If you are willing to consider taking a cruise instead of flying to a single destination, you just might enjoy some of the best discounted cruises the industry has ever offered.  In addition to offering discounted cruises as an incentive to get people cruising, cruise lines offer discounted cruises if you book early or last minute, if you book off-season, if you book online or if you book with a group.

Cruise lines prefer to sell out in advance, so you will enjoy significant savings just for booking your cruise well in advance.  And believe it or not, cruise lines offer discounted cruises for booking last minute as well.  If cabins are still available several weeks or so before the cruise departs, prices may be reduced by as much as 75% off the regular rate.

If you don’t mind booking off-season not only will you reap several benefits offered by discounted cruises.  You will also enjoy smaller crowds as well as special discounts and lower prices on everything from shore excursion adventures and shopping to restaurants and hotel stays. You will find a wide variety of discounted cruises during slow or shoulder seasons in year round destinations.  The following is a list of destinations and their slow seasons: Alaska, May and September; Bermuda, April-May and September-October; Canada/New England, July-August; the Caribbean, late April-May, September-early January; Hawaii, late August, late November, and February; Mexican Riviera, early January and May, October-November; Eastern and Western Mediterranean, March-April and September-November.

Other ways to enjoy discounted cruises include: taking advantage of special senior rates and booking with popular cruise lines.  The world’s most popular cruise lines include: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, SilverSea Cruises, and Windstar Cruises.

A senior is typically defined as a person who is 55 or older.  If you are a senior, in order to  take advantage of senior rates, you cannot book online.  There are two ways to book a discounted cruise if you are a senior: you can call a cruise travel specialist or book directly with the cruise line.  Proof of age is required.  To enjoy discount cruises for groups and families it might be a good idea to book your cruise through a cruise travel specialist for the best deals or if you have a cruise line in mind, contact a live cruise travel agent.

To find the perfect discounted cruise, you can visit any of the following popular discounted cruises websites or discount booking search engines listed below. The sites listed below offer access to some of the lowest cruise prices on the market, and a convenient way to shop and compare. In addition, you can book your discounted cruise right online if you’re prepared to seal the deal!

Want to go on a cruise but don’t know where to go exactly? Well, this wonderful world is yours and it can also make the money you have worked hard to earn stretch as far as it can possibly go.  Carnival provides great deals for everyone.  They may all change, but there is always something you can do to save money.

There is a program that Carnival has for early savers.  Spend less than $70 dollars per day for getting in there early.   For $70 dollars a day, get the best stateroom, delicious foods (and room service), and enjoy all of the on board entertainment one could ever want. For family vacations, Carnival Cruise Lines can’t be beat, there are many youth programs geared at making sure the kids have a great time on board!

The Carnival Cruise ships are like floating cities, there is so much to do and see right on the ship.  Go to just roam and relax , party till dawn or participate in all the activities that are scheduled for the guests.  No matter what you want to do, there is always something for you.  Get delicious dining from a simple burger to filet mignon.

Another great special they offer is the option to depart from the nearest port to your home. You can get anywhere from Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, Galveston, Mobile, New Orleans, Tamp, New York, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Anchorage, Honolulu, San Juan, Vancouver, or Ensenada.

This “fun ship” vacation will prove to be a fantastic buy and relaxing trip. Get a 7 Day “Fun Ship” cruise for $995 dollars and end up saving half of what you would normally be paying.  These all inclusive packages include everything the ship has to offer, like meals, entertainment, activities and cocktails.  It doesn’t matter where you want to go.  Do you want to go to Alaska, Bahamas, Canada or New England? Maybe head out to the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal or the cruise to nowhere.

Trip to nowhere?

A trip to nowhere is considered to be a fun day at sea. Typically it can be a two day trip from Norfolk, VA.  Go enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and don’t find yourself too lost.  The prices for those kinds of trips do vary but seem to be a lot more cost effective.  Enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy all of the fun that Carnival provides for you.

It is impossible not to find a great deal on Carnival Cruise Lines, finding the deal isn’t hard it is deciding which deal to take that is hard.

The economy is all that anyone talks about; people are getting a lot smarter with their money. People who have been traveling awhile know that flexibility is key to successfully traveling for less.  There are a few ways to grab some real deals when traveling last minute.  Discount cruises are probably in the top five.

Benefits

The obvious benefit is the savings! Last minute discount cruises can save you up to 75% off regular prices, which is a lot of cash in your pocket to spend or save. The cruise ships are fabulous today with so many amenities and options. They are literally sailing vacation spots in their own rights.  There is really no need to ever leave a cruise ship.  The cuisine is amazing on most lines, the entertainment unbelievable and the activities make it hard to believe that you are out at sea.  Most of the cruise ships today are loaded with activities.  Gone are the days of shuffle board and table tennis (although still available for those diehards out there). These ships are outfitted with climbing walls, miniature golf, pools, wave machines to surf on, boutiques for shopping that rival some malls, ice skating rinks you name the activity and you can probably find a ship that offers it! These great getaways will make memories that will last forever.

Typical Costs

A great deal can be had at the last minute for around $200 to $350 per person for a three to four day cruise. That is an amazing low price considering you would be hard pressed to find a hotel for that price, much less a luxury liner.

Of course adding in the cost of transportation to the nearest port will bump the cost up some, but it will still be much lower than you expect to pay.

Living in a coastal area that is near one of the ports that these liners depart from or stop over at can realize the biggest savings, because transportation to the port can simply mean cab fare. What a great opportunity!

Everyone needs a vacation from life; cruises are a great way to leave all your problems behind on land and to head out into the great big ocean. Why spend a fortune? Take advantage of last minute deals, all you need is a little flexibility, some cash and a sense of adventure and you will be on your way.

UPDATE 2013

I no longer recommend Carnival Cruise line.  We were on the ill fated “Splender” the week after and several weeks before the “Splender” was stranded off the coast of Mexico and even then the ship arrived 1 day late for departure.  Everything about that trip was WAY under par.  The food,  The shows,  Just very disappointing

Carnival paradise sails from long beach California with three day and four day cruises.  Their three day weekend cruise leaves long beach on a Friday around 5pm and returns Monday morning around 8am.   Usually everyone should be off the cruise line by 10am-10:30am.  I have seen last minute cruises for as low as $199 per person double occupancy.  My wife and I did a four night cruise October 2009 for a total cost under $500.   I like carnival.  The food is very good.  There evening shows are very entertaining.   Lots of things to do.   If you  live near enough to long beach California you can not have a better time or a better deal then these 3 or 4 day cruises.

UPDATE 2013

I no longer recommend Carnival Cruise line.  We were on the ill fated “Splender” the week after and several weeks before the “Splender” was stranded off the coast of Mexico and even then the ship arrived 1 day late for departure.  Everything about that trip was WAY under par.  The food,  The shows,  Just very disappointing

Everyone who is interested in Alaskan cruises or vacations knows of the unparalleled scenery you witness on this great vacation. The glaciers and crystal clear waters are awfully exciting; there is very modest sightseeing to be done and the towns in and of themselves don’t offer much amusement. In spite of this, there is plenty to do at every port outside of the town. Anyone who loves hiking, fishing, whale watching, and glacier trekking won’t be bored for a second on their Alaskan cruise excursions.

So what are they like?

The actual ports you stop at are not awfully thrilling; there is very modest sightseeing to be done and the towns in and of themselves don’t provide much entertainment. Nevertheless, there is plenty to do at each port outside of the town. Any person who loves hiking, fishing, whale watching, and glacier trekking won’t be bored for a second on their Alaskan cruise excursions.

Detailed thoughts for port excursions:

Every cruise lines will stop at the following four ports. The ports you stop at after these original four depend on what direction the cruise line you are on chooses to take.

Juneau: This is perhaps the most well-liked port stop on any Alaskan cruise. Even as Juneau has all the standard attractions, such as trekking and fishing, they are mainly well known for their unblemished rainforest which is filled with exotic wildlife. Who can go to Alaska without getting up close and personal with a glacier? Mendenhall Glacier is the biggest and most accessible glacier in Juneau and is located right up the road from down town Juneau. Depending on what time of year it is and howling your port stop will be will dictate exactly what you will have enough time to do and see. The summer months May-December offers up close and personal tours into the rainforest where you are bound to see an abundance of wildlife. If you are not the outdoorsy type Juneau has great shopping with local shops’ housing some of the best local artisans wears. The winter months offer great skiing, and other cold weather sports. Juneau is an outdoor paradise, with plenty of indoor opportunities for fun.

Ketchikan’s biggest attraction is their dazzling Orea beach, which takes you on a charming stroll beside coastal forests. Ketchikan likewise boasts being the leader inzip line excursions. The Herring Cove location is chock full of wildlife. Tours are set out for half days and full days and some are available by the hour. Rental cars are also available by the hour which usually is perfect for short port stops. Presently there are bear and wildlife tour and awesome night tour opportunities to see the Northern Lights. There are fishing expeditions, whale watching and other on sea opportunities as well. The dinning is chockfull of local fare, not surprisingly fish is number one on the list. Shopping, dining and cultural interests are abundantly available.

Sitka: Take a walk all the way through the Open bird habitat, get a pass to set off to the national park, or better yet acquire a jet boat ride across the coastal waters. Sitka enjoys a unique combination of Russian and Tlingit culture. The native home of the Kiksadi Tlingit Indians and used over by Russia before it was sold to America; Sitka features a unique cultural center that chronicles the history of the region and includes ancient artifacts. Likewise home to the Alaskan Raptor Center, where Alaskan birds of prey who have fallen ill or hurt are nursed back to health and released, tourists will be welcome from 8-4 from May to September, call ahead of time in winter months for scheduling. Have a look at the oldest Russian building which is still in one piece, built in 1842 the Russian Bishop House is a living piece of history. No matter what you settle on to do you will not be let down. This is a rich historical area with enough to offer every taste.

Wrangell: Is one of the more recent stops on the cruise circuit. The main attraction at Wrangell is comparable to Juneau in that they have a long rainforest walk which climaxes at a dazzling one hundred foot waterfall drop. Presently there are flight seeing tours, which will soar over the fjords and glaciers. How about golf Alaskan style? Wrangell is the host of the only USGA golf course in Southeast Alaska. Visit the Anan Bear and Wildlife observatory to see black and brown bears lunching on Salmon. The surroundings, the culture and wildlife are amazing. Garnet ledge is where the world renowned Wrangell Garnets come from. A temporary mining pass that is available at the Wrangell Museum will permit visitors to mine a few garnets to get home with them!

Regardless of wherever your cruise might take you from here, just about every port you visit will offer fishing, trekking, and whale watching at the home of the notorious humpback whale.

Where To Find The Discounts

There are different types of websites you could head to to find wonderful deals. A Carnival Cruise package can start as low as $79.00 per night per person, for double occupancy on a two day cruise to nowhere, this novel approach to cruising the ocean may be just the ticket you need to literally get away from it all and float around the ocean. There are plenty of departure cities to leave from, no doubt one will be close to you. The prices vary but are all well geared toward anyone who would like an open sea adventure.

Getting away from it all doesn’t have to be a week long commitment Carnival Cruise Lines offers plenty of vacation packages that can be as short as three days or as long as fifteen days, it all hinges on your preferences.

What is The Cost?

You can find great deals all over the internet for Carnival Cruises. There are plenty of websites that cater to finding the best deals for all types of travel to include Carnival Cruise Line travel. Find some fantastic deals to get your hands on a much needed vacation.

When exploring the internet websites that provide fantastic deals, you can find fantastic bonus offers. The least expensive trips are typically the shorter cruises. So, if you would like to have a fantastic trip with great lodging you can get a suite for $549 , or an inside cabin that is around $249 for all three days, not per day as you would expect to pay. Either way, there are ways to save money and enjoy an absolutely wonderful trip.

Many of these cruise ships have fantastic rooms to stay in. They provide areas to sit, sleep, use a private bathroom, and enjoy movies.

These floating hotels come with so many amenities that there is no reason to leave the ship.

Traditionally the best travel dates were the off season Sept Through May, but now off season or on season it has no real effect on the discounts you will receive. The best travel dates to receive the deepest discounts are still the off season, but the discounts that are offered by Carnival Cruises during the in season make you feel like you are traveling during the off season!

Traveling to Bermuda can be a fantastic experience. There are many fantastic prices when it comes to Carnival Cruise Lines. You could do six days of a Bermuda cruise for around $629. There are many different options and many different destinations available to choose from.

Take a cruise leaving from New York City and spend three days in King’s Wharf. Enjoy island food, shopping, and romantic events. If you are going with your family, there are plenty of events to give children something to do while you slip away with your significant other. These cruises are great for family vacations, solo vacations, or even honeymoons.

For those with less time to take for vacation, head on a trip for two days to where ever you’d like. The shorter cruises tend to have more departure dates. Carnival Cruise Lines has vacation packages that easily fit into all budgets and all time spans.

Finding The Best Carnival Cruise Deals

When it comes to the best cruise prices, it is very important to research as much as possible. With enough research, there are ways to save so much money that the cost will be as much as it would be to get a hotel somewhere in your location. There are also deals for military personnel as well as senior discounts. Look for whatever discounts that you may be entitled to. The down turn in the economy has opened up a world of travel possibilities. The prices have been lowered to attract passengers. Carnival Cruise lines are one of the best known cruise lines in the world, and their discounts make it hard to resist that special getaway on one of their luxury cruise ships.

Carnival Cruise Lines has a great reputation for giving great vacations. Make some memories and sail the world all for a fraction of the cost.  There is no need to break the bank. Carnival Cruise Lines offer a variety of discount packages that are geared toward fitting every budget.

There are online options for booking cruises through Carnival Cruise Lines, there is a host of last minute deals for that last minute getaway. Take advantage of Carnival Cruise Lines huge discounts.