Give the gift of cruising this holiday season. Holiday cruises are highly popular with both families and empty nesters. There is simply no better value in travel.

What is your dream holiday? Celebrating with traditional food that you do not have to cook? Basking in the sun on a beach that is as white as snow? Toasting New Year's to the rhythm of calypso or mariachi music? Or exploring Antarctica?

What could be better than spending the holidays watching penguins play and dramatic fjord and glaciers pass by? Our winter is summer in South America and Antarctica. You can expect to see hundreds of penguins waddling to the sea, eerie peaks sculpted by ice and time, pods of orcas hunting dinner and colossal floating icebergs.

Celebrate your festive occasion like never before. Holiday cruises take in celebrations from Thanksgiving to New Year's. No one has to worry who is stuffing the turkey, steaming the vegetables or baking the pies and most importantly cleaning up after the meal.

Taking a holiday cruise does not mean missing any of the fixings. Families can count their Thanksgiving blessings over a turkey dinner, pumpkin, pecan, apple pies prepared by master chefs, and their staff will do all the festive decorating as you relax in peace, comfort and joy.

A sample of holiday events on a cruise may include Christmas carol sing-a-longs, Santa Claus arrival and photos, tree lightning ceremonies, strolling carolers, dining room Yule log parade, a gingerbread village, Christmas storytelling by the international cruise staff and family time together making crafts.

So, leave the dashing through the snow and the mall to celebrate Christmas afloat instead. No pressure and no "to-do-list." Just plenty of time to relax in sunny destinations.

'Tis the season to treat yourself! Holiday cruises sell out fast. Don't miss out; call a professional travel agent at Gadabout Travel and book your voyage today!

Ronnie Robertson is a travel consultant with Gadabout Travel. She can be reached at (321) 253-3674.