MSC Cruises Announces 48 Hour Caribbean Blow-Out Sale Starting Tuesday September 9th.

This fall MSC Cruises tempts travelers to visit the turquoise waters of the Caribbean with a 48 Hour Caribbean Blow-Out Sale on select seven-night sailings from Miami on MSC Divina.

Available for booking starting  Tuesday, September 9 and Wednesday, September 10 – the limited-time offer features rates starting at $299 per person (based on double occupancy) with guaranteed balcony upgrade. Guests will also receive a $100 future cruise credit to use towards any seven-night or longer 2015 Caribbean cruise on MSC Divina. $100 Future Cruise Credit is based on $50 per person per stateroom.One lucky travel agent who books a client during the 48 hour promotion is automatically entered to win a seven-night Caribbean cruise in MSC Yacht Club on MSC Divina. 

MSC Cruises’ 48 Hour Caribbean Blow-Out Sale is available on all seven-night Caribbean sailings from September 20 through December 13, 2014 (excluding the October 11, 2014 departure). Must be booked on September 9 or 10, 2014. 

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/MSC48HourSale

About MSC Divina

Named after godmother Sophia Loren, the MSC Divina – the first of MSC Cruises’ ships dedicated to North Americans – is one of the line’s largest and most luxurious ships sailing from Miami to the Caribbean.

The 1,751-cabin ship features 18 bars and lounges, five swimming pools, a water slide, a bowling alley, gym and exotic Aurea Spa, 4D Theater, Formula 1 race car simulator, and some of the best Italian dining at sea through exclusive partnerships with brands like Eataly, Segafredo Zanetti and Venchi. 

MSC Divina also features the MSC Yacht Club, the lines signature "ship-within-a-ship" concept with 69 private suites on board.  MSC Yacht Club guests can indulge in comfort and convenience, from their own personal Butler and 24-hour concierge service to complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available any time of the day throughout MSC Yacht Club's exclusive lounges and pool area.

For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.

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.