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All cruises are the same, right? No way! Today's cruise lines and ships cater to different kinds of travelers and it's important figure out which will suit your needs best. There are three things to consider before you book your cruise.

First, think about if you'd prefer a small, medium, or large ship. Large ships can hold from 2,000 to 4,000+ passengers and their biggest selling point is: everything under the sun. They boast amenities like climbing walls, bocce ball on real lawns, boxing rings, miniature golf courses, specialty restaurants, water parks, and lavish spas. But big ships simply can't fit into smaller ports and sometimes crowds onboard can be a problem.

Midsize ships hold 1,000-2,000 passengers and advocates love them for offering the best of both worlds. Enjoy a pared down list of activities and amenities, personalized attention, and more flexible itineraries. Plus, both midsize and large ships are generally more affordable.

Small ships, those hosting less than 1,000 guests, are for people seeking a more serene environment, luxury accommodations, and out-of-the-way experiences. Many cruisers prefer the relaxed onboard environment with plenty of unscheduled downtime for reading and relaxing and are willing to pay extra for perks like butler service and celebrity-chef cuisine.

After you decide what size of ship, it's time to figure out which cruise line is right for you.  And the final step is booking the perfect stateroom. There are three basic categories of cabins (inside, outside, and balcony) and each has its own set of benefits.

From fantastic kids programs that keep the little skippers cheering to a dueling piano lounge for the adults, today's ships are boatloads of fun for the young and young at heart.

During the day, keep your group smiling with onboard activities like climbing walls, surf simulators, water parks with two-story-high chutes and racing slides, miniature golf, and more. In the mood for indoor fun? Try onboard shopping, art auctions, cooking classes with top chefs, movie theaters, and bowling alleys.

When the stars come out, the fun really burns bright. Let it roll in the casino, stroll the mid-ship promenade and pick and choose between theme restaurants and bars, sing along to Broadway-style revues in posh lounges, or gather the whole family together to watch a movie on the top deck, drive-in style.

Just looking to relax and unwind this vacation? Don't worry. From adults-only pool areas to lavish lounges, you'll have plenty of "me time" while the rest of your group laughs, splashes, and parties like never before. One of the most popular spots to unwind onboard today's ships are the lavish spas. Soak in the Thalassotherapy pool, indulge in a sea salt body scrub, pamper yourself with a sleek new cut and style, or just lose track of time in the eucalyptus-scented steam room. Discover the most pampering spa treatments at sea.

Cost Saving Guide

With most of your costs bundled into one low price, cruises are an excellent vacation value. Cruise fares include your stateroom, meals, non-alcoholic beverages, room service, shows, nightclubs, and ground transfers. But the following are not typically included in the cost of your cruise: tipping (often included on luxury lines), alcoholic beverages (often included on luxury lines), shore excursions, specialty restaurants, and transportation to and from the departure port if necessary. 

Go Explore a New Corner of the World

Cruising is an affordable and easy way to explore a new corner of the world. Step onboard, unpack once, and relax as you're transported from one country to the next in high style. Choose from destinations like wild Alaska, majestic Europe, exotic Asia, and the sunny Tropics, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Once in port, you'll have a chance to explore the region with expert help. Shore excursions take the guesswork and hassle out of sightseeing and ensure you won't miss a thing. Hop aboard a bus and tour a vibrant city, soar through the jungle on a zip line, whitewater raft over class-IV rapids, or helicopter to a glacier.

Handy Tips For A First-Time Cruiser

Cruising Guide and Advice

Will I get seasick? Do I have to play shuffleboard? Aren't all cruise lines the same? If you've never cruised before, you probably have a boatload of questions. That's why we created this indispensible first-time cruiser's guide, filled with useful cruising tips, expert advice, and more.

Find answers to your most pressing questions, get advice on how to choose the perfect ship, cruise line, and stateroom, use the cruise destinations guide to plan your trip, and learn more about the action-packed activities that await onboard. Get your sea legs before you sail with our first-time cruiser tips.

1) Is Cruising Expensive?
Cruising is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation budget. Your accommodations, meals, child care, and entertainment are all included in one low price. In fact cruises can save you $1,000 on average compared to a land-based vacation. Plus, you can safeguard your investment with Travel Protection and have peace of mind if your plans change at the last minute. Read more about what's included in your cruise price.

2) Will I be bored?
Absolutely not. But if you're looking for an action-packed trip, be sure to cruise on a larger, newer ship loaded with the latest activities, shore excursions, and specialty restaurants and bars. Looking to relax? Don't worry. All activities are optional and there are many quiet corners onboard where you can tuck into a good book or work on your tan. Read more about onboard activities.

3) Will I get seasick?
Today's ships feature the latest technology to make sure your journey is smooth, even if the seas are not. But you can take other measures to ensure a calm voyage if you're prone to motion sickness. Learn more about what you can do to prevent seasickness.

4) Is cruising safe?
During the past two decades, North American cruise lines have earned the best safety record in the travel industry, according to CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association. Your luggage and carry-on bags will be screened before you board, and highly trained onboard security personnel monitor the ship 24/7.

Heard about that stomach bug thing? The good news is you're more likely to get the norovirus on land than on a cruise ship. Plus, cruise lines have worked closely with the CDC to develop comprehensive sanitation programs for all ships. Basic hand washing and healthy hygiene habits should prevent illness from interrupting your vacation.

5) Do we have to dress up?
Only if you want to! On most cruise lines, casual clothes are acceptable throughout the ship with the majority of guests changing into pants for dinner. Usually there is one "formal" dinner during a sailing, but a tuxedo and ball gown are rarely required.

More Frequently Asked Questions

6) Can I stay in shape?
There's no reason you can't stay in the pink of health--or even lose weight--on your cruise. State-of-the-art gyms are now standard on most ships and many offer jogging tracks, boxing rings, skating rinks, and climbing walls to keep you moving. Plus, healthy menu options abound.

7) Do I need a passport?
Not always. Cruises to U.S. destinations like Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, , Puerto Rico, and more don't require passports for U.S citizens.

8) How do I get to the ship?
Home port cruising is the most affordable way to sail. There are more than 20 departure ports that may be within driving distance of your home. But if you need to fly to your departure port, you can reserve a flight when you book your cruise or book a flight separately. If you book a flight you can arrange for the cruise line will transfer you to the pier.

9) What will the other passengers be like? Will there be a lot of seniors/college kids?
There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger, but some cruises appeal to certain age groups. If you're not looking for a party atmosphere, avoid short sailings during Spring Break to tropical destinations. Additionally, the luxury market appeals to older cruisers who prefer a quieter onboard atmosphere.

10) Can we bring our kids? What if they're infants?
From toddling two-year-olds to free-spirited teens, kids love to cruise--and parents love to see those smiles on vacation. Cruise lines catering to families have free, comprehensive kids programs, many of which begin with babysitting services for newborns (additional fee) and go all the way up to high school. Read more about family cruises and learn about infant cruise fares.

Still looking for answers? Here are a few more articles that can help. Say goodbye to common cruise myths and read tips to make the most of your trip.

Cruises Are One of the Best Vacation values

Save $1,000* or More Compared to a Land Vacation

Everybody loves to dine in chic restaurants, enjoy Broadway-style spectaculars, and watch the sun sink into the sea on their vacation. But lately it's harder to afford the luxurious escape you've been dreaming of. Don't settle for less--cruising offers all the pampering you love at prices everyone can afford.

Did you know that cruises cost $1,000* less than land-based trips? Plus, planning a vacation is easy with a cruise. Imagine jaunting from country to country worry-free without ever having to book a hotel or scramble to find the best tours.

Don't deprive yourself of a much-needed luxury getaway. Set sail to an exotic locale and enjoy more for less. Want to see the savings for yourself? Compare the costs of a traditional vacation to a cruise getaway below.

Cruises Offer Huge Savings

Sample Savings

7-Night Caribbean Cruise

7-Night Caribbean Land Vacation

Cruise Stateroom/Hotel Room $1,819 - $2,019 $1,104 - $1,737
Air Cost $538 $910
Shore Excursions/Tours $480 $480
Transportation $60 $356
Meals/Food $0 $700
Entertainment $0 $400
Total Price: $2,897 - $3,097 $3,950 - $4,584

Total Savings:

$1,053 - $1,487

With a Cruise, the Fun is Included

Why not dance 'til dawn, then order room service? Go ahead, climb a rock wall, then attend an art auction. When you cruise, you'll be able to live it up at no extra cost because the fun is included. Check out these amazing complimentary perks:

  • Delicious meals in elegant dining rooms, extravagant buffets, and 24-hour room service
  • Broadway-style spectaculars, comedy shows, first-run movies, nightclubs, and lounges and bars, many featuring live entertainment
  • Onboard activities like rock climbing, ice skating, miniature golf, water parks, and more
  • Dance instruction, ice carving demonstrations, art auctions, fully equipped gyms, and kids' and youth programs

Last-Minute Cruises

Incredible Deals on the Best Cruises

Double-booked days, working lunches, late nights--you need an escape, and now! Buy a last-minute cruise and have your spontaneity rewarded with big savings. We have a huge store of last-minute cruises at rock-bottom, final-closeout prices. Just shop below by price, destination, cruise line, and more for cruises departing in the next 60 days, and you'll get an incredible deal on a relaxing at-sea vacation. Book today--and soon you can be waited on hand and foot, frolic on a private beach, or take a moonlit stroll on the deck.

There's No Port Like Home

Skip the Flight and Save on the Fun

The Caribbean? It's practically in your backyard. Alaska? Just around the bend. Mexico? A stone's throw away. This vacation, skip the expensive flight and hotel stay and save with a home port cruise. Choose from over 20 departure ports in the U.S. or Canada that may be within driving distance of your home and use the pull down menu's below to discover the exotic destinations you could visit for less.

Resident Rates

Exclusive Cruise Savings for Your State or Region

Looking for new ways to cruise for less? Here's a trip that even experienced cruisers may not know. Start your search for a low-cost cruise by researching resident rates. Where you live could entitle you to exclusive savings. Just click on your home state or region below to unlock special fares. Plus, while you're shopping, look for resident rate reminders under the price.

United States

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
 

Canada

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Northwest Territories
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
 

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All promotions/pricing and cabin space is subject to availability at the time of booking and the prices shown or quoted at this web site are for reference purposes only. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. The actual price of your cruise may vary. Prices quoted and availability are NOT GUARANTEED until confirmed by the cruise line AND a deposit or full payment if required is made. Discounted savings off cruise fare only. Port charges (NCF), taxes, airfare, air taxes, transfers and any other costs associated with your cruise are not discounted. Discount limited to select cruises including holiday sailings. Not every ship, not every sailing is discounted. Call us to find out about your cruise selection.  Travel Direct Corporation is not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this web site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.

*Subject to availability at time of booking.  All offers are capacity-controlled. cruise only, based on double occupancy. Other restrictions may apply