There are three types of cheap cruises that are of great interest to me at the present. I have been scouring the web looking for deals all over the place on them as well. Seeing as I know that I live in Phoenix, Arizona and there are no oceans here, I am already aware that I will require a round trip flight to and from LA, where my cruise is set to depart. In fact, now that I mention LA, several of the cheap cruises I am considering booking all depart from ports in and around, or near to LA. To better apprise you of my findings, I was doing some web searches today for cheap cruises, just to see what my options were, and boy did I find some great deals, my friends! However, only three of them were able to make the final cut for me on my cruise wish list, and they are as follows.

The Tour MIL-WINE: 13 Day/12 Night Pacific Northwest Wine Cruise & Hotel Combo from $1299. Considering that this is an amazing cruise in the Pacific Northwest for 13 days and 12 nights, and that adding to that package a 2 night stay before the cruise at San Diego at the Best Western Bayside Inn, you can bet that I am all giddy about this intense, cheap cruise package deal. But what really caught my eyes were the winey offerings. “Enrichment Lectures, Food and Wine Pairings, Specialty Wine Tastings, Wine-Related Trivia Session, Wine-Related Movie Features, Specialty Art Auction featuring wine inspired paintings, and specialty wine-related gift shop items.”

The Royal Caribbean International on the Mariner of the Seas 7 Night Mexico Cruise, from $524 per person. Where else can you enjoy cruising around and getting to see all of the exotic splendors of coastal Mexico? Nowhere for this price, let me tell you! It has been years since I was in Cancun last, and for the prices that these cheap cruise packages are going for, this one will be hard to pass up on. It departs from its port in LA.

The Caribbean-Eastern 10 Days, Holland America Line, Inside Cabin, from $700 per person. This rather lengthy cheap cruise package I found online also departs from port in Los Angeles, and features an exuberating 10 days on the high seas. Even more impressive is the itinerary; see how many places that this fabulous cruise goes! 1 Fri, Dec 3 Fort Lauderdale 5:00 P; 2 Sat, Dec 4  Half Moon Cay  8:00 A – 4:00 P; 3 Sun, Dec 5  Grand Turk   12:00 P – 6:00 P; 4 Mon, Dec 6 Samana 10:00 A -5:00 P; 5 Tue, Dec 7 At Sea; 6 Wed, Dec 8 Bonaire  8:00 A – 5:00 P; 7 Thu, Dec 9  Curacao  7:00 – 11:00 P; 8 Fri, Dec 10 Aruba 7:00 A – 5:00 P; 9 Sat, Dec 11  At Sea ; 10 Sun, Dec 12 At Sea ; 11 Mon, Dec 13  Fort Lauderdale  7:00 A.

As you can see—you get some pretty good bang for your buck these days with cheap cruises!

Photo via Chris Boully

As far as cruise vacations are concerned, they are certainly in abundance.  They are no longer reserved for the wealthy since many cruise lines are affording a variety of cheap cruises for every type of budget.  Now that there are more travelers going the cruising route, it’s time to discuss how to eat and stay healthy while on your indulgent get-away.

Cruise lines are notorious for offering enormous amounts of food that are either included in your cruise package or are an added indulgence. It may be challenging to resist the buffets and smorgasbords of sumptuous food, but you don’t have to completely do without. Moderation is the key.  You know how to eat healthy; you do it at home every day.  Don’t let your eating get out of control by rationalizing that you are on vacation and you can eat what you please.  Cruise cuisine offers plenty of healthy choices, so take advantage of it!

Focus your energy on the cruise vacation itself.  Cruising isn’t a license to eat.  It’s about spending quality time with family and friends; enjoying all the onboard activities and shore excursions available to you on a cruise.  Use this time to see and do things you’ve never done before both on and off the ship.  Yes, food is plentiful and will be around you constantly, but if you make wise choices you really don’t have to return from your vacation five pounds heavier.

One of the best ways to avoid packing on the pounds is to skip the alcoholic beverages.  They are empty calories and not only will they add to your waistline, they will bump up the costs of your cheap cruise.  Alcohol is typically not included in your cruise package, and is an added extra you can do without, in more ways than one.  So don’t drink!  You’ll feel more clearheaded and will probably enjoy your cruise all the more.

Cruise ship fare is usually served buffet style.  It’s intoxicating to see mountains of all sorts of delectable dishes and know you can eat as much as you’d like.  Don’t!  Restrain yourself from piling your plate high with an overabundance of food.  Choose grilled items such as fish or chicken over fried foods or any type of dish with creamy sauces.  Much of the cuisine served on board will be exotic and rich and one bite may be all you need to satisfy your taste buds and your belly.

Again, I will use the word moderation.  Eat in moderation.  Balance your food intake, so if you have had a large meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner, try eating smaller meals for the rest of your day. There are plenty of opportunities to exercise on board by using the gym facilities or simply taking a walk around the deck.  Utilize the opportunity to burn the calories you’re taking in.  I’m not suggesting you do away with any type of indulgence in the food department.  Consciously choose your food wisely, don’t overdo, but enjoy every morsel.  Because after all, you’re on vacation and you deserve it.

Photo via bangkok_Diary

Although Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and there are many things to see in do in this French-Canadian Capital, there is more to La Belle Province than just its capital city!  Many visitors to Eastern Canada do not realize it but there are several islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence that belong to the province of Quebec and these islands known as The Magdelan Islands or L`isles de la Madeleine in French are a little known area of Canada that deserve more credit than they are given and the best way to see these islands is through a cheap cruise that leaves the city of Montreal and takes you on a journey up the St. Lawrence River to the Gulf where the small islands are located.

The Magdelan Islands are one of North America’s hidden treasures as not many people are familiar with them.  The last few years have seen an increase in tourism to the islands but they still remain a destination that many people don’t know much about.  Because of this, many people bypass the islands and travel to destinations they are more familiar with in the area such as Prince Edward Island and the Gaspe Region of Quebec. I have had the pleasure of visiting these islands two years ago and I can list off many reasons why you should consider doing the same!  The scenery is spectacular with reddish cliffs, rocky coastline, giant sand dunes and white sandy beaches that are among the nicest beaches I have ever had the pleasure of walking on barefoot!  The weather is not too cold and not too hot and everything you need is at your fingertips including hotels, coffee shops, boutique shops, gift shops, restaurants, museums, adventure tours, campgrounds, grocery stores and a post office.  It does not take very long to traverse across the islands but the drive offers you with a scenic tour of an area of North America that is like no other.

There are several ways to get to the islands including a ferry crossing in Souris, Prince Edward Island, an airplane from several designated airports in the area and by cruise via Montreal.  If you are looking for a cheap way to explore the city of Montreal, the Magdelan Islands and the areas in between, the latter is the best way to do this and that is what I will be telling you about in this article.

First of all, the cruise season for this particular run starts in mid-June and runs until the Fall, weather-pending at that time of year of course!  The ship if fully equipped and with many services and amenities that include a restaurant, several bars, a movie theatre, live entertainment and an observation deck. A typical cruise with <A href=”http://www.ctma.ca/traversier-madeleine/cruise-645-cruise-schedule.cfm”>Groupe CTMA</a>  lasts seven days.  On day one, you depart Montreal and sail down the St-Lawrence River passing by Old Montreal, Sorel, Three River, Quebec City and the Shrine of Notre-Dame-du-Cap.  On day Two, Discover the Gaspe Peninsula where you will see a windmill park, the fishing village at Riviere du Renard and Perce.  On day three, the ship arrives at les Iles de la Madeleine, docking at Cap-aux-Meules which is the main town on the islands. This first day and, as well, days four and five on the islands are set aside for you to set out on your own and explore the area but there are also guided tours available through your ship at an extra cost.  On day six, you will visit the Gaspesie region of Quebec where you can explore the region on your own or embark on one of several guided tours available that will explore the history, geography and culture of the place.  On day seven, you return to port in Montreal.

Does this sound like a cruise you would be interested in?  If it is, rest assured that it is a cheap cruise that is suitable for any budget!  You can purchase this cruise package for a price ranging from $155.00 to $765.00 depending on what type of accommodations you want.  Seniors and children ages five to twelve can board at a reduced price and children under the age of five board for free.  You also have the option of embarking on one of several themed cheap cruises including a musical cruise, a gourmet cruise, a sing along cruise and a cruise featuring Acadian Heritage.

Photo via loose ends

Dreaming of something exotic, warm and beautiful?

How about a cheap cruise to Tahiti?

Think swaying palm trees, aqua blue waters, shopping and more when you hop aboard a cheap cruise to Tahiti. Luckily, there are quite a few cheap cruises to Tahiti, land of beauty, and the same place the late Marlon Brando called home for so long are now available.

12-Night Princess Cruise

The popular Princess Cruises has a Tahiti cruise sailing from Honolulu, Hawaii to Papeete on a few different dates that you can take advantage of: Sept. 24 ; Nov 17 ; and in 2011, Feb. 9 ;  and Mar 25. The ship sailing to Tahiti is the Royal Princess. Ports of Call include: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii; Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii; Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii; Hilo, Hawaii, Hawaii; Bora-Bora; Raiatea, French Polynesia; Moorea, French Polynesia; Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.

This Explorer-class ship offers a wide range of things to do including a library, reception hall with grand piano, traditional country lounge, and a duty-free shopping. Get a soothing beauty or massage treatment at the Asian-themed, full-service Lotus Spa or take in a work-out at the adjacent fitness center. Go for a swim in the swimming pool or indulge in the poolside barbecue and pizzeria. The outdoor jogging track is open to the sea breezes and, from the track, you can watch as emerald islands come into view. Dining options onboard the Royal Princess includes your choice of four restaurants. The ship’s open-seating policy lets passengers eat where and when they please. The Club Restaurant offers dancing and fine dining in an elegant atmosphere, while Sabatinit’s restaurant has romantic ocean views and classic Italian cuisine. The Panorama Buffet provides passengers with a casual dining environment. Guests onboard can enjoy three full-scale revue shows, with Broadway, Vegas, or New Orleans Jazz themes. A casino, comedians, magicians, game shows, and karaoke are also onboard. Prices start at $1,419.00 per person or $118.00 a night for an inside room.

30-Night Holland America

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime — a 30-night cruise – aboard the Holland America Line’s, Rotterdam sailing from San Diego to Tahiti March 4 though April 3. With its 10 decks, the ship carries 1,316 passengers and once on board, you can browse through antiques and Dutch art from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the grand venues for dancing, sunning, socializing, playing, and shopping. In fact, the shop has more than $1 million worth of commissioned art. Spacious, sunlit rooms are adorned with elegant furnishings, and grand bouquets are everywhere. There are lots of activities for everyone including award-winning musical revues, current movies (with free popcorn), dancing, and casino action. Swimming pools, tennis courts, hot tubs, a gym, spa, and duty-free shops are also waiting for you on this grand ship. Prices start at $4,099.00 per person or $137.00 per night for an inside room.

60-Night Holland America

If you can swing it, why not take a 60-night trip aboard the Holland America’s Rotterdam sailing from San Diego to Tahiti from Oct. 23 through Dec. 22. Named after the birthplace of the Holland America Line, Rotterdam showcases the art of shipbuilding, combining classic elements and modern technologies. Enjoy two swimming pools one with a sliding glass roof, and two whirlpools. Broadway revues, two-deck lounge, casino, and a $2 million showing of museum quality antiques and museum quality art work wait. Prices starting from $5,699.00 per person or $95.00 per night for an inside room.

Taking a cheap cruise to Tahiti is an experience that you will never forget and one that you will be able to share with family and friends for a long time. Prepare yourself for the time of your life aboard any of these ships for a relaxing and fulfilling vacation.

Photo via Super Starfish

Much of what we hear when it comes to the subject of cruises is all about the Caribbean. It may be enticing, and it should be… but there are equally as beautiful places to visit and enjoy on some lesser-known cheap Mexican cruises.

If you’ve never heard of the Mexican Riviera, it’s time you did. Carnival cruise lines offers incredible rates on seven-day cruises through this gorgeous part of the world on their “Mariner of the Sea” ship. The cruise departs from San Pedro, California and visits Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta before returning to port in California. Get a taste of Cabo before returning and plenty of relaxing time at sea.

Just to give you an idea of how great the pricing is, Carnival offers the balcony stateroom on the seven-day cruise through the Mexican Riviera for just $722. The balcony stateroom offers some of the best views on the ship. These cheap Mexican cruises have been rated at 5 out of 6 stars by customers who reviewed the cruise online.

The Mexican Riviera isn’t the only cheap Mexican cruise well worth checking into. How about a nice trip through Baja Mexico? The Carnival Paradise offers both three and four-day cruises through Baja from the port of Long Beach, California. The cruise stops at Catalina Island and goes on to Ensenada, Mexico before returning to Long Beach. The three-day Baja cruise does not visit Catalina Island, but you’ll still get the best of Ensenada and time at sea to enjoy the amenities of the ship. The stateroom suite – which is the finest accommodation the ship has to offer is priced at just under $460 – truly an unbeatable deal for a quick getaway from the rat race. Customers who reviewed and rates these Baja Mexico cruises rated them at 4.5 out of 6 stars – not too shabby!

The great thing about cheap Mexican cruises is that if you don’t live in California where these cruise liners depart from, air fare to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) is usually fairly cheap from just about anywhere in the country because it is considered a hub airport (like JFK and DIA for example). Most airlines run specials on roundtrip flights to LAX, and from there it’s a short drive to Long Beach or San Pedro.

If you do take one of the shorter cruises, you may want to take some extra time off to enjoy Long Beach and Los Angeles, or even take a little road trip to San Diego. All of these places have plenty to offer in food, shopping, entertainment, and historic landmarks.

Whether you opt to hang out in Southern California or not, a cruise through the Mexican Riviera or through Baja California makes for a great vacation at a great price. For more information about these cruises and where else these particular ships travel, visit the Carnival Cruise Lines website.

Photo via Esparta

I think that the last place I ever expected to find cheap cruises would be on my Facebook page. But the other day I was logging onto my account to connect with my friends and family, and behold: There was this cheap cruises sweepstakes that is being sponsored by Bud Light. You have to make a ‘crew’ and name it, and then enter you and four other people on Facebook in order to be applicable to win this awesome cruise vacation.

So, of course, I entered it, and I have high hopes of winning it, but who knows if I really will or not; but it would surely be swell if I did. Who would pass up on a free cruise, right? What is really interesting about this cruise—which is called Port Paradise and features two huge cruise ships, over four days and three nights, and one heck of a party—is that you can actually purchase your own fare if you like for less than $400 for a couple! I have yet to see cruise deal top that, because if you ask me, a cruise to a private island (which they will reveal later on) and a private concert by rock superstars, the Stone Tempe Pilots, is easily worth that rate, and then some!

Now, after reading about this facebook cruise sweepstakes, I have become intrigued, to say the least. And it has really gotten my brain churning with all sorts of ideas, like taking a sweet girl I am dating with me on this cruise and not going for broke in the process. Rarely do I find such impressively low rates on cruises and vacations, even though you can uncover some hard to beat deals by searching for cruise vacations online these days.

While there are perhaps not such great chances that I will be the winner of this sweepstakes, nonetheless it has reminded me that a good vacation is long overdue! I have a good mind to think that even if I do not win—provided I have some spare coin to spend—that I might splurge and check out just what this Port Paradise Cruise is all about. You can bet your bottom dollar that if I do find myself thumping my feet to the Stone Temple Pilots that I will most certainly document my experiences so I can report them back to you upon returning home.

I think I am going to GO FOR IT!

Photo via benstein

Now that summer is almost over and the kids will soon be back at school, it’s time to think about taking a quick weekend get-away as you gear up for fall. Cheap cruises are a great way to take a short break from the rat race.  And don’t think they don’t exist, because there are many cruise lines to choose from who offer fantastic deals at low prices.

You can cruise anywhere from one to five nights for very reasonably priced accommodations.  So what are you waiting for? Book it!  Here are some suggestions for cheap cruise weekend get-aways:

• Baja Mexico: Rates on Carnival Cruise Line start at $219 for three nights departing from Los Angeles, CA.
• Canada/New England: As we move into the fall season, this is a perfect time of year to sail to this part of the country.  Rates can start at $249 for a four night stay departing from New York.
• Bahamas:  Departing from Port Canaveral, a four night cruise to the exotic Bahamas starts at only $189.

These short, cheap cruises don’t skimp on any of the amenities either.  You will still have all the options available on longer cruises such as rock-climbing walls, waterslides, Broadway and Vegas-style entertainment, and excursions in port for shopping, dining and sight-seeing.

If a short cruise vacation is just what the doctor ordered, check out CruisesOnly.com for a wide variety of destinations, cruise line options and low prices.

Your kids have had fun all summer long. Now it’s your turn.

When most people think of cruises, the image of a large ship carrying thousands of passengers across the oceans to various ports-of-calls around the world comes to mind.  Although this image does portray the most popular type of cruise, that does not mean that this is the only option available to you if you are interested in taking a cruise.  Ocean cruises are not for everyone and if the thought of floating on the open sea for days at a time is not for you, you have another option to consider; a river cruise.  When it comes to river cruises, you will not only be getting incredible value, you will have hundreds of   cheap cruises to choose from.

A river cruise is basically what it sounds like; a cruise on a river.  Of course, there is more to one of these cruises than just that!  First of all, river cruises are available all over the world just like ocean cruises so you will not be limited to just one area.  You will enjoy all the same amenities you would on an ocean cruise such as gourmet meals and activities but the biggest difference is in the size of the vessels; ships made specifically for traveling on rivers are much smaller which means there will be less people onboard allowing for a more intimate, quiet and relaxing experience. Although the thought of cruising down a river may bring about images of jewel and gold laden Egyptian pharaohs and queens being fanned by loyal slaves as they cruise down The Nile, your river cruise can be luxurious too but without paying a luxury price!  There are many companies that offer this type of cruise experience and here is a sample of some of the ones that offer cheap cruises:

1) Uniworld – Destinations include Europe, Asia and Africa.  Although they specialize in boutique and luxury river cruises and their regular prices are a bit high, they do have special offers from time to time that see some excursions go down in price as much as a thousand dollars!

2) Viking River Cruises – Offer cruises in North America, Europe and Asia.

3) St. Lawrence Cruise Lines – Caters specifically to the Canadian St. Lawrence River region which includes Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa and Kingston.

4) Tauck River Cruises- Takes guests down rivers in Europe, Asia and Africa

5) Value World Tours – offers river cruises in unique areas of Europe and Asia.

The above mentioned companies are just some of the hundreds out there that offer this type of cruise that is becoming more and more popular with travelers looking for a different way to see the world at a cheap price.  The best way to find the best cruise to suit your needs is to do a lot of research before you settle on one company.  Even the most expensive ones offer discount prices from time to time and the only way you will find out about these offers is if you sign up for newsletters from companies in the industry and continuously check their websites for information. The best part about a river cruise is you are always close to land so there will be many things to see even when you are still on the water and there are usually many more stops on a river cruise than there is on an ocean cruise so you will be visiting more places and seeing more things!

Photo via AndyRob

Considered to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, Bermuda is a great place to take a cheap cruise. Set sail from a variety of ports around the country from New Jersey to New York for a cruise you won’t soon forget. Luckily, these cheap cruises to Bermuda are being offered now through the end of the year so you can take advantage any time that works best for you.

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Royal Caribbean Five-Night Cruise

See Bermuda in all her glory on a five-night cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Sea Explorer from Nov. 5 – Nov. 11 out of New Jersey. Prices start at $449.00 for an inside cabin aboard this ship that has a nine-hole golf course, ice skating rink, spa, pools, full basketball court and rock climbing wall. A perfect ship for couples or singles in their 30s, as well as families. Departing from Cape Liberty Terminal in New Jersey for King’s Wharf in Bermuda.

Celebrity Cruises: Seven-Night Cruise

Hop aboard Celebrity Cruise’s Celebrity Summit ship for a seven-night cruise to lovely Bermuda now through Sept. 11 starting at $699.00 depending on room. The Summit offers passengers such amenities as an acupuncture-at-sea program, gourmet foods, premium ocean view rooms, 24-hour Internet access, renowned international celebrity chef, and CIRQUE DU SOLEIL troupe, and an art collection with more than 500 museum-quality items. Depart from Cape Liberty Terminal in New Jersey and sail for King’s Wharf, Bermuda over a seven-day period.

Royal Caribbean: Nine-Day Cruise

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is offering a nine-day cruise aboard its Explorer of the Sea departing from Cape Liberty Terminal in New Jersey from April 14 to 23, 2011. The ship stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and Coco Bay, Bahamas on the return portion of the cruise. With its 15 decks, the Explorer of the Seas is weighs 138,000 tons and was launched in 2000. It can accommodate up to 3,000 passengers at one time. There is a rock wall, $11 million art collection featuring celebrity art work from Peter Falk, Tony Curtis, and Anthony Quinn. The ship is suitable for all ages be it couples with young children to seniors who want to get away from it all. Prices starting at $1,399.00 per person depending on room.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Seven-Night Cruise

The Norwegian Cruise Line has a seven-day cruise on the Norwegian Dawn ship departing out of New York to King’s Wharf, Bermuda from Sept. 11 to Sept. 12 starting at $789.00 per person depending on room choice. The Norwegian Dawn launched in 2002 and is one of the line’s largest ships to date. This cruise is typically suited for those who live on the East Coast and it caters to a lot of New Yorkers. In fact, there’s a mural of the State of Liberty on its bow for gazing while cruising along to Bermuda. Settle back in any of the ship’s nine bars and lounges, 12 restaurants, or three swimming pools while aboard this friendly and free-spirited ship.

Cruising to Bermuda could be one of the best trips you will take whether it’s now or in 2011. These cheap cruise rates are perfect for the traveler who wants terrific accommodations with lots to do and see, but who is also on a limited budget

Photo via Bermuda Hoggster

San Juan has quickly become one of the favored ports of call for cheap cruises in the Caribbean, and like all good ports it offers a variety of excursions when people disembark from the ship. Though many will wish to take advantage of one of the countless adventure travel excursions, the Island also has a lot to offer for people seeking a more relaxed time on land. No matter what you are looking for out of a cheap cruise port of call, you should be able to find something to do in San Juan.

Puerto Rico is home to the only tropical rainforest owned by the United States, and this is a must see for first time visitors to the Island. El Yunque National Forest covers 28,000 acres of varied terrain, and though it is not near the size of some of the mainland US National Parks it is covered with winding trails that make it a hikers dream. The vegetation is lush due to the heavy rainfall that the forest receives, and there is a huge variety of plant and animal life to be seen while wandering through the park. Most guides are very knowledgeable and some excursions will include a stop to cool off in one of the parks waterfalls or lagoons.

Exploring the old city of San Juan is another fantastic way to spend your day on shore. The two fortresses of San Felipe del Morro and San Cristobal were constructed over 400 years ago, and exploring this part of the city will take you through cobblestone streets and amongst some of the oldest houses in Puerto Rico. It is easy to let time fly by people watching in one of the local bars while you soak in the sun and the atmosphere of this fun Island location.

A great way to explore the culture of a particular area is to see a sporting event with the locals, and in San Juan that means baseball. There are plenty of Puerto Ricans in the major leagues and catching a game for as little as $5 may be your first look at the Island’s next big star. Be sure to try some of the food sold at concession stands for a true flavor of the Island experience.

If you are of age you might like the idea of going on a tour of the world famous Bacardi rum factory. The tour takes you through the run making process from the point at which the sugar cane is harvested all th way through to the finished product. As with all these tours they can be a fascinating insight into your favorite drink, and free samples are always a nice added bonus.

Puerto Rico is a fantastic cheap cruise destination because of the sheer variety of excursions on offer. The ties that the Island shares with the USA are unique, and the mix of familiar and exotic makes San Juan a top port of call year in and year out.

Photo via MrDoS