The Perfect Holiday Gift to Yourself and Your Family

You've all been really, really nice this year. No naughty ones in your family. So you've decided to help Santa out and treat yourself to one big family Christmas present. And what better gift could there be than a winter vacation? So, just gather all the family together and do a little brainstorming. Let everyone write down their ideas and suggestions as to where they think you should go.

Dad thinks skiing in Colorado would be great. Your teenage daughter thinks you should fly to Mexico to a beach resort. And your son wants to go deep sea fishing. All those ideas are really cool. Everyone agrees they would all be great vacations. But how about a vacation that combines all of them, well, maybe not the skiing. But you believe Dad will agree that you've found the most ideal, perfect vacation for the whole family, once he sees what you have in mind. You've booked them all on a fantastic cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's luxurious ship, the Enchantment of the Seas.

Before they start trying to complain, pull out the brochures. This already truly enchanting ship underwent an update fairly recently to make it even more enchanting and spectacular. So just show your husband the Casino Royale, with slot machines, roulette tables and other card games. Point out the adults only Solarium with the indoor/outdoor pool. Of course his eyes may be glued to the top deck and the bikini clad women there. Unfold the paper to show your daughter fantastic pool areas and the teen only nightclub. For your son, just casually open up the picture of the rock climbing wall. Oh, and he might be interested in the bungee trampoline. There's also Adventure Ocean for kids. Here kids are separated into age groups with activities planned according to that age group. Then pull out a guide book that list a day's excursion of deep sea fishing. Hey, come on, what could be more perfect? And what do you get? Well...

How about absolutely no thought of cooking or cleaning? How about getting to get dressed up every night for dinner and just walk down the stairs or ride the elevator down? How about lying out by the adult's only pool and reading a good book while your husband is down in the casino. And your kids are busy with some activity in the Adventure Ocean. Everybody on one ship and occupied. You won't hear any of that old "I'm bored" stuff. There's not enough hours in the day to try everything. And that's only on the ship.

You also get visits to some of the most exotic and beautiful places in the world. If you can force yourself off the ship. Tours can be arranged on the ship or you can venture out on your own. The only requirement is to be back on board by a certain time. If not, then sorry, they will leave you.

So you want a few more details, do you? Okay, let's start with the food. There's only one word to describe it. Unbelievable! Supurb! Okay, that's two words. But really, there is food and food and food. There is a fantastic morning buffet with every imaginable dish. Or you can be a bore and order room service. Which you can do if you just want to relax and lie in bed. But you will miss so much. You have to try the buffets. They are true masterpieces.

Of course lunch is served everywhere. Most of the restaurants serve all hours. And kids, don't worry, you can get pizza all night long. And the dinners, well, you really should see for yourself. They are magnificent. You get to get dressed up and go down for a formal dinner, if you want. The service is superb. You will never get treated any better than you do in the dining room of a cruise ship. You can try some of the famous dishes you always wondered about. Because if you don't like it, you can order something else. And oh, did I mention that the food is included in the cost of the cruise? The only thing not included is alcohol and soft drinks. But coffee, tea, and milk are included in the cruise price.

There is so much to do on a cruise. You will never be bored. Activities are going on constantly. There is the theater with nightly shows. Musical and dance shows are very popular. Try them, you will be pleasantly surprised. There are the lounges where you can sit, relax and enjoy a drink and good company. Or you can dance to your heart's content. And of course, when you are about to drop from exhaustion, grab a book and go stretch out by the pool. The view is spectacular. Watch the ocean waves breaking behind you as the lazy clouds float overhead. Oh, and you can order a drink without moving from your lounger. The waiters are everywhere and always friendly and helpful.

Come out at night and relax in one of the hot tubs. Enjoy the breathtaking backdrop of a star studded sky. If the moon is out, watch it's reflection dance on the waves. If you get hungry, grab a couple of slices of pizza.

For the fitness buffs, there is an exercise or workout area. You can relax in the spa and have a massage. Or be daring and get a new hair style in the salon. Oh, and you go shopping, of course. There are boutiques and shops selling an assortment of apparel and gifts.

Up on deck, you will find games going on at the pools and music and dancing at all hours. And remember, there are plenty of supervised activities for the kids so Mom and Dad can have some quality time together. Honestly, there is no way you can't find something to do on a cruise ship.

And when you retire at night, your bed is freshly made with a perky little towel figure waiting for you. The rooms are clean and fresh. The personnel do their jobs and do them well. The name Royal Caribbean says it all. You are treated like royalty. And it's a great way to be treated. You may find it to be a little addictive.

For the price, a cruise is a real bargain. You get food, most of your drinks, room, and tons of entertainment, all for one price. And if you do your homework, and start searching early for specials, you can really get some great deals. Many people believe a cruise is the best vacation you can take and often one of the cheapest.

Alas, there is one bad thing about a cruise. The end of it. As you are disembarking you may hear people excitedly discussing where they want to go on their next cruise. Your family, I'm sure, will be too. Bon Voyage!