A Caribbean cruise is still hard to beat for a sense of easy-going adventure. There are plenty of good deals out there too.
(Photo: David Spinks via Flickr.com / CC BY-SA 2.0)
The idea of a cruise dates back almost 200 years and the first purpose-built ship was introduced more than a century ago – but this unique form of vacation is still going strong. Over the years other holiday fads have come and gone but an ocean cruise, arriving in different countries and ports each day, still has a certain romance and excitement few other holidays can match. While there is a cruise to match all tastes and wanderlusts, the top of most people’s bucket lists has to be the Caribbean, with calm seas, short transfers from the US, reliable weather and exotic island destinations perfect for arriving by boat. There are a lot of bargains out there, including last minute Caribbean cruise deals, and the price can be cheaper than you might expect – if you know where and when to look. Royal Caribbean cruise deals are also a good place to start, the company being a market leader in the region. Here’s a guide to finding the best Caribbean cruise deals on the internet.
Cruise Critic
If you’ve never searched for a cruise before Cruise Critic might sound like an odd place to book a holiday. It sounds more like a destination for reviews, which it is, but it also feature loads of deals, last minute bargains, advice and clever search filters to work out the right package for the best price. Started in 19995, and bought by TripAdvisor in 2007, this really is a one-stop shop for everything from discussions and news to locking in your next floating holiday. Cruise Critic always has a lot of Royal Caribbean cruise deals too, as well as a list of the top cruise bargains all over the world.
Book at Cruisecritic.com
CruiseDirect
CruiseDirect has been around since 2001 and knows a thing or two about getting the best deals. The company prides itself on obtaining special rates and savings on cruise packages that don’t appear anywhere else – so it’s definitely worth a look when booking – backed by a price guarantee. There are also a host of useful features, including the option of booking now and then spreading the cost of the cruise over low monthly payments, as well as free holds, allowing the price to be locked in while you finalize your plans. All this and CruiseDirect has also partnered with nonprofit organization One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every cruise booking that sails with them.
Book at Cruisedirect.com
Expedia
There are few names in the travel industry as trusted as Expedia. The company may be a go-to for everything from a last-minute weekend away in Oslo to an Orlando theme park two-weeker but it also is a fantastic option for booking a cruise. One of the best things about Expedia is it has cruise experts on hand to talk through options and help plan that cruise vacation. The prices are constantly hugely discounted – right now there is 66% off a four-night Royal Caribbean cruise for examples, with meals included, for just $231 per person. It’s hard to argue with prices that cheap.
Book at Expedia.com