Cruise Ships
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In an effort to help you find the right cruise, we have also included on our site a Cruise Ships Book Store. Our Book Store provides a large assortment of books and guides, all about cruise ships. After a simple browse of our book store, you will have an appreciation for the amount information available for anyone who desires to have a cruise ship vacation. This site should provide you with a starting point for information gathering so that you can have the most enjoyment, for the money spent on your vacation.
Cruise ship vacations have increased in popularity over the past ten years. To meet this increase in global demand, on average 9 new cruise ships have been built around the globe, per year since 2001. There is currently available 60 cruise lines operating 300 cruise ships. The question arises, with such an enormous number of cruise ships available, which cruise ship is right for you? There are basically two types of cruise ships available. Those that cater to families with children, and those that cater more to the adult vacationer. We will provide a list consisting of the most popular cruise ships for each of these two categories.
The type of cruise ship you would like to vacation on is not only dependent on whether or not you have a family. You also need to determine what type of port-of-calls and environment you would like to cruise through. For example, a cruise ship with a destination to Barbados or the Virgin Islands is completely different then a cruise ship which traverses along the coast of Alaska. If you reside in the area of the United States where the winters are very cold, then a winter cruise to a southern location such as the Virgin Islands seems more attractive then an Alaskan cruise. Yet, if you live in the Southern United States, and you want to escape the heat and humidity during the summer, then an Alaskan cruise sounds more interesting.
A cruise ship is an excellent way to vacation, simply because you are forced to relax, which is the entire objective of a vacation any way. Many people go on vacations where they run around so much, that they actually need a vacation from their vacation. When you complete a vacation with such a busy schedule, you feel exhausted at the end of your vacation, and you have basically wasted your money.
On a cruse ship you are forced to slow down, and you have the option of doing more or less activities. You are not rushing from one destination to another in a car. Diversity is provided by different port-of-calls and many available activities on the ship itself. All individuals should go on at least one cruise ship for a vacation. And if you really like it, more cruise vacations would be in order.
The following is the 10 most popular cruises for families with children. We do not rank these or provide an opinion. We consider these all to be equal. This list is simply the most popular, in terms of number of customers per year. The port-of-calls for these cruise ships are scattered through out the world.
- Disney Cruise Line
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Celebrity Cruises
- Costa Cruise Lines
- Crystal Cruises
- Cunard Line
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean International
The following is our list of the most popular adult oriented cruise ships. These cruise ships are designed for honeymooners and romantic getaways. We consider these all to be equal. This list is simply the most popular, in terms of number of customers per year. These ships, generally speaking, are smaller then there family oriented counter parts, which imparts an environment which is more conducive to adults with no kids.
- Windstar Ships & Cruises
- Princess Cruises Tahitian Princess
- Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Xpedition
- Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
Another consideration when selecting a cruise ship is the method of payment. There are available all-inclusive cruise ships. These cruise ships provide for one fee, drinks, food, and entertainment. You would of course pay more for this type of cruise. If you are thinking about going on an all-inclusive package type cruise, it really depends to what degree you plan on using the facilities provided by the ship. Some cruise ships which are provide an all-inclusive price, do not include everything, but most things. For example, some all-inclusive cruise ships do not include between meal snacks, which simply means you should eat larger meals.
The prices for a cruise ship vacation can vary greatly, depending on the cruise line and the time of year you decide to go on a cruise. Price of course is also determined by the length of time of the cruise. Prices can range from $249.00 USD for a 4 Night Western Caribbean Cruise offered by Carnival Cruise Lines to $2,899.00 USD for a 7 Night Galapagos Islands Cruise offered by Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Xpedition. Prices can be higher then this, depending on the type and length of the cruise.
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Given that there are currently 60 cruise lines, operating over 300 cruise ships, competition among these companies for cruise ship vacationers is very high. Therefore you should shop around for the best price. Prices also change by season. You can usually find a lower price during a non-peak season. Due to the extensive competition among cruise ship companies, you can also expect many specials, price reductions, and package deals periodically through out the year.
You can find cruise ships departing from many locations around the world. In the United States, cruise ships have points of departure at Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and New Jersey. European departure points include England, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Portugal. In the United States, the greatest number of departing cruise ships is at Miami, Florida. The most popular cruises among American citizens is those that depart Miami, Florida with port-of-calls in the Caribbean. Increasing in popularity rapidly are cruises to non-tropical port-of-calls, such as Alaskan cruises.
Even though the popularity of cruise ships has steadily increased, many potential vacationers are concerned about safety in terms of possible terrorists attacks. Given the current post 911 environment we live in today, and the fact that terrorists prefer to attack large groups of people, this is a legitimate concern. But it also should be noted that for some reason, current terrorists do not prefer the venue of a ship, at least lately. So should you be concerned. Yes, but remember statistically the odds are very slim, and therefore you should not decide to cancel a cruise vacation just because there is a very slim chance of a terrorist attack. Terrorists want you to alter your life style and they want you to be scared, therefore go on a cruise ship if you desire to do so. Statistically you have a greater chance of dying in a car accident during your drive to the ship, then you do from dying from a terrorist attack on a cruise ship.
Cruise Ships - Conclusion
Cruise ships are a viable alternative for any individual who is seeking a relaxed vacation. The cruise ship industry has grown to the point where the typical vacationer with a limited budget, can select a cruise which is not real expensive. Given the high cost of gas, prudent individuals are selecting a cruise over the typical long distance driving, which has been a part of the American culture for many years. With so many cruise lines to choose from, and therefore better pricing for the consumer, a relaxed vacation which is not expensive is within reach.
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SmarterTravel.com: Cruise Deals
SmarterTravel.com is your source for low-cost and extra-value cruise deals and advice on booking, saving money on, and making the most of your cruise vacation. We offer unbiased expert advice and the best deal coverage.
7-Night Nile River Cruises -- Up to $2,000 Savings
Visit the Valley of the Kings, the Pyramids of Giza, and the great Sphinx on the Splendors of Egypt and the Nile river cruises. You'll be able to explore in Luxor, Dendera, Kom Ombo, Aswan and Edfu on this mystical seven-night journey. And now, Uniworld is offering up to $2,000 savings per couple on cruise/land/air packages or $1,500 per couple on cruise/land only packages. Your ship, the River Tosca is elegantly appointed with suites that each have their own French balcony. Plus packages include a four-night stay in Cairo at the Marriott Hotel and Casino. To take advantage of the offer you must book by July 31, 2009.
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from $552
Extend a family vacation in Orlando with a cruise aboard what's currently considered one of the largest ships at sea. Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas sails a Western Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from Port Canaveral in mid-September from only $552 per person. This ship is loaded with activities, onboard eateries and entertainment galore, plus you'll visit four ports -- Labadee, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. All of this, and remember, meals are included, for just $79 per night. This particular sailing date is at a one-of-a-kind price, so don't delay booking if you're serious about this fun-filled cruise.
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruises from $479
If you've already been to the Bahamas or to ports of the Western Caribbean, change course and head east. Carnival Liberty sails an Eastern Caribbean itinerary this year starting from $479 per person that visits the warm, beachy destinations of Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk. Balcony fares are reasonable, too, and should be considered at just $849 per person. Choose from embarkation dates in the summer, fall or winter -- luckily, there's really never a bad time to visit Caribbean islands! And get ready to have some fun in the sun while onboard one of the ships in the Fun Ship fleet. Fares vary depending on sailing date, so be sure to consult the Cruise.com Web site linked below for details.
7-Night Cruise to Bermuda from $579
Sail away to the island port of St. George in Bermuda aboard NCL's Freestyle Norwegian Majesty starting from $579 per person. Travel roundtrip from Baltimore for the perfect summer getaway. A cruise to Bermuda means you can enjoy your port for more than one day -- in fact you'll be docked in St. George for three nights. Take this opportunity to explore every corner of your destination. Oceanview cabins start from just $20 more at $599 per person. Prices vary depending on sailing date, so be sure to consult the Cruise.com Web site linked below for details.
7-Night Alaska Cruise from $444
Take a southbound cruise of Alaska that sails from Seward to Vancouver near the end of the region's cruise season. It doesn't get any more affordable to see this gorgeous region than with this great deal -- you can see the beauty of Alaska from $63 per night. Holland America's mid-sized Ryndam starts off in Seward and will finish up in Vancouver -- cruise fares start at $444 per person. Port calls include Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan for select August and September sailing dates. Scenic crusing at Hubbard Glacier is on the itinerary as well.
7-Night Luxury Alaska Cruise from $4,050
Explore the uppermost Pacific Northwest state in luxury this summer. This seven-night sailing on Seven Seas Mariner starts at $4,050 per person -- an excellent price for a luxury sailing at the height of the season. Regent ships are intimate, all-suite ships and every stateroom has a balcony (perfect for catching the beautiful scenery breeze by as you sail from port to port). And, after rugged days in port you'll be welcomed back onboard with fine dining options and luxury amenities like the Carita Spa of Paris.
6-Night Transatlantic Cruise on QM2 from $940
Prices for Queen Mary 2's iconic transatlantic voyages are still down, but they're steadily climbing back up. Rates now start at between $940 and $1,034 per person, depending on the sailing date you choose. That's between $157 and $172 a night for a small inside stateroom -- you can pay more to upgrade to a bigger cabin, or keep the cash in your pocket and spend most of your onboard time outside your room, exploring QM2's multiple restaurants, Canyon Ranch Spa, planetarium, Royal Court Theatre, library and many lounges. Book soon, and you may be eligible to receive free onboard credit.
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from $299
Sail this five-night cruise to the Western Caribbean for some fun in the sun this summer or fall. Cruise fares aboard Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas range from between $299 and $439 per person, depending on the dates you sail. The peak-travel summer season carries the heftier price tags, while the fall dates sport lower rates. Sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, you'll visit two popular ports -- Grand Cayman and Cozumel -- and enjoy two relaxing days at sea. Sometimes five nights is all you need to rejuvenate, and at these rates it's even more tempting to do just that.
7-Night Western Mediterranean Cruise from $539
Here's an opportunity to visit the highlights of the Western Mediterranean from only $77 per night. Voyager of the Seas sails seven-night cruises roundtrip from Barcelona this November 8 and 15 starting at $539 per person for an inside cabin. You'll have the opportunity to dine on delicious pizza in Naples, visit the many attractions in Rome and spend some time in the French towns of Villefranche and Marseille. Plus if you book a balcony cabin (going for $899 per person) by July 10, 2009, you'll receive up to $100 onboard credit to spend on your European journey.
7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruises from $394 + Bonus
Sail one of Princess Cruises' jewels this fall to the Mexican Riviera. Sapphire Princess has seven-night sailings in September, October and November that start from just $394 per person. Cruise roundtrip from Los Angeles and visit key ports of the region -- Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Select sailings, when booked through Cruise.com, also come with a $75 shipboard credit. Use your extra spending credit to indulge in some cool and creamy gelato, wine and sushi at Vines or so much more onboard this romantic Princess ship.
7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from $349
It simply doesn't get any better than this. Get ready for seven nights full of fiestas and flavor aboard Norwegian Star. Fares for this Mexican Riviera cruise start at a shockingly low $349 per person, or just $50 per night. Enjoy NCL's relaxed onboard atmosphere between the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, and savor the many dining options you'll have with the line's Freestyle Cruising (which allows guests to eat when, where and with whom they like). This particular ship sports a total of 10 restaurants to choose from, great kids' facilities and some of the best suites at sea. Speaking of suites, fares for these dates are only $799 per person for a suite stateroom, so consider splurging!
7-Night Western Mediterranean Cruise from $549
Sail the Western Mediterranean this year in casual style without breaking the bank. Norwegian Gem will sail roundtrip from Barcelona for a seven-night cruise starting from only $519 per person. You'll get to experience port calls in Malta, Naples, Rome, Livorno and Cannes all for $74 per day. This is a great way to sample Europe and enjoy the ship's Freestyle Cruising concept, which allows passengers to eat where, when and with whomever they choose. All in all, this cruise is a tremendous value.
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from $459
Don't dress up like ghosts and goblins this year for Halloween -- pack your bags and play the role of a tourist on these fun October cruises. Norwegian Pearl, still a fairly new ship, sails seven-night cruises roundtrip from Miami starting from $459 per person on the 24th of the month. Visit Samana, St. Thomas, Tortola and Great Stirrup Cay, the line's private island destination port, and instead of collecting candy see how many pretty seashells you can pick up on this trip that starts from just $66 per night.
7-Night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise from $564
Hold off, and cruise after the tourist season in Europe has passed to save the big bucks. Take this Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard MSC Poesia in mid-October that starts from $564 per person. The weather is sure to be nice, probably even more so than it will have been in the hot, humid summertime. Sail roundtrip from Venice to visit Bari, Katakolon, Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik.
7-Night Alaska Cruise from $444
Alaska cruise fares continue to be more affordable than ever this year, and this particular offer, at under $65 per night, proves that point. Sail this seven-night cruise aboard Holland America's Statendam starting from $444 per person. This is a unique itinerary that sails from Seward to Vancouver, and calls on the popular ports of Juneau and Ketchikan and the offbeat port of Haines. Now, be sure to pack those binoculars in your suitcase, because this cruise also includes scenic glacier cruising in both College Fjord and Glacier Bay.
7-Night Western Caribbean Holiday Cruise from $794
This Carnival-owned ship does a great job of bringing the European experience to its passengers, accompanied by the best of American comforts like splashy decor, alternative restaurants and lots of balconies. So you'll be pleased to be onboard Costa Fortuna for this Western Caribbean sailing over the Christmas holiday that starts at $794 per person for an inside cabin. Sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, you'll visit the classic cruise ports of Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios, with a bonus visit to Nassau, Bahamas where you can wish the two large, resident manta rays a "Happy Holidays" at the Atlantis Resort.
11-Night W. Med/Canary Islands Cruise from $699
If the Canary Islands are on your cruise to-do list, hold off until November when fares are more reasonable. Costa Serena is sailing an 11-night cruise on the 27th of the month beginning in Savona, Italy and continuing on to funky Barcelona, beautiful Casablanca, Canary Island locales like Lanzarote and Tenerife and stops in Funchal, Madiera and Malaga, Spain. Fares start at $699 per person for this not quite two-week cruise, which works out to just $64 per night. This ship is equipped with an award-winning Samsara Spa for pampering and relaxation on sea days. And two of Serena's four pools feature retractable roofs, so no matter what the weather you can enjoy the ship's amenities.
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruises from $449
This Fun Ship cruise will take you to island paradises and beyond. Sail for seven nights aboard Carnival Glory and experience duty-free shopping and water sport activities, like snorkeling and diving, under a warm Caribbean sun. Starting from only $449 per person, or a very affordable $64 per night, this cruise sails roundtrip from Port Canaveral and visits the fun-filled cruise ports of Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. This October, get ready to let loose and soak up the cool vibes of the islands. Plus you'll receive up to $500 onboard credit -- amounts vary depending on the cabin category booked.
7-Night Alaska Cruise from $444
Take a southbound cruise of Alaska that sails from Whittier to Vancouver toward the end of the region's cruise season. Sapphire Princess starts in Whittier, will finish in Vancouver and has port calls scheduled for Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan for select August and September sailing dates. Inside cabins start at $444 per person. But because you'll be doing some scenic crusing in College Fjord and Glacier Bay, you may want to think about snagging a balcony cabin to enjoy the scenery any time you wish from your own stateroom. Your best bet is to book the September 12, 2009 sailing where balconies start at just $984 per person.
7-Night Bermuda Cruise from $599
Are you craving a visit to a far-off, warm beach-y place? This summer, why not make the voyage to Bermuda -- inside cabins on this cruise start from $599 per person. Norwegian Spirit sails roundtrip from Boston this September and docks at King's Wharf for three nights. This is an excellent opportunity to spend some time and really get acquainted with a cruise port. You'll have plenty of time to explore historic and scenic sights, get your fill of the island's culinary selections and enjoy the beautiful pink-sand beaches and turquoise waters of Bermuda.
7-Night Bahamas Cruise from $449
Escape what's sure to be a blustery winter wonderland and head on down to the Bahamas from the North East port of Baltimore on Fun Ship Carnival Pride. There are plenty of dates available for these seven-night cruises that sail year-round, but the sailings in January have the lowest fares so far, which start at $449 per person. You'll have a stop in Port Canaveral, Florida and then toast your Bahama Mamas to the island ports of Nassau and Freeport. Have fun!
$400 OBC for Yacht Club Cabin on 7-Night Med Cruise
As if you needed more incentive to book a suite with butler service, a private lounge and pool, priority shore tour bookings and restaurant reservations, and free beverages, MSC Cruises is offering $400 onboard credit per stateroom for passengers who book Yacht Club accommodations on MSC Fantasia or MSC Splendida. The offer is available on seven-night Mediterranean cruises departing from Barcelona between now and September 6, 2009. Although you'll spend quite a bit for the privilege of staying in one of these cabins (fares start at $5,790 per person), you'll definitely feel like you're in an oasis of luxury in the midst of a mainstream mega-ship.
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from $384
Costa's Italian ambience is making its way to the Caribbean this winter for cruises aboard Costa Atlantica. These seven night sailings departing November 28 and December 12, start from just $384 per person. In fact, this is the sailing to splurge on a balcony -- well, it's not really a splurge at all when verandah cabins start at just $659 per person. Sail roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale to visit St. Thomas, San Juan and Nassau aboard this colorful ship that's both bright and spacious, and offers numerous activities by day and by night.
$500 - $1,000 Off European River Cruises
when you book a European river cruise for 2010 you'll receive save $500 per stateroom on cruise only fares and $1,000 per stateroom on air-inclusive cruise fares. The views on
12-Night Transatlantic Cruise from $549
Royal Caribbean is offering seniors an incredible deal on the amenity-filled Navigator of the Seas cruising from Malaga, Spain to Miami, Florida on November 9, 2009. This 12-night adventure starts at an incredible $549 per person. That's just under $46 per night for a four-star hotel at sea. We dare you to try to find another land based hotel of this caliber for $46 per night including all meals and entertainment. Ports of call include Funchal, Tenerife, La Palma and a stop in Nassau, Bahamas. You'll have seven days at sea to get active in the ship's rock-climbing, ice-skating, basketball and in-line skating facilities. Book a balcony or suite by July 15 and receive up to $150.00 in onboard stateroom credits.
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