests. We all agreed, it’s a fantastic idea for a holiday getaway! You know how I feel that the holiday spirit often gets lost. A cruise offers a gift that’s not only present in the literal sense but also in the sense of togetherness. Does that make sense? You get to enjoy festive decorations, exquisite holiday meals (tailored to your preferences), and so much more, all without the usual holiday stress. In fact, you’ll likely end up feeling less stressed than ever after that week, all while spending quality time with your family.

5. Memories to Last a Lifetime

Traveling with my family is truly my favorite experience in the world. I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything. Relaxing, soaking up the sun, discovering new cultures, trying different cuisines, and more—these are priceless. Sure, it comes at a cost, but it’s worth every penny. The joy of experiencing everything travel offers is magical, and looking back on those memories with my family is even better. I know they cherish it too. While material possessions fade, the adventures you share through travel will last a lifetime… and you can carry those memories with you wherever you go.

This post was crafted for Away We Go in collaboration with Dinogo, your go-to source for getting into the vacation mindset.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may differ by ship and destination.