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Cheap Cruises, Best Cruise Deals

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In a cash-strapped economy, cheap cruises can be a great way to take an inexpensive exotic vacation. The sheer number and variety of cruises and cheap cruise deals on the market today is almost as vast as the great blue seas; the plethora of cheap cruise options leaves plenty of opportunity for bargain-hunters to set sail.

There are literally dozens of cruise companies in operation worldwide, and most offer travelers a choice of ships ranging in size and amenities; in other words, you have your pick of cheap cruises, high-end cruises, and cruises priced somewhere in between.

You can take an intimate tour of remote islands (for example, the Galapagos Explorer II, starting at $517/person/night, carries a maximum 100 people), cruise the Alaskan inlets on a midsize ship (with Princess Cruises, for instance, starting at $187/person/night), or board a 3,000-person floating city that trolls the Caribbean (e.g., Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruises).

Carnival, which heads our list of best cheap cruises, scores with critics and consumers for activities, cleanliness, and a family-friendly atmosphere on many of its ships. Another best cheap cruise pick, Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas, appeals to a wide age range and offers what travelers say are above-average dining options. Norwegian Sky wins points for spacious, clean staterooms, and Costa Atlantica woos travelers with the classiness of its accommodations; both appear on our list as good cheap cruises. Passenger reviews suggest waving goodbye to the Voyages of Discovery and the MSC Opera, the former for its Spartan environment and lengthy trips, the latter for hidden costs and limited access to food and fun.

A good rule of thumb: the more exotic the location, the heftier the price tag. Cheap cruises to the Caribbean are usually easy to find because it's a hotly competitive market. But destinations that were heavily discounted in 2010, like Alaska and Mexico, are now more costly, according to Ship Critic blog - blame the new uber-popularity of these spots and reduced cruise capacity.

Other factors, like time of year and on-board accommodations, also affect cost. The lowest cruise rates are normally available at the beginning or end of the season; off-peak travel from May to mid-June and October to December are often the best times to land a budget cruise. Repositioning cruises -- one-way trips on a ship that's relocating from one region to another -- are another cheap alternative. As for your lodging, the usual choices include an inside cabin, a room with a view (i.e., a balcony or window), or a suite. Prices range widely on most ships, so if you're looking for the cheapest cruise and expect to use the room only for sleeping, go with an interior/no-window option.

Cruise lines tend to specialize in some aspect of the cruise experience. Some cruises excel in entertainment and activities, while others stress food and service. One line may be a non-stop party, whereas another offers geography lectures. You'll also come across cruises with themes, such as romance, sporty/adventure, and gay and lesbian. The cruise trends for 2011, says USA Today, include enhanced dining experiences, like guest chefs and unique cuisine, and theme cruises focused on music, art, and culture. Many cruises also offer the option of land-based activities at ports of call -- for a fee, of course.

When you're ready to book your trip, check out the cruise line's website as well as travel consolidators such as Orbitz.com, CruiseCompete.com, CruisesOnly.com, CruiseStar.com, and Cruise411.com. These sites basically serve as travel agents, but they sell cruise deals at steeper discounts than are found elsewhere. If you call and talk to an agent, ask about unadvertised deals and upgrades. Ship Critic Blog warns, however, that bargaining for lower fares on most major cruise lines is now but a faint memory of recessionary times.

To help you decide which cheap cruise is best for you, we've prepared a rundown of features commonly found on low-cost cruises, along with a summary of their performance based on a reading of expert and consumer reviews. In short, travelers consider the overall experience, accommodations (space and cleanliness), food (many menu options and well-prepared meals), and entertainment (variety for the adults, G-rated fun for kids) as most critical. Keep in mind that many cruise lines operate many different ships, so reports about any given cruise line can vary widely, depending on the ship and the route.

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EasyCruise.com
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Cruises
MSC Opera Cruises
Voyages of Discovery Cruises
Norwegian Sky Cruises
Costa Atlantica Cruises
Carnival Cruises
Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas Cruise

Disney Cruises

 

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