Cruise Buzz

Upon review of cruise inventory from Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Celebrity, Carnival and Princess I have found an abundance of available cabins during the two weeks between Christmas and New Year’s week. Having cabins available during the busy holiday season is remarkable as these are always the hardest to find. It is very unusual to have so many options available and travelers will be surprised at their choices. Pricing is about average but well below the usual holiday price hike. When there are cabins available, the cruise lines will continue to adjust prices to stimulate sales.

The best values are on the newer ships.

For those wanting to try out the new Celebrity Solstice there is space available. The 7 night Eastern Caribbean Holiday cruise on Celebrity Solstice departs Ft. Lauderdale and visits the exciting ports of San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico , Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Labadee, Haiti. Pricing starts at $999 per person for an inside cabin (not including fuel and taxes.)

Holland America Line’s newest ship the Eurodam is offering a 7 day Easter Caribbean Christmas cruise with prices starting at $699 per person for an inside cabin (not including fuel and taxes.) The Eurodam sails roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale and will call on Grand Turk, Tortola, St Maarten, and Half Moon Cay.

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas sailing a night Western Caribbean itinerary leaving on December 21, 2008 is available for $749 per person for an inside cabin (not including fuel and taxes.) Compare that price to the following week on Freedom of the Seas sailing a Night Eastern Caribbean cruise sailing on December 28th and the price starts at $1249 per person for an inside cabin (not including fuel and taxes.)

Another great value that will allow travelers to celebrate two holidays onboard is a 10 Night Easter Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas departing Ft. Lauderdale on December 24th returning to Ft. Lauderdale on January 3, 2009. The price is $1149 per person for an inside cabin (not including fuel and taxes.) This pricing is only available thru a sales event good through Dec. 2nd.

A quick getaway to the Bahamas is available on December 22, 2008 and returns on December 26th. This 4 night cruise is on Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas departing from Miami. Prices start at $299 for an inside cabin (not including fuel and taxes.)