All-Inclusive Alaskan Cruises

Alaska is a wonderland filled with wildlife and natural beauty which has made the state very popular for tourism. Since Alaska has various barrier islands and various port cities cruise companies have made Alaskan cruises part of their regular offerings to customers. These cruises make for a unique cruising experience. Most travelers equate cruises to warm tropical destinations not a winter wonderland where over 15 glaciers roll over the land.

Carnival Alaskan Cruises

• The ship Carnival Spirit makes several trips up and down Alaska's coastline during the year. Carnival's Alaskan cruises leave from Seattle, Washington on various different routes. All cruises are all inclusive. There are three tours to choose from called Glacier Bay, Northbound Alaska and Southbound Alaska. The Northbound and Southbound Alaska tours stop in Glacier Bay along with the port cities of Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Anchorage and Sitka while the Glacier Bay tour spends more time in Glacier Bay and only stops in Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. The cruise is all inclusive and there are separate excursions to customize the cruise experience. These excursions are various helicopter rides, 4x4 mountain excursions, fishing trip up the Bearing Sea on a boat featured on the reality show "The Deadliest Catch" or historical tours of Alaskan towns.

  Carnival Cruise Lines
  3655 NW 87th Ave.
  Miami, FL 33178
  1-800-929-6400
  carnival.com

Holland America Alaskan Cruises

• The ships that sale the Alaskan and Yukon areas of the Pacific Ocean are all five-star luxury liners. The Holland America Cruise Lines runs 10 different itineraries with options to go to Alaska or Alaska and the Yukon Territory. The ships leave from Seattle, Washington and travel to every major Alaskan and Canadian port of call in the area. There are cruises that include seven travel days all the way up to 14 day cruises. All options are all inclusive. Glacier Bay and several of Alaska's natural wonders are prominent parts of the cruises along with whale watching excisions in the Pacific Ocean.

  Holland America Cruise Lines
  300 Elliott Avenue West
  Seattle, WA 98119-4199
  877-932-4259
  hollandamerica.com

Celebrity Cruises

• Celebrity Cruises has several options and itineraries available to make an Alaskan cruise feel unique. There are four ships to choose from that travel the western coast of California up through Alaska. These ships leave from Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA, Vancouver BC and Seward, AK. The ships stop in several ports of call such as Anchorage, AK, Fairbanks, AK, Juneau, AK and Vancouver, BC. The ships include amenities such as fresh-cut flowers, a luxurious pillow menu, upgraded bathroom amenities, and personalized stationery in the staterooms. The cruises are all inclusive and offer great excursions such as kayaking along the many water ways, helicopter rides to glaciers and nature tours to see Alaskan wildlife up close.

  Celebrity Cruises
  1080 Caribbean Way
  Miami, FL 33132
  800-647-2251
  celebritycruises.com

Read More ..... »

Cruises From the Mainland to Hawaii

Enjoy a trip to the tropical state of Hawaii without having to fly by planning your travels on a cruise ship. Cruise ships offer comfortable accommodations, gourmet dining, entertainment, shopping, gambling and the opportunity to tour new ports of call, all combined into one "floating city." A variety of major cruise lines sail to Hawaii, leaving out of ports around the country. Book a trip for two weeks or more than a month and explore cities in Hawaii, then relax by the pool, enjoy a cocktail and leave the driving to the ship's captain.

Celebrity Cruises

• Set sail from San Diego on a 15-night trip to Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Century ship. After four days at sea, spend days in port at Hilo, Kailau Kona, Honolulu and Lahaina, then four days sailing again. Before heading back to San Diego, California, the ship stops for the day at Ensenada, Mexico.

  While in port, you can enjoy Hawaiian attractions such as the circle of fire, helicopter sightseeing, volcano adventures, tropical botanical gardens, lava hikes, bike adventures, shopping and sightseeing tours.

  Four cabin styles are available, including an inside (no window), ocean view, balcony and suite. While on board, enjoy the piano bar, the martini bar, Internet cafe, spa, two-story dining room and a gourmet restaurant where your meal is cooked, carved and flambeed right at your table.

  Celebrity Cruises
  877-202-4345
  celebritycruises.com

Princess Cruises

• Embark from Los Angeles and sail into Hawaii with a 14-day trip aboard Princess Cruises' Golden Princess. After four days of sailing, the ship docks in Hilo, Kauai, Honolulu and Maui, then sails for four more days and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to California. Explore Hawaii through port excursions such as a Pearl Harbor tour, dinner cruise, ghost tour, golfing, dolphin encounter and city tour.

  Select from five cabin styles, including an interior room, ocean view, ocean view obstructed (you'll have a window but it may be partially blocked by a lifeboat or other ship materials), balcony or suite.

  During your days at sea, enjoy Golden Princess activities such as a nine-hole golf course, art gallery and auctions, arcade, caviar bar, hot tubs, golf simulator, jogging track and round-the-clock gourmet dining, buffets and room service.

  Princess Cruises
  800-774-6237
  princess.com

Holland America Line

• Spend a little more than a month on board Holland America Line's MS Rotterdam, departing out of Seattle on a 35-day sail to Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas. After leaving Seattle, the ship sails into Vancouver, British Columbia, and San Diego, California, before visiting four cities in Hawaii--Hilo, Lahaina, Kauai and Honolulu. It then crosses the international dateline and the equator and heads into the Cook Islands and French Polynesia before finally docking back in San Diego.

  Five room styles are available: interior, ocean view, balcony, balcony suite and a deluxe balcony suite. Activities on board include a casino, Broadway-caliber entertainment, art gallery, fitness center, poolside eatery, martini bar and dining including three daily buffets, room service, gourmet nightly meals, pizza and ice cream bars, plus a library.

  Holland America Line
  877-932-4259
  hollandamerica.com

Read More ..... »

All-Inclusive Cruises Out of Galveston

Galveston, Texas, has a world-class port on the Gulf of Mexico, which connects cruise passengers to destinations throughout the Caribbean and even as far as Spain. The all-inclusive vacations on board can easily be extended into the city of Galveston itself, with plenty of entertainment before or after boarding for the open seas. Don't miss Galveston's 30 miles of beaches, the historic Strand shopping district and the replica of a tropical train forest at Moody Gardens.

Carnival Ecstasy

• Carnival Cruise Lines offers journeys out of Galveston on the Ecstasy liner, in all seasons, with four-day trips to Cozumel, Mexico, and a stop in Progress, Yucatan, if you choose the five-day option. The cruises are all-inclusive, with meals and entertainment at no additional cost. The vessel has 14 decks, with a capacity for 2,600 guests to enjoy the various bars, nightclubs and amusements on board. The ship features an Internet cafe, coffee bar, high-tech video and arcade games and supervised programs for youth of all ages. A gambling casino and spa are available, with additional charges for usage.

  Carnival Cruise Lines
  3655 NW 87th Ave.
  Miami, FL 33178
  800-438-6744
  www.carnival.com

Carnival Conquest

• The Conquest by Carnival departs from Galveston for seven-day cruises of the western Caribbean, making stops in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands; and Cozumel, Mexico. For those who prefer the eastern portion of the Caribbean, Carnival also offers seven-day cruises that allow guests to enjoy Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas and a stop in Key West, Florida, before returning to Galveston. The Conquest features the Seaside Theater for huge-screen movies, the City Sports Park with mini-golf and jogging track, the Twister water slide, a blues piano bar and special clubs for kids of all ages (including teens). Activities are all-inclusive with your cruise ticket; casino is available for additional fees.

  Carnival Cruise Lines
  3655 NW 87th Ave.
  Miami, FL 33178
  800-438-6744

Royal Caribbean: Mariner of the Seas

• Royal Caribbean sails from Galveston on the Mariner of the Seas, with six- and seven-night all-inclusive cruises that include stops in exotic ports like Roatan, Honduras, Belize, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Georgetown, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay, Jamaica. Specific routes vary depending on the season, with special holiday cruises in December. Expanded dining options on this ship include themed bars and lounges, a '50s style restaurant and the Vintages wine bar. Recreational facilities keep guests active with a rock climbing wall, ice skating rink and basketball court. Youth facilities are customized for all age groups.

  Royal Caribbean International
  1050 Caribbean Way
  Miami, FL 33132
  www.royalcaribbean.com

Royal Caribbean: Voyager of the Seas

• Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas operates out of Galveston, with service to the same ports as its sister ship, the Mariner of the Seas. Voyager of the Seas was the world's largest cruise ship when it entered service in November 1999. In addition to the Caribbean destinations, this ship ventures farther than any other from Galveston, with 14-day trips to Barcelona, Spain. Stops along the way include Ponta Delgada, Azores; Malaga, Spain; and Cartagena, Spain. Facilities on board include the trademark ice skating rink and rock climbing wall, as well as a nod to the executive with business boardrooms and relaxing golf simulators.

  Royal Caribbean International
  1050 Caribbean Way
  Miami, FL 33132
  www.royalcaribbean.com

Read More ..... »

Alaskan Cruises by Ship & Train

Several cruise lines that offer Alaskan sea cruises also offer combination vacations that include land travel by train and other transportation as well as sea and ocean travel by ship. These cruisetours allow tourists to explore Alaska's ocean and coastal beauty by ship without neglecting the state's inland natural features like mountains, glaciers and national parks. Cruisetours tend to be longer than a week to provide ample time for both land and water cruising.

Celebrity Cruisetour

• Celebrity Cruises offers escorted Alaskan Cruisetours of various lengths, notably the 2010 10-night tours that depart from Anchorage and give guests three nights on land and seven at sea. On land, vacationers tour Alaska from Anchorage to Talkeetna by deluxe motorcoach and travel back to Anchorage by train on the Wilderness Express. The Wilderness Express features glass-domed train cars for enhanced views of the Alaskan landscape. On day four, guests board the cruise ship Millennium, which features accommodations, entertainment, dining and drinks. Shore excursion expenses are not included in the price of the cruise. The cruise ends in Vancouver, Canada, on day 11.

  Celebrity Cruises
  800-760-0654
  E-mail: CaptainsClub@Celebrity.com
  www.celebritycruises.com

Cruise West

• Cruise West cruise lines offer adventure-style tours on land and sea, including the Glacier Bay highlights and Denali Alaskan cruisetour. The 2010 10-night cruises feature six days on land and five days at sea. The cruisetour begins in the heart of Alaska in Fairbanks. From Fairbanks, guests travel by motorcoach to Denali National Park for three nights before boarding deluxe rail cars for a train trip to Talkeetna. The train cars features domed-glass ceilings for optimal landscape views. After two more days of land travel, vacationers fly to Juneau to board their cruise ship, Spirit of Discovery. The ship takes cruisers to historical sites as well as Glacier Bay National Park before returning to Juneau on day 11.

  Cruise West
  2301 Fifth Ave., Suite 401
  Seattle, WA 98121
  888-851-8133
  www.cruisewest.com

Royal Caribbean

• Royal Caribbean's 2010 escorted cruisetours of Alaska include several 11-night land and sea tours that begin in inland Alaska in Fairbanks. The trip features four nights on land and seven nights at sea. After three days in Fairbanks, the Wilderness Express train whisks guests off to Denali National Park in glass-domed train cars. On day five, tourists are bused to Seward where they board the cruise ship Radiance of the Seas. While at sea, the ship visits scenic sites like Hubbard Glacier and inland passages as well as ports in Juneau and Skagway. The cruise ends in Vancouver, Canada on Day 12.

  Royal Caribbean - Crown & Anchor Society
  P.O. Box 026053
  Miami, FL 33102
  866-562-7625
  www.royalcaribbean.com

Read More ..... »

Cruises That Leave From Philadelphia

While you may not think of landlocked Philadelphia as cruise ship central, it is so central to major departure ports that you may find yourself bewildered by the array of floating holidays at your convenience. Depending on the season, how much time you have and whether you are thirsty for knowledge, beaches, rest or unusual scenery, Philly is a gateway to a destination--and a stylish journey--for everyone.

Cruises Departing from Philadelphia

• In June and July, American Cruise Lines offers eight-day sailing trips through the canals and rivers that connect Philadelphia and Washington, DC and Alexandria, Virginia. With six day-stops along the way, you will see landmarks in American history that span the early British settlement of St. Mary's City, Maryland, to the galleries and boutiques of Chestertown, Maryland, and Alexandria. Your stay on the 100-passenger ship will also feature lectures and performances that bring history to life and dining inspired by the crops and fish of the Central Atlantic coastal region.

Cruises Departing from Cape Liberty/Bayonne, New Jersey

• Like those travelers across the New York harbor, your trip will begin and end with the sight of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan. Ninety-five miles from downtown Philadelphia, Bayonne, New Jersey, is situated on Cape Liberty across from southern Brooklyn, New York. If you want to travel by Royal Caribbean Cruises or Celebrity Cruise, Bayonne is your closest northeast destination because neither cruise line docks in New York City. Both companies offer comprehensive, year-round trips to the Caribbean and some trips include stops in Charleston, North Carolina and Key West, Florida. From June to October there are cruises to New England and Canada. As of 2010, parking at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port was $19 a day and there is room for every guest car in the cruise parking lot.

Cruises Departing from New York, New York

• New York's Manhattan Cruise Terminal and the Brooklyn Terminal are 100 miles from downtown Philadelphia. New York could be called "cruise heaven," with voyages available to every continent except the poles and a price tag for every adventurer. You can even take Carnival Cruise Lines' two-day "Cruise to Nowhere". Manhattan serves as homeport to ocean liners from five major cruise lines. Parking is not guaranteed at Manhattan's piers, although there are parking lots nearby, and more than twice the cost of parking in Bayonne. Brooklyn Terminal, which is home to two more major cruise lines, has more parking and, as of 2010, costs $18 a day. Additionally, from late September to late October, American Cruise Lines sets sail from New York City's Chelsea Piers for a week of foliage amid the remnants of the Gilded Age of the Hudson River Valley.

Cruises Departing from Baltimore, Maryland

• Like New York, the Port of Baltimore is 100 miles from midtown Philadelphia. Port Baltimore is home base for ships from Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises and together they offer a comprehensive, year-round selection of Caribbean sailings, some with ports of call in Charleston, South Carolina and Key West, Florida. From June through August, Port Baltimore is a cruise departure for a mid-month trip to New England and Canada, and bi-weekly voyages during the fall foliage in September and October. Parking at Cruise Maryland Terminal is convenient, secure and commodious. As of 2010, the cost is $15 a day.

Read More ..... »

Hair Show Cruises

Hair shows are no longer just for the land-locked. Several companies offer hair show cruises at reasonable rates so stylists can learn new techniques during the day and dine and dance by night. Amenities aboard these some of the ships include day spas, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, lounges and fitness centers.

Armstrong McCall

• The Armstrong McCall Hairshow At Sea sails every spring, with approximately 3,000 stylists on board--who have the ship to themselves--for a seven-day cruise. The ship departs from Galveston,Texas, and travels through the Caribbean, making stops in Honduras, Belize and Mexico. Rates for the April 2011 cruise run from $340 to $1,140 per person based on the type of accommodations you select and the size of your party. Hair classes and events are scheduled throughout the cruise; the itinerary is posted on the website beginning in late winter.

  Elite Group Travel

  1220-G Airport Freeway, #412

  Bedford, TX 76022

  800-488-9238

  hairshowatsea.com

Hairitage

• Each fall, the Hairitage Holistic Hair & Wellness Cruise offers workshops for natural hair care enthusiasts aboard a Carnival cruise ship. The hair show cruise sets sail from Miami and spends three days sailing around the Bahamas, with one overnight stay at a hotel in Nassau and the chance to explore the area during the day. Workshops are held on days one and three of the cruise, and hair stylists are the only guests on board. The October 2010 cabin prices start at $285 per person.

  Carnival Consumer Group Sales

  800-438-6744

  hairitagecruise.com

Are We Hair Yet?

• Are We Hair Yet? is a travel company specializing in continuing education hair-show cruises with all-inclusive packages. The company does not maintain a regular schedule of cruises; rather, it creates them on an on-demand basis, and books professionals to lead seminars on the specially designed cruises. Generally, the cruises have 200 to 500 attendees, and hair-industry members share the ship with other guests. Price depends on the length of the cruise and amenities.

  ARE WE HAIR YET?

  A Division of Travel West

  117 West St. Paul Street

  Spring Valley, IL 61362

  800-708-0880

  arewehairyet.com

Read More ..... »

Two-Day Cruises Out of Miami

Individuals and families looking for a short 2-day excursion from Miami can enjoy a cruise journey to the Bahamas. The Bahamas features sandy beaches under the warm sun, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins and casinos. Two-day cruises to the Bahamas generally depart on Day 1 in the evening so that guests arrive on the island in the city of Nassau in the early morning on Day 2. The cruises then depart Nassau in the evening of Day 2 so that they arrive in Miami the morning of Day 3 to conclude the journey.

Carnival Miracle

• The Carnival Miracle has a 2-day itinerary to Nassau with an option of four different types of rooms. When not on shore enjoying the Bahamas, the ship has a twister waterslide and whirlpools, as well as mini golf. In addition, it has a casino, two loungers, a sports bar and a library with an internet café. There are six dining options, with the pizzeria and room service being available 24 hours a day. Youth programs are available to keep kids busy, while there is a beauty salon, fitness center, sauna and aerobics room for adults.

  Carnival

  888-227-6482

  carnival.com

Norwegian Pearl

• The Norwegian Pearl's ship departs Miami to Nassau with style and class. The boat provides its guests with 13 restaurants, plus bars, cafes and lounges. Kids can enjoy activities in its Aqua Kid's Club, while parents can browse the art gallery, join the Corona Cigar Club, and play with Lady Luck in the Pearl Club Casino. A basketball, volleyball and tennis court are available, along with a fitness center, pools and hot tubs.

  Norwegian Cruise Line

  866-234-7350

  ncl.com

Celebrity Century

• The Celebrity Century offers its 2-day trips to Nassau with a ship designed with open spaces and atriums for a relaxing journey. It features restaurants, a martini bar, spa and an internet café. Rooms with private verandas and staterooms with fresh-cut flowers and luxurious pillow menus are available as upgrades.

  Celebrity Cruise

  800-647-2251

  celebritycruises.com

Read More ..... »

Cruises Leaving From Charleston

Cruise enthusiasts in the Charleston, South Carolina, area are newcomers to cruise port access, with the Port of Charleston terminal having entered the cruise travel industry in 2009. The port is serviced solely by the Carnival cruise line (other ships may dock there, but do not take on passengers), which allows travelers to board in South Carolina and sail off into destinations around the world, enjoying unlimited dining, onboard activities and a range of accommodations.

Bahamas

• Sail out of Charleston and into the Bahamas on a five-day trip aboard Carnival cruise line's Carnival Fantasy ship. Three cabin styles are available: interior (no window), ocean view and suite. While on board the Fantasy, enjoy activities such as a nine-hole mini golf course, adults-only retreat, kids activities, arcade, salon, aerobics, fitness center, piano bar, Internet room, theater and bars.

  The Fantasy stops in Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas, where you can take advantage of excursions such as a glass bottom boat tour, dolphin encounter, kayaking, two-tank reef dive, snorkeling, Captain Morgan beach party, shopping and a Jeep tour.

  Carnival

  888-227-6482

  carnival.com

Bermuda

• Say good bye to Charleston and hello to Bermuda aboard Carnival's six-day trip on the Carnival Fantasy. Spend two days exploring Kings Wharf, opting for port adventures such as a kayak eco adventure, aquarium, snorkeling, guided island bus tour, horse and carriage ride, glass bottom boat tour, caving, helmet diving, dolphin encounter and Segway tour.

  The itinerary also includes three days at sea, where you can relax in your cabin (choose from inside, ocean view or suite), and try one of the Fantasy's unlimited dining options, including three daily buffets, 24-hour room service, sushi bar, two upscale restaurants and poolside grill.

  Carnival

  888-227-6482

  carnival.com

Eastern Caribbean

• Spend an entire week aboard the Carnival Fantasy as the ship sails from Charleston into the Eastern Caribbean. The seven-day trip includes stops in Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Nassau, plus three days at sea. Step off the ship and into port excursions such as a dune buggy ride, stingray encounter, horseback riding, Governor's Beach, scuba diving, blue water fishing, power snorkeling, scuba diving, a historical homes tour, conch tasting and parasailing.

  The Fantasy's interior, ocean view and suite cabins give you a place to unwind between ports. Explore other ship features such as a casino, dance clubs, theater, duty-free boutiques, bars, pools, an art gallery and auctions and singles mixers.

  Carnival

  888-227-6482

  carnival.com

Read More ..... »

Inexpensive Cruises for Singles

Numerous cruise lines offer vacations with amenities and activities that are restricted only to registered single passengers. Since most cruise ship cabins accommodate at least two guests, single travelers are required to pay a considerable upcharge for occupying a double cabin. However, when purchasing your "single's only" cruise, many travel agents can find you deals and specials to create a custom-designed inexpensive cruise.

Cruise Cheap

• 
  

  Get matched with a same-sex roommate to save on stateroom charges.

  
  

  Cruise Cheap Vacations can create a variety of singles cruise packages that waive or reduce the single occupancy surcharge. If you are interested in making new friends on your cruise, you can participate in a room-share program where you are matched with a same-sex single room mate. You won't have to pay the additional rates and if your roommate is a no-show--or no one is matched to you--you'll have your cabin to yourself at the discounted rate. Cruise to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Europe, Alaska or Mexico with other singles while you enjoy dances, cocktail parties, activities and land excursions.

  WMPH Vacations/CruiseCheap

  220 Congress Park Drive Suite 330

  Delray Beach, FL 33445

  561-366-4816

  cruisecheap.com

American Discount Cruises

• 
  

  Gain exclusive access to private "singles" lounge areas.

  
  

  American Discount Cruises works in conjunction with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Holland America, Princess and MSC cruises lines to make sure your singles cruise is affordable and custom designed to suit your needs. Choose from any of their available destinations, and if you share a room with a friend--or are matched with a roommate--you can save several hundred dollars if you choose to share a stateroom. American Discount Cruises also offers a singles cruise on the Norwegian Epic vessel which features single staterooms--at single rates--with key-card access to the "Studio Lounge", an area of the ship open exclusively to single guests.

  American Discount Cruises

  3673 Route 9 North

  Old Bridge, NJ 08857

  866-214-7447

  americandiscountcruises.com

Single Cruise

• 
  

  If you're in the military, receive a $50 discount.

  
  

  Single Cruise, in conjunction with Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines, offers over a dozen all-singles cruises to destinations like the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, the Mediterranean or Peru. The cruise packages offer the standard "room-share" deals for singles but Single Cruise also offers a variety of other discount programs for single vacationers. Military singles receive $50 off of their purchase price, become a "SinglesStar" after taking 6 cruises and receive special privileges and considerable savings on future cruises. Book a second cruise before the end of a current cruise and get a $50 on-board credit.

  Single Cruise

  2929 E Commercial Boulevard

  Suite 305

  Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308

  800-393-5000

  singlescruise.com

Read More ..... »

Cruises Departing From New York or New Jersey

Yankees and Southern transplants living in New York and New Jersey looking for a vacation combining gourmet dining, high-caliber entertainment, shopping, socializing, relaxing and touring new cities may find cruising an ideal match. With cruise ports in both the Big Apple and the Garden State, cruise enthusiasts will find many ships setting sail with itineraries for new adventures.

1. Carnival

   • Sail out of New York City and into Canada on a five-day itinerary aboard the Carnival Glory. Enjoy two days at sea and the Canadian cities of Saint John and Halifax, Nova Scotia. While off the ship, try port excursions: ride a horse drawn trolley or the Big Pink Bus, tour with a professional photographer, drive by the Bay of Fundy, kayak, golf the Rockwood Golf & Country Club, explore the Hopewell Rocks Biosphere Reserve and taste Moosehead beer.

     The Carnival offers four room styles: interior (no window), ocean view, balcony and suites. During your days at sea, enjoy ship attractions such as a casino, waterslide, nine-hole mini-golf course, arcade, kids’ areas, salon, fitness center, sauna and karaoke club. Eateries include two gourmet restaurants plus a sushi bar, coffee bar, steakhouse, pizzeria and 24-hour room service.

     Carnival
     888-227-6482
     carnival.com

   Princess Cruises

   • Spend more than two weeks aboard the Princess Cruises’ Ocean Princess ship, leaving out of New York City and sailing for 18 days on the “Fire & Ice Explorer” itinerary. During the trip, you’ll sail into Halifax, Nova Scotia; St. Anthony, Newfoundland; Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, Greenland; Grudarfjordur, Isafjordur and Akureyri, Iceland; the Shetland Islands and Edinburgh, Scotland. The journey ends in London/Dover, England. Excursions include Godafoss Waterfalls, the Laufas Folk Museum, Botanical Gardens, a trip to Edinburgh Castle, and a Viking experience tour at the New World’s first outpost site in Newfoundland.

     Select from five cabin styles on the Ocean Princess: inside, ocean view, ocean view obstructed (you’ll have a cabin with a window at a reduced rate because a lifeboat or other structure may block the view), balcony and suite. Features of the Ocean Princess include a jogging track, golf practice cage, card room, boutiques, pool, fitness area, casino, bars, lounges, wine/caviar bar and art gallery with auction.

     Princess Cruises
     800-774-6237
     princess.com

   Royal Caribbean

   • Board the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in New Jersey and set sail for 12 nights of the Southern Caribbean. The itinerary includes five days at sea, plus stops in Labadee, Haiti; Samana, Dominican Republic; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Basseterre, St. Kitts; St. John’s, Antigua and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Explore the port cities through trips such as a skyride, panoramic drive, wave jet tour, walking tour, butterfly farm, Dragon’s Tail Coaster and even a floating beach mat in Labadee.

     On board, four cabin options are available: interior, ocean view, balcony and suite. Keep up your energy with the Explorer of the Seas’ rock-climbing wall, inline skating, ice-skating rink, nine-hole golf simulator, fitness center and full-size basketball court. Also on board is the University of Miami Ocean Lab, plus dining choices such as an Italian restaurant, mystery dinner theater, '50s style diner, coffee bar, ice cream bar and three daily buffets.

     Royal Caribbean
     866-562-7625
     royalcaribbean.com

Read More ..... »

Discount Cruises for Florida Residents

Florida residents have a great opportunity to take cruises because of their proximity to cruise ship ports. Cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean islands leave from Florida ports regularly. Many cruise lines offer discount rates to Florida residents. The rates vary depending on the cruise that is chosen and the accommodations offered. The cost of cruises includes room accommodations, on-board meals, recreational activities and entertainment on the ship. Shore excursions, alcoholic beverages and gratuities are not included. Florida residents interested in a cruise can check for availability with individual cruise lines.

Celebrity Cruises

• Celebrity Cruises offers a 4-night western Caribbean cruise that departs from Miami. The ship sails to Key West, Cozumel, Mexico and back to Miami. On the ship you will find exercise and fitness accommodations, shopping, entertainment, casino games and activities for kids. Discounts for Florida residents vary by date and cruise. Not all types of room accommodations are available for discounts. Florida residents should check with Celebrity Cruises to find the best discounts available.

  celebritycruises.com

Royal Caribbean

• Royal Caribbean offers savings to Florida residents on 3-night Bahamas cruises leaving from either Port Canaveral or Miami. The ships travel to Nassau, Bahamas and CocoCay (the cruise line's private island). Both cruises offer the opportunity for swimming and watersports in the Bahamas as well as casinos and nightclubs for evening entertainment. Check with the cruise line for dates and savings for Florida residents.

  royalcaribbean.com

Norwegian Cruise Lines

• Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas that leaves from Miami. This cruise stops in the Bahamas at Freeport, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay (the cruise line's private island).

  Norwegian also has a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise leaving from Port Canaveral. This cruise stops in Nassau, Bahamas, St Thomas and St Maarten before returning to Port Canaveral.

  A 7-night Western Caribbean cruise sails from Port Canaveral to Cozumel, Mexico, Belize, Key West and back to Port Canaveral.

  Discounts for Florida residents are available but vary according to date and cruise. Check with Norwegian Cruise Lines for availability of discounts for Florida residents.

  ncl.com

Disney Cruise Lines

• Disney Cruise Lines offers special rates for Florida residents on select cruises. Rates vary depending on the cruise choice and accommodations. All cruises are filled with a little bit of Disney magic and, of course, the Disney characters. A 3- or 4-night Bahamas cruise sails from Port Canaveral to Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney's private island, before returning to Port Canaveral.

  Disney Cruise Lines also offers 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean and an 11-night Southern Caribbean Holiday Cruise.

  disneycruise.disney.go.com

Read More ..... »