Due to the increasing number of cruise lines and ships in business today, sailing the high seas on board a luxury cruise liner is no longer something only the financially privileged enjoy. In fact, you can now go and take that dream cruise vacation you have always wanted without spending a fortune. And doing some background research is the first thing you must do to find these cheap cruise holidays. After all, doing a review of these cheap cruise vacation packages is not going to be difficult to do considering the ease and speed you can access information from the internet. And it is not difficult to find the best deals since you are able to compare what different websites have to offer. As a matter of fact, you can easily find discounted vacation packages that are so affordable, it is possible for families to go on cruise vacations every year.

So when should you book your cruise vacations? You need to know that this is where cruise lines are different from hotels, resorts an even air lines. Usually, you must book your flight and reserve a hotel room at least a couple of months in advance to help you get easy to afford deals. For you to get cheap cruise deals, you have to buy tickets and make arrangements a few days before the ship leaves; some even buy tickets the day the cruise ship is scheduled to leave to save money. The reason behind this is simple: cruise lines prefer to offer their available cabins at discounted rates rather than let those accommodations sit empty all throughout the cruise. So booking your luxury cruise vacation at the last minute is a great way to get that dream vacation on a budget.

Another tip to find an affordable cruise vacation package is to go online. There are a lot of online resources or websites such as that of Cheap Cruises where you can book affordable cruise vacations on some of the most luxurious cruise liners in the world. You can also easily compare several vacation packages from each other until you find one that will suit your budget and your preferences. You also get to minimize your expenses when searching for these types of vacation packages because you do not have to commute to and from various travel agencies and talking to more than one travel agent. To be sure that you are going to have a hassle free cruise vacation however, you need to be sure that you are in fact working with a legit website that have provided services to a lot of travelers before.

It is no wonder there really aren’t a lot of untouched places on the map of the world today, however the simple fact is that you can still get many vivid impression by discovering new and different itineraries to already well-known places. Mediterranean cruises provide an outstanding chance for a unique and exclusive holiday vacation. This trip will provide a chance to take another look at the familiar places of recreation, to discover new facets of the favorite European countries, and maybe become familiar with an unknown corner of the world.

During a cruise, many of those who have already had an opportunity to visit Spain, Italy and France on a typical tourist trip, will have a chance to uncover new interesting parts of these countries. A perfectly planned Mediterranean cruise will not just offer you an opportunity to see a different facet of each country you visit, but most importantly even a quick trip will provide a possibility to get the most impressions and experiences.

Without exclusion, the vacation program makes all the Mediterranean cruises an extremely encompassing occasion. On a single cruise you will visit the most beautiful places of various countries. Let’s take, for example, Spain, Italy Greece and Turkey – you get an ability to go into all these countries in the course of just one trip.

Mediterranean cruises are designed in the way so that they meet the needs of various client groups. If your main interest is based on an unhurried relaxation next to the nature, then you can be completely happy on the best beaches, clear waters and smooth sand. On the other hand, there’s no shortfall of fascinating physical activities for every personal taste for those who like to be active. Ancient history lovers will be enticed by a choice of excursions that will enable them to get to know each country better. Mediterranean cruises will give you an opportunity to discover a totally different aspect of your favorite European city. Italy, Spain and Greece with their ancient history will have a lot of surprises waiting for you.

A cruise vacation is a kind of holiday that is suitable for diverse groups of travelers – even if you are vacationing as a family with young kids, Mediterranean cruises will provide you a chance to find something for everybody. The elderly travelers will appreciate the comfort, outstanding organization of the journey and a high level of service.

Different Mediterranean cruises also appeal to many young travelers, who are generally known to prefer an energetic type of a vacation with a great company, and are looking forward to visiting the most trendy beaches and finest night clubs in the world. A romantic cruise in the Mediterranean Sea is an excellent choice to spend a honeymoon for a newlywed couple, who is going to remember it for a lifetime. Professional businessmen who work hard but also like to enjoy their holiday time will particularly appreciate the excellent organization and high level of service that is a classic attribute of all best Mediterranean cruises. During your trip you will have a chance to relax and going on a vacation will provide a helpful distraction from day to day worries and problems, rebuild physical and mental strength and give you enough memories to last a lifetime.

There’s a particular cruising destination which due to its proximity, economical offers and fascinating coastal stops is worth considering for any cruise enthusiast. It’s, of course, Mexico, and the specific itinerary is down the Pacific coast of this great area. Another name for this region of the world is Mexican Riviera. Holiday cruise trips here are typically favored for their fabulous scenery, a variety of wildlife and a large number of traditional and national monuments and places of interest. Mexican Riviera cruises will fascinate not just the lovers of the outdoors but if you’re after a care-free and enjoyable vacation on the beach or seeking exhilarating fun-based activities – you won’t be dissatisfied with your decision.

Cruise trips to Mexican Riviera usually begin either in San Diego or Los Angeles. In the event you haven’t visited them before here’s a very good thought for you: arrive several days earlier or lengthen your vacation by several days at the conclusion of the cruise and spend time in either one of these world-class California cities. And there is no shortage of things to see. San Diego has its own renowned zoo park, sea world and historic Gaslamp Quarter. After that you can also relax in Balboa Park or Japanese Tea Garden. Los Angeles, of course, is the heart of the film industry. Head to Hollywood and check out the stars of famous actors on the Walk of Fame. Additionally there is famous Venice beach and Santa Monica.

So, about the actual itinerary and some of the spots that you will experience.

Acapulco is a port town on the Pacific Ocean. Renowned Costa Miguel Aleman Boulevard is known for a lot of stores restaurants, bars, night clubs and various other entertainment establishments. Amongst significant places of interest are the cultural center and a museum of history.

La Paz is located at the end of the California Peninsula that is characterized by rocky desert and panoramic shoreline. There is lots of lodging and entertainment options. It is also a great place for those who like an energetic type of a vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is an idyllic town on the coast of Mexican Riviera. It’s a good spot for a tranquil holiday. Most of the beaches are situated in the north section of the town, the south part features a number of small coves and lagoons and is ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Ensenada is bordered by the desert, mountain ranges and ocean. It was founded in the 17th century by Spanish missionaries. Today it’s a popular port.

Mazatlan is located where the Pacific Ocean borders the Sea of Cortez. There are many beach fronts, bars and restaurants. The nearby islands are perfect for sporting activities.

The optimum time of year for Mexican Riviera cruises is from November to May.

Spending your time along with your children is significantly more than an opportunity. As parents, you always want the most for them

Money won’t matter in the least providing you now have given them an unforgettable experience. Passing their childhood is only one in a lifetime experience so gain from it.

It was night time, the sky is so clear. The stars will also be shimmering; the seawater is flowing smoothly, the ambiance is serene. You are able to hear the loud laughter of many children. Do you imagine yourself in a cruise vacation along these lines? Isn’t it self-gratifying?

Cruising is definitely one of the best alternatives if you want to spend a quality time for your infants. Let them feel the wonders worldwide via a cruising experience. It is going give your family the enjoyment and excitement many people never had before.

The pleasure of cruising is not only exclusive for the professionals and the adult individuals who take their vacation in the course of the cruising season. However, the cruising lines also offer opportunity for the youngster who also wants to explore the delight of being a part of the activity.

The cruising line that specifically has programs for these children would be the Disney Cruise line. It really has been noted as the most preferable cruising lines of the parents whenever they desire to bring their children alongside them.

The fantasies that one could see within the Disneyland can be found here. They furnish entertainment for little ones by using mascots often seen in Disneyland. They will surely have fun time chasing with one of these cartoon characters.

In addition, the program, games along with the activities are open for little ones with all ages. The adventure is not going to be boring to them since they can expect for all kinds of entertainment that may be offer to them from the Disney cruising line. It is more than the bringing laughter to them but also making them satisfied with the trip.

Enjoy your Cruising adventure with Disney Cruise line!

Question by Maia-Kine’: Can anyone refer me to a good travel agent or cruise line for Tahiti (South Sea Islands)?
I’m looking for a great package deal for 7-10 days in January.

Best answer:

Answer by onyi
http://www.rhoda.joystar.com

Add your own answer in the comments!

Question by Pamela G: Cruise Planning Questions?
My husband and I have been on two previous cruises and have immensely enjoyed both.
We have a personal agent with Carnival and we are looking at going on the Carnival Liberty to Cozumel, Ochos Rios, and Grand Cayman in April 2009. Our travel agent says that we should go ahead book now, which I think we are going to do. I just want some more opinions.
The deal is we don’t know for sure that we are going to be able to go. My husband is graduating from college in December looking for a teaching position in High School Social Sciences. I am currently a 2nd grade teacher. If his job does not match up with my Spring Break we won’t be able to go.

My question is should we go ahead and put down our deposit and then cancel if the dates don’t work. Or do you think that cruise prices will be going down because of the economy?
By the Way- if you know anything about the Carnival Liberty let me know that also.
Do you guys realize that Carnival has a guarantee that they are the lowest (which I have checked out at multiple other places) and that you have to pay a fee to an outside agent which actually costs you MORE money.

Best answer:

Answer by TINKERTOY ….. the 1 & only
I suggest that you book now and make absolutely sure that you know exactly when the date is that you can cancel without any penalty and get all of your money back. Book now because cruise lines ALWAYS give the best price for early bookings 9 months to a year or more ahead of time. Its’ been my experience that the price always goes up as the cruise date approaches. I have been on about 20 cruises with 4 different cruise lines, but not on Carnival. But the booking and cancellation process on all cruises is basically the same. Normally you will be required to pay a deposit of about $ 250. per person to book and then the cruise contract will specify a date approximately 60 to 75 days before the cruise when you can cancel with NO PENALTY.

According to Carnival’s web site for a 7 day cruise there is no penalty if you cancel 76 days before the cruise (just to be safe I would count 80 days).: http://www.carnivalcruiselines.com/CMS/Static_Templates/ticket_contract.aspx

Add your own answer in the comments!

Question by Stacy Cervenka: Looking for a good cruise travel agent for a South Pacific, Australia, and/or New Zealand cruise?
My fiance and I are looking to take a cruise to either the South Pacific, Australia, or New Zealand for our honeymoon in December, 2011. It is the first cruise either of us have ever taken, so we’re hoping to find a good travel agent who is familiar with cruise lines in this part of the world. We’re young professionals who are just starting out in life, so we probably won’t be taking any luxury lines (Paul Gaughin, Seabourn, etc) unless we can get a really great deal! We’re most likely going to be taking something on Princess, Royal Caribbean, or another more affordable line. Does anyone know of a good travel agent who might be able to help us? Thanks!!

Best answer:

Answer by timetravler
Just look in your yellow pages for a travel agent that specializes in cruises. I use a company called cruise planners so you may look to see if you have one of those in your home town. In 2007, I took a cruise much like you want to take. It started from Sidney, Australia, went to 5 ports in New Zealand, then to many islands in the South Pacific, then to Hawaii, and finally to Los Angeles, California. Is was at that time 29 days long. Now, I believe it is 30 days long. It was with Princess cruises. This particular cruise only happens once a year so you need to book it way in advance. It is called a repositioning cruise, so it may not be listed in all the Princess cruise brochures.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Question by maura: Me and my best friend want to go on a cruise for our sweet 16?
Our birthdays are 2 days apart, hers is december 10 and mine’s the 12th, and we want to go on a cruise for our sweet 16 this year like a couple days after christmas and get back in early january 2009. The thing is she lives in VA and I live in NC so we were thinking of flying(or maybe driving…could take a while) to Florida where a lot of cruises take off. But we don’t know which cruise line to take, probably Carnival or Royal Caribbean but neither of us has been on a cruise before. Is there a deal where you can book a flight and a cruise? And who should come with us since we’ll only be 16? My mom and her mom or both of our parents? We don’t want the cruise to be that long, like probably 6 nights or under and we also want it to be affordable but not have it feel like its a cheap vacation. Any advice from cruisers?

Best answer:

Answer by Mrs. Bowers
I took a Princess cruise out of Florida for my honeymoon, and I loved every minute of it. Mine was book through an agent, who did both our airfare and cruise details. I believe that you can do a package deal with Princess. Here is their websitt, hope it helps!
http://www.princess.com/

Give your answer to this question below!

Question by Kincso D: Help me plan a CRUISE?
So I want to go for my birthday in december (2009) or january (2010) depending on when my winter break is for school on a cruise. I need it to be less then one week so about 2-5 nights if possible. I live in seattle and want to go on a “cruise to nowhere” as in not visiting any ports just out to sea. If you see any deals would you inform me? Please! I want this to be memorable as well as cheap! Or tell me a website for planning cruises? (but preferably deals or prices you find)
Thanks for any help!

(has to be cheap cause im only 13 and only have $ 200 saved, so ways of making money would also help)

🙂

Best answer:

Answer by Brittany
………. good luck with that

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

by Chris Devers

Question by Kristin: I want to get married… question about a cruise.?
Me and my fiance are wanting to get married on 10/10/10. That is a Sunday, we are so excited. We have been together for 5 years ago and he purposed on December 23rd 2009, our anniversary. We have talked about getting married for about 2 years now and we have always said that we wanted to get away for the wedding.honeymoon. We have decided about a year ago that we want to get married on a cruise and have our honeymoon while we are on the ship. Does anybody know any good deals on cruises? I have checked out a couple of things online but I cannot really figure out whats a scam and whats not. I did find out about the Caribbean Cruise liner ship, that you can get married on that but I cannot find anything out about the date. 10/10/10 is the date that we absolutely want. Perfect 10 on our engagement, perfect 10 on our marriage and a perfect 10 on our life together. Its may sound korney but we love it. We are so excited but we need a little help on finding a good website or something that will lead us to more information on our wedding and honeymoon. If anybody can help, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much!
God Bless,
Kristin

Best answer:

Answer by skacian
We have been on 15 cruises, and have seen couples dressed in wedding garb, which tells me they had their ceremony on the cruise. I think your best source would be a travel agent, as they can give you the comparison of the different cruise lines that accommodate you. Congratulations!!

What do you think? Answer below!