Miami accountant Rosa Vega has taken a New Year's holiday cruise almost every year since 1996, and she's going again this year.

``It's fun to be with people,'' says Vega, who is unmarried and travels with another middle-aged single woman. ``And you can still have fun even if you don't have someone to dance with.''

Vega is one of many who, for different reasons, find holiday periods a great time to take a cruise. Some go because they would be lonely at home. Some go to enjoy holiday festivity without working at it. Some find it a great family experience -- kids are out of school -- and others find it's a great way to reacquaint with extended family members.

Indeed, multi-generational groups make up a substantial number of holiday cruisers, says Linda Parrotta, vice president of marketing for Costa Cruises. Reason: ``Everybody is on their own. They can do things together or meet up later,'' which makes the experience pleasant for all.

Parrotta herself has sailed on a number of holiday cruises with her own extended family -- last year with her husband, three children and 120 other relatives. A major plus: ``You don't have the responsibility of [entertaining them as you would] if they were at your home.''

That aspect -- getting away from home and home duties -- is why many passengers choose holiday cruises. Miamian Janet Stone, who has sailed on several New Year's Eve cruises with her husband Hank, says they are a great way to enjoy the holiday without the fuss.

``That's why we go -- they take care of you,'' she says.

Because they're so popular, holiday cruises normally are priced considerably higher than regular cruises.

``Usually Christmas cruises are about double the price of October or November,'' says Andy Harris of the Harris Travel agency in South Miami. He says fares on a Costa Atlantica cruise Nov. 7 sold for as low as $299 while a comparable Costa Fortuna holiday cruise Dec. 20 starts at $599.

On the West Coast, a seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise on Princess in early December starts at $4999 while its holiday sailing begins at $799.

Those fares, however, are lower than in normal years because of the recession. Other signs of our troubled times: Holiday space, usually sold out weeks ahead, is still open on many cruise ships, and some lines are offering special deals for kids. On MSC Cruises, children 17 and under go free when staying in the same cabin as two adults, and Costa charges just $199 for them on Christmas and New Year's.

``There's still availability and great value this year,'' confirms Andy Stuart, executive vice president of Norwegian Cruise Line. Holland America, which has 20 holiday departures at various ports between Dec. 16 and 28, reported at the end of October that all still had space.

Indeed, Cruise Week newsletter says there is even plenty of holiday space left on the Dec. 19 Christmas sailing on the much ballyhooed Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's new 5,200-passenger cruise liner, which enters service later this month. Usually, cabins are rapidly booked up on new cruise ships.

That said, the later people book a holiday cruise, the more likely they won't get the cabin and price they desire. Princess, for one, says virtually all of its Yule holiday cruises were sold out by the beginning of November.

All ships prepare special activities and foods related to the holiday. This December, they will deck their halls and public rooms with festive decor -- decorated trees, wreaths, mistletoe, bunting and twinkling lights -- and Santa will dole out little gifts for the children on board. Most ships will have a priest or minister aboard to conduct religious services, and during Hanukkah a rabbi will hold special prayer and song services.

On Christmas cruises, says NCL's Stuart, ``Santa sails with our ships, the crew puts on a holiday show, there is caroling and traditional meals are offered on the holiday -- roast turkey, black forest ham.'' On cruises that coincide with Hanukkah, a menorah is lit and special kosher menus are offered, he says.

Princess' dining rooms prepare such traditional favorites as roast turkey or goose at Christmas, plus such seasonal treats as gingerbread mousse, mincemeat pie and chocolate Yule logs. Holland America serves eggnog in the atrium.

Children, of course, get special treatment. Besides getting to see Santa, they may take roles in a Christmas show, help create ornaments for the ship's tree, build gingerbread houses or put sprinkles on cookies with the chef. Christmas-themed movies usually are shown; Carnival this year, for instance, is playing Polar Express. And on Disney cruises, Goofy and other characters dress up in holiday attire.

New Year's Eve cruises attract many passengers who prefer to spend Christmas at home, and such sailings usually are priced somewhat higher than those over Christmas. On Dec. 31, the ship staff supplies colorful hats and noise makers to passengers for the New Year's Eve party and pours champagne for the countdown.

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