Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for the Cruise Loving Mom

Mom would give you the world, so why not treat her to a Mother’s Day gift that’s just as special as she is? This year, help her explore the world from the top deck of a Carnival cruise ship and tap into her love of travel. If Mom’s already made (or is making) plans for her next cruise vacation, now is the perfect time to give her a thoughtful gift that she can enjoy anywhere her vacation takes her! 

In this blog post, we’ll be taking you through some gift ideas, from fun-filled shore excursions to stylish sunglasses, that will help your favorite lady have the best cruise for Mother’s Day. Not only will your special gift make her globetrotting escapades even more exciting, but it will also warm her heart to know that you’re thinking about her experience on family vacations. Let’s get started!

1. The Ultimate Gift: A Cruise Vacation

Our #1 tip for a truly special, unforgettable Mother’s Day gift: book her a Carnival cruise. Whether it’s a weekend getaway for two or a longer trip with the whole family, Mom is the guest of honor! Our #2 tip: choose a destination you know she’ll love. Maybe she would love to see a tropical Caribbean destination, among them such delightful island hotspots as Grand Cayman, Grenada and Aruba? Maybe you’re thinking of sending her to The Bahamas on a voyage across storied Nassau, laid-back Freeport or the exclusive destinations of Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays? Let’s not forget a cruise to Mexico, where destinations include the Mexican Riviera to the west, the Caribbean coast to the east, or the nature-rich Baja Peninsula! No matter where she travels, the best cruise for Mother’s Day is the one where she has the most fun.

If you’re lucky enough to cruise on Mother’s Day itself, your mom will be treated to a lineup of fun-filled events and activities, including a Mother’s Day Appreciation Event with entertainment, food and beverages! Glasses of champagne and sparkling wine are available so that Mom can imbibe in style. She can also expect famous mom trivia, Mother’s Day crafts, a digital scavenger hunt for the family, movie programming and so much more during her Mother’s Day getaway!

2. Digital Camera

There’s guaranteed to be a professional photographer provided on board Mom’s cruise, along with lots of specially-planned activities and events the whole family can enjoy, but don’t you think she’ll want to snap her own pics of paradise? A shiny new digital camera is the perfect way to help her capture every epic moment of her cruise vacation—from stunning sunsets to silly selfies. If underwater adventures are on the table, consider looking into underwater cameras and waterproof camera cases to seal the deal. Don’t forget handy accessories like a memory card with plenty of storage or a stylish camera strap and case to up her cruise photography game even more!

3. Digital Photo Frame

A digital photo frame is the perfect way to show off all of the most fabulous moments of her getaway (including photos she took with her new digital camera!) and the incredibly beautiful destinations she visited, keeping all of her most cherished cruise memories alive. It’s also great for showing off any professional pictures snaps on the cruise as well! Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

4. Shore Excursions

Take Mom’s cruise to the next level by booking her an awesome shore excursion! Whether she would prefer a sunny beach day, a deep dive into local culture or an adventure on land, there’s sure to be an experience with her name all over it. Just imagine her swimming with stingrays at the Coral Garden and Stingray City Sandbar excursion in Grand Cayman, exploring ancient ruins in Cozumel on a tour of the Ancient City of Tulum— where the ruins of a Mayan fortress overlook the Caribbean Sea— or ziplining over the scenic rainforests of Cabo San Lucas with a Private Crystal Cave Tubing & Zipline with Lunch! If none of these are her vibe, choose from guided sightseeing tours, shopping trips, dolphin encounters, foodie tours and so much more!

5. Accessories for the Sunshine

When it comes to cruising, safety and style go hand-in-hand! If Mom’s cruising to a destination with year-round sunshine, make sure she’s prepared to soak up all that sun with a brand new pair of sunglasses! When you’re shopping for eyewear, think about what she’ll be using them for— does she need some wraparounds for beachy adventures? Tinted readers for lounging poolside with her favorite page-turner? Blue light blocking glasses for protecting from eye strain? Complete mom’s sun-protected look with a wide-brimmed hat (look for one with a high SPF rating), and a breezy sarong or coverup for a versatile and stylish way to keep out of the sun.

6. Carnival Gift Card

Why not give mom the gift of endless possibilities? Prepay a Carnival gift card for a value between $100 and $1,000 and send her off to use it on whatever she wants— whether she’s indulging in a spa treatment, splurging on souvenirs, savoring a gourmet meal or putting the funds toward her next cruise vacation, this is a gift that gives Mom the freedom to create her own unforgettable memories. Bonus: Carnival gift cards have no expiration date and can be purchased online, so she can use it whenever and however she wants!

Check This Out: 7 Simple Ways to Splurge While on Vacation

7. New Luggage

If Mom has been lugging around the same trusty suitcase since you were a kid, it might be time to treat her to an upgrade! Help her say goodbye to bulky luggage, and hello to effortless travel. A matching set of lightweight, four-wheeled cases have the ability to make getting onboard a cinch, while handy extras like a versatile backpack for day trips and a personalized luggage tag add a perfect touch of flair to your gift. With her new gear in tow, Mom will be more than ready to embark on her next cruise vacation in style!

8. A Special Dinner

Did someone say dining delights? This Mother’s Day, consider elevating Mom’s onboard dining experience by treating her to a meal at a specialty restaurant. Whatever she’s in the mood for, we’ve got it— help her savor four-course fine dining at the Steakhouse, sophisticated fare at JiJi Asian Kitchen or Italian-American comfort food at Cucina del Capitano. You can’t go wrong! If Mom really loves sushi, treat her to a meal at Bonsai Sushi, where chefs entertain while preparing a sizzling main course right at the table. For a truly exclusive dining experience, there’s The Chef’s Table, a multi-course VIP dinner with cocktails hosted by the Master Executive Chef. Reserve Mom’s spot early as seating is limited!

Check This Out: Wine and Food Pairings on a Cruise

9. Bottle of Wine

Cheers to Mom! Carnival guests are welcome to bring one bottle of wine (750 ml and sealed) onboard, so send your favorite lady off on her cruise with a special bottle of her favorite varietal. Whether she prefers a bottle of bubbly for a special toast, a smooth red for sipping or a crisp white for seafood pairings, it’s the perfect way to add a thoughtfully delicious note to her journey.

10. Spa Treatments

After days full of excitement, adventure and nonstop fun, Mom deserves some relaxation! Pamper her at the ship’s Cloud 9 Spa with a luxurious massage, a rejuvenating facial or a melt-worthy body wrap; if she needs some R&R, this is the place to find it. What better way to unwind and recharge before heading back to real life? Go on, give Mom the gift of serenity— she’s earned it!

Check This Out: How to Turn Any Cruise into a Wellness Retreat

The best time to celebrate the amazing woman you call Mom? Right now! From the excitement of planning the best cruise for Mother’s Day to the joy of picking out the perfect travel accessories, every step of the way is a chance to show mom how much you care. This Mother’s Day, give her a gift that’s so much more than just a new possession— it’s a memory to treasure forever! 

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.