Travel Blog • Jim Benning • 09.22.08 | 11:01 AM ET
“[T]his fall, the discounting of cruise prices is more frequent and substantial than ever,” Frommer writes. “I’ve never seen such bargains.” Noteworthy: Even “upscale” cruise lines such as Celebrity are offering great deals, including $359 for a five-night Caribbean cruise.
Jim Benning is the editor and co-founder of World Hum.
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Sophie 09.22.08 | 12:59 PM ET
And may I please, please point out the cruising is not always the soulless torture that some travelers (who’ve never tried it) pompously insist. It’s a vacation, not a trip, so just think of it as a floating resort and relax. Just be sure to choose your ship wisely—that can be the difference between fun and misery. And get over yourself.
Jim Benning 09.22.08 | 1:26 PM ET
Agreed, Sophie. I wasn’t too hot on the idea of cruising myself, but I took a weeklong Caribbean cruise several years ago and had a grand time.
Among other things, I found it a great way to unplug. I read a few books, met some interesting people (and seasoned travelers) and just relaxed by the pool.
I would warn first-timers that cruising not a great way to see the ports of call. Anyone who thinks they’re going to get to know Grand Cayman or Cozumel or any other locale during a few hours in port will be sorely disappointed. There’s just not enough time. The point is to enjoy your time aboard the ship.
Sophie 09.22.08 | 5:03 PM ET
Agreed re: ports of call. I’ve even stayed on board rather than gone ashore at some Caribbean ports. That’s always pleasant because the ship empties.
Reading is definitely among the pleasures of cruising. Also, if you enjoy working out, it’s great to do at leisure in the spectacular fitness centers on today’s big cruise ships. I also love to bring an iPod and do my fitness walks around and around and around the deck, especially in late afternoon when the light is magical. And I never get tired of sitting in a deck chair and gazing out at sea.
Oh, I do, however, recommend a cruise of the Greek islands for a good starter set overview—otherwise getting from island to island is time consuming. A four-night cruise is a great way to check out some of the Greek islands’ greatest hits.