Before year’s end, Arizonans in search of a cruise vacation won’t have to travel far.

On Monday, the British-based cruise line Cruise & Maritime Voyages announced it will launch the first ship from Rocky Point, Mexico, on Dec. 7. 

Also known as Puerto Penasco, Rocky Point has long been a popular destination for Arizona vacationers, who now have one more reason to travel south. 

The drive from Phoenix down to the port is 220 miles long, which equals less than four hours of drive time. The 360-mile drive to the port in San Diego would take close to six hours. 

Officials from the Mexican state of Sonora have been working with Arizona officials for a while to bring a cruise line to Rocky Point.

Dubbed the Treasures of the Sea of Cortez cruise, a ship named the Astoria will make the new excursion and can accommodate 550 passengers.

It is san 11-night journey that includes seven stops at Gulf of California locations, including Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, before returning to Rocky Point.

At this time, there are six scheduled departures for December 2019 and January 2020, while reservations can be made at the cruise line’s website.

The discounted fares currently available start at $1,399 per person for two travelers.