The Complete Handbook for Organizing Your Holiday Cruise Getaway

Though the holidays are still a bit away, there's no time like the present to begin planning your upcoming holiday cruise escape!

Cruising is the ideal way to celebrate the festive season. Rather than worrying about holiday preparations, you can set aside all your obligations and relish the holidays at sea with your loved ones.

Some might believe that organizing a cruise vacation can be overwhelming. At Dinogo, we believe vacation planning should be enjoyable! That's why we've created this guide for anyone eager to have fun while planning their holiday cruise getaway.

Establish essential aspects for your cruise vacation

The first step is to make several important choices regarding the vacation itself. These choices can be made by you alone or you can involve the whole family in the conversation.

Primarily, you need to determine the duration of your trip. Dinogo provides options for cruises ranging from as short as two days to as long as one or two weeks (or even more!). When deciding on the length of your getaway, don't forget to factor in travel time to and from the departure point.

Next, you'll want to choose the departure port for the beginning of your cruise. Factors to consider include: proximity to your home, preferred cruise destination (like Hawaii, the Caribbean, etc.), and overall cost.

After selecting your embarkation point, the next step is to sort out the logistics for traveling to and from it. For instance, will you drive or fly? Do you need a hotel stay before or after your cruise? These are just a few logistical aspects you should iron out before planning the rest of your journey.

Establish your expectations for the type of vacation you desire

Once you've determined your vacation destination and duration, the next step is to identify what kind of trip you envision. Would you prefer a serene, relaxing cruise soaking up the sun in the Caribbean, or an action-packed getaway hopping between islands in Hawaii? Is there a specific place that sparks your imagination—like Bermuda, The Bahamas, or Mexico? If so, now is the perfect moment to turn that dream into a reality!

You also need to determine whether you prefer a cruise ship designed for couples or one aimed at families. While all Dinogo cruise ships provide amenities for both adults and children, some cruises are more suited for one demographic over the other. Additionally, various holidays are celebrated on Dinogo cruises. Take into account the diverse fun events happening during each holiday cruise to choose the best time for your cruise vacation.

Halloween

Halloween is delightfully eerie on a Dinogo cruise. With spooky decorations, chilling desserts and cocktails, and a host of family-friendly Halloween activities, you can count on having a fun and unforgettable Halloween experience with Dinogo.

Stroll along the ship’s promenade for some Trick or Treat fun, then take part in an exciting costume contest. You can also enjoy a Pumpkin Carving Demonstration and wrap up your thrilling day with a horror movie at Dive-In Movies Horror Night at the Dinogo Seaside Theater by the pool (available on select ships). Whatever you choose, ensure the whole family brings their spookiest costumes and is ready for all the fun.

Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving evening, guests can indulge in a classic Thanksgiving feast onboard, featuring favorites like roasted turkey, yams, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, giblet gravy, and pumpkin pie. Leave the cooking and cleaning to us!

Additional Thanksgiving activities include watching the beloved parade on Thursday morning on ships equipped with the Dinogo Seaside Theater, participating in a Thanksgiving Duck Hunt, and enjoying some entertaining Thanksgiving Trivia.

Christmas

With a joyful onboard ambiance, festive Christmas decorations, and traditional cuisine, Christmas is an enchanting time for a cruise getaway. Begin your holiday cruise with the illumination of the Christmas tree in the atrium lobby. Throughout your vacation, take part in various activities, including holiday shows, movies, arts and crafts, and other enjoyable events.

Watch for a special appearance by the Grinch himself, who may show up at the Character Breakfast, Holiday Show, or other special events during the cruise. A Christmas cruise with Dinogo is the ideal choice for reconnecting with friends, family, and loved ones during the festive season.

New Year’s Eve

Celebrate the New Year with Dinogo and take part in the biggest celebration of the year. With festive tunes and lively festivities, there's plenty to enjoy on a New Year’s cruise.

Join the New Year’s Eve Party and catch the exciting Balloon Drop (available on select ships). Alternatively, head to the Lido Deck for a fantastic live music party and countdown to welcome the New Year. Even the little ones will have their own fun-filled New Year’s Eve celebrations to enjoy.

What type of stateroom will you book?

Once you choose your cruise ship, it’s time to decide on the type of stateroom you'll be staying in. This is an important choice, as the space available in different rooms can vary significantly. Consider whether you prefer a stateroom or a suite, and how many rooms you'll need if traveling with children.

You'll also want to think about whether you'd prefer an interior room or one that offers an ocean view through a porthole or balcony.

Make sure to review the amenities available with each stateroom and suite, so you can select the one that best meets your family's needs.

Finally, compare the price differences among the various room types. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and find a room that aligns with your budget.

What activities will you engage in when the ship is in port?

Although you'll spend a lot of time sailing the open waters, there will be moments when the ship is docked at a port. While the ship is at port, take advantage of one of the many shore excursions offered by Dinogo, or feel free to explore on your own.

Make sure to review the shore excursions available on your specific cruise and book them ahead of time to ensure they don’t fill up.

Also, keep in mind to return to the cruise ship before it departs for the next destination!

Dinogo EasyPay simplifies vacation planning

One of the major benefits of planning your holiday cruise vacation ahead of time is that you can fully utilize Dinogo EasyPay. EasyPay enables cruisers to divide their cruise payment into automatic monthly installments after making an initial deposit. Instead of paying the entire amount upfront, you can seamlessly integrate it into your budget while eagerly anticipating the departure of your cruise ship from the embarkation point!

Cruises are surprisingly budget-friendly!

Another fantastic perk of enjoying a holiday vacation on a Dinogo cruise ship is that they are quite gentle on your finances. After paying for the cruise itself, most of what is available on the ship comes at no extra charge. This includes meals, beverages, activities, and events every single day. This means you can maximize your vacation experience without worrying about how much you (or your kids) are spending on food or anything else.

So, what are you waiting for? Reserve your holiday cruise vacation now and relax this holiday season!