Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Vacations, Destinations, Holidays
Archive for November, 2008
Belize on the Today Show
Author:
The Today Show’s Matt Lauer was in Belize this past week for their Ends of the Earth special, highlighting conservation efforts in Belize. He interviewed Alex Tilley, station manager of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Glover’s Reef Atoll Station, whic[…]
read comments (0)
Once the holidays are over, continue the fun with a 12-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean on Azamara Journey. You can shop at outdoor markets in Guadeloupe, enjoy French food in Martinique and relax on the beach in St. Lucia. Onboard, enjoy presentations by destination specialists and other experts, the Elemis Spa, and fine dining in two specialty restaurants featuring steakhouse and Mediterranean cuisine. Fares start at $1,499 per person for a guarantee inside cabin (you can’t choose your specific cabin location). It’s a reasonable price for a deluxe line, but on this itinerary, you may want to upgrade to a balcony cabin to fully enjoy the sea breezes and island views.
A trans-Atlantic cruise on Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2 can be quite pricey, even for lower-category cabins that tend to be quite small. You’re paying more for the line’s historic reputation and the upscale amenities on the ship, like a fabulous enrichment program, planetarium, beautiful art in public areas, and impressive ballroom and theater. But cruise on the April 20 six-night sailing from Southampton to New York, and you can nab an inside cabin for $808 per person — possibly the lowest price we’ve seen on this itinerary. In addition, you’ll receive up to $150 onboard credit per cabin to spend in the spa, souvenir shop and specialty restaurants.
Set sail for the Eastern Caribbean on a ship with real sails, when you cruise on Windstar’s Wind Surf. A seven-night sailing this December features only one sea day and multiple ports, such as exclusive St. Barth’s, uncrowded Iles des Saintes and lush Nevis. Fares start at $1,674 per person, and include up to $300 onboard credit per cabin. Cabins are on the small side, but make great use of space, so you won’t feel crowded. Windstar passengers will appreciate the intimate ship size, excellent service and fine dining, though onboard entertainment options are limited.
Want to get away this winter? Try a 16-night Panama Canal cruise on Azamara Journey, departing January 3, 2009. You’ll visit warm and sunny destinations in the Mexican Riviera, Central America and Caribbean, plus you’ll enjoy fine dining and personal butler service onboard. Fares start at $1,299 per person — that’s $81 per night for a deluxe cruise experience (albeit in an inside cabin).
January might not be the ideal time to cruise the Mediterranean, but a ridiculously low fare might make braving the chilly weather worthwhile. Twelve-night Mediterranean cruises on Norwegian Jade start at $549 per person and include $150 - $300 in shipboard credit. That means you’ll pay under $100 a night for any cabin category between an inside and a mini-suite ($46 a night for an inside cabin) and can dine in NCL’s multiple specialty restaurants or book a spa treatment for free. Plus, you’ll pay a reduced deposit of $400 per cabin to lock in your cabin. And it won’t be that cold — many of the ports experience temperatures in the 50s and 60s at this time.
Sail through Norway’s breathtaking fjords on an eight-night cruise onboard Cunard’s classic Queen Mary 2. Onboard, you can indulge at the Canyon Ranch Spa, learn about the stars in the planetarium or dance the night away in your formal best. Fares start at $2,180 per person and include up to $150 in shipboard credit. Unless your budget is really tight, you’ll want to upgrade from these small inside cabins to something with a window or balcony — especially given Norway’s dramatic scenery.
Pamper yourself this winter with a weeklong Eastern Caribbean getaway on Regent’s luxurious Seven Seas Navigator. Not only will you enjoy spacious suites and uncrowded public areas onboard this intimate vessel, but you’ll avoid the typical crowds in these popular Caribbean ports, as well. Seven Seas Navigator will be the only ship in town when it visits Princess Cays, San Juan and St. Thomas. Guarantee fares (you don’t get to pick your specific cabin) start at $2,620 per person — a reasonable, but not incredible, price for an upscale vacation at sea.
Explore Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina on a 12-night South America cruise onboard Oceania’s Insignia. This port-intensive itinerary offers multiple overnights in key cities (Rio, Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires) and just one day at sea. Onboard, you’ll be treated to some of the comfiest beds at sea, multiple alternative restaurants serving gourmet cuisine and an intimate, upscale atmosphere. Fares start at $2,499 per person for a small inside cabin. Book soon if you want a window because balconies and suites have already sold out. You may also be eligible for free airfare.
Not only is this ship considered one of the best for first-timers, but the price is perfect for rookies too. If you’ve never been on a cruise, or are just about due for another, here’s a great way to go without investing too much money. Carnival Valor is sailing a seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, roundtrip from Miami in mid-December, starting from $279 per person. This same cruise, just one week later, jumps $400 in price to $679 per person — so you’ll know you’re getting a great value. Plus, do some last-minute holiday shopping at top-notch duty free shopping venues in St. Thomas and St. Maarten.