Tis the season to set sail or at least view a flotilla of festive lights parading on the water.
Holiday boat parades are extremely popular this time of year in communities that feature large bodies of water. The parade of lights is truly a sight to see. Vessels of all shapes and sizes get decked out in twinkling illuminations and strut their stuff near shorelines crammed with excited onlookers.
Among the most popular holiday light boat parades are:
- December 3rd: Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade in Hampton, Virginia and Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla in Carolina Beach.
- December 10th: Chanel Islands Harbor Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Oxnard, California and Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- December 14-18th: Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach, California.
For those who prefer hitting the high seas during the holiday season, December is the ideal time to save a few dollars booking with major cruise companies.
Norwegian Cruise Line is offering money-saving deals to its holiday guests, including a new “all-you-can-drink” alcohol package.
The mega-cruise operator recently debuted what it is calling an “all-inclusive drinks” package on three of its 11 ships — the Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jade. For $49 per person per day plus gratuity you can enjoy a host of tropical libations, trendy cocktails, wine, beer and soda.
Carnival has its own version of the cost-effective package which it has been experimenting with since summer. The cruise line’s “My Awesome Bar Program” package costs $42.95 per person per day plus an automatic 15% gratuity of $6.44. It can be used to order all wines by the glass, beer and individual cocktails priced at $10 and less as well as sodas and other non-alcoholic drinks.
In addition to the new packages from Norwegian and Carnival, Royal Caribbean also has an all-inclusive alcohol package on three ships based overseas.