Tag Archives: cruise travel

Last-Minute Cruises from $50/Night + FREE Hotel Stay & More!

Posted on by going2oahu

Act Fast for 4 Nights from $199 

Make your travel daydreams a reality right now for less than you ever thought possible. Don’t settle for getting stuck in the car on the way to the local beach or lake. This summer, take a REAL vacation. Escape with an unbeatable value on a fun-filled cruise: one low price includes all your meals, cozy accommodations, tons of world-class entertainment, and day/night activities for every kind of traveler. Sail 4 Nights from $199 per person – that’s just $50/Night!

ABSOLUTE LOWEST PRICES: 110% Guarantee + $50 Coupon! If you find a lower price, we’ll give you 110% of the difference plus a $50 vacation coupon.

EXCLUSIVE: FREE Hotel Stay – up to 7 Nights! Cruise deals don’t get better than this. Relax and explore the departure port city before/after cruising or use the hotel stay elsewhere some other time. Either way, it’s 2 Trips for the Price of 1!

HURRY – THESE DEALS WILL SELL OUT SOON!

Click “Cruises” for Coupon: Cruises from $50/Night*

How to Choose a Cruise That’s Right for You

Posted on by going2oahu

Choosing a Cruise

So, you have decided to go on a cruise this year! It’s an exhilarating vacation for sure, but how do you decide where to go, when to go, and even with whom should you go? There are tons of choices with respect to cruising that can be very confusing. Here are a few insider tips which should help you decide which cruise is the right one for you.

Here are just a few examples of the many types of cruises you can take:

  1. Mediterranean Cruises
  2. Caribbean Cruises
  3. Alaskan Cruises
  4. Amazon Cruises
  5. Panama Canal Cruises
  6. Transatlantic Cruises
  7. South Pacific Cruises
  8. Hawaiian Island Cruises
  9. River Cruises
  10. Polar Cruises (Antarctica Cruises)
  11. Russian Waterway Cruises
  12. Galapagos Island Cruises
  13. New Zealand/Australia Cruises

Each of the above cruises can be very appealing each of the choices is very different. So how do you choose a cruise that’s right for you?

1. The first thing you’ll want to consider is when you want to go because the time of the year you choose can dictate the type of cruise you’ll want to go on. Some cruise lines for example don’t offer cruises to the Mediterranean during the winter months, instead transferring their ships to the warmer waters of the Caribbean Sea. Alaskan cruises usually run in limited months as well due to uncertain weather conditions. Ocean crossing cruises (Transatlantic Cruises) are often only available when the seasons change so that cruise lines can reposition their ships to match the peak season tourist demand.

2. The amount of time you can commit to your trip will be a deciding factor when it comes to choosing as well. A typical cruise runs 7-nights, but you can take cruises for as short as 3-4 nights or you can take long cruises – some a month in length or even more. The amount of vacation time you have available may limit you, and taking a cruise for the first time may also be a factor. Limiting your cruise vacation to a shorter cruise may help you decide whether a longer cruise might be in the cards for another time.

3. Choosing a cruise can seem a bit overwhelming, but the main point is to make your cruise selection based on what you want to get out of the experience. If you want a plethora of activity, then you should choose a party cruise line with that outcome in mind. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere however, then you might want to choose more time at sea. If you want to sample world cultures, you should choose a destination-rich type of cruise. Different types of cruises offer different things. Hopefully these suggestions have given you an idea regarding the choices you’ll need to make to get the most satisfaction out of your cruise.

Happy cruising!

Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook – “an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all.” 
       – Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog 

Previous Post: Relaxing and Exhilarating Hawaii Cruises

What To Pack for Cruise Vacation

Posted on by going2oahu

Packing for a Cruise

Deciding what to pack for a cruise vacation may seem like a fairly easy task, however you’ll need to put some serious thought into what you are going to bring if you want your cruise to be as stress-free as possible.

First of all, you’ll definitely want to make sure your travel documentation is all in order. Gather up everything – your cruise line tickets, your airline tickets, your passports, any of your medical prescriptions, all of your insurance papers, and then add any other pertinent documents that you might need as well (passport, power of attorney, etc.).

Secondly, you’ll want to plan your clothing selection ahead of time. The type of clothing you’ll need to pack depends on what kind of cruise are you going on. If it’s highly luxurious where every dinner is a formal affair then men will need suits and ties and ladies will need evening gowns. If it’s more of a fun and adventure type cruise, than you’ll obviously get by with a lot more casual clothing. Your cruise destination and the time of year you’ll be traveling will play a major role as well. A winter cruise in the Baltic Sea for example will require a much different wardrobe than a summer jaunt in the Mediterranean. Even if you booked your cruise for summer, be sure that you pack at least one set of warm clothing. There is always a possibility of inclimate weather and you don’t want to spend your cruise wet and shivering!

Make sure to avoid over packing! Airlines now have very strict restrictions on extra or overweight bags and you’ll end up paying dearly if you don’t stay within their limits. Bring outfits that you can easily mix and match – wear that same blouse with a different skirt or pants and it becomes a whole new outfit. Bring lightweight scarves, hats, and jewelry to accessorize yourself too. By being flexible you can really reduce the amount of clothing you’ll need to bring with you. Don’t forget that most cruise lines do offer a laundry service in the event you run out of clean clothing.

Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook – “an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all.” 
       – Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog 
Previous Post: Cruise to Mexico – Finding the Best Available Deals

Disney Cruise Line is Family Friendly

Posted on by going2oahu

Disney Cruise Line is Family Friendly Cruises are becoming very popular with families, however some parents are not even considerng cruises because they don’t think there will be enough entertainment or other children…

Boston to Bermuda: Sail 7 Nights from $549, 3rd/4th guests from $99!

Posted on by going2oahu

Cruise to Bermuda Deals

Boston to Bermuda: Sail 7 Nights from $549, 3rd/4th guests from $99! – 6 days left

Talk about a last minute cruise special… Sail away from Boston to Bermuda with Priceline’s super low prices on Norwegian Cruise Line: 7 Nights from $549 – that’s just $78/Night! These are truly amazing deals on the youngest fleet at sea.Enjoy a fun-filled vacation with an unbeatable value. Read more… 

Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook – “an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all.” 
       – Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog 
Previous Post Planning Your 4 Day Bahamas Cruise

Planning Your 4 Day Bahamas Cruise

Posted on by going2oahu

Nassau and Freeport Bahamas Cruise

Bahamas cruises are famous with first-time cruise travelers, students on spring breaks, and just about anyone who wants to have an adventurous vacation. A well-planned 4-day cruise to the Bahamas is an ideal choice for anyone wanting a brief but pleasurable holiday. For those who are vacationing from other states, several major cruise lines offer a week long cruise that departs from New York.

The Bahamas is the most familiar cruise getaway for U.S. vacationers for sure. It’s barely 75kms from the shores of Florida so it’s external islands can be arrived at within just a few hours. This makes the Bahamas a terrific option for a brief cruise retreat and three or four days is ideal.

A Bahamas cruise would be a romantic retreat for couples. Several of the cruise liners offer cool packages for couples with children too! When you are preparing for a Bahamas cruise, there are loads of cruise liners to select from so we recommend you take your time and search for the perfect cruise ship. While there are around 700 islands that comprise the Bahamas (30 of which are occupied) most cruise liners normally concentrate on the ports of Nassau and Freeport.

For cruise vacationers wanting to explore the Bahamas for more than four days, several cruise ships also extend their ports of call to exclusive islands, sometimes owned by the company. Bahamas cruises normally sail out of the Florida ports. These cruises are fairly reasonable in price and the experience while on board will be one that will last forever.

Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook – “an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all.” 
       – Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog 

Previous Post: Cruise BOGO Bonanza – Buy One Cruise Get One Cruise Free

Relaxing and Exhilarating Hawaii Cruises

Posted on by going2oahu

Hawaii Cruises

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise vacation but are not sure where to go, I hope you’ll consider a cruose to Hawaii. The islands of Hawaii have it all.. a relaxing tropical climate destinations, secluded and romantic getaways, and exhilarating excursions that are filled with adventure. Hawaii is known for its diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery, so a cruise to Hawaii should satisfy the desire of just about anyone – young or old, adventurous or subdued.

Surrounded by the crystal blue Pacific Ocean, it should come as no surprise that many of the most popular activities on this cruise will take place on the ocean. A Hawaii cruise gives you all of the tropical sun, sand, and ocean views of a Hawaii land vacation, but it offers the added bonus of island hopping – being able to see more than one of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. When traveling on a Hawaii cruise, you will likely get the benefit of seeing at least four of the major Hawaiian islands in one trip. And taking a Hawaii cruise has lots of other perks as well.

One of the perks of a Hawaiian cruise package includes paying one price and having everything from meals to transportation included in that price. Then you can just kick back and relax without worrying about where to stay or how much things are going tp cost.

When it comes to excursions, there are activities for everyone. If you’re daring, you can try snorkeling, scuba diving, or even the Hawaiian originated sport of surfing. While you’re on a Hawaii cruise, you’ll be able to participate in most of these activities right on the ship. If you’re looking for a more peaceful way to spend the day however, then you can pack your beach towel and a bag lunch and just soak up some sun on the deck of your Hawaii cruise ship or on the miles of beautiful white sandy beaches.

There are so many things to do on your Hawaii vacation that it is hard to know where to begin. The six main islands offer a diverse selection of activities, so researching and knowing what each island has to offer might help you choose the excursion destination that is best for you.

Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook – “an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all.” 
       – Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog 

 

Planning a Cruise Vacation… Where Do I Begin?

Posted on by going2oahu

Where Do I Begin?
Are you considering a cruise vacation but you really don’t know where to start? Have you started shoping for a cruise vacation? Did you do your cruise shopping online? Were you successful in getting the best cruise vacation for your money? Have you booked your cruise or do you have too many questions to make the committment?

How to Shop for Cruises
You can find information about cruise vacations everywhere – from friends, travel agents, newspapers, magazines, and online cruise specialists to name just a few. While cruise information abounds, your best bet is to begin the research process on your own.

Plan Your Destination
Think about where you would like to cruise… Should it be a tropical vacation to escape cold weather, maybe a fascinating Alaskan cruise, perhaps a European cultural cruise, or maybe even a high seas adventure cruise? Search the web and you’ll find merchant links, articles about cruises, sample itineraries, etc. which will help you focus your wish list down to one or two options.

Pick Your Itinerary
Once you have decided on your cruise destination, it’s time to start defining your itinerary. The nice thing about doing this online is that you will not have a sales agent pushing a particular cruise for commission. You can investigate this yourself, looking for cruise lines that travel to your dream destination.

Choose Your Cruise Line
This question requires you to look inward at your own particular lifestyle. What would you like and expect a cruise vacation to be? Remember that different cruise lines offer different break points on pricing, different levels of luxury, even different styles.The higher priced cruise lines usually offer a higher level of service (cuisine, excursions, and staff members per passenger). That doesn’t mean that you should automatically chose a higher priced cruise line however – just something to consider. In fact, you may want a more “freestyling” tupe of cruise that is offered by Norwegian Cruise Lines or Carnival Cruises. Their cruises tend to be more fun and relaxed than the more formal choices like Radisson Seven Seas. Your cruise line choice becomes a matter of personal preference at this point.

Pick Your Stateroom
Choosing your level of stateroom is a matter of taste as well as budget. If you don’t plan to spend much time in your room, you might consider an interior room to save some money. “Ocean view” rooms provide passengers with a window to the ocean which can be kind of nice. My preference is a stateroom with a private deck where I can sit in privacy to enjoy the fresh sea air.  I will mention that all staterooms are comfy, and you will surely enjoy your room regardless of choice. 

Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook – “an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all.” 
       – Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

Previous Post: Cruise Coupon – Carnival Cruise from $42 Night Plus Free Hotel

Carnival Cruise Line Now Offers Short Cruises – Test Your “Sea Legs” On a 2 Day Cruise

Posted on by going2oahu

Carnival Cruise Line Short Cruises

If you’re relatively new to cruising and would like to try a shorter cruise voyage before committing to a long one, I suggest you look at one of the short cruises that are offered by Carnival Cruise Lines.

Carnival Cruise Lines has some terrific cruises available in the 2 to 5 day range. In fact, Carnival runs the largest short cruise program in the entire cruise industry. You can take a short ocean cruise on one of 12 different ships departing from 12 different North American home ports.

A short cruise gives new passengers a general idea of what cruising is all about. A Carnival 2 day cruise is perfect if you’re worried about becoming seasick or don’t have enough time to take a longer cruise. The good news is that you can take a short cruise over the weekend and not even iss a day of work!

Enjoying the ocean air, eating amazing food, and watching some great live entertainment for a couple days is a nice way to refresh yourself from the boring routine of every day life. You can exercise in their  state-of-the-art fitness facilities, go swimming in their pools or get pampered in their wonderful spa too.

Another benefit of taking a Carnival 2 Day Cruise is the lower cost. You may have to pay for some of the extra things like spa treatments or shore excursions, but everything else is inclusive. Carnival has a very affordable short cruise that leaves from Miami Beach and Port Canaveral in Southern Florida. On the west coast, there’s a Carnival cruise that departs from Long Beach, California and journeys to Ensenada, Mexico.
To get the best selection and the best rates, you should always plan your cruise well in advance. If you can’t plan in advance, bookmark this blog for last minute cruise specials.

Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook – “an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all.” 
       – Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

Previous Post: 4 Tips for Finding Cheap Last Minute Cruises

Cruise Tip to Avoid Port Ripoffs

Posted on by going2oahu

Avoid Cruise Ripoffs at Port

If you’ve already booked a cruise vacation for this summer or fall, good for you! You’re timing couldn’t be better as you’ll enjoy the best travel value that has been available in years.

Cruise prices, especially for cruise ship departures within a month, remain at an all time low. You’ll need to be aware however, of the attempt to make up some of that money from passengers at port. Our advice is that you do your homework…

The best way to protect your cruise vacation investment is to do some basic pre-departure investigative homework. Find out as much as you possibly can about the ports you’ll be visiting. Bone up on the culture, the sightseeing attractions, the shopping opportunities, and most importantly the local transportation. That way, you’ll increase your enjoyment of each port while decreasing your chance of being gouged.

Recommended Reading
Read Insider Cruise Tips and Secrets – “We wished we would have had someone to tell us these cruise secrets before we booked our first cruise!“ 
       – Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog