NATIONAL TAKE A CRUISE DAY

NATIONAL TAKE A CRUISE DAY

Get ready to set sail on February 3 because we're celebrating National Take a Cruise Day! This is the perfect time to start planning an epic voyage on the high seas. Whether you've been dreaming of taking a cruise or are a seasoned cruiser, we are encouraging you to use this day to explore and book your vacation aboard a cruise ship.

#TakeACruiseDay

Cruise ships have been around since the mid-1800s. Back then, they were used primarily for the transport of mail and migration. In 1844, cruise ships began making the transition from transatlantic service to leisure excursions. Interestingly, these weren't cruise ships as we know them today, but merely mail ships that allowed tourists to "ride" the ship if there was sufficient space.

It wasn't until Titanic set sail in 1912 that luxury cruises began to take shape. Despite the tragic ending of the "Unsinkable Ship", cruise ships were considered to be a "floating palace" that enticed people across the world. The wealthy could enjoy grand ballrooms and gourmet meals and "third class" passengers could immigrate on these vast boats.

By the 1960s and 1970s, cruise ships became the vacation spots for families, especially after the airing of the television series The Love Boat. Cruising became something fun, romantic, and accessible to the middle class, not just the ultra-wealthy.

5 Benefits of Taking a Cruise

  1. Simple Planning. You can visit four different countries without having to unpack your suitcase each time. Your hotel basically travels with you.

  2. All-Inclusive Perks. Lodging, food, and basic entertainment are bundled, which reduces "decision fatigue." You don’t have to drive to a restaurant every night or worry about transportation between locations.

  3. Cheaper Cost. Cruises are often significantly cheaper than a comparable land vacation when you break down costs per day. Cruise ships have price points to fit every budget.

  4. Something for Everyone. Cruises are designed with the entire family in mind, offering activities and perks for kids, teens, and adults. Your family can spend the day doing things they love and still be in the same location.

  5. Disconnection. Most ships have Wi-Fi now, being in the middle of the ocean provides a "socially acceptable" excuse to stay off your electronics. There is something to be said for disconnecting and enjoying your vacation with added distractions.

HOW TO CELEBRATION NATIONAL TAKE A CRUISE DAY

  • Browse for a cruise that fits you needs and expectations. There are so many places online to research what you would like to do while on your cruise, including visiting islands on your bucket list.

  • Create your own "Cruise Casual" Dinner by setting the table with a white tablecloth, put on some tropical music, and serve a multi-course meal. Invite friends and family over to join in your celebration.

  • Learn Cruise Towel Origami! You can find videos online to teach you how to create one of the most iconic parts of a cruise experience...finding a towel folded like a monkey or an elephant on your bed at the end of your daily cruise adventures!

  • Find a knowledgeable travel agent that knows how to book a cruise that will help you get the best out of your vacation.

  • Share your tips on booking, best cruise advice, and photos of your latest cruise on social media using the hashtag #TakeACruiseDay.

CREATOR OF NATIONAL TAKE A CRUISE DAY

We were unable to find the creator of National Take a Cruise Day. It could be possible it was a play off of National Plan for Vacation Day on January 27, but we haven't found any concrete information to back that up.

According to many travel companies, January is considered the peak time to plan a cruise vacation and that may be one reason this fun day appeared. We'll keep floating about the Internet in hopes of finding someone who will throw us a lifeline (or raft) to explain where National Take a Cruise Day originated.