How To Find A Cruise For Under $300!

The holiday season is almost upon us, and the search for the perfect gift has begun.  Sometimes, however, the greatest gift we can give is that of an unforgettable, memory-creating experience. With a little advance planning, you can gift your loved ones with a cruise for the holidays- without breaking the bank.

CruiseCompete offers a variety of budget-friendly 3, 4, or even 5-day cruises for under $300.00 per person.  With that pricing, you can take the whole family! (CruiseCompete will even help you plan- just take a look at their 2016 Family Friendly Cruise Travel Planner.)

For more cruises under $300 click here: http://www.cruisecompete.com/specials/price/under_300/1.

If you love the idea of a cruise as a holiday gift, and want to research all the possibilities, there is a cruise for every budget.  (You can also search by cruises by line, region and type.  Search all cruise specials here.)

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Now is the time to purchase cruises for the holiday season! CruiseCompete member-agents are the most well-educated, forward-thinking and trusted cruise specialists in the industry. If you’d like more information or assistance planning a future cruise, please visit CruiseCompete.com. To see consumer feedback click here.

A Modern Luxury Toast to 25 Years Of Celebrity Cruises Vacations

To celebrate a milestone anniversary, Celebrity Cruises has kicked off 2015 with a lineup of exclusive surprises to thank travel partners and guests who have supported 25 years of unforgettable modern luxury vacations.

Recognizing the fundamental role of the travel community, the cruise vacation company has launched a special campaign for travel partners. Through Friday, January 30, Celebrity will share the excitement with 25 daily surprises in the form of VISA® gift cards. Travel partners also have the chance to win the campaign's grand prize - an inclusive VIP cruise vacation with Celebrity, complete with suite accommodations, roundtrip air arrangements, a Classic Beverage Package, gratuities and $200 to indulge in amenities and offerings while at sea.*

Available through Sunday, January 11, Celebrity’s vacationers can enjoy a token of thanks toward their next vacation with a limited-time $25 deposit. This promotion can be combined with the benefits of the popular “123go! All Inclusive” campaign. Vacationers can indulge in all three benefits – complimentary beverage packages, gratuities and up to $300 to spend onboard – when booking a Concierge Class stateroom or higher or choose one of these offers with a oceanview or veranda stateroom reservation.* Guests can also celebrate onboard Celebrity’s 11 stunning ships by raising a glass of the new one-of-a-kind “25^th Anniversary Martini.”

"The culmination of 25 years has seen Celebrity elevate every aspect of the modern luxury experience, from industry-first vacation packages and unique partnerships with Top Chef and leading spa and wellness brand Canyon Ranch, to award-winning onboard offerings and amenities,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “To have then been pleased to announce the order of two new iconic ships with Project EDGE, as we reached our 25^th year, was the perfect way to celebrate Celebrity's success. We look forward to the next 25 years and beyond, and thank all who have made it possible – our guests, our travel partners and our dedicated and hardworking employees on land and at sea.”

Celebrity will reveal more ways to celebrate its special 25^th anniversary throughout 2015.

About Celebrity Cruises: 
Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 11 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents and present immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com , or call your travel agent. 

*For more information about the travel partner campaign, visit thecelebritycommitment.com. Full details about Celebrity’s $25 deposit and 123go! offers are available at celebritycruises.com/123go-all-inclusive. 

Travelore Tips 6 Easy Ways To Save On A Cruise

Photo courtesy of Icholakov / Dreamstime.com. Article by Fran Golden, contributor to Budget Travel.

The high cost of a dream cruise vacation can leave you feeling a little queasy before you even set sail. (And let's not mention the add-ons!) Here, our Trip Coach's sage advice about how to save big before boarding.

BOOK EARLY
By reserving six to 12 months ahead of your cruise, you can lock in an early-bird rate that's 25 to 50 percent lower than the published "brochure" rate most lines advertise. You'll also have a wider selection of itineraries, dates, and cabins, and possibly get better deals on airfare and hotels. If prices go down after you book, a good travel agent -- or the cruise line itself -- should help you get the new lower rate.

...OR BOOK LATE
Yes, it runs completely counter to what we just said about booking early, but if you wait 60 to 90 days before you want to sail, cruise lines often drop prices significantly to fill any remaining spaces on their ships. If you're willing and able to white-knuckle it, this is when you can nab a weeklong Caribbean cruise for under $500. But of course, you won't have as much choice of itinerary or cabin, it may be tricky to find a low airfare to your port, and last-minute fares are typically nonrefundable.

REQUEST A DISCOUNT
Asking the right questions can work magic. If you're a return customer, mention it when booking and politely inquire whether you're eligible for a discount -- it can shave 5 to 15 percent off your fare. Since cruise prices are based on double occupancy, a third or fourth person in your cabin should get a 30 to 60 percent discount. If you're 55 or older, don't be shy about asking for a 5 percent discount; likewise, active and retired servicemen and women should always ask if the line offers them savings.

USE A TRAVEL AGENT
Sites like Kayak and Expedia have put you in the driver's seat -- sometimes literally -- but don't underestimate the role a good agent can play in finding you the right deal. Many have reserved spaces they can sell you at a discount, and they can explain whether an advertised "free" upgrade or all-inclusive package is for real or just a ploy. They can also advocate for you if rates drop after you've booked your cruise.

GO BIG
Large groups -- like family reunions at sea -- can be complicated to pull together, but they can also knock big bucks off the price of cabins. A group of 16 people in eight cabins, for instance, can sometimes get a steep discount on the 16th fare, or in some cases a free berth. For large groups, booking a year in advance is advised to ensure you get the block of cabins you want.

TRY SHOULDER SEASON
You won't save a ton, but sailing when most folks stay home can nab you a modest bargain -- maybe 10 percent off typical high-season rates. Here are the best times to find deals in four highly popular cruise regions:

Caribbean: September and October, the non-holiday weeks in December, and early January to Presidents' Day.

Europe: Mid-March and April, September to December.

Alaska: May and September.

Bermuda: April and October.

Travelore Tips: Five Great-Value Cruises From U.S. Ports This Spring And Summer

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Even better than the unusual cruise values for this summer are a few cruise deals that have popped up this spring. These April and May voyages set sail from U.S. ports—which means many of you can drive to the ship. You can even "take a cruise from the U.S. to Europe for cheaper than airfare," says USA Today, suggesting these 10 transatlantic bargain voyages. Personally, though, I've seen more interesting voyages on offer for this spring. Here are my top picks when it comes to that hard-to-find combo of good itinerary and good price:

A 16-day voyage from New York to London on Oceania Cruises' Marina for $4,299 per person in an inside stateroom. The cruise leaves New York on May 22, hits Maine, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Newfoundland, spends only three days on the Atlantic Ocean, then calls at both Cork and Dublin in Ireland, and Cornwall in England, before ending in London (well, Dover, actually) on June 7. I've sailed on this ship myself and can assure you that the food is phenomenal.

A 15-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Montreal on Holland America's Maasdam for $1,435 per person in an oceanview cabin. The cruise leaves Fort Lauderdale on May 2and stops in Charleston, South Carolina; Newport, Rhode Island; Bar Harbor, Maine; and a series of ports in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec, ending in Montreal on May 17. These places may not be exotic, but they're certainly charming—and you avoid the packs of tourists that descend in peak season.

A 7-day jaunt from Los Angeles to Vancouver on Princess Cruises' Crown Princessfor $919 in a balconied cabin. The ship leaves L.A. on May 3 and sails up the West Coast to Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Oregon, and Victoria, British Columbia, before ending in Vancouver on May 10. It's a way to see coastline that you can't always see from the Pacific Coast Highway.

And here are two more options. The itineraries aren't as good, but the pricing is pretty sweet, considering the quality of the ships:

A 7-day getaway out of Los Angeles on Celebrity Cruises' Century. The ship sails to Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Monterey, Catalina Island, and Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to Los Angeles. On the April 5 cruise there are concierge cabins available for $1,028 and on the April 12 cruise there are veranda cabins for $1,078. This cruise may make sense for people who live within driving distance of L.A. and just need a no-brainer vacation at sea.

A 12-day transatlantic voyage on the Disney Magic for $1,421.45 in an inside stateroom. The ship leaves Port Canaveral on May 19 and hits Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Madeira (the Portuguese archipelago off the coast of Spain), and Malaga, Spain, before ending in Barcelona on May 31. There isn't much port time, however—you have only five hours to see Madeira, for instance—and the ship spends eight full days at sea. But if you love Disney's mind-bending variety of shipboard activities or you've got kids who don't need to be in school, it could be what the doctor ordered.

The prices above are per person, based on double occupancy, and include taxes and fees. They were furnished by one of my recommended top cruise travel specialists,Linda Allen of Brownell Travel. Linda has booked several of my own family's cruises and will help you get the most for your dollar.

Contributed by Wendy Perrin

20 Travelore Tips From the World's Smartest Cruisers

Contributed by Brian Penny

Travel gives you something few other things can: experience and exposure to different cultures and locations around the world. When it comes to booking a memorable vacation, cruising is a great way to go. Not only does it allow you to see multiple locations on one voyage, but it's also very relaxing.

Before you board your ship, consider some advice from several professional cruisers. While cruising is an excellent source of travel, those who do it often have invaluable tips for first-time cruisers that can make your voyage more memorable and less stressful.

1. Communication

Bring walkie-talkies if you are traveling with more than just a few people. Without cell phone service on the sea, it can be quite difficult to track down your friends and family aboard a large ship if they are not answering the phone in their staterooms.

2. Call for a wakeup call

The rule on most cruise ships is that you must be off the boat by 9 a.m. on the last day of the cruise. Since rooms do not come with an alarm clock, either pack one of your own or call the ship's room service butler to request a wakeup call.

3. Sign up

Many cruise ships offer membership programs. They are free to join, and you earn points every time you book a cruise. Some ships provide special incentives to members, such as discounted upgrades or even special treats in your stateroom.

4. Book in advance

The best deals happen well in advance of your departure date. If you want to take a cruise, book at least six to nine months in advance, when many cruise lines offer discounted prices on staterooms and voyages.

5. Book your flight with care

If you have to fly to your departure port, be sure to book your flight for a day or two prior to your ship's departure. The last thing you want to do is fly out on the day of departure and experience a flight delay, missed connection, or cancellation that causes you to miss your boat.

6. Use the spa

If you plan on using the spa, do it on a day when the rest of the passengers are off the boat at some port or another. Ships often offer discounted spa services on days they are docked.

7. Book excursions

Renting a boat or going parasailing is great fun, but it's often less expensive if you book those excursions yourself, directly, rather than going through your ship. The price on board is always more expensive than the price offered by island tour companies.

8. Bring wine

Many cruise lines allow you to bring one bottle of wine per person aboard the ship. You will pay a corkage fee at dinner, but many cruisers have noted that a bottle that costs $100 at home could cost as much as $300 on a ship.

9. Get the table you want

Sure, it's fun to dine with a dozen other guests on a cruise. However, if you want that romantic table for two and you forget to request it in advance, your best bet is to get to dinner early the first night and sweet-talk the headwaiter.

10. Be smarter than the Internet fee

Internet and email are the best way to stay in contact with friends and family while you're at sea, but this can get quite expensive. Save yourself a little money on the minute-by-minute fee by typing your emails and messages before going on the Internet so all you have to do is send them once you've logged on.

11. Bring a radio

When it comes time to getting ready for dinner and excursions, you'll want music in your stateroom. A portable radio can pick up a lot of local stations when you are in port, which makes the atmosphere in your room more lively.

12. A tabletop mirror

It's not always easy to apply your makeup on board your ship, which means you'll want to use a tabletop mirror to help you out. If you can pack one, do it.

13. Power is important

Plugging in your electronics so you can charge batteries and everything else you want to use on board -- not to mention your hair dryer and flat iron -- can be difficult with the limited number of power outlets in your stateroom. Bringing a power strip allows you to plug in as many items as you need at any given time.

14. Post-it notes

Need more towels or ice, or would you rather your room attendant left only bottles of water instead of the usual sodas and other unhealthy beverages? Bring some sticky notes and place them on your doors and mirrors when you have a request. Your attendant is sure to see them and honor your requests.

15. Book your next cruise before you depart

If you loved cruising and you want to do it again, try booking your next cruise while you're still on this one. Many cruise lines offer a discount to travelers when you do this.

16. Skip the pricey cocktails

The drink of the day might sound fantastic, but it's usually one of the most expensive drinks on the boat. If you want to save, drink things such as rum and coke or rum and diet and opt for the house rum. It's usually much less expensive than other cocktails on board a cruise ship.

17. Skip the buffet

The breakfast buffet is always busy. Skip it by ordering room service in your stateroom while you prepare to depart for shore that day or head to the main dining room. The main dining room serves a sit-down breakfast with an impressive menu and plenty to choose from, without the long lines.

18. Use the spa shower

Even if you're not using the spa for any services, most cruise ships will allow you to use the shower in the restroom. It's far more spacious than the showers in your stateroom, which means you can take a nice, long, luxurious shower without the cramped feeling of being in your room.

19. Ask about baby items

Many cruise lines are now offering passengers baby items such as baby-proofing, pack and plays, and even pureed baby food for your little ones.

20. Head to the Caribbean

Some of the most inexpensive and fun cruises are simple trips to the Caribbean. You'll have a holiday full of fun in the sun, fruity cocktails, and plenty of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Sometimes the best cruise vacation requires nothing more than a different beach every day.

Cruising is a great way to see the world. Take the advice of expert cruisers and you'll find that your vacation is utterly relaxing. Isn't that the point of a vacation? To relax and enjoy yourself without having to stress over all the details?

Royal Caribbean Offers Lowest Airfare Guarantee Via It's ChoiceAir Flight Booking System

  

Newly Enhanced “Open Booking” Option Gives Greatest Flexibility and up to $200 Onboard
Credit for Guests 

Royal Caribbean International today announced its new Lowest Airfare Guarantee with Royal Caribbean ChoiceAir, the cruise line’s flight booking system for guests looking for the best airfare and flight options for their cruise. If guests find a cheaper airfare within 24 hours of booking their flights on ChoiceAir, Royal Caribbean will refund them 110 percent of the difference in onboard credit to spend on their cruise vacation. Separately, enhancements to the NextCruise Open Booking option now offers guests the greatest flexibility, as well as an onboard booking bonus, when making a future reservation while on their Royal Caribbean vacation.

Peace of Mind with Royal Caribbean ChoiceAir
Along with its Lowest Airfare Guarantee, Royal Caribbean ChoiceAir provides booked guest with flexibility to a choose among a wide range of airlines and flights, round-the-clock guest support throughout the vacation planning process, and peace of mind in knowing that they will make it to their ship for their cruise. If the ChoiceAir flight is delayed or cancelled, Royal Caribbean will work to re-accommodate guests to help them make it to their ship in time for departure or to the next port. More information about Royal Caribbean ChoiceAir can be found atwww.RoyalCaribbean.com/ChoiceAir.

To kick off the new Royal Caribbean ChoiceAir, the cruise line is offering a $50 onboard credit bonus for U.S. and Canadian guests who make a new booking from June 21 throughJuly 14, 2013, on a Royal Caribbean cruise of six nights or longer and then book their flights on Royal Caribbean ChoiceAir within the same period. Vacationers must mention offer code “SOX9” at the time of their cruise booking in order to receive the offer. Additional restrictions may apply for the Royal Caribbean ChoiceAir limited-time offer.

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Flexibility and Onboard Booking Bonus with Enhanced NextCruise Open Booking Option 
Exciting enhancements to Royal Caribbean’s NextCruise future booking program now provides more benefits for guests and travel agents alike. This exclusive benefit for the cruise line’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members offers guests a reduced deposit of $100 per person ($200 per person for suite-category staterooms) and an onboard booking bonus of up to $200 per stateroom to spend on their next sailing with Royal Caribbean. Guests can choose to make a reservation on board for a specific Royal Caribbean sailing and enjoy their onboard booking bonus during their future cruise.

For guests who want the flexibility to select their next Royal Caribbean adventure at a future date, the “Decide Later Open Booking” option is the perfect choice.  Now, each guest can purchase up to three Open Bookings, which are fully transferable, and can be used as gifts for friends and family to introduce them to the great value and incomparable experience of a Royal Caribbean vacation.  Furthermore, Crown & Anchor Society members can combine the onboard booking bonus that they earned through Open Booking with their Crown & Anchor Society Savings Certificate or the Platinum-tier and above Balcony and Suite discount. 

Royal Caribbean’s onboard Loyalty & Cruise Sales Teams are available to assist guests in determining their best future cruise booking option, or with joining the Crown & Anchor Society to enjoy member benefits on their very next Royal Caribbean cruise. For more information about Royal Caribbean’s onboard booking bonus, please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/CrownandAnchor.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 40-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 10 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards