Summer Cruises
Find out the most popular summer cruise destinations, travel rates for the summer and the lowest priced summer cruise packages. See more here.
6 Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid
You might expect loud noises, close quarters and crazy maneuvers in the dance club onboard your cruise ship; but not in your cabin. Even if you don’t plan to spend much time there, it should be a restful and private place so you can maintain that much-needed vacation stamina. To help you do so, here’s a compiled list of cabins you’ll want to avoid booking if closet-like dimensions or scraping chair sounds overhead aren’t appealing to you.
- Cabins Seriously Lacking in Square Footage – The average master bedroom in an American household runs about 200 square feet. “Inside” doesn’t mean one size fits all, so carefully read cabin dimensions before selecting. Also, check whether a balcony is included in the total square footage of the room — the added outdoor space might be nice but not if it’s being factored into an already teeny-tiny cabin.
- Cabins With Obstructed Views – An obstructed-view cabin category might cost less, but the quality of the vista varies from room to room. One view might be only partially obstructed, leaving most of the window occupied by sunsets over waves, while others artfully frame a length of lifeboats.
- Noisy Cabins – One common rookie cruiser mistake is not checking the deck plans before booking a cabin. Anything near a dance club, sports venue, lido deck or all-night eatery could mean throbbing bass, bouncing basketballs and the sweet sound of deck chairs scraping at 3 a.m. It’s widely agreed that the best passenger deck to choose is one sandwiched between other passenger decks — you might run into noisy neighbors, but it’s unlikely they’ll have access to pots, pans or an industrial sound system. Another potential peeve is the dinging of elevators, if you’re close enough to that area to hear them. And don’t forget the cruise ship engine. While humming noises put some to sleep, the loud buzz of machinery might drive you batty. Passengers on the lowest deck are most likely to hear engine or even anchor sounds.
- Cabins With No Privacy – A view is always preferable to no view, but be wary: Cabins that open onto a promenade deck offer little privacy, even with curtains closed.
- Cabins Prone To Motion – If you know you have a history of motion sickness or even if you’re not sure, err on the side of booking a more stable cabin. By “stable,” we mean mid-ship, closer to the interior and on a lower deck, where rocking motion is less likely to be felt. A balcony room might seem enticing for the fresh air, but a location on the outer edges of the ship could make it more susceptible to movement. That said, visual contact with the horizon line is said to aid in reducing nausea as you bob up and down.
- Guarantee Cabins – Not saying that guarantee cabins aren’t worth the gamble for an upgrade, but if you want assurance that you won’t be in a pitching, noisy cabin, these cabins aren’t the way to go. A guarantee cabin isn’t actually a type of cabin but, rather, a method of booking a cabin. You pick a minimum cabin level you’d be comfortable in, and the cruise line assigns you a cabin close to booking dates based on availability. The potential for an upgrade is appealing, and if you’re cruising on a budget and don’t have a particular issue with any of the cabin dilemmas listed above, then it could be worth your while to see what a guarantee might deliver. But your guarantee also could place you squarely above the anchor, next to a crew entrance or below the theater. With guarantee cabins, you lose your ability to complain about what you end up with.
After reading these helpful tips and you’re ready to book your next exciting cruise vacation, please contact Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 (toll-free) or complete our online request form and one of our travel experts will be happy to assist you.
Cruise Ship Attractions That Will Amaze You
As each year progresses, so does the Cruise Line Industry. With each Cruise Line and Ship tying to outdo the other, the competition is endless. It’s more than a cruise, it’s an experience!
Here are some of the incredible attractions that are featured on these awesome cruise ships.
- Harmony Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean) – Full Scale Water Slides & Water Parks
- Harmony Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean) – Rock Climbing Wall
- Celebrity Solstice (Celebrity Cruises) – The Lawn Club
- Disney Dream (Disney Cruises) – The AquaDuck Water Slide
- Carnival Vista (Carnival Cruise Lines) – Their Own Onboard Brewery
- Carnival Vista (Carnival Cruise Lines) – IMAX Theater
- Carnival Vista (Carnival Cruise Lines) – The Sky Ride
- Anthem Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean) – Flow Rider Surfing Simulator (also featured on their ships Freedom Of the Seas, Oasis Of The Seas & Allure Of the Seas)
- Quantum Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean) – Rip Cord By iFly Sky Diving Simulator
- Quantum Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean) – The North Star Capsule (A viewing capsule that is guided by a robotic arm, providing breathtaking views)
- Quantum Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean) – The First-Ever “Bionic Bar” At Sea (also featured on their ships Anthem Of The Seas & Ovation Of The Seas)
- Quantum Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean) – Bumper Car Track/Attraction
- Quantum Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean) – “Virtual” Balcony Staterooms
- On Most Royal Caribbean Ships – Digital Touch Screen Way-Finding Signs
- Caribbean Princess (Princess Cruises) – “MUTS”, Movies Under The Stars (Outdoor Theater)
- Norwegian Pearl (Norwegian Cruise Lines) – Bowling Alley in the Bliss Lounge (also featured on their ship Norwegian Epic)
- MSC Divina (MSC Cruises) – F1 Racing Simulator
- MSC Divina (MSC Cruises) – 4D Cinema Theater
With all these inviting attractions, it’s time to make your next getaway a cruise vacation!!
Please contact Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or submit your Cruise Quote Request here and our expert staff will guide you to the perfect cruise vacation at a great price!!
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!
The 10 Best Cruise Lines for Family Reunions
A key to a happy family reunion is a combination of fun activities, togetherness and down time. Cruise ships provide a perfect venue for multigenerational groups because everyone is free to do their own thing — play or lounge by day, dine together at night.
Here are the 10 best cruise lines for family reunion cruises:
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL)
- Disney Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
- Holland America Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Crystal Cruises
- Cunard Line
- Princess Cruises
- Oceania Cruises
Please call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send a cruise vacation request form and let us plan your next memorable family reunion cruise today!!!
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!!
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!!
The 10 best things to do In a Caribbean Port.
A cruise to the Caribbean gives you the chance to partake in many fun and diverse shore excursions. Whether you want something action-packed or laidback, you can find your ideal activities ashore. Consider these:
- Ziplining – While in port in St. Martin/St. Maarten, visit Loterie Farm at Pic Paradis, where you’ll find not only ziplining but also an obstacle course high up above the trees.
- Rainforest Hike – Lush & green St. Lucia is a prime Caribbean port for this activity. See the island’s exotic flora and fauna, and learn about the rainforest’s history and ecology — and its effects on the island — from your tour guide.
- City Tours – A city tour through San Juan, Puerto Rico is ideal due to the many historic places located right in the city center.
- Shopping – In St. Thomas, an island especially known for its duty-free shopping, partake in an excursion that takes you to some of the best shopping spots on the island.
- Snorkeling – The Antilla Shipwreck in Aruba is a favorite spot, as it’s shallow enough for snorkelers (not just scuba divers) to get a good look at the wreck.
- Waterfalls & Swimming Holes – In Jamaica, visit Dunn’s River Falls and swim in the water at its base. In Aruba, visit the Natural Pool, which is formed in the middle of large rocks in a scenic location by the island’s coastline.
- Play With Animal/Sea Life – If you’re an animal lover, the Caribbean is going to make love them even more, with the opportunity to see dolphins, monkeys, lizards and ride horses along the beach. At Stingray City in Grand Cayman, you can swim with hundreds of stingrays, who make their home in the bay and are used to human touch.
- White Water Rafting – A popular place to do this is in Jamaica, down the Rio Bueno River, which takes you through fast rapids and tropical scenery.
- Local Drinks – A distillery or brewery tour is a tasty way to get in touch with the local side of an island. In the Dominican Republic, try some sips of its famous rum while visiting a local distillery. While in San Juan, you can take a tour and sample many versions of rum from their famous Bacardi Rum Factory.
- Ancient Sites – Many Caribbean cruises make stops along the eastern coast of Mexico near Cancun. While there, visit the ruins of Tulum to see remnants of the way ancient Mayan civilizations lived.
Bargain Travel specializes in cruise packages to the Caribbean with all the major cruise lines. Please contact us at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a cruise quote request so we can plan and book your next exotic cruise vacation!
Summer 2012 Most Searched Destinations
Even as energy costs and gas prices are high, Americans aren’t decreasing spending on vacations or other recreation expenses. After all, Americans love their vacations, and they’ll find a way to travel despite high gas prices. Plus, this has happened before: When gas prices reached a record $4.11 per gallon in July 2008, Americans still traveled that summer. With help from Bargain Travel Cruises, you will find the most affordable prices for vacationing this summer. To find out how you can save money on your next vacation, call (800) 820-4567.
Booking engine Kayak has the data to prove that an increase in gas prices this summer will have little to no effect on American vacationers. According to Kayak, the most searched for US destination for summer 2012 travel is Las Vegas, while Los Angeles had the largest increase in search share, year after year. Searches on Las Vegas are up 20 percent, compared with 2011, while searches on Los Angeles are up up 22 percent.
Where Americans are Traveling
Despite the expected summer heat, Caribbean resorts are seeing a lot of interest. Kayak notes a 15 percent spike in searches to the Dominican Republic’s main hotspots of Punta Canta, Puerto Plata, and Santo Domingo. Down south, the Central American countries of Belize and Costa Rica continue to receive interest from American fliers. Searches for summer travel to Placencia, Belize are up 83 percent, while major Costa Rican resort towns are seeing spikes of interest of between 20 and 30 percent, says Kayak.
Americans are also interested in traveling west. Search results are jumping for Kahului and Hawaii (up 19 percent). For China, Shanghai is up 28 percent in search volume and Beijing is up 16 percent. The gains are at the expense of interest in Europe’s major cities, which all saw severe declines in interest. The company’s data is from travelers’ searches in January for trips this summer that include a Saturday overnight stay, with “summer” being defined as between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Don’t Let High Energy Prices Get You Down
For Bargain Travel Cruises, high gas prices mean low travel rates. You deserve a vacation with your hard-earned money! It is our goal to provide the cheapest package prices for the 2012 top searched travel destinations, including the hotspots mentioned above. Whether you’re looking for group packages, family travel, romantic getaways or just cheap travel prices, Bargain Travel Cruises is the name to know. We will set you up with the perfect travel package at the lowest price. For more information, call us today at (800) 820 – 4567.