Consider a Cheap Cruise

Despite video of stranded ships and tales of irate passengers going viral, the cruise industry insists that it is not sinking.  However, in an effort to entice travelers, many cruise companies are offering super sales on late summer sailings. If you are looking to take the plunge and book a voyage in the near future, consider the following to keep costs down: Travel Agents:  If you are a first-time cruiser, opt to use an experienced travel agent.  Many of these travel experts that specialize in cruises do not charge for their services because they are paid a commission by the … Continue reading

Make the Most of Theme Cruises

Theme cruises are more popular now than ever before.  What started off as a way for like-minded travelers to bond at sea has turned into a multi-million dollar niche; however, cruise companies aren’t the only ones benefitting from these unique voyages.  Passengers also gain in more ways than one when booking a theme cruise.  Not only do guests enjoy all the services and amenities associated with a regular cruise, they also get the added bonus of partaking in a specific passion, be it music, cooking, writing or scrapbooking. Helping stretch passengers dollars at sea is Holland America.  The cruise company … Continue reading

Getting More Bang for Your Cruise Buck

Passengers on Disney’s oldest cruise ship will soon get more bang for their buck thanks to a huge renovation project.  The 15-year-old floating city is getting fitted with a series of phenomenal deck-top attractions, including a massive water slide called the AquaDunk. The Disney Magic’s newest attraction is being built to please passengers looking for thrills and chills at sea.  The water slide will be situated on the ship’s forward funnel and features a translucent tube and trap door where passengers wait a near-vertical free fall. When the door opens, riders drop nearly 40 feet before being shot through a … Continue reading

The Budget-Conscious Cruiser

You can learn a lot from penny-pinching travelers who enjoy cruising the high seas.  These budget-conscious voyagers know what it takes to get the most bang for their buck.  When it comes to stretching your dollar on a fun-filled cruise, consider the following: Seek Out Sales:  Many large cruise companies, such as Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean offer special deals throughout the year.  Some of the most popular promotions include: reserve one full fare booking and get a certain percentage off the second passenger or reserve a 14-day cruise and get seven days free.  The deals can save you up … Continue reading

The Frugal Cruiser

Nothing is better than setting sail on a relaxing cruise that doesn’t leave your wallet high and dry. These days you don’t have to drain your bank account to afford a dream cruise.  Instead, you can save a bundle by following a few simple money-saving tips.  For example: Size:  When it comes to financing a cruise, size matters.  Massive cruise ships that house thousands of passengers and crew members often offer a boatload of amenities that may cost you a pretty penny.  By opting for a smaller vessel with fewer available goods and services you can reduce the price of … Continue reading

Ways to Save on a Dream Cruise

It’s a myth that the only way you can save on a cruise is to wait until the last-minute to book and take whatever itinerary you can get.  In fact, there are several ways you can afford to escape on a dream voyage without compromising your standards.  After all, cruise lines stand to gain more when they offer discounted cabins rather than set sail with a bunch of empty staterooms.  Even if a cruise line has to lower its rates to entice travelers, it’s still making a profit from passengers purchasing photographs, souvenirs, drinks, spa packages, and other services. The … Continue reading

Stretching Your Cruise Dollar

The best way to make the most of your next cruise is to select one that appeals to every member of your family.  After all, no one wants to waste time and money traveling with unhappy companions. In order to make every penny of your cruise vacation count look for ships which offer a range of activities for passengers of all ages.  Fortunately, these days mega-fun vessels are not hard to find.  Some of the world’s largest ships are home to massive on-board children’s play areas broken into separate zones for different age groups.  Other noteworthy features include multiple family-friendly … Continue reading

Float Your Holiday Boat

Tis the season to set sail or at least view a flotilla of festive lights parading on the water. Holiday boat parades are extremely popular this time of year in communities that feature large bodies of water.  The parade of lights is truly a sight to see.  Vessels of all shapes and sizes get decked out in twinkling illuminations and strut their stuff near shorelines crammed with excited onlookers. Among the most popular holiday light boat parades are: December 3rd:  Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade in Hampton, Virginia and Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla in Carolina Beach. December 10th:  Chanel … Continue reading

Cruise Into Savings

If you have always dreamed of setting sail on a floating resort, now is the time to make your plans. National Cruise Vacation Week kicked off yesterday, and to celebrate, two of North America’s largest cruise lines are offering super savings on extravagant getaways. Sound too good to be true? Well, there’ a catch: the promotion ends on October 28th. Still, that gives you nearly seven full days to take advantage of these special sales: Royal Caribbean: The cruise line giant is offering up to $100 in on-board credits to individuals who book a European voyage–including trans-Atlantic sailings–totaling seven nights … Continue reading

Let Your Age Work for You

Instead of bemoaning the fact that you aren’t getting any younger, celebrate it, especially if you love to travel. Times are tough; the economy is in the dumpster and no one seems to know when the nation’s financial situation is going to improve. However, that doesn’t mean you have to put the brakes on exploring the four corners of the globe. If you are 50 years or older, travel discounts are easier to obtain now than ever before. One of the best ways to score discounted travel is to join the American Association of Retired Persons or AARP. Known as … Continue reading