bargain travel cruises
Unwind in the 10 Best Cruise Ship Spas
Spas on some cruise ships boast the latest and greatest in relaxation and wellness treatments, catering to both newbies and experienced spa fans. There are treatment options for women and men and sometimes even for teens. Prices may be higher onboard than on land, but when else are you going to indulge? Check out these spas to achieve a new level of zen.
- Celebrity Cruises – Canyon Ranch SpaClub
- Princess Cruises – The Lotus Spa
- Norwegian Cruise Line – The Mandara Spa
- Disney Cruise Line – Senses Spa & Salon
- Cunard Line (Queen Mary 2) – The Canyon Ranch SpaClub
- Crystal Cruises – The Crystal Spa
- MSC Cruises (MSC Divina) – The Aurea Spa
- Seabourn Cruises – The Seabourn Spa
- Oceania Cruises – The Canyon Ranch SpaClub
- Costa Cruises – The Samsara Spa
Why not indulge yourself and make your next vacation with one of these awesome cruise lines! Contact Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or submit a cruise quote request form and allow us to make your next cruise getaway one that will be fulfilling and relaxing!
11 Things To Do On Board The New Norwegian Getaway
The new 4000 passenger Norwegian Getaway debuted in Miami earlier this year, the biggest ship to ever cruise year-round from the city. Onboard the Miami-centric ship, cruise passengers will find an action-packed environment that aims to bring the excitement of the Magic City to sea. Here are 11 favorite activities to do onboard the Norwegian Getaway.
- Watching “It’s Magic“: The one-of-a-kind Illusionarium dinner show.
- Sipping Mojitos: Head to the Sugarcane Mojito Bar to taste six varieties of mojitos.
- Whirling Down Slides: Try one of the five colorful waterslides above Deck 16 at Getaway’s Aqua Park.
- Walking The Plank: Put on a harness and fulfill your pirate fantasies! Step onto a plank the protrudes 8 feet off the ship, with nothing but sea 180 feet below!
- Playing Mini Golf: A round of mini golf on the ship’s 9-hole, pirate-themed course is a nice diversion, especially for families.
- Hanging With SpongeBob: As part of Norwegian’s deal with Nickelodeon TV, characters including SpongeBob appear in a bunch of places shipboard, including the décor at the Kids’ Aqua Park and Splash Academy playrooms.
- Eating Cuban: Fulfill your appetite with classic dishes like black beans and rice, pulled pork, fried yucca and empanadas at the open-air Flamingo Bar & Grill.
- Participating in a Game Show: Crowds gather in the three-deck atrium — with its giant video screen — to play “Deal Or No Deal”, compete in trivia contests and hear what comes out of the mouths of fellow passengers during “The Perfect Couple Game Show”.
- Going Dancing: Dancing the night away onboard the Getaway doesn’t mean just busting a move in the disco. Theme nights include an 80’s party, complete with fireworks, at the outdoor club Spice H2O. In the Tropicana Room, a dramatic dining space designed to look like a 1940’s supper club, you can dance to tunes by an excellent Latin trio.
- Listening To Music: The GRAMMY Experience is a new club featuring Grammy award-winning musicians. The décor includes cases filled with funky Grammy memorabilia such as bright yellow Jackson Five jumpsuits, circa 1977.
- Seeing A Show: Head to the theater for the cutesy “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and a sizzling Latin version of the Broadway dance show “Burn The Floor”. For laughs, catch a performance by topflight comics. Or sample “Wine Lovers the Musical”, where lunch and a wine tasting get the comedic treatment.
Make your next cruise vacation aboard the Norwegian Getaway a reality. Call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a cruise vacation quote request and let us plan your next “Getaway” on board this incredible new ship!
2014 Cruisers’ Choice Awards Winners
Here are the most notable winners of the 2014 Cruisers’ Choice Awards:
- Disney Fantasy (Disney Cruise Lines): Best Large Ship
- Disney Wonder (Disney Cruise Lines): Best Midsize Ship
- Seabourn Quest (Seabourn Cruise Line): Best Small Ship, Best Small Ship for Public Rooms & Best Small Ship for Value-for-Money
- Carnival Liberty (Carnival Cruise Lines): Best Large Ship for Value-for-Money
- Oasis Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines): Best Large Ship for Fitness
- Oceania Riviera (Oceania Cruise Lines): Best Midsized Ship for Cabins
- Norwegian Sun (Norwegian Cruise Lines): Best Midsized Ship for Value-for-Money
- Regent Seven Seas Navigator (Regent Seven Seas Cruises): Best Small Ship for Cabins
- Crystal Serenity (Crystal Cruise Lines): Best Small Ship for Dining
- Celebrity Silhouette (Celebrity Cruises): Best Cruises to the Mediterranean
Why not make your next cruise vacation on board one of these beautiful ships? Please call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a cruise request quote form so we can begin planning your next incredible cruise getaway!!
10 Cruise Ships To Sure Please kids
Cruise lines cater to more than 1.5 million kid vacationers a year. It’s no wonder cruise ships are such a draw for families — there’s lots of stuff for the younger set to do. While the kids are occupied in organized activities programs, adults get to enjoy some downtime. When the whole family is ready for some togetherness, waterslides and other fun play areas provide places for creating memories. These 10 cruise ships have the most kid appeal.
- Oasis Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean Cruise Line)
- Allure Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean Cruise Line)
- Norwegian Breakaway (Norwegian Cruise Line)
- Norwegian Getaway (Norwegian Cruise Line)
- Disney Dream (Disney Cruise Line)
- Disney Fantasy (Disney Cruise Line)
- MSC Divina (MSC Cruises)
- Carnival Breeze (Carnival Cruise Line)
- Carnival Sunshine (Carnival Cruise Line)
- Royal Princess (Princess Cruises)
Let us make this cruise getaway a reality!! Please call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a cruise vacation quote request so we can begin planning your next memorable family cruise vacation!!
10 Questions to ask your Cruise Travel Agent
For first-time cruisers and experienced cruise passengers too, travel agents can be an invaluable resource. They can help you get through the nuances and intricacies of planning your cruise vacation and even save you money during special sales/promotional events as well as other times during the year too. However, you need to know what you want before starting a conversation. Here are the 10 key questions to ask your cruise travel agent when planning a cruise:
- Do you have any experience in cruising? (You want to work with an agent that has first-hand experience with being on a cruise and familiarity with all the major cruise lines)
- Are there any special offers that apply to me? (Cruise lines target offers – such as senior discounts, residential discounts and military personnel discounts)
- Can I save by tweaking my travel dates? (You may have specific cruise dates in mind, however, if you are flexible, your agent might save you a bundle by booking you a week earlier or later. High season usually occurs Memorial Day through Labor Day, Passover/Easter week & Christmas/New Year’s break)
- Where will my cabin be located? (Not every cabin in the same category is created equally. One may bring the benefit of a larger than normal balcony, another may be located in a particularly noisy area of the ship. Choosing a specific cabin may or may not be the best way to go. Your agent will guide you in this realm)
- Can you do anything for me? (Travel agents may be able to sweeten the pot with incentives such as onboard spending credits, a bottle of champagne upon arrival in your cabin or a dinner at one of the ships’ restaurants. It doesn’t hurt to ask.)
- Have you cruised to this destination? (Your travel agent should be able to offer some advice on what to see and do at any destination port)
- What are the dining options onboard? (On many ships, you need to decide upfront whether to do early or late seating at assigned tables or an open-seating option. You may also want to make reservations at one of the ship’s popular specialty restaurants one evening. This is another area where your cruise travel agent can be a helpful guide)
- Should I buy travel insurance? (You are investing money when you book your cruise. Make sure you understand what is covered and what’s not. Also make sure you understand how the cruise payment plan works — with a deposit upfront. A travel agent can take you through what happens if you need to cancel, including the difference between cruise line and third-party insurance policies)
- What happens if the price of the cruise drops? (Some cruise fares have non-refundable deposits, but most do not. A good travel agent will help you watch for price changes and help you grab a lower fare if one becomes available — within the change period allowed)
- Will I be able to reach you if I run into a problem? (The big difference between a do-it-yourself approach and working with an agent is customer service. you want someone who will know your needs and be there when you need them)
Bargain Travel prides itself on customer service and serving its clients. When you are ready to book your next cruise vacation, please give us a call at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a cruise quote request form and allow our experienced staff to take care of all your travel needs.
Packing Must-Haves: What To Bring On A Cruise
The key to packing for a cruise is bringing a variety of comfortable, casual clothes you can mix and match and a few items that you can dress up more at night. Shorts or even a bathing suit and cover-up will do during the day, but on most ships you’ll need to put on long pants for dinner. If you’re a gym rat, you’ll want to bring workout clothes. If you’re a nature lover, don’t forget your binoculars and/or a camera with a good lens. Readers will want to bring books or an e-reader (don’t count on the ship’s library having much of a selectiosn). Whether going tropical, arctic or somewhere in between, you won’t want to leave home without these other items:
- A Lightweight Rain Jacket and/or Umbrella
- Shampoo, Conditioner & Soap
- A Power Strip
- A Spare Pair Of Glasses/Contacts
- Gallon-Size Sealable Plastic Bags
- Dramamine, Acupunture Wristbands, Ginger Tablets and/or Meclizine
- Hangers
- Sun & Bug Protection
- Comfortable Shoes
Be sure to to call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a cruise quote request so we can begin planning your next well-deserved cruise vacation!!
Secrets to Top Airlines Around the World
Remember when flying was fun? There was a time when flight attendants took care of your every need, baggage fees didn’t exist and you didn’t have to worry about competing with other passengers for bin space. There are a few airlines that still offer excellent service and special attention that makes flying enjoyable. Bargain Travel Cruises will help you find the best airlines for the cheapest price possible. To find out more about how you can make the most out of your group or family vacation, call (800) 820-4567.
Cathay Pacific
The Hong Kong-based company has won airline of the year several times from Skytrax. This airline is singled out for its comfortable seats across classes. Enjoy a quality meal from rice cookers, toasters and skillets. For a more relaxing flight, fly first-class for a full lie-flat seat with massage options. The quasi-suite also includes a closet, ottoman and entertainment system. Even the economy seats come with benefits like eight inches of reclining space, pockets to hold your amenities and ports to stream iPod or iPad entertainment onto a monitor. Look for these flights on the Hong Kong-New York route.
Qatar Airways
Based out of Doha in the Middle East, Qatar’s national airline won the coveted airline of the year from Skytrax, the world’s largest airline ranking and review site, in 2011. The airline is known for friendly staff, its entertainment system and comfortable seats. Order your meal whenever you want it and enjoy Prada or Molton Brown amenity kits. The comfortable seats offer more leg-space than normal. If you’re flying for six or more hours, eat twice!
Singapore Airlines
Almost all lists of top-rated airlines include the Singapore-based carrier near the top. Why? Singapore Airlines has focused its brand on customer service. Known for luxurious travel, this airline offers private compartments with blocked off doors. Each suite includes a single bed, a leather chair and an LCD TV with many entertainment options to choose from. Economy seats offer plenty of leg-space, individual reading lamps and in-seat power.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines took top honors for traditional carriers in the 2011 J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey. This airline is recognized for a friendly flight crew, the boarding and baggage process and the fast reservation services. If you wait more than 20 minutes in baggage claim, Alaska Airlines will provide a $20 voucher or 2,000 points. Enjoy Starbucks coffee and personal entertainment with movies and TV shows. However, economy tickets do not include free food, entertainment or WiFi.
How to Find the Best Airlines for Cheap
With Bargain Travel Cruises, you can fly happy without exceeding your travel budget. We provide the cheapest package prices for some of the best airlines. You deserve the best vacation, starting with your transportation. Whether you’re flying alone or with a group, we have the cheap vacation packages you’re looking for. From group packages and family travel to honeymoon getaways or just cheap travel prices, Bargain Travel Cruises is here for you. To get the perfect travel package and the cheapest price possible, book your trip with Bargain Travel Cruises at (800) 820 – 4567.
Heat Up This Spring with an Alaskan Cruise
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word Alaska? If you answered cold, you are not alone. However, traveling to Alaska doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need your warmest arctic gear. With a little help from Bargain Travel Cruises, you can plan your cruise to Alaska at the right time for the best price.
When is the Best Time to Travel to Alaska?
The best time to travel to Alaska is between May and September. Depending on your traveling interests, each month has its own benefits. For example, June and July are the warmest months to travel to Alaska. Spring and fall are perfect for season changes and sightseeing in Alaska. If you’re interested in saving money, the cheapest time to travel to Alaska is during the colder months of April and October.
What will the Temperature Be, and What Should I Wear?
When planning an Alaskan cruise, it’s important to pack for cold weather. The cruise ships will visit places where you’ll be able to tour places surrounded in ice, walk across a glacier or go dog-sledding. If you travel between the May and September Alaska cruise season, the temperatures will be warmer; especially while you’re visiting the major ports or cities. Before you go, do a little research to find the best apparel to pack and the average temperatures for the places you’ll visit.
Plan an Alaskan Cruise Tour
When you plan an Alaskan cruise tour, you will get the opportunity to experience Alaska both coastal and interior. A cruise tour is the best way to see it all. You can explore Mt. McKinley or Denali National Park, view wildlife in its natural habitat and visit beautiful mountain lodges. Bargain Travel Cruises has the adventurous travel packages and shore excursions you’re looking for. With cheap prices and group package deals, a cruise tour with Bargain Travel Cruises is the only way to go. Call us today to book your Alaska vacation for a small portion of what other cruise lines will charge you! For more information about discounts and deals, Alaskan cruises and group rates, call (800) 820 – 4567.