Summer is finally here, and that means a family vacation is in order. The economy is less than ideal, and with a family of four, things can add up. Not to mention the fact that the parents would like to go to Europe and the kids can never agree on anything.

How can everyone be happy with a vacation while keeping a budget in mind?

Taking a cruise can prove to be a great family approved vacation. Expensive thoughts may come to mind, but cruises don’t always have to break the bank.

Try to look for cruises that are three to five days in length. They tend to be significantly less expensive, and a week-long cruise is only two to three days longer. Keep in mind that a cruise will provide activities on the ship and will stop at ports, so a three to five day cruise will pack more activities and sights than a normal vacation. Looking for ports that are closest to home will cut air travel costs.

Disney Cruise Line is the perfect choice for families. There are deck parties, multiple pools with water slides and Broadway shows that the whole family will enjoy. Youth clubs provide a getaway for children, letting them do activities with other kids on board. Adults can have their special time aboard as well. There is a spa/salon on board, nightclubs and lounges and a separate pool exclusively for adults. Discounts are available for Florida residents and Military families. If a vacation is booked online, any family will receive a $25 credit to use on board.

Carnival Cruise Line is family friendly and this company tends to have lower rates compared to others. No matter what Carnival ship is chosen it will have a gigantic water slide that everyone is sure to love. Carnival also provides one of the largest kids programs called Camp Carnival. Carnival’s Fantasy ship has clubs designed for teens: Circle “C” for 12-14 year olds and Club 02 for 15-17 year olds. Video games, karaoke and dance parties can be found here. The site is currently offering up to $160 dollars back if a cruise is booked before June 30. And don’t forget to have fun.

It’s that time of year- time to get away from the daily grind, soak up some rays and have fun. A two week vacation may not be plausible because of job or monetary restrictions. What’s a fun loving soul to do? Try a cruise! Cruises that are three to five days long instead of a week are often cheaper. Also, try to look for ports that are close by. This will cut down on flying costs.

Some of the greatest experiences can come from spur of the moment vacations. If being up for anything and laid back is your style, checking out last minute cruise ship prices online. Multiple cruise lines and destinations can be found with late booking deals if you do a search. If people cancel last minute, the cruise ship will now have open spots which they want to fill quickly to assure some sort of profit. This is why booking last minute will cut costs.

When booking a cruise, go for the cheapest room option possible. Often times these are small and without windows, which does not sound appealing. In reality, how much time will be spent in your room? The vast open deck is calling your name.

Carnival Cruise Line is considered one of the better cruise lines if a party sounds appealing. There is ample late nightlife on deck that lasts later than most cruise lines. Many of their boats offer an on board mini gold course and a wide variety of dining options, such as sushi. Carnival’s prices are excellent for what you get in exchange.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is a good choice if guests are looking to have an active vacation. Many of their ships have a rock climbing wall and an ice skating rink to provide you with non-stop entertainment and more bang for your buck.

Single and looking to travel alone or with friends? There are all types of cruises listed that are designed specifically for other singles. Certain cruises cater to different age groups to assure you will be surrounded with people similar to your age.

Vacations and drinking go hand in hand, but that bar tab can add up. Some cruise vacation packages will allow for a prepaid amount in exchange for unlimited drinks on board. If drinking large amounts is on the itinerary, this may be worth looking into. Happy travels.

Just because you got a cheap deal on a cruise, that doesn’t entitle you to have the run of the entire ship and go buck wild. There is the staff and other cruisers’ feelings to consider. The following are some tips to make a cruise more enjoyable for yourself, your family, friends and everyone else on the cruise ship whether they are there working or are a fellow customer like you.
Be Polite Hopefully your mama covered this one already, but if not, then here you go. Say please and thank-you, wait your turn and never butt in front of anyone in the buffet or waterslide line. Don’t get too drunk or crazy, especially on the first night as the waves of the sea and the alcohol can combine for less than happy effects. You don’t want to get sick or get throw off the boat on day 1, so take it slow, ease into the imbibing and always respect your fellow travelers and the staff of the ship itself. If you take a day trip into town when the boat docks, the same goes, especially if you are in a foreign country. Respect the customs, the locals, try to speak bits of the language – even if you butcher it, your efforts will be appreciated. The last thing you want to do is get arrested or robbed so tread lightly, be polite and don’t tread off the beaten path alone as this can lead to potentially fatal results.
Tipping on an All Inclusive Trip? Just because a cruise is all inclusive doesn’t mean you can’t sneak your favorite waiter/ bartender or bellboy a wee present on the last day of the cruise, as long as you are discrete.  Their managers are looking out with eagle eyes and you don’t want to get them fired, of course, now do you? Be discrete or make it a present of something they can actually use/need instead of cash. There are little to no employee rights working in international waters, so many of the workers are working for next to nothing, so keep that in mind if you do buy them a gift and give them something practical that they will be able to utilize and will appreciate.

If you want to find a cheap deal on a cruise and don’t know where to start,  look no further my friend, we are here to help you find that elusive screaming needle of a deal in the haystack of impostors. A lot of cruise ship companies and travel agencies in the web and real world use smoke and mirrors to lure you into their lairs and then work over your credit cards with extra fees, charges, up charges, activity costs, meal and drink costs and the like. Don’t fall for the illusion – what’s real is real and like your papa said, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Not all all inclusive deals are really all inclusive and almost all of those “free cruise” deals come with taxes, handling fees, port charges or are tied to having to book a flight on a certain charter airline for a set price or a high priced hotel stay for a night or two before and after the cruise. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some deals out there for you to find.

Now is the Time

Currently with the economic depression that’s been going on for much of the past decade (though I know George W. Bush won’t admit it started that early), many people are struggling just to survive, feed their family and make ends meet. If you are one of the lucky ones and you do have some discretionary spending head room then first off, give thanks as you are one of the few and also, maybe don’t flaunt it as most of the rest of this country is not as lucky as you and they likely won’t take too kindly to you rubbing their noses in it.  All the more reason to go on a cruise and hang out with your fellow American and Canadian compadres with cash in pocket and have some fun on the high seas.

There are so many great deals right now if you are a diligent consumer. Do your research – always check reviews on the web and elsewhere.  Talk to people that you know who have taken cruises with good and bad results. Compile a list of what you and your family or friends are looking for in a cruise along with the pros and cons you gather for each cruise company and the different trips they offer. Whether your goal is fun in the sun, sightseeing or seeing killer whales swimming along side the ship as you cruise along the coast of Canada and Alaska, there is a cruise for every desire you may have and 20 different deals on each kind of cruise offered from a wide variety of companies.  Think smart, do your research, don’t make any rash decisions and remember what your base goals are and you will be in for the cruise of your life.

Before going on that special cruise, make sure you plan accordingly, including to pack all the necessities. It should be noted that cruise ships will offer pretty much anything needed on a trip, from clothing to sunscreen, hats to over the counter medicines and lots more. However, these all come at a price, an inflated price to make up for the convenience of being available for purchase on the cruise. If you want to save yourself quite a bit of money and a lot of hassle, come prepared ahead of time. It can be daunting to know what to pack for such a vacation. However, this guide will help prepare you to cover all the basics needed for a cruise, and other helpful essentials.

Before leaving on your trip, make sure you have everything needed for travel. This will include your identification, passport, flight itinerary or boarding pass and necessary paperwork to enter the cruise ship, depending on what they require. Do not forget about taking enough money and your credit card which will be kept on file on the cruise. One suitcase should be large enough for a 7 week cruise, however anything longer might require an extra suitcase. You are allowed two carry-on bags on the plane. Pack a small one with items you will require for the flight, such as your wallet, Mp3 player and snacks. Keep one bag empty and store in your suitcase as you will probably need it on the flight back due to all the souvenirs you will be bringing home.

When it comes to packing clothing, pack with the weather in mind. More than likely your destination and trip overseas will be warm and tropical. In this case, pack lots of summer clothing that will keep you fresh and cool. Be sure to add a light jacket and pants just in case. The air conditioning in the ship or airplane may feel chilly for you and you will be happy you brought along warmer clothing for these occasions. There tends to be a formal night on the cruise where passengers are encouraged to dress in formal attire, take photos and eat an elegant meal. If you wish to participate in this night, be sure to pack appropriate attire.

All the necessities and toiletries will need to be packed. However, some cruise ships may provide an all-in-one shampoo/conditioner/body wash in the shower as well as a large, plush bath towel. You will need to pack your own: toothbrush, toothpaste, razors and shave cream, feminine hygiene products, sunscreen and lotion, medications, hairbrush and other personal grooming items. The one thing you will not have to worry about or pack is food and drink. The cruise will have a 24 hour buffet with a variety of cuisines for your pleasure. Morning, day and night you will be able to find a large selection of foods, desserts and drinks to keep you satisfied.

It is likely that you will be leaving the ship when it docks at port destinations. Be sure to pack for these as well, not forgetting your sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, beach towel, a carrying back and your wallet for spending and an id to get you back on board. When it comes to your electronic gadgets like cell phones and cameras, do not forget to pack the AC adapters to charge them up. Don’t forget your digital camera, extra memory cards and extra batteries. Be sure to carry it in a safe case as well. You might want to bring along a journal and pen to document your journey and preserve a treasury of memories.

With all of the different cruises to take out there, it can be difficult to find the best ones. This post intends to showcase some of the most interesting cruises of its time, and it intends to guide you towards successfully planning your next vacation.

1. Oasis Mania. This cruise is a full 40 percent greater in size than the second largest, and it comes with an exterior promenade, a boardwalk, live plants, an antique carousel and the AquaTheater, which is an amphitheater and a pool mixed into one. This is a truly revolutionary process of embarkation.
2. Cruise West. This cruise heads out to Vienna, Romania and onward over eleven days. You can enjoy expeditions into Bucharest and Budapest, as well as private balconies and panoramic windows. You cannot go wrong with the view on this cruise.
3. Crystal Cruises. This cruise line is launching its Experiences of Discovery, which includes an Asian golf itinerary, experiences with emerging artists, in addition to ancient history. You can even get yourself golf lessons. If golf is not your thing, you can enjoy two pools, many lounges, restaurants, a casino and a spa at the Symphony.
4. Regent. This cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale and heads all the way to Reykjavik, Iceland while stopping in Canada, New England and New York City. Two weeks will go by in which you can enjoy Le Cordon Bleu and many other enjoyable dinners. Partake in their classes and graduate before the end of the cruise.
5. Cunard. To celebrate its fifth birthday, this cruise will show off its British Isles itinerary, beginning with Southampton. Stop in Glasgow, Liverpool and Ireland. You may also head to Edinburgh at your desire, or stay and enjoy the thirteen decks of the cruise ship, which has five pools and ten restaurants attached to it.
6. Hapag-Lloyd. This cruise will shower you with a free minibar, the Bergen Philharmon at Grieg Hall, a chance to see many of the amazing Norwegian fjords, as well as thirteen days with many critically acclaimed musicians, including the always celebrated cellists, Mischa and Lily Maisky.
7. Martin Randall. This cruise gives young historians the time of their life with a tour based upon Ancient Greek Philosophy. You will be able to visit many historical sites, such as Istanbul and the Aegean coast of Turkey, which is where it is believed that philosophy began in the first place. Also hop through Thrace, Athens, Samos, Chios and Kos.
8. Abercrombie and Kent. If you have ever wanted to see the amazing Antarctica and take photographs, this cruise is the way to go. Over the course of three weeks, you can sail with a photography expert, you can shoot breaking ice, pristine snow, dramatic austral sunsets and sunrises, penguin colonies and seabirds flying.
9. Peter Deilmann. Aboard the MV Princesse de Provence, you can set sail through the Saône River and see the different estates and vineyards that populate Provence and Burgundy. You can experience wine classes with experts and tastings.
10. Seabourn. Board the Seabourn Odyssey and get on the first sail to debut in six years. Enjoy a spa that sprawls a full 11,400 square feet across multiple levels, large balconies with privacy, hundreds of new food items on the menu since its last voyage. Depart from Istanbul and enjoy discovering the Black Sea, through which you may visit Georgia, Russia, Bulgaria and the Ukraine. You will not have as many options anywhere else.