Australians just want to get away from it all this Christmas!

Royal Caribbean releases new survey findings about what Aussies really want at Christmas time

Forget the roast and fruit cake at gran’s place! Most of us just want to get away from it all over the Christmas holidays according to a brand new survey* by Royal Caribbean.

The survey showed that a whopping two thirds of Aussies believe that getting away from it all would make Christmas better, and 50% of respondents said that a getaway was the number one thing that would make school holidays better.

When it comes to stress at Christmas time, money is the main cause of the headaches with 30% citing spending too much money among the most stressful part of the festive season. Over 95% of respondents find that Christmas usually costs more than expected. After that, the most stressful part of Christmas was those dreaded household chores. Plus, 94% of respondents said that they usually needed a break to get over the Christmas holidays!

However while we want to get away from the stress of Christmas, a lot of us are happy for the family to come along – 40% of respondents said that they would most like to go on a cruise with their family.

Adam Armstrong, Commercial Director at Royal Caribbean Cruises Australasia said: “A cruise is a great value option at Christmas time, from as little as $166 per person per day including meals, accommodation and lots of entertainment. And of course there’s no arguing over who’s going to do the washing up!”

It is hard not to get into the holiday spirit with all the special activities on board a Royal Caribbean cruise at Christmas time. The season comes to life with carol singing, Christmas parties, visits from Santa, holiday-inspired menus and Christmas treats such as gingerbread houses built by talented onboard pastry chefs.

Royal Caribbean’s summer 2013-14 wave season will begin in October 2013, with Rhapsody of the Seas arriving in Sydney on 5 October, Radiance of the Seas on 11 October and Voyager of the Seas on 7 November. In total, the three ships will offer 55 sailings calling at 56 beautiful Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific ports, with departures up until April 2014. Each ship will offer a South Pacific Christmas cruise over the December holidays.

Fares for a nine night South Pacific cruise onboard Voyager of the Seas start from $1,499 per person departing Sydney, 18 December 2013. For a limited time only book a Balcony cabin for the price of an Oceanview from $2,199 per person.**

For additional information or to a make reservation, visit royalcaribbean.com.au, call 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent. Travel professionals can call 1300 754 500 or visit www.cruisingpower.com.

*Survey conducted via Survey Monkey from 16-19th July, 2013. Survey tallied over 1,600 responses across Australia and New Zealand, with majority of respondents ranging from under 20 to over 70 years old.  

**Conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Snap Shot of Key Survey Findings:

·         Over 61% of respondents cited spending too much money and household chores the most stressful at Christmas time.

·         Over 67% of respondents said that getting away from it all would make Christmas better for them.

·         Nearly 94% of respondents said that they always or sometimes need a holiday to get over the Christmas holidays.

·         Nearly 76% of respondents said that taking a holiday would be the perfect way to spend Christmas.

·         Over 95% of respondents find that Christmas expenses always or sometimes cost more than expected.

RCL Cruises Ltd Australia commenced operation in December 2008 as the Australian arm of global cruise holiday company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.  The company offers three cruise brands in Australia and New Zealand: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.  Royal Caribbean International has three ships sailing in the region: Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas.  This is in addition to two Celebrity Cruises ships, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium. 

For additional information or to make reservations, visit royalcaribbean.com.au or celebritycruises.com.au, call 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent. Travel professionals can call 1300 754 500 or visit cruisingpower.com.