With Mother's Day fast approaching, have you thought about the perfect gift for a special mother in your life? Why not consider a Mother's Day cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line? While booking a cruise over the holiday itself is ideal, it's understandable that your preferred itinerary may not sail over Mother's Day, or that work and school commitments can make the timing impossible. One idea is to still gift her the cruise on Mother's Day, giving her something exciting to look forward to later in the year.

To get your planning started, here are several reasons to celebrate Mother's Day with a cruise, as well as a number of Norwegian itineraries perfect for Mother's Day cruises.

Spoil Her With Spa Treatments

Norwegian's Mandara Spa has won countless awards, including World's Best Cruise Spa by World Spa Awards. Mom can choose from over 50 specialty treatments. She can opt for a classic Swedish massage or book something more exotic like an Elemis Aroma Spa seaweed massage. This is great for moms with sore muscles or pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and more. Is stress getting the best of her? Try the Bali-Press, which is a Balinese remedy for stress relief. Therapists will use finger, elbow, and palm pressure to stimulate, relax, and soothe her energy meridians and acupressure points.

There are plenty of other treatments available beyond massages to pamper her for Mother's Day. Choose from an up-do, manicure or pedicure, facial, or body wrap. Mandara Spa also offers some medi-spa treatments like Botox or Restylane and Perlane. Acupuncture is also an option, whether she's looking for some pain management or relief from seasickness.

Treat Her to a Gourmet Meal

Depending on which Norwegian ship you'll be sailing on, book a reservation at one of Norwegian's signature specialty restaurants. Dine at Cagney's Steakhouse, where you can find delicious menu items like choice cuts of Angus beef and Parmesan truffle fries. If she's in the mood for gourmet French cuisine, get a reservation at Le Bistro.

Other options may include authentic Brazilian steakhouse meals at Moderno, the freshest pasta at Cucina, or Japanese hibachi. Book a cruise on Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Encore or Norwegian Bliss to try Los Lobos -- we recommend the guac, which is freshly made at your table!

Catch a Broadway-Style Show

Norwegian is proud to offer a number of nightly entertainment options, which can vary based on your ship. Currently on Norwegian Escape, you'll find After Midnight, winner of a 2014 Tony Award. On Norwegian Breakaway, check out Six, an award-winning musical that is a 75-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power.

Other entertainment options include live music, comedy shows, variety shows, and parties. If you're booking a cruise on Norwegian Getaway or Norwegian Epic, don't miss Cirque Dreams. This theatrical dining experience includes musicians, aerialists, acrobats, and more.

Explore Destinations Exclusive to Norwegian

Norwegian guests benefit from port stops at not one but two destinations exclusive to the brand  in The Bahamas and The Caribbean. The first is Great Stirrup Cay, a port of call on many of Norwegian cruises to the Bahamas. Snorkel, kayak, dine in Norwegian's expansive buffet, or relax on the beach in a private cabana — the choice is yours. The other private island is Harvest Caye in Belize. Located in the southern part of the country, Harvest Caye sits off the coast of Placencia, near the world's second-largest barrier reef. Here, you can partake in a variety of water sports activities, go shopping, or even book an excursion to the mainland.

Relax in The Haven

Go all out and book your cruise accommodations in The Haven, Norwegian's collection of the most luxurious and spacious cabins. Mom will feel extra special getting personally escorted on and off the ship at your ports of call, having a 24-hour butler and personal courtyard attendants, and enjoying in-suite dining with white tablecloth service and evening turndown.

Travel on a Jewel, Breakaway or Breakaway Plus class ship to enjoy the benefits of added perks like The Haven Lounge, where you can mingle with other members, grab a cocktail, and sit back and relax. There is also a special restaurant offering you more exclusive private dining options in addition to the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants onboard.

Ideas for Mother's Day Cruises

Norwegian cruise options during May include weekend getaways to the Bahamas, week-long Alaskan adventures, Mediterranean and Northern European cruises, two-week exotic Asia itineraries, and more. One possible Mother's Day cruise itinerary to consider is a 10-day Greek Isles and Italy from Rome cruise. You'll depart from Rome and visit iconic European ports like Kotor, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, and Florence before returning back to Rome. Choose the earlier of two May departures to take advantage of lower pricing and fewer tourists in town.

Another Norwegian cruise to consider is a 14-day cruise to Scotland, England, and Ireland. This itinerary focuses on British heritage. You'll depart from London, making stops where you can visit Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam before moving on to the British ports. These include Inverness, Edinburgh, Newhaven, and Glasgow in Scotland; Belfast in Northern Ireland; Dublin and Cork in Ireland; Portland in England; and Holyhead in Wales.

Before booking your Mother's Day cruise, be sure to head over to Norwegian's Cruise Deals page, where you can compare the latest promotions and specials. Be sure to sign up with your email to have the latest promotions delivered right to your inbox.